The Ten News: “Serious News, Health Headlines, and Feel-Good Stories”

Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Pamela Kirkland & Ryan Willard
Podcast: The Ten News, News For Curious Kids

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode, Pamela and Ryan navigate through some of 2026’s most pressing headlines for families: unfolding international news (Venezuela and Iran), major US events, health updates for kids, wildlife triumphs, sports comebacks, pop culture picks, and a “Ten News” trivia moment. The blend of serious and uplifting stories is designed to help curious kids (and their grownups) understand today's world in a kid-friendly, engaging format.

Tone: Friendly, inquisitive, empathetic, and upbeat—even when covering heavy stories.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Global Headlines: Venezuela and Iran

• Venezuela’s Leadership Shakeup ([01:10])

  • Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's long-term leader, was captured; Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is now interim president.
  • The US is offering limited support under strict conditions, particularly regarding elections and Venezuela’s oil industry.
    • “The US has already seized millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil under sanctions…to help push Venezuela toward what the administration calls a, quote, stable transition.” – Pamela Kirkland [01:37]
  • There is debate globally and domestically about the legality and fairness of US actions.
  • On-the-ground conditions in Venezuela remain tense; US advised its citizens to leave.

• Iran’s Widening Protests ([02:47])

  • Originally motivated by economic struggles (rising costs), Iran’s protests have become demands for governmental change.
  • Many people have been hurt, killed, or arrested; the government has restricted internet access to limit protests and global awareness.
    • “To limit the protest, Iran’s government has also shut off or slowed down the Internet in many places. That makes it harder for people to communicate and harder for the rest of the world to know exactly what’s happening.” – Pamela Kirkland [03:08]
  • Iranian leadership refuses concessions, blaming unrest on foreign influence.
  • The US is monitoring, warning of consequences if violence escalates while indicating a preference for dialogue.

2. Major US Story: Protests Over ICE Incident ([03:56])

• Protests erupted after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
• The use of lethal force is under investigation as both police practice and video authenticity are scrutinized—a reminder for kids to be wary of misinformation and deepfakes online.
  • “There have been videos circulating on social media…and we’d like to remind our tenors that just because something is out there, you don’t need to watch it. And not everything on social media is real these days.” – Pamela Kirkland [04:27]
• Demonstrations across the US highlight strong public feelings about law enforcement and immigration.
• Oversight of the investigation is questioned due to the administration’s quick defense of law enforcement.

3. Health Headlines: An Extra-Tough Flu Season & Vaccine Changes

• Historic Flu Wave ([05:26])

  • CDC reports the highest flu-related doctor visits in nearly 30 years: over 11 million illnesses and 120,000 hospitalizations.
  • Most US states experiencing “high to very high levels” of flu activity.
    • “45 out of 50 states are experiencing high to very high levels of flu activity.” – Ryan Willard [06:09]

• New CDC Vaccine Guidance ([06:29])

  • The CDC is reducing the number of vaccines recommended for all children; certain vaccines (rotavirus, hepatitis A/B, meningitis, flu) are now only for high-risk kids or based on doctor-family “shared decision making.”
  • The move is intended to match policies in other countries but has alarmed many public health experts as potentially weakening protection.
    • “Public health experts and pediatricians warn that these changes were rolled out without the usual scientific input—a move they say could create confusion about routine childhood protection and potentially allow dangerous diseases to spread again.” – Pamela Kirkland [06:49]
  • The hosts remind listeners to practice good hygiene this season.

4. Good News & Feel-Good Stories

• Record Manatee Releases in Florida ([07:41])

  • Zoo Tampa rehabilitated and released 26 manatees in a single year; one named Madonna survived hurricanes and extreme malnutrition before a successful return to the wild.
    • “One of those manatees was Madonna…trapped in just 5 inches of water…at only 345 pounds, far below the typical 1,000-pound adult manatee. Madonna made a remarkable recovery and returned to the wild weighing a healthy 700 pounds.” – Ryan Willard [08:56]

• Alysa Liu: Olympic Comeback ([09:07])

  • Teenage figure skater Alysa Liu, a world medalist and Olympian, retired at 16 to enjoy a “normal childhood,” then made a triumphant return after missing the thrill of competition.
  • “After a ski trip to Lake Tahoe in 2024, she realized how much she missed the adrenaline rush…Now, she’s won gold at the 2025 World Championships and has her sights set on returning to the Olympic Games.” – Pamela Kirkland [09:55]

• LEGO Pokémon & Smart Play Bricks Announced ([10:17])

  • New major LEGO Pokémon sets to be released: Pikachu, Eevee, and a massive 3-in-1 Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise set (6,838 pieces!).
    • “Which is nuts, because that’s more expensive than a PS5 or a Switch 2.” – Ryan Willard [10:24]
  • New “Smartplay” bricks make LEGO creations interactive with sounds, aimed at engaging all ages (even “people named Ryan”).
  • Star Wars Smartplay sets also teased.

• Golden Globe Highlights ([11:30])

  • Timothée Chalamet wins Best Actor for ‘Marty Supreme.’
  • ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ wins Best Animated Motion Picture.
  • Owen Cooper, just 16, becomes youngest Best Supporting Actor in a TV series winner for ‘Adolescence.’

5. Trivia & Space Milestone ([12:43])

• Trivia Question: When did the first human travel into space? (Answer: 1961, Yuri Gagarin) – [13:10]
• Notable Space Achievement:
  • Michaela Benthaus, engineer from Germany, becomes first wheelchair user to travel to space on a Blue Origin suborbital flight. Her capsule was designed for accessibility and she spent ten minutes weightless.
    • “After her accident, she thought there was no chance of her ever going into space. But she experienced a 10-minute period of weightlessness in a capsule designed with accessibility in mind.” – Owen Cooper [13:50]

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Ryan Willard, opening tone: “Pam, we're like two weeks into the year, and I feel like there's been a lot of big news already.” [00:03]
• Pamela Kirkland, perspective on global events: “Countries around the world are watching closely to see what this means—not just for Venezuela, but for how powerful countries act on the global stage.” [02:21]
• Pamela Kirkland, digital literacy reminder: “Just because something is out there, you don't need to watch it. And not everything on social media is real these days.” [04:27]
• Ryan Willard, on LEGO’s price: “The 3 in 1 set will have 6,838 pieces and will retail for $649.99, which is nuts because that’s more expensive than a PS5 or a Switch 2.” [10:24]
• Owen Cooper, on space accessibility: “After her accident, she thought there was no chance of her ever going into space. But she experienced a 10 minute period of weightlessness in a capsule designed with accessibility in mind.” [13:50]

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

| Segment | Timestamp | Quick Description | |----------------------------------|-------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Venezuela headlines | 01:10–02:47 | Maduro captured, US oversight and oil, global reactions | | Iran unrest | 02:47–03:56 | Nationwide protests; government response and US stance | | US ICE incident & protests | 03:56–05:26 | Shooting in Minneapolis, protests, issue of misinformation| | Flu season and vaccine updates | 05:26–07:33 | High flu rates, CDC halves routine childhood vaccines | | Manatee rescue and release | 07:41–09:07 | Record number rehabilitated and released in Florida | | Alysa Liu’s sports comeback | 09:07–10:17 | Journey, early retirement, triumphant return | | LEGO Pokémon and Smartplay news | 10:17–11:30 | Set launches and price comments, innovation highlights | | Golden Globes recap | 11:30–12:30 | Major winners, youngest actor honored | | Trivia and space news | 12:43–14:04 | Space history and accessibility milestone |

FINAL REMARKS

The episode masterfully balances serious world news, health concerns, and inspiring feel-good stories for kids, always mindful of accessibility and emotional tone. The hosts invite feedback, offer gentle guidance on digital literacy, and celebrate curiosity—making it a standout resource for young news followers and their families.