01.09.2026 | KidNuz: News for Kids

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Good morning and welcome to KID News.

I'm Kim.

Today is Friday, January 9th, 2026.

And we begin with a front row seat to the biggest planet in our solar system.

Astronomers say Jupiter will shine especially bright tomorrow night between sunset and midnight and should be easily spotted with the naked eye.

That's because Earth and Jupiter are currently lined up in a way that makes the planet appear closer for a clear-eyed view.

If you're lucky enough to have a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, you may even spot four of the planet's largest moons that will look like tiny dots close by.

As always, a forecast of clear skies will give you the best view.

Airplane water isn't something most passengers think about, but a new study suggests maybe it should be.

The nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity recently found that the water used on some flights is potentially unhealthy.

The research looked at water from 21 carriers and found germs in samples from drink taps and galleys, which is where flight attendants prepare coffee and tea.

How bad is it?

It depends on the airline, but the study says sticking to bottled water is best and even went so far as to suggest opting for hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands in the bathroom.

Of the 10 major airlines, Delta and Frontier made the top of the water safety list.

Both received A grades.

At the bottom, Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines.

They all got Ds.

All the glitz and glamour of awards season returns to Hollywood this weekend as celebrities step out for the Golden Globes.

Comedian Nikki Glaser will once again host what many believe to be the most entertaining of the annual star-studded events.

Amanda Seyfried, Charlie XCX, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kevin Hart and Miley Cyrus are just some of the stars who will present gold statues to the top performers in both television and film.

The results are often a precursor to who will win at the Oscars.

You can catch all of the action live on CBS and streaming on Paramount Plus at 5 p.m.

Pacific, 8 p.m.

Eastern on Sunday.

Things may be looking up for Texas Tech in a very literal sense.

The Lady Raiders are awaiting approval from the NCAA to let their newest and tallest recruit loose on the hard court.

If and when she makes her debut center, Stephanie Okechukwu, who stands 7'1, will break a record as the tallest woman ever to play the college game.

Okechukwu went to high school in Japan, reportedly has a 7'4 wingspan, can tip the ball without jumping and can also dunk with ease.

Coaches say the 23-year-old's size and skills near the rim make her a rare find in hoops.

If all goes as planned, she could play later this season.

In other sports news.

One of the MLB's standout stars is changing the game for a new generation of kids.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez helped fund the renovation of a baseball complex in the Dominican Republic, where he learned how to play ball.

Now open to the public.

The ultra-modern facility includes an astroturf field, t-ball fields, batting cages, stands and even a soccer field for those who enjoy multiple sports.

Working with his No Limits Foundation, J-Rod says he wants local kids to have a place where they feel proud, feel safe and believe in themselves.

He is living proof of that dream.

Last season, Rodriguez helped lead his team to the American League Championship Series and finished sixth in the AL's MVP voting.

Still to come, even household names sometimes get scolded by their moms.

But first we want to say congratulations to Elin and Cole Mazur of Avon Lake Ohio, for a great first half of the LCA school year.

Elin excels at horseback riding and dressage, the violin, singing, skiing, and lacrosse.

And she's involved in Junior Model UN.

Woo!

Cole is equally busy with piano and trumpet art, slaying the Great Lakes shake, 3D printing, lacrosse and football.

Elin and Cole, your mom, dad, Sadie, and June are so proud of you.

Now, today's Kid News quiz.

What planet will be especially easy to see this weekend?

Jupiter.

According to a new study, which common drink should you consider skipping on your next flight?

Tap water or anything made with it.

What big celebrity event takes place this weekend?

The Golden Globes.

What record could Stephanie Okechukwu break if she plays this season?

Tallest woman to play college basketball.

In today's Kid News Kicker, it turns out even NBA coaches can get in trouble with their moms.

On Monday, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr got ejected from a close game after arguing with referees.

And his mother, Ann Kerr, who was in the stands, was not happy with her son.

To reporters before Wednesday's game, the coach addressed his dressing down.

She asked me if I was going to hit the referee.

I said, Mom, I've never hit anybody in my life.

So why were all those men holding you back, she wanted to know.

So I told her that's all part of the theatrics.

Kerr's superstar player, Steph Curry, was sympathetic to the mother-son dynamic, saying he's been scolded by his mom plenty of times too.

That's what moms do, keep you honest.

When Kerr was later asked if he had actually ever hit anyone, Kerr joked, maybe my little brother.

Thanks again to the Mazers of Avon Lake, Ohio, for sponsoring today's quiz.

Shout-outs to Elin and Cole for rocking this year at LCA.

And hello to their teachers, Mrs. Arigi, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. McGuire, Mr. Furman, Ms.

Worrell, and Mr. Sinchak.

And shout-outs to our other Kid News classrooms, Ms.

Wurtz's Lancers at St.

Mary's School in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Ms.

B's Bulls at Alberta Rider School in Tigard, Oregon.

Mrs. Lawrence's Cougars at Yach Intermediate Middle School in Ruffsdale, Pennsylvania.

And Mrs. Sullivan's Timberwolves at Fisher School in Walpole, Massachusetts.

Thanks for listening and thanks for your patience as we work to get to all the amazing teachers on our list.

Have a great weekend and we'll see you back here for more Kid News Monday morning.

[Kid News Daily: Jupiter's Bright Display, Airline Water Risks, and Sports Headlines]-[01.09.2026]

📋 Summary

Celestial Spectacle: Jupiter’s Rare Visibility

Health Advisory: The Hidden Risks of Airline Water

Hollywood Glitz: The Golden Globes Return

Collegiate and Professional Sports Milestones

The Human Side of Coaching: A Mother’s Scolding

🎯Key Sentences

📝Key Phrases

📖 Transcript