County of Fairfax, Virginia — a populous, suburban hub in the Washington, D.C. region.
Back-to-school season finds backpacks carrying more devices, notebooks and gear, with experts warning about potential strain. The American Academy of Pediatrics says signs of overload include leaning forward or difficulty walking, and advocates lightening loads where possible. Teachers are urging families to audit daily contents, balancing technology and traditional textbooks as districts weigh the role of print vs. digital learning.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has devastated western Colombia, with thousands displaced, hundreds dead or missing. Officials warn that reconstruction will require a coordinated push from government, private sector, and humanitarian groups as hospitals, schools, and roads are damaged. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid challenging conditions.
A three-month-old Park Slope cat, Jabal, was stolen from the 8th Street Mini Mart but has been returned after a neighborhood-wide search and police involvement. The owners express relief as Jabal reunites with his family; the incident spurred community posters, social posts, and local media attention.
An AP investigation shows that Venezuela’s post-quake housing program built tall, concrete towers on silty soil near a major fault, leaving thousands homeless as aftershocks expose dangerous engineering choices and possible code violations.