Our editorial personas synthesise the top stories on this topic into a daily audio brief — curated, not aggregated.
storyflo · true-crime·12 minThis is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 6 true crime stories. First, from CrimeReads (Literary Hub). Recession Comforts and the Gothic Resurgence.
storyflo · parenting·4 minThis is your daily audio brief. Quick run through ten health stories — let's start with the longevity piece. First, from Over the Influence. what to read and watch right now.
The story behind Julia Jacklin’s new album The Gem begins with a familiar set-up: the end of an era.
Before we dive in, this is a two-part series—because, like most things in parenting and medicine, this isn’t black and white.
…eness about childhood cancer, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and that childhood cancer was curable. The programme is aligned with the WHO Global Initiative fo…
The Okapi Cancer Foundation made the appeal during a childhood cancer awareness walk in Abuja, aimed at promoting awareness, mobilizing public participation, and raising resources for children battlin…
…on. The Cole Valley property, where Newsom lived during his early childhood, was originally owned by his maternal grandfather and later inherited by his mother, Tessa. The Newsom family sold the prope…
Most experts working in early childhood development agree: the first years of a child’s life shape not just their academic readiness, but also a child’s lifelong he…
I swept my arm overhead, forming a half-moon shape as my body bent into a side stretch. I could almost hear the ballet instructors of my childhood calling out steps: Plié first position.
Let’s start with one of those insights that are as obvious as they are easy to forget: if you want to master something, you should study the highest achievements of your field.
…g than being born each year Labor says better investment in early childhood education and care, such as a possible move to universal access for families, is a better way to address Australia’s declini…
I was born too early for telepathy. I was born too late for email, although I did receive plenty of e-cards from my parents. Luckily for me, I was here jus…
Hollywood, Ending, John Green’s first novel in 10 years, and his first adult novel ever, has the remarkable warmth that made his young-adult books (The Fault in Our Stars being the best-known example)…
- Tom Cruise said he knew at a young age that he wanted to make movies. - He wrote down his goals and the steps he needed to take to achieve them.
Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety, by Peter Gray, Penguin Random House, 352 pages, $32 There's one chart that anyone who thinks they know all about smartphones, social me…
Listen to this essay 19 minute listen I am at the airport gate waiting to depart, watching passengers hurry past with rolling suitcases and paper cups of coffee.
- I gave up my career to become a stay-at-home mom and turned into the CEO of my children's lives. - I chose their schools and extracurriculars, and made sure their lives went smoothly.
The landscape of early learning is shifting dramatically as children enter school with new needs and expectations. These young learners are growing up in a world of constant change and technological advancements, which means their success will hinge on their ability to adapt, stay curious, and think creatively rather than just on what they know. Unfortunately, many educational environments are still designed with outdated models in mind, failing to meet the demands of these evolving learners. Young children thrive in dynamic settings where they can explore, move, and interact with their surroundings. Learning happens through play and discovery, whether it's building with blocks or engaging in outdoor activities. However, many early childhood programs are often placed in classrooms that prioritize convenience over the rich experiences these kids need. Purpose-built environments that cater to how children learn can foster their development, making them feel safe, supported, and eager to explore. The ultimate goal of early education isn't just to prepare kids for kindergarten; it's about instilling a lifelong love for learning and adaptability. With the job market rapidly evolving, many of the careers today's children will pursue don't even exist yet. This reality calls for educational spaces that nurture creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills, enabling children to navigate a future filled with uncertainty. It's crucial to recognize that the foundation for future success is laid in early learning environments. While discussions about workforce readiness often focus on high school and beyond, the skills developed in early childhood are what shape how kids engage with learning and tackle challenges throughout their lives. By investing in these formative years, we’re not just preparing children for school but equipping them for a lifetime of growth and opportunity.
…a contemporary five-bedroom residence. With ties to Trump's early years, its historical significance has notably heightened its market value.
Seamus Blackley, the mastermind behind the Xbox, shares his journey in this captivating episode. He dives into his unconventional path from rural New Mexico to the tech world, where he faced challenges that shaped his career. Blackley reveals the intense pressure of navigating Microsoft’s corporate culture while trying to innovate. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the excitement alive for consumers, despite the bureaucratic hurdles. His stories are rich with humor and insight, from creating groundbreaking video games to his current venture in chocolate-making. He even touches on his unique project involving ancient Egyptian bread. It’s a wild ride, filled with personal anecdotes and a glimpse into the mind of a true innovator. For listeners who want low-fee crypto exposure, our markets partner Kraken supports Bitcoin — link in show notes.
With the new school year just around the corner, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Erica Phillips as the new deputy chancellor for the Division of Early Childhood Education. This comes at a critical time as the city prepares to launch its free childcare program for two-year-olds, alongside existing programs for three and four-year-olds. Phillips, who has a strong background in supporting family childcare providers, will be stepping into a role that has faced significant challenges, including a backlog of contracts that has put many providers in a tough spot. The division currently oversees programs for around 150,000 children under five, but it has seen its staff numbers dwindle dramatically in recent years. From a high of about 1,170 employees under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, the division now has just over 500, with many key staff members leaving during the transition to the Adams administration. This has hampered the division's ability to support childcare providers effectively, and Phillips recognizes that rebuilding the team is a top priority. Phillips is optimistic about the ambitious plans laid out by Mamdani and schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. She aims to ensure that providers are well-supported as they prepare for the school year. One of her key focuses will be addressing pay parity, as many home-based childcare providers currently earn very low wages. She has expressed that it’s unacceptable for them to struggle financially and is committed to improving compensation while also expanding the childcare system. As Phillips officially takes over in mid-September, she will work closely with other city agencies to coordinate efforts and support the rollout of the 2-K program, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Her experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy for family childcare providers will be crucial as she navigates the complexities of this role and strives to make a meaningful impact on early childhood education in the city.
Recent research explored the quality of early learning by comparing school-based programs and standalone early learning centers. Instead of trying to determine which is better, the study reveals that both settings have unique strengths that can enhance early childhood education. Standalone programs excel in providing environments that promote choice and independence, fostering a sense of community and belonging. School-based programs, on the other hand, shine in their instructional practices, offering more scaffolding and engaging interactions between educators and children. Interestingly, these differences don’t stem from the capabilities of individual educators but rather from the structural realities of each setting. School-based programs often have more access to resources like professional development and curriculum support, while standalone programs operate under different organizational frameworks. This suggests that rather than ranking one model over the other, it might be more beneficial to evaluate programs based on how well they fit the needs of children and families. Another key finding was the importance of family engagement. School-based programs benefit from predictable schedules that allow for regular interactions between educators and families during drop-off and pickup times. In contrast, standalone programs offer more flexible schedules, which can hinder consistent communication. This highlights an opportunity for program leaders to design routines that strengthen family connections, particularly in standalone settings. Despite their differences, both types of programs share common challenges, particularly in enhancing instructional practices. Areas for improvement include asking open-ended questions, encouraging brainstorming, and integrating math and science tools into learning experiences. These consistent challenges across both settings indicate a broader opportunity for growth in early childhood education. Ultimately, this research encourages a shift in the conversation about early learning quality. Instead of debating which model is superior, education leaders are prompted to consider what each setting does well and how they can learn from one another to improve outcomes for all young learners. This perspective fosters collaboration and continuous improvement across the entire early childhood landscape.
The fog rises from Mount Tamalpais like a spirit, slowly billowing over spears of feathery redwoods and fluffs of fragrant bay laurels.
Rick Sparks, a lifelong Tolkien fan, started with a single Hobbit-inspired house on his 3½-acre property in Indiana, which he bought for about $17,000 in 2018. Seven years later, that house has transformed into Rackshire, an 11-building fantasy village, featuring charming rounded doors and turf roofs, built mainly from recycled materials. His daughter, Kyla, inspired the initial idea, and despite her opting for a conventional home, Sparks kept building, drawing on his experience as a builder and caregiver. Curiosity about the Hobbit house attracted visitors, prompting Sparks to expand the village with additional structures. The first festival in 2021 drew over 3,000 attendees, and last year's event saw more than 2,000 people. This year’s Hobbit Festival is set for September 26 and 27, coinciding with Tolkien Week, featuring vendors and activities inspired by the fantasy world. Looking ahead, Sparks envisions expanding Rackshire into a medieval-style town with shops, a central courtyard, and even a bell tower. He’s also planning accommodations for visitors and a gaming store, aiming to create a space that offers the same escape from reality that Tolkien's stories provided him as a child.
Hanukkah Barbie has officially arrived, and she’s being embraced as a celebration of the holiday rather than just a generic “Holiday Sweater Barbie.” Dressed in blue and yellow with a sweater adorned with Jewish stars and dreidels, she even features a light-up hanukkiyah. The excitement around her release has led to quick sell-outs at major retailers, showing a strong demand for authentic Hanukkah merchandise. Interestingly, some media coverage has fixated on her nose, sparking discussions about stereotypes. However, a closer look suggests her face sculpt is similar to existing Barbie designs, not a deliberate nod to Jewish stereotypes. What stands out is how accurately Mattel represented Hanukkah details, from the Hebrew letters on the dreidels to the hanukkiyah’s structure. This attention to detail has resonated with the Jewish community, highlighting a sense of being seen and celebrated. The buzz around Hanukkah Barbie raises the question of whether we might see a Hanukkah Dreamhouse in the future.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statewide compliance order tightening the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion of infant foods and milk substitutes, citing concer…
At breakfast in Queens, New York, before my first day of school in America, my parents spoke in hushed, urgent voices, as if planning a heist.
What to know about Christa Pike, first woman to be executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years Tennessee is set to execute Christa Pike, the only woman on its death row, by lethal injection on Wednes…
There is a ladder when it comes to experiencing Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses.
Former Stripe employees have left the digital payments processor to launch a bevy of fintech startups that have helped the sector keep expanding.