Kid News Weekly Roundup: March 24, 2025

This week’s edition of Kid News covers a diverse array of stories, ranging from the unconventional rise of a college basketball sensation to international health updates and heartwarming stories of heroism.

The Unlikely Rise of a March Madness Icon

In a tournament often defined by "bracket busting underdogs," the most talked-about figure in this year's March Madness isn't a superstar athlete, but a student manager from McNeese State named Aamir Arakan. Known primarily for his duties with "water bottles and mops," Arakan achieved viral fame after a clip of his pre-game ritual—leading his team out to the sounds of NBA YoungBoy—circulated online.

This viral moment led to a historic milestone: Arakan is now the first student manager to secure "name, image and likeness (NIL) deals." With at least 12 deals signed, including a major partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings, his newfound status is such that he has even been "assigned three bodyguards." Reports suggest he may soon transition to North Carolina State alongside coach Will Wade.

Climate Extremes and Weather Patterns

Weather forecasters are tracking significant temperature anomalies across the United States. The West Coast is bracing for a "record setting warmup," with Phoenix, Arizona, nearing a potential historic milestone. There is a "chance it could hit 100 degrees," which would mark the earliest date in the year the city has reached the "century mark"—an event that typically does not occur until May 2.

Furthermore, NOAA reports indicate that much of the US can expect an "above-average" temperature spring through June, particularly along the East Coast, the Gulf Coast, and parts of the Southwest.

Global Updates: The Vatican and Disney World

In international news, Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after a five-week hospital stay in Rome to treat "life-threatening double pneumonia." At 88 years old, the Pope appeared "frail but in good spirits" on the balcony. While he is recovering, doctors have advised him to "take it easy for two months," leaving his participation in upcoming Easter services uncertain.

Closer to home, Disney World’s Epcot experienced some "unintended excitement" over the weekend. A "backstage fire" behind the French Pavilion caused smoke to billow over the park, necessitating the evacuation of the popular "Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure" ride. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the area resumed normal operations shortly after.

A YouTube-Learned Hero

One of the most inspiring stories of the week involves a nine-year-old from North Carolina, Jayceehan Branch. While playing basketball at recess, his friend Darnay began "choking on a granola bar." Jayceehan, acting as a "little lifesaver," performed the Heimlich maneuver—a skill he credited to watching "YouTube videos." His quick thinking and ability to perform "two quick compressions" successfully dislodged the snack, turning a dangerous situation into a moment of relief for parents and teachers alike.

The Global Happiness Index

In the segment’s "Kid News Kicker," the focus turned to global well-being. For the "8th year in a row," Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world, with other Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden following suit.

Researchers attribute this success to several key lifestyle factors:

• Outdoor Activity: Finns spend significant time in nature.
• Social Connection: A strong emphasis on dining with friends and robust "social support systems."
• Trust: A core belief in the "kindness of others," which researchers found is more "closely tied to happiness than previously thought."

In contrast, the United States has seen a decline in these rankings, dropping to 24th place this year, suggesting that while the nation has "a lot of ground to make up," the lessons from the happiest nations provide a clear roadmap for improvement.