Worth Noting

Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed how very hot it is! Across the northern hemisphere, countries like the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and many others are experiencing hotter temperatures than ever before. This global heat wave is Worth Noting. Sources consulted:US Heat Wave: NBCUniversal News Group. (2022, July 24). Record temperatures forecast as heat wave blasts across U.S. NBCNews.com. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from A., & Huynh, A. (2022, July 25). Boston hits 100 degrees, setting record for the date as heat wave scorches the state - The Boston Globe. BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from   Europe’s Heat Wave: Cutts, E. (2022, July 25). Why are heat waves becoming so common in Europe? VOA. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from H. (2022, July 18). Why Europe is becoming a heat wave hot spot. The New York Times. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from  Guardian News and Media. (n.d.). Europe's record summer of heat and fires – visualised. The Guardian. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from A. (2022, July 21). Why European Homes (usually) don't have Air Conditioning. The Washington Post. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from  Climate Change: A Kids Book About Climate Change -   R. L. A. N. D. L. A. (n.d.). Climate change: Global temperature. NOAA Climate.gov. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from Nations. (n.d.). What is climate change? United Nations. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from People Fighting Climate Change: Fortson, A., & Johnson, L. A. (2022, April 22). How young people are taking action against climate change. NPR. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from for future is an international climate movement active in most countries and our website offers information on who we are and what you can do. Fridays For Future. (2022, July 22). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from climate activists demand action and Inspire Hope. UNICEF. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from

In the first 6 months of 2022 alone, there have been over 250 mass shootings in America—in schools, at grocery stores, in churches, and as people were going about their everyday lives. No matter how sad and scary they are to talk about, these mass shootings are Worth Noting.Sources consulted:About mass violence. NMVVRC. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from Densley Professor of Criminal Justice, & Jillian Peterson Professor of Criminal Justice. (2022, June 10). What we know about mass school shootings in the US – and the gunmen who carry them out. The Conversation. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from S. (2021, March 12). How the 1996 Dunblane Massacre pushed the U.K. to enact stricter gun laws. Smithsonian.com. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from M., & Bowman, E. (2021, March 27). Why nearly all mass shooters are men. NPR. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from shooting factsheet. Rockefeller Institute of Government. (2022, June 8). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from Kids Book About School Shootings -

On Friday, June 24th, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a ruling on women’s reproductive rights that has stood for nearly 50 years. The implications of this decision are Worth Noting.Sources consulted:Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Roe v. Wade. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from Thomas: Scotus 'should reconsider' contraception, same-sex marriage rulings. POLITICO. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2022, from L. (2022, January 11). Americans still oppose overturning roe v. wade. Gallup.com. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from Court case: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Center for Reproductive Rights. (2022, June 29). Retrieved June 30, 2022, from N., & McCammon, S. (2022, June 24). Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades. NPR. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from if Roe fell? Center for Reproductive Rights. (2022, June 30). Retrieved June 30, 2022, from

In early May, 2022, Disney announced the cast  of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The overwhelming reaction to one particular casting choice, as well as the author’s response, are Worth Noting.Links:“Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase” Published May 10, 2022. Accessed May 18, 2022.Sources consulted:“‘Percy Jackson’ author slams backlash to TV show’s casting: ‘Friends, that is racism’” (Los Angeles Times, May 11, 2022)“‘The Little Mermaid’ Star Halle Bailey Opens up About ‘Black Ariel Backlash’” Published June 14, 2020. Accessed May 18, 2022.

On March 31, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of its first nationally representative survey of high school students during the pandemic. The findings of this survey are Worth Noting.Links:“New CDC data illuminate youth mental health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mar. 31, 2022)“AAP-AACAP-CHA Declaration of a National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health” (American Academy of Pediatrics, Oct. 19, 2021)“Poem 133: The Summer Day” (Library of Congress, consulted Apr. 20, 2022)Sources consulted:“‘A cry for help’: CDC warns of a steep decline in teen mental health” (The Washington Post, Mar. 31, 2022)“Children’s mental health is in crisis” (American Psychological Association, Jan. 1, 2022)“The Kids Are Not All Right: How the Pandemic Is Affecting Their Mental Health” (Cleveland Clinic, Feb. 11, 2022)

The Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in a 22-17 vote. The implications of this bill are Worth Noting.Links:“Florida Senate passes a controversial schools bill labeled 'Don't Say Gay' by critics” (NPR, Mar. 8, 2022)“'Don't Say Gay' bill passes Florida Senate” (ABC News, Mar. 8, 2022)“‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill: Florida Senate passes controversial LGBTQ school measure” (NBC News, Mar. 8, 2022)Sources consulted:“2021 Slated to Become Worst Year for LGBTQ State Legislative Attacks as Unprecedented Number of States Poised to Enact Record-Shattering Number of Anti-LGBTQ Measures Into Law” (Human Rights Campaign, Apr. 22, 2021)“Legislative Tracker” (Freedom for All Americans, consulted Mar. 9, 2022)“The Parental Rights in Education Bill” (Florida Senate, accessed Mar. 9, 2022)

Anti-LGBTQ legislation is on the rise and political leaders behind landmark bills in Florida and Texas claim these actions are to protect children. Meanwhile, Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Behind each of these actions lie reasons that are Worth Noting.Links:“Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances in the House” (NBC News, Feb. 23, 2022)“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott orders state agency to treat gender-affirming care as child abuse” (Austin American-Stateman, Feb. 24, 2022)“Russia invades Ukraine live updates: Biden announces new sanctions” (NPR, Feb. 25, 2022)"Dale Talks About Gender" (A Kids Book About: The Podcast, Ep. 35) Sources consulted:“Ukraine conflict: What we know about the invasion“ (BBC News, Feb. 24, 2022)“Ukraine crisis: Is Russia waging an information war?” (BBC News, Feb. 23, 2022) “In the latest flare-up of the crisis in Ukraine...” (@NPR on Instagram, Feb. 24 2022) What news is worth noting where you are? Write to us or record a message and email us at listen@akidspodcastabout.com. And check out other podcasts made for kids just like you by visiting akidsco.com.

The Kingdom of Tonga in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and Fiji, is made up of around 170 islands. On January 15, 2022, several islands were impacted by the massive eruption of an undersea volcano. The effects this volcano had on the islands as well as on the people of Tonga are Worth Noting.Links:“Tonga undersea volcano eruption released up to 18 megatons of energy” (Space.com, Jan. 26, 2022)“Tonga Needs Rain and More Brooms After Volcano Eruption Spewed Ash” (The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 26, 2022)Sources consulted:“Dramatic Changes at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai“ (Earth Observatory, Apr. 10, 2022)“NASA researchers have an estimate of the power of a massive volcanic eruption that took place on Saturday near the island nation of Tonga.⁠” (@NPR, Instagram, Jan. 19, 2022) “Tonga” (Britannica, accessed Jan. 21, 2022)“Before & after images reveal impact of undersea volcano eruption and tsunami in Tonga” (USA Today, Jan. 22, 2022)“NASA Says Tonga Eruption Was More Powerful Than an Atomic Bomb” (Smithsonian Magazine, Jan. 25, 2022)“Satellite images show the aftermath of Tonga volcano's eruption” (NPR, Jan. 26, 2022)

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “Love for Others”, a big picture meditation.Access A Kids Mindful Moment through the A Kids Co app in the App Store and on Google Play. You get a 14-day free trial with the app. Learn more by visiting akidsco.com.

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “Unplugging from Tech”, a situational meditation.Access A Kids Mindful Moment through the A Kids Co app in the App Store and on Google Play. You get a 14-day free trial with the app. Learn more by visiting akidsco.com.

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “I Am Love”, an affirmations meditation.Access A Kids Mindful Moment through the A Kids Co app in the App Store and on Google Play. You get a 14-day free trial with the app. Learn more by visiting akidsco.com.

On January 6, 2021, and for the first time in our nation’s history, the U.S. Capitol was invaded. The results of this insurrection and the impact on voter access to millions across our nation is Worth Noting. Links:“How one of America’s ugliest days unraveled inside and outside the Capitol” (The Washington Post, Jan. 9, 2021)Sources consulted:“All the President’s Tweets” (Medium, Nov. 24, 2020)“America's long history of Black voter suppression“ (CNN Politics, May, 2021)“Here’s where GOP lawmakers have passed new voting restrictions around the country“ (The Washington Post, June 2, 2021)“19 states enacted voting restrictions in 2021. What's next?“ (NBC News, Dec. 21, 2021)“The Road to Jan. 6: A Year of Extremist Mobilization” (Southern Poverty Law Center, Dec. 30, 2021)“One Year After Jan. 6, the Hard Right Digs In“ (Southern Poverty Law Center, Dec. 30, 2021)“Top Trump tweets since Election Day 2020“ (Stacker, Dec. 30, 2020)“PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS: Joe Biden wins election to be the 46th US President” (CNN Politics, consulted Jan. 3, 2022)“How does this end?: Where the crisis in American democracy might be headed.“ (Vox, Jan. 3, 2022)“2020 United States presidential election“ (Wikipedia, consulted Jan. 3, 2022)“This is what Trump told supporters before many stormed Capitol Hill“ (ABC News, Jan. 7, 2021)

Historical reenactments can be a way to bring history to life for students as well as for sightseers visiting historical landmarks. But the harm and the trauma that can be reintroduced in doing so is Worth Noting.Links:Ending Curriculum Violence (Learning for Justice, Spring 2020)Sources consulted:“High School Under Fire For Project Reenacting Slavery’” (KAL9, September 18, 2017)“What It Felt Like’” (Slate, May 20, 2019)“Despite calls to hear from students and staff, Newberg school board approves ban on Pride and Black Lives Matter flags’” (OBM News, August 11, 2021)“Newberg High School students participated in virtual 'slave trade'’” (KGW8, September 14, 2021)“Newberg teacher's aide explains why she wore blackface’” (KATU2, September 23, 2021)“All eyes on Newberg school board as vote banning political symbols looms’” (OBM News, September 27, 2021)“Newberg school staff member who wore blackface to protest vaccine mandate reportedly fired’” (KGW8, September 24, 2021)

Last October, the all-white school board of the Central York School District in York, Pennsylvania, unanimously banned a list of educational resources. The books included on this list are Worth Noting.Links:List of diversity resources banned in Central York schools (accessed September 22, 2021)Equity Book Resource List (accessed September 22, 2021)Sources consulted:“STUDENTS PROTEST BOOK BANS IN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICT’” (Book Riot, September 9, 2021)“SCHOOL DISTRICT MAINTAINS BAN OF ANTIRACIST BOOKS DESPITE STUDENT PROTESTS’” (Book Riot, September 15, 2021)“School district bans books on Rosa Parks and Malala. Now students want answers’” (CNN, September 16, 2021)“Students fight back against a book ban that has a Pennsylvania community divided’” (CNN, September 16, 2021)“Central York school board votes unanimously to rescind book ban: ‘It has taken far too long’” (York Daily Record, September 20, 2021)“Central York School District reverses diversity book ban’” (Fox 43, September 20, 2021)“In Central York, kids rose up to save books on MLK, Rosa Parks from their parents | Will Bunch Newsletter’” (The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 21, 2021)

Earlier this month, Texas legislators passed Senate Bill 8, making abortions illegal after the sixth week of pregnancy. How this bill was written and the implications it can have on abortion rights throughout the country is Worth Noting.Links:Statement by President Joe Biden on Supreme Court Ruling on Texas Law SB8 (The White House, September 2, 2021)Roe v. Wade (Britanicca, accessed September 15, 2021)“What you need to know about Texas’ new abortion ban effective Sept. 1, 2021 (SB 8)” (Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Inc., accessed September 15, 2021)Sources consulted:“Texas’s radical anti-abortion law, explained” (Vox, September 2, 2021)“Is Abortion Banned in Texas Under S.B. 8?” (Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Inc., September 1, 2021)“Why Do Women Have Abortions?” (Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Inc., September 1, 2021)“How far along can you be to get an abortion?” (Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Inc., July 1, 2021)

The Delta variant is spreading quickly across the United States, and COVID cases are on the rise. So why are some schools requiring all students wear masks while others are banning such mandates? The answer is Worth Noting.Links:Tracking Coronavirus in Maryland: Latest Map and Case Count (The New York Times, accessed September 8, 2021)School mask tracker: Who is and isn’t loosening the rules (District Administration, accessed September 8, 2021)Sources consulted:“10 States Have School Mask Mandates While 8 Forbid Them” (Pew Trusts, August 10, 2021)“The constitutional issues related to Covid-19 mask mandates” (Constitution Daily, August 20, 2021)“Which States Ban Mask Mandates in Schools, and Which Require Masks?” (Education Week, August 20, 2021)“Education Department to Investigate Five States That Ban Mask Mandates in Schools” (The Wall Street Journal, August 30, 2021)

Twenty years ago, on September 11, 2001, a major event happened in the United States in New York City, the effects of which we are still confronting today. That event is Worth Noting.Links:9/11 Memorial and Museum (accessed September 1, 2021)“Talking to Children about Terrorism“ (9/11 Memorial & Museum, accessed September 1, 2021)Sources consulted:“September 11 Attacks” (History.com, accessed September 1, 2021)“9/11 Timeline” (History.com, accessed September 1, 2021)“Never Forget (Political Phrase)” (Military.Wikia.org, accessed September 1, 2021)“Muslims and Islam: Key findings in the U.S. and around the world“ (Pew Research Center, August 9, 2017)“New estimates show U.S. Muslim population continues to grow“ (Pew Research Center, January 3, 2018)

The 2020 Paralympics are currently underway in Tokyo, following the 2020 Olympic Games. What sets the Paralympic Games and their athletes apart from the Olympic games? The answer is Worth Noting.Links:International Paralympic Committee (accessed August 30, 2021)Paralympics History (accessed August 30, 2021)Paralympic Sports (accessed August 30, 2021)Goalball (accessed August 30, 2021)Get To Know the Refugee Paralympic Team (accessed August 30, 2021)Sources consulted:“Ten teen stars who can light up Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games“ (Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, August 13, 2020)“Paralympics powerhouses: 10 global stars to follow in Tokyo“ (The Guardian, August 15, 2021)“Paralympic swimmer Abbas Karimi, born without arms, poised to be first refugee medalist at Tokyo Games” (USA Today, August 23, 2021)“Tokyo 2020 sets the record for most athletes and women at a Paralympic Games“ (Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, August 24, 2020)“Abbas Karimi: "It means everything to compete here” (Olynpics.com, August 27, 2021)“Ibrahim Hamadtou, without arms, impresses in table tennis | Tokyo 2020 Paralympics | NBC Sports“ (NBC Sports, August 27, 2021)“Paralympic Games” (Britannica, accessed August 30, 2021)

The Cleveland baseball team, known for over a century as the Indians, is getting a name change for the 2022 season. The reason behind the decision is Worth Noting.Links:Change the Mascot (accessed August 23, 2021)Twitter thread from @ChangeDCMascot (accessed August 23, 2021)Sources consulted:“Study finds only harmful effects from Native-themed mascots“ (Indian Country Today, June 15, 2020)“Mascots honor an Indian who never was“ (Indian Country Today, July 13, 2020)“Cleveland's baseball team goes from Indians to Guardians” (Indian Country Today, July 23, 2021)“Cleveland Indians and 14 Other Sports Teams That Dumped Racist Names and Mascots (Photos)“ (The Wrap, July 23, 2021)“The long road to a reckoning on racist team names” (Vox, July 28, 2021)

Rising sea levels are affecting tens of thousands of lives along the coasts across the globe. How is climate change impacting the people of the Quinault Indian Nation, located on land now called the state of Washington, and other tribes along the coast? The answer is Worth Noting.Links:Global Warming of 1.5 °C (IPCC, accessed August 14, 2021)AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis IPCC, accessed August 14, 2021)2021 State of Indian Nations (video)Quinault Indian Nation Plans for Relocation (EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed August 14, 2021)Sources consulted:“Tribes have up close perspective on climate change“ (The Seattle Times, April 23, 2016)“Disparities faced by Native Americans 'a national disgrace', Quinault president says“ (KUOW, February 23, 2021)“Feeling the Heat of Climate Change” (Indian Country Today, March 12, 2021)“5 Takeaways From the Major New U.N. Climate Report” (The New York Times, August 9, 2021)“Native American communities confront painful choice - move away, or succumb to rising waters?” (Stuff, April 14, 2021)“Climate Action Must Progress Far Faster to Achieve 1.5 C Goal“ (World Resources Institute, accessed August 14, 2021)