Everything’s Biblical In Texas
Texas is changing what millions of public school students will read in English class. The Texas State Board of Education approved a new required reading list for more than 5 million students that includes classic authors like E.B. White, Shel Silverstein, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen, along with Bible passages that will be taught throughout multiple grade levels beginning in 2030.

Supporters say the Bible is an important literary and historical text that helps students better understand the traditions and ideas that shaped Western civilization. Critics argue the reading list lacks diversity, blurs the separation of church and state, and limits teachers' ability to choose books.

Texas is the first state to pass a statewide required reading list, and some education experts believe this will open the door for more states to follow. Read more about what's changing, and why people on both sides have strong opinions.

☀️ Born in the summer, flu in the winter!
Kids born in the summer may be slightly more likely to catch the flu, according to a new study. Why? Their annual checkups usually happen months before flu vaccines are available, making it easier to miss the shot. Experts say there's a simple fix... schedule a quick vaccine-only visit in early fall. It may save your family from a miserable flu season.

⚖️ Parents charged with murder after death of their 255 lbs 7-year-old
A Michigan couple has been charged with second-degree murder and child abuse after their 7-year-old son died weighing more than 250 pounds. Prosecutors allege the child was denied proper medical care, nutrition, exercise, and a safe living environment, leading to severe health complications that contributed to his death. According to the report, the boy was only fed potato chips and fries. More on the terrible story here.

🤱 Breastfeeding may help babies sleep longer
If you've heard that formula-fed babies sleep better, new research suggests that may not be true. Researchers followed more than 82,000 children and found babies who were breastfed during their first six months were less likely to have insufficient sleep at age 1 than babies who were exclusively formula-fed. The lowest risk was seen in babies who were exclusively breastfed. Experts say breast milk contains hormones and nutrients that may help support healthy sleep patterns.

📺 Why do kids prefer YouTube over traditional TV?
Kids’ media habits have shifted from Saturday morning cartoons to algorithm-driven platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Experts say part of the appeal is the ability to directly interact with online content and its creators. This could be a major problem.

👦 What the heck is boy kibble?
Meat. Rice. That's it. Seriously.

🤖 Overwhelmed by all the chatbots?
This video explains them all.

Zucchini Bread (or, what I like to call, an excuse for chocolate chips)
This time of year, zucchini is everywhere. Overflowing backyard gardens, farmers market stalls, and at every grocery store I walk into. I want to like it, but … it’s zucchini.

Enter zucchini bread. Why does this solve my “meh” feeling for the veggie? Because I use it as an excuse to load up on mini chocolate chips. Who can say no to that?

This is my favorite recipe (these days). I add chocolate chips without measuring; you can decide the right amount for you! A half bag? If you like. A whole bag? I won't judge.

One minor change: I grate using the smaller holes of a box grater. (Makes the zucchini less conspicuous 🙃)

Last week, we asked you how you felt about fathers taking their young daughters into women’s restrooms to avoid dirty or crowded men's rooms, and the majority of you voted, "100% fine with it," while, "I can see why it makes some people uncomfortable," came in a distant second.