Emma Brockes reflects on the final week of primary school for her child, a milestone she finds unexpectedly emotional. While her children are eager to move on, Brockes admits the transition is harder for her, marking the end of WhatsApp groups, volunteer requests, and the daily school gate ritual. She jokes about entering a 'Miss Havisham period' of isolation, though acknowledges that the formal graduation ceremonies in the US, such as fifth-grade events with songs from Wicked, can be moving. In London, the low-key celebrations still underscore a major life transition, even as friends remind her that micromanaging children continues through college.
Trump Pays $5.6m to E Jean Carroll
On Tuesday, E Jean Carroll received $5.6 million from Donald Trump, including $600,000 in interest, after the Supreme Court rejected Trump's appeal. The sum had been held in escrow since the 2023 civil case where Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump's spokesperson Aaron Harison responded by calling the case a 'Democrat-funded travesty' and a 'witch-hunt.' Carroll's lawyers now look ahead to the $83.3 million judgment from a separate 2024 defamation case, which remains unresolved.
US Travel Health Risks: Lettuce and Legionnaires' Disease
Brockes prepares for a US trip amid multiple health scares: legionnaires' disease in Manhattan (28 cases linked to cooling towers), a cyclosporiasis outbreak from bagged lettuce (thousands ill in the Midwest and hundreds in New York), and wildfire smoke from Canada. She notes that despite warnings, many New Yorkers continue to eat salads, but she plans to avoid lettuce, which she considers a 'placeholder for food.' Spinach and kale are acceptable, but plain lettuce feels like 'hard labour' to chew.
Little House on the Prairie Remake: Soapy Ambience
Brockes describes the Netflix remake of Little House on the Prairie as a soothing background show, akin to a digital fireplace. The series has been caught in US culture wars, with former Fox News host Megyn Kelly warning Netflix not to 'woke-ify' the story. The show introduces a neighbouring Osage family, making it feel more aligned with 2026 than the 1970s version. Tonally a soap, it lowers expectations but offers pleasant visuals of big skies and log cabins.
Weather Icons Blamed for Tourist Revenue Loss
Campaigners from UK tourist attractions argue that weather app icons are too vague, causing a 50% drop in visitors when rain icons appear. A summit at Chester Zoo will address the issue, noting that rain forecast for a brief period can deter visitors all day. Brockes supports more nuanced icons, as a week of rain symbols can tank mood and revenue alike.
