The Ten News – International LEGO Day, TikTok Update, and a Clever Cow

Episode Date: January 29, 2026
Hosts: Pamela Kirkland & Ryan Willard

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Ten News, Pamela and Ryan celebrate International LEGO Day, spotlight recent and remarkable news stories relevant to kids, including a TikTok update, an incredibly smart cow, and much more. The episode balances lighthearted fun with more serious coverage, like updates on ICE operations in Minnesota, serving up facts, trivia, and listeners’ shoutouts in a format perfect for curious kids and their grownups.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Celebrating International LEGO Day

[00:01–01:58]

• Ryan’s LEGO Marathon: Ryan opens the episode amidst an all-night LEGO build session, showcasing his Back to the Future DeLorean, McLaren F1 car, and a massive Mario Kart set.
• LEGO History:
  • "January 28, aka International LEGO Day, which is the anniversary when the iconic LEGO brick was patented in 1958." – Ryan [01:00]
  • LEGO draws its name from the Danish phrase "leg godt," meaning "play well."
  • Founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1932, LEGO is still family-owned.
• Benefits of LEGO:
  • For kids: Enhances problem-solving, fine motor skills, creativity, storytelling, and collaboration.
  • For adults: Offers relaxation, artistic expression, and even serves as a tool for design and engineering.

Music Milestone: Taylor Swift Enters Songwriters Hall of Fame

[01:58–02:45]

• Induction Info: Taylor Swift becomes the second youngest living inductee, behind Stevie Wonder.
• Eligibility: Her song “Tim McGraw” first aired 20 years ago in 2006, meeting the Hall of Fame’s requirements.
• "At 36 years old, SW earned this honor after meeting the hall of Fame's requirement..." – Pamela [02:22]

Eco News from the UK: French Fries on the Beach

[02:45–03:26]

• Storms cause containers of fries and onions to wash ashore in East Sussex, jeopardizing a seal colony.
• Volunteers are working to clear up the plastic, vital to protecting local wildlife.

Fun Update: Smoothie King Contest

[03:26–04:22]

• Offering "free smoothies for life" via a contest for Healthy Rewards members until February 13.
• Entry involves making a purchase and spinning the app's "Blend to Win" wheel.
• "Ooh, I love smoothies." – Ryan [03:35]

Science Spotlight: Veronica the Clever Cow

[04:22–05:33]

• Veronica, a brown Swiss cow, exhibits remarkable intelligence: plays with sticks, recognizes voices, and uses a broom in creative ways.
• "She'd use the bristled end of the broom to scratch her back and the smooth handle to scratch more gently." – Ryan [05:06]
• Scientists say she's changing perceptions about livestock intelligence.

Listener LEGO Shoutouts

[05:38–06:49]

• Listeners share their favorite LEGO builds, including Star Wars AT-AT, Back to the Future Time Machine, Kirby, and Millennium Falcon.
• "Dude, I just did the DeLorean from Back to the Future. It was awesome." – Ryan [06:00]
• Special shoutouts to listeners Patriot13, Elfenrelda, Ijibufkas, and more.

Serious News: ICE Operations in Minnesota

[06:49–08:05]

• Coverage of the fatal Border Patrol shooting of Alex Preddy, a nurse, during an immigration enforcement incident while filming officers.
• Contradictory reports about whether he was armed.
• Concern about growing federal enforcement:
  • Governor Walz seeks independent investigation.
  • President Trump and border security chief Tom Homan are involved.
  • Federal judge considering pausing further deployment of ICE agents.
• "Scary situation and one that raises concerns about how immigration enforcement is being carried out..." – Pamela [07:23]

Major Tech Update: TikTok’s U.S. Future

[08:05–09:14]

• TikTok avoids a U.S. ban by finalizing a deal with investors (MGX, Oracle, Silver Lake) to move ownership and operations to the U.S.
• New American entity established with data protections and oversight.
• "This new version will operate under defined safeguards that protect national security..." – Ryan [08:37]

Wild Weather: Winter Storm Fern

[09:14–10:18]

• Widespread winter storm sparks major disruption:
  • 34 states, 220 million affected, historic snowfalls (two feet in some areas; Toronto breaks an 82-year record).
  • Southern states see dangerous ice accumulations, leading to power outages and closures.
• "I had almost two feet and had to shovel three times." – Ryan [09:39]

Archaeology Alert: Oldest Cave Art Discovered

[10:18–11:09]

• Rock art in caves on Sulawesi, Indonesia, dated to 67,800 years ago.
• Handprint stencils represent early human artistic expression, predating other known artworks.
• "These cave drawings help establish a clever timeline of when human creativity began." – Pamela [10:55]

Trivia Time with Owen: Nathan's Hot Dogs

[11:09–12:33]

• Q: When was Nathan’s Hot Dogs established on Coney Island?
  • A: 1916 (by Nathan Handwerker).
• Nathan’s has changed ownership several times but retains its iconic hot dog eating contest.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On LEGO Day:
  • "So yes, I will be celebrating all year long and I will make not apologize for it." – Ryan [01:40]
• On Veronica the Cow:
  • "Livestock have never been considered the sharpest tools in the shed, but Veronica may be changing the game." – Ryan [05:25]
• On Minnesota News:
  • "We're working on a Ten News special report to cover this more fully. Let us know your questions and feelings on ICE." – Ryan [08:05]
• Listener Interactions:
  • "It made noise. It was the only one I ever finished. Your show's awesome, shout out..." – Listener Ijibufkas [06:30]
• Weather Report:
  • "Winter Storm Fern was historic for the United States and Canada, too." – Pamela [09:45]

Listener Shoutouts and Engagement

[12:50–13:55]

• Monty shares about mining with his dad and crystal growing.
• Larry Klash Guy and girlypop11 both receive quick shoutouts.
• Call for episode ideas from listeners.

Trivia Segment

[11:20–12:33]

• Trivia on Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand: founded in 1916 on Coney Island with a $300 loan, sold in recent decades—but the iconic eating contest continues.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• International LEGO Day – [00:01–01:58]
• Taylor Swift Hall of Fame News – [01:58–02:45]
• Eco News: Fries on the Beach – [02:45–03:26]
• Smoothie King Contest – [03:26–04:22]
• Clever Cow Science – [04:22–05:33]
• Listener LEGO Shoutouts – [05:38–06:49]
• Minnesota ICE News – [06:49–08:05]
• TikTok U.S. Deal – [08:05–09:14]
• Winter Storm Coverage – [09:14–10:18]
• Ancient Cave Art – [10:18–11:09]
• Trivia with Owen – [11:20–12:33]
• Listener Shoutouts – [12:50–13:55]

Tone & Style

The episode remains upbeat, playful, and informative throughout, mixing serious news with bright asides and interactive listener moments—perfect for kids, families, and educators seeking a smart, accessible update on the world.

Compiled by The Ten News Summarizer—making big stories bite-sized and bright!