Kid News Daily Briefing: November 6, 2024

2024 Presidential Election Results

The most significant headline from this morning is the conclusion of the 2024 presidential race. CNN has officially called the election for Republican Donald Trump. The victory was decisive, with Trump securing both the popular vote and the electoral college. This win marks a rare historical milestone: Donald Trump has become only the second person in U.S. history to be elected to two nonconsecutive terms, joining Grover Cleveland, who achieved the same feat in 1892. In his victory address at West Palm Beach, Florida, the former president promised a "new golden age for America," pledging to prioritize safety and prosperity. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris did not address the public on election night, opting to wait until the following morning. The report also highlighted the unique tradition of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, where voters cast ballots at 12:01 a.m. Although the town is often viewed as a bellwether, this year's split vote—three for Trump and three for Harris—failed to provide any clarity on the national outcome.

Student Success: Isaac Renier’s Advocacy

In a heartening story from Brooklyn, New York, 7th grader Isaac Renier has successfully petitioned the Department of Education to change the school calendar. Isaac argued that requiring students to attend class on Monday, December 23rd—the only school day during that holiday week—was "ridiculous." After gathering tens of thousands of signatures, his efforts paid off, and the date has been moved to the end of the school year. New York City Mayor Eric Adams praised the initiative, noting that this victory serves as a powerful lesson for young people that "their voice matters" and that this is what true leadership looks like.

Ecological Concern: The Argentine Tegu Lizard

South Carolina wildlife experts are grappling with a growing problem: the spread of Argentine black and white tegu lizards. These reptiles, which can grow up to four feet long—or as the report colorfully puts it, "the size of dogs"—have been sighted over 100 times in the state. While officials have officially confirmed 32 sightings, they fear that pet owners, overwhelmed by the animal's size, are releasing them into the wild. Because these lizards are not "picky eaters," they are causing significant damage to the local ecosystem. Experts advise that while they are not venomous, their bite is "unpleasant," and they recommend that citizens call animal control rather than attempting to handle the lizards directly.

International Space Station Resupply

The International Space Station (ISS) received a festive delivery yesterday via an unpiloted SpaceX Dragon cargo ship. The mission brought holiday cheer to the astronauts, including luxury food items like lobster, crab, and quail, alongside fresh produce like blueberries and sweet onions. Beyond the festive treats, the cargo included thousands of pounds of scientific equipment. Notably, researchers are testing a first of its kind wooden satellite from Japan. If successful, this technology could provide a less polluting alternative to current satellite materials. The ship will return to Earth in a month, carrying away trash from the station.

Historical Auction Items

Rounding out the news, the segment concludes with a look at upcoming historical auctions. Enthusiasts have the chance to bid on a lock of George Washington’s hair, which has been preserved in a locket for generations. Other items up for sale include a historic U.S. flag that was draped on Abraham Lincoln’s casket in 1865, and a rare 49-star flag created during the brief period between Alaska and Hawaii joining the Union.