Kid News Daily: A Roundup of Today’s Top Stories

The Rise of Haunted Tourism

As of Halloween 2024, the travel industry is embracing the supernatural. According to CNN Travel, hotels are increasingly offering "spine-tingling amenities" to cater to thrill-seekers. This marks a significant shift in "haunted tourism," as properties previously sought to shield visitors from ghost stories. Now, establishments like Red Cliff's Lodge in Moab, Utah, openly boast about spirits that "roam the property," even providing guests with "ghost-hunting kits" equipped with digital recorders and electromagnetic field meters to detect paranormal activity. Even major chains like Hyatt and Marriott are joining the trend, advertising their "hair-raising properties" to guests looking for an eerie experience.

NFL’s Unlikely Fuel: The Uncrustable Phenomenon

Professional football players have found a surprising dietary staple: Uncrustables. These "crustless-sealed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches" have become a massive hit in the NFL, with teams consuming at least 80,000 units annually. Players like George Kittle and Travis Kelce have touted their convenience, with Kelce claiming on his podcast that he eats more of these than anything else. While nutritionists caution that they aren't the healthiest option, they provide a "quick, convenient, easily digestible combo of carbohydrates, protein, and fat." Former player Jeff Saturday humorously noted that whether they are "squished" or "unsquished," players are "gonna crush it."

Environmental Challenges: Crab Seasons and Whale Safety

California officials have delayed the Bay Area's commercial Dungeness crab season for the sixth consecutive year. The primary concern is the "high abundance of migrating humpback whales" that face the risk of becoming "ensnared in fishing lines and other gear." The state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with scientists and industry representatives to reassess the situation by late November. Conservationists are currently pushing the industry to adopt safer fishing methods to prevent further threats to these marine mammals.

The Skelly Controversy

Home Depot’s 12-foot-tall "oversized skeleton," affectionately known as "Skelly," has become a cultural icon since its 2020 debut. However, the decoration is facing pushback from some homeowners' associations (HOAs). Residents, such as Tampa’s Corey Bassett, have received warnings that their "bareboned" displays are "improper items" subject to fines. While some owners attempt to "skirt neighborhood rules" by dressing their skeletons in holiday-themed clothing, Skelly’s future remains a mystery, as Home Depot has yet to confirm if they will continue selling the popular decoration.

New York City Legalizes Jaywalking

In a shift toward practical urban policy, New York City has officially legalized jaywalking. While crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or against a red light was previously a citable offense, city officials now acknowledge that "every New Yorker jaywalks" simply to get where they need to go. Despite the change, the mayor’s office cautions that mid-block crossings remain "highly risky behavior" and urges pedestrians to continue yielding to oncoming traffic.

Eco-Friendly Halloween Cleanup

As Halloween concludes, the focus shifts to post-holiday waste. Organizations like "Pumpkins for Pigs" are encouraging people to avoid the landfill by donating porch pumpkins to farms and zoos. These gourds serve as food for elephants, goats, and other animals. Alternatively, composting is recommended as a sustainable way to dispose of jack-o'-lanterns, provided that all glitter, stickers, and candle wax are removed first.