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community THE SUMMER OLYMPICS ARE HERE Get ready to watch the world’s greatest athletes swim, spin, and sprint in Tokyo for the 2021 Summer Olympics. After Tokyo postponed its Olympics last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is now ready to safely showcase some of the best athletic talent that you can watch from your favorite couch at home. Gymnastics, swimming, skateboarding, surfing, cycling, basketball, track and field, and wrestling are among the 399 events featured this summer. Will the United States bring back some gold? Will Simone Biles and Caleb Dressel set world records? Keep up with your favorite competitors starting Friday, July 23 through Sunday, August 8. You can find the schedule for each sport online. ■ olympics.com
BABY SLEEP PRODUCT CHANGES
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted to stop manufacturers from marketing infant sleepers and other products that do not align with medical recommendations for safe sleep. The new rule will take effect next year, and the products in question have been linked to more than 100 infant deaths. Sleepers meant for babies five months and younger must meet existing safety standards, and the products that will no longer be allowed to be marketed include inclined sleepers, in-bed sleepers, baby boxes, sleep hammocks, and bassinets without a stand. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies sleep alone, on their backs, and on a firm, flat and stable surface free of soft bedding or restraints. ■ saferproducts.gov
NEW WAY TO FIND KIDS PODCASTS
An alternative to screen time while still enjoying technology is to listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Librarians are the best at recommending the best books in all formats for young readers, but finding a good, engaging podcast can depend on word-of-mouth. Common Sense Media and Apple Podcasts have partnered to bring families a new feature, Kids & Family collection, that brings podcasts geared for children together in one click. The curated collection of themed sets of new and popular shows is organized by age group, and all shows are researched by Common Sense Media. The content will be regularly updated to keep things fresh for young listeners and peace of mind for their parents. ■ apple.co 14
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LASM EXPANDS BLUE STAR PROGRAM
LASM now provides free admission year-round for veterans, active duty military, first responders and their families as part of the expanded Blue Star Museums Program. Sponsored by Special Risk Insurance, Inc., the program is presented in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and other participating museums across America. “This free admission program is a small way that we can show appreciation for our nation’s heroes,” says Serena Pandos, LASM’s President & Executive Director. “LASM has been a long-time participant in the Blue Star Museums program. The generous sponsorship of Special Risk Insurance has enabled us to expand the program this year to include veterans.” ■ lasm.org
