Kid News Daily: A Roundup of April 18th, 2025

This edition of Kid News covers a diverse array of stories, ranging from innovative educational initiatives to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and quirky viral social media trends.

Rethinking Rest: The "Sleep to Be a Better You" Course

In Mansfield, Ohio, high school students are participating in a novel course titled "Sleep to Be a Better You." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of teens currently get only six hours of sleep—a figure described as "well below the eight to ten hours brains and bodies need to succeed." This deficit is often driven by "late night texting, TikTok scrolling, and jam-packed schedules."

By keeping "sleep logs" and tracking their moods, students are learning to break these habits. Student Nathan Baker noted that by ditching his phone by 7 or 8 p.m., he now wakes up "feeling like a new person," illustrating the tangible benefits of prioritizing rest over digital distractions.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: New Events and Iconic Venues

Organizers have unveiled plans for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which will feature six new "mixed gender events." These competitions, pairing one male and one female athlete per nation, will span sports including golf, archery, track and field, gymnastics, table tennis, and beach sprint rowing.

Furthermore, the Games will utilize unique venues to capture the "SoCal spirit." Squash is set to make its "Olympic debut" at Universal Studios, while baseball will return to Dodger Stadium. Additionally, the marathon and triathlon will take place along the famous "sands of Venice Beach."

Deep-Sea Discovery: The Elusive Colossal Squid

An exciting "underwater discovery" has captured the attention of the scientific community. For the first time, a "colossal squid" has been recorded in the wild nearly 2,000 feet beneath the surface of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Dr. Kat Bolstadt, an environmental science professor, explains that these creatures, which can grow up to "23 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds," have historically avoided research equipment because their "large sensitive eyes" are likely disturbed by bright lights and loud noises from human technology.

Sustainability in the Kitchen: Fermented Sugarcane Oil

Jeff Nobbs, founder of Zero Acres Farms, is on a mission to "give the world an oil change." His company produces cooking oil from "fermented sugarcane." This product avoids the "unhealthy fats" found in traditional seed oils. Nobbs emphasizes that because sugarcane is a "perennial crop," it requires less replanting and fewer natural resources, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative that is already appearing in "Michelin-starred restaurants."

Viral Trends and Capitol Hill Antics

Social media is currently buzzing with unusual Easter egg decorating trends. A viral video from an Instagram user known for "Kate Will Try anything" sparked controversy by showing eggs being colored in a toilet bowl, highlighting the internet's fascination with odd life hacks.

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., Senator Jim Justice brought his "slobbery sidekick," an English Bulldog named Baby Dog, to a Senate hearing. Despite Senate rules, Baby Dog's presence—and her "testimony" regarding the importance of "loving everyone no matter their party"—was officially entered into the Senate record. With over 10,000 followers on X, the dog is credited with helping to "humanize" the political process and make people smile.