Work is broken and it is well past time to fix it for Ireland’s working parents – The Irish Times

The Death of the ‘Presence Economy’: Why Work Must Finally Fit Our Lives For decades, the professional world has operated on a fundamental lie: that the “ideal worker” is someone with zero responsibilities outside the office. This invisible blueprint was designed for a bygone era—a time when a stay-at-home spouse managed the chaos of school … Read more

Childcare worker Joshua James Capps found not guilty of rape and indecent assault of children

A south-east Queensland childcare worker has been acquitted of all charges related to the sexual abuse of three children in his care. Joshua James Capps was cleared by a jury in the Brisbane District Court following a trial this week. Details of the Allegations Mr Capps faced one count of rape and three counts of … Read more

‘Massive numbers’ of creches across Dublin lying unused and unusable, committee hears – The Irish Times

The Crisis of ‘Tick-Box’ Planning in Childcare For too long, the development of new housing has been accompanied by a superficial approach to essential services. In Dublin and beyond, a worrying trend has emerged: the construction of childcare facilities designed solely to satisfy planning conditions rather than to actually function as viable businesses. Industry experts … Read more

Sydney childcare worker hit with 129 additional charges for using children to make abuse material

A Sydney childcare worker has been hit with 129 new charges related to the creation of child abuse material. The man, who has remained in custody since his arrest in July 2025, now faces a total of 137 charges. The additional charges were laid during a brief hearing at Parramatta Local Court on Friday. These … Read more

Driver sentenced to more than 13 years in jail over hit-and-run of Canberra schoolboys

Tayler Hazell, 32, has been sentenced to 13 years and two months in jail, with a non-parole period of nine years, after striking and seriously injuring two schoolboys outside St Edmund’s College in March of last year. Reckless Act Leaves Lasting Impact Hazell pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including two counts of culpable driving causing … Read more

UCSD launches Milk Analytics Core for deep molecular phenotyping of human milk

Unlocking the Secrets of Human Milk: A New Era of Health and Performance For centuries, human milk has been recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition. But what if its benefits extended far beyond infancy? Researchers are now uncovering the vast, largely unknown potential of human milk to address health challenges and even enhance … Read more

How to set your children up for financial success – The Irish Times

The Rising Cost of Future-Proofing Your Child’s Financial Future Is providing for your children’s basic needs enough in today’s Ireland? Increasingly, parents are considering long-term savings strategies to address the escalating costs of third-level education, homeownership, and even modest life events like weddings. The question isn’t just about sustenance, but about equipping the next generation … Read more

Couple who left rented home due to cost of rent and childcare ordered to pay €3,400 for not giving proper notice – The Irish Times

The Rent Trap: When Life Changes Leave Tenants Facing Unexpected Bills A recent case before the Irish Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) highlights a growing tension in the rental market: the clash between life’s inevitable changes – like starting a family – and the rigid requirements of tenancy agreements. Patrick McHugh and Genevieve Gleeson were ordered … Read more

China makes condoms more expensive amid low childbirth rate – Hiru News

China’s Demographic Dilemma: A Tax on Contraception and the Future of Birth Rates China’s recent decision to impose a 13% sales tax on contraceptives while simultaneously exempting childcare services is a bold, and arguably perplexing, move. It signals a desperate attempt to reverse a concerning demographic trend: a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates. … Read more

China to give cash to parents for childcare in effort to try and lift birth rate

China’s Demographic Shift: A Glimpse into the Future of Family and Economics China, the world’s second-largest economy, is facing a demographic challenge that could reshape its future. The nation’s birth rate is plummeting, and the government is scrambling to find solutions. This shift presents unique challenges and offers a window into evolving family structures and … Read more