Kid News Daily: A Roundup of Notable Stories

This summary covers the latest updates from the January 16th, 2026 episode of Kid News, spanning sports, nature, technology, and community events.

A Rising Star in the Tennis World

Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci, famous for guiding the Williams sisters to greatness, has set his sights on a nine-year-old talent named Vlada Haranchar. Having recently arrived in the U.S. from war-torn Ukraine, Vlada is being hailed by Macci as someone who "will one day be the best player in the world." Macci attributes this potential to her "unmatched focus and work ethic," even noting that she is "the hardest worker he's ever coached in his life." Her rigorous schedule, which includes 5 am practices seven days a week, highlights a level of dedication rarely seen at her age, though she still maintains a balance by enjoying time at "water parks" and "movies" with her friends.

Saying Goodbye to 'Frank the Liberty Tree'

In Kansas City, a historic landmark is coming to an end. A 250-year-old burr oak, affectionately known as "Frank the Liberty Tree," is scheduled to be chopped down. Having stood since "before the Revolutionary War," the tree has suffered from "disease, decay and a lightning strike," rendering it unsafe. Local residents are preparing to memorialize the tree, with plans to turn its bark into "coasters and cutting boards" and potentially craft a "memorial bench" to mark the spot where this long-standing fixture once stood.

The Contagion of Fear in Horses

Scientists in France have conducted a fascinating study revealing that horses can sense human fear through smell. By exposing horses to sweat collected from volunteers who watched "horror films," researchers observed that the animals exhibited "higher heart rates," startled more easily, and moved more cautiously toward unfamiliar objects. This experiment underscores the deep connection between humans and animals, suggesting that we "unconsciously" transmit our emotions to them, which can have "quite important effects on their own emotions in return."

Generative AI: A Tool for Balance in Schools

As AI becomes more prevalent in education, the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education has weighed in on its impact. While AI can serve as a "time-saving support tool" for teachers and assist with reading and writing, experts warn that it must be used with "moderation." The report cautions that excessive reliance on chatbots can "weaken important skills like creativity, critical thinking" and negatively impact social development. The key takeaway is that AI should support, not "replace," the essential lessons provided in the classroom.

Expanding the Star Wars Universe at Disneyland

Disneyland is updating its "Galaxy's Edge" experience to include iconic characters from the original Star Wars films. Starting April 29th, guests will be able to encounter "Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo" on Batuu. Additionally, the park will incorporate the classic soundtrack by John Williams, bringing a more nostalgic feel to the immersive Star Wars land that originally focused on a different chapter of the franchise.

A Popcorn Extravaganza

To celebrate National Popcorn Day, Cinemark is bringing back its "Bring Your Own Bucket" event. For $5 plus tax, customers can bring any clean container up to 400 ounces—which the report notes is "about three gallons"—to be filled with popcorn. The event, which does not require a movie ticket, encourages creativity, with past participants bringing everything from "Halloween buckets to gym bags" to take advantage of the deal.