The European Union Will Establish New Energy Standards

New draft regulations by the European Union aim to set a minimum energy performance standard for existing buildings by 2027, and require all new and forthcoming structures to be zero-emission by 2030. This action plan hopes to establish “a roadmap with domestically established targets and measurable progress indicators [for different building types], with a view to the 2050 climate neutrality goal.” Read more about the …

Julianna Joy: Teenage Boys

Ebullient 19-year-old singer-songwriter Julianna Joy debuts “Teenage Boys,” an angsty anthem that addresses the complexities of dating today. Co-written by Grammy-nominated producer Teddy Geiger, the track pairs bold pop sensibilities with a satirical wink. It’s playful from start to finish, though thoughtful layers unfurl over the more-than-five-minute runtime.

Artist Nikkolas Smith Transforms “The 1619 Project” Into Illustrations for a Children’s Book

For the recently released children’s book The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, artist Nikkolas Smith translates a story of slavery—from kidnap to forced labor and the quest for freedom—into powerful illustrations. Published by Penguin Random House, the pictorial work is an extension of journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones’ groundbreaking journalistic series for The New York Times, which addressed the role of slavery in the founding and development of America, …