Aug 25, 2026 · 3 min listen · Last updated August 25, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. It's Chloe, August 25th. Ten stories — evidence-led, no fluff, small inputs compound. Let's get into it. First, from Scary Mommy. Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land Will Have Two New Attractions, Including A Maleficent Coaster.
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Daily Parenting Brief · August 25th
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Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land Will Have Two New Attractions, Including A Maleficent Coaster
Disney unveiled tons of new details about its expansions at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, including the exciting news that Monstropolis (located in Hollywood Studios) will open its gates to human visitors in 2027. In 2025, we learned that one big chunk of Magic Kingdom — as in multiple acres of space — will become the gloomy, mystical Villains Land inspired by the wicked characters from your favorite Disney films. Now, we have our first look at concept art for the expansion’s two new attractions.
Driving around Cape Cod, you repeatedly see a road sign that reads “thickly settled.” It’s unclear what to do with this information. Does it refer to the amount of plant growth? The number of hydrangeas in bloom? An invasive species? Is there a colony of tiny ants threatening to take over? I resist looking it up while we’re staying in Chatham, on the elbow of the Cape, on the second of three extended family trips this summer.
This is the extra issue I make each month just for my paid subscribers, featuring a round-up of everything I did, saw, wore, read, bought (and didn’t) and more, along with some exclusive discount codes. August, you came way too fast! I tried to squeeze in every last drop of summer, including: A cute new brand I discovered with the most clever name The thing I do for my family that they never seem to notice The pants I might be returning A carrot needlepoint pillow What I finally decided to needlepoint on my Erica Wilson lightship basket Discount codes! 1.
If you’re looking for fun ways to spend time with your teen, we asked thousands of parents how they keep engaged with their teens and here’s what they told us: Prepare and cook a meal or bake a treat together Visit local museums and art galleries Go on a hike or nature walk Attend a local sports game Have a movie marathon night Play board or card games, family game night Attend community events or festivals Visit a nearby amusement park Have a picnic in the park Volunteer together at a local charity This is just the top 10; read the complete list for 100 ideas.
One of the most-read essays I’ve written for this newsletter was on the subject of protein. There is hysteria in the zeitgeist. Vegetarianism and veganism are on the decline (at least in their strictest sense). And parents are turning toddlers into mini bodybuilders, making pizza crust with ground meat and sneaking protein powder into their muffins. As the author of a cookbook named CARBIVORE, I have a nuanced take on the subject.
“I cannot sit here, it’s too noisy.” “I cannot concentrate. There’s chaos everywhere.” .. is what we say whenever we go to crowded places while looking for serenity. Chaos + crowd = peace and serenity? No such thing. Except one place on this earth. Makkah. The busiest place in the world, a city that literally doesn’t sleep, you get pushed around, with hardly any sleep, but you’ll find people coming back home saying “Gosh I miss it so much, I was so at peace there.” Defies logic, doesn’t it? It’s something special, the holy land.
We’re Excited About the Jewish Filmmaker Behind the ‘Gilmore Girls’ Documentary
Oy with the poodles! An official “Gilmore Girls” documentary is coming to HBO. It has been 26 years since viewers were first introduced to the quirky denizens of Stars Hollow, including mother/daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Now, for the first time, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is going to take fans behind the scenes with an official documentary about the beloved show.