Kid News Daily: May 28, 2025 Update

This episode of Kid News covers a diverse array of global and local updates, ranging from environmental phenomena to major institutional shifts and heroic community acts.

Rare North Atlantic Right Whale Sighting

In an unprecedented event, two critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales were spotted in the Bahamas. Typically found in the waters off Cape Cod during this time of year, these "massive, critically endangered species" were identified as adult females named Koala and Kurlu. According to the New England Aquarium, this sighting is a "once in a lifetime moment," especially given that right whales usually travel solo. With only 370 individuals remaining in the world's oceans, researchers are closely monitoring these 52-foot-long, 140,000-pound "gentle giants."

Harvard Professor Fired Over Research Integrity

A significant academic scandal has unfolded at Harvard University. A celebrated business professor was fired for "allegedly faking results" in research conducted between 2012 and 2020. The investigation centered on a study claiming that signing an honesty pledge at the beginning of a form boosts truthful responses. After bloggers "flagged her work" and a forensics team conducted an investigation, the school’s governing board determined she had "tweaked observations" to support her hypotheses. This marks a historic moment, as it is reportedly the first time Harvard has fired a tenured instructor since the 1940s.

Southwest Airlines Ends "Bags Fly Free" Perk

Southwest Airlines has officially ended its decades-long "bags fly free" policy to "boost its bottom line." Effective immediately, travelers—excluding top-tier fare payers and credit card holders—must pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. The airline is also planning to discontinue its "first come, first served" seating policy by next year. Industry experts, such as travel writer Ben Schlepeck, are skeptical of the strategy, suggesting that in a few years, the plan might prove to be "a wash."

COVID-19 Variant and Policy Updates

Health officials are tracking a new COVID-19 variant, NB-181, which is noted for its ability to "spread faster" than previous strains. While current vaccines remain effective, federal guidelines are shifting. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed healthy children and pregnant women from the recommendation list, and the FDA plans to limit future boosters to individuals over 65 or those with "underlying health conditions."

National Spelling Bee and Sports Highlights

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is currently underway in Maryland, featuring 234 participants under the age of 15. In the world of sports, WNBA star Kaitlin Clark is sidelined for two weeks due to a "strained left quad," marking a rare absence for the athlete who has historically maintained high availability.

Heroic Rescue by Whitesboro Teens

In a heartwarming "Kid News Kicker," three 17-year-old boys from Whitesboro High School—Donato Jelinek, Aiden Kane, and Tyler Soja—were praised as "hometown heroes." After noticing a house fire while heading to an after-prom party, the trio took immediate action. By splitting up to call 911 and alert the residents, they successfully rescued two young girls and their father. Fire Chief Jared Pearl noted that the house would have been "fully involved" within minutes if not for their quick thinking. As Tyler Soja stated, "We all didn't think twice," underscoring the bravery of their split-second decision-making.