By Domenica Di Piazza, Editorial Director, TFCB

The stories coming out of Haiti, with the recent devastating earthquake, are heartbreaking. Updates posted throughout the day on the Lede blog on the New York Times website offer readers and viewers an amazing mix of text reporting and video footage related to the disaster. From among many options, you can watch real-time recovery efforts or listen to American and other world leaders discuss international aid efforts.

The Lede news blog intermixes reporting from websites all over the world with original reporting from reporters, editors, and readers of the New York Times. The blog even has a forum for connecting with people in Haiti–a very interactive way of approaching world events.

For general background information about Haiti—its geographical landscape, history, economy, culture, and more—take a look at TFCB’s Haiti (VGS series) title (cover above). Or check out our VGS website for downloadable materials and links to a range of reputable sites that will help you understand why Haiti is susceptible to natural disasters of this magnitude.

Check back next week for more from TFCB.