WNBA Tip-Offs, Tiny Planets & Robo-dogs

Summary

The Ten News: “WNBA Tip-Offs, Tiny Planets & Robo-dogs”

Date: May 14, 2026
Host: Small But Mighty Media
Main Hosts: Ryan Willard and Pamela Kirkland
Special Segment: Trivia Master Owen

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Episode Overview

This lively episode of The Ten News spotlights the start of the historic 30th WNBA season, delves into science news like the discovery of a “mini Pluto,” touches on public health updates, celebrates important observances, and wraps up with quirky advancements in robotics. The show balances sports excitement with educational tidbits, always in the playful, energetic tone that keeps young listeners engaged.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

WNBA 30th Anniversary Season Launch [00:52–02:15]

• Historic Start: The 30th WNBA season has begun, with two new teams joining: the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo.
  • “Each team will play 44 games, including 22 away games and 22 home games.” — Ryan [00:58]
• Notable Game: A rematch is set between Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty on the June 21 anniversary of the league’s first-ever game in 1997.
• Opening Game Recap: New York Liberty, 2025 defending champs, dominated Connecticut SE (106-75). Dallas Wings edged out the Indiana Fever in a close 107-104 game, showcasing superstars Paige Beckers and Caitlin Clark.

Endangered Species Day [02:15–03:03]

• What & Why: Observed every third Friday in May to promote wildlife conservation.
  • “Scientists estimate that up to one third of US species are at increased risk of extinction.” — Ryan [02:28]
• Call to Action: Small steps—like reducing waste and supporting conservation groups—make a difference.

Armed Forces Day [03:03–03:57]

• Commemoration: Armed Forces Day (May 16) honors current US military members across all branches.
  • “A big thank you to all of our military members for your service today and every day.” — Pamela [03:53]
• Historical Note: Holiday established by President Truman and made official in 1962 by JFK.

Obama Presidential Center Opening [03:57–04:34]

• Opening on Juneteenth: tickets now available for Barack Obama’s Chicago center opening June 19, featuring engaging exhibits, a basketball court, garden, and more.
  • “Obama hopes that the center will become a space focused on leadership, creativity and bringing people together.” — Ryan [04:31]

McDonald's Enters Fashion [04:34–05:22]

• Limited Edition Drink Carriers: McDonald’s collaborates with designer Susan Alexandra for six beaded drink bags inspired by McCafe drinks.
  • “Each carrier matching a different refresher or crafted soda flavor… priced between $42 and $58.” — Pamela [04:50]

Public Health Update: Hantavirus Outbreak [05:55–06:44]

• Cruise Ship Cases: Rare hantavirus outbreak among South America/Africa cruise passengers, believed to have started from rodent exposure during a land excursion.
• Virus Details: The Andes virus strain is the only known hantavirus that spreads person-to-person.
  • “Health experts are stressing that this is not expected to become a pandemic and the risk to the public is very low.” — Ryan [06:38]

International Affairs: Iran-U.S. Tensions [06:44–07:33]

• Peace Talks Stalled: Iran accuses US of “unreasonable and excessive demands;” the US (via President Trump) calls Iran’s response “totally unacceptable.”
  • “Iran’s peace proposal included stopping Washington from blockading Iranian ports and called for releasing assets belonging to the Iranian people that are held abroad…” — Pamela [07:04]
• Strait of Hormuz: The outcome affects vital global shipping.

Space Science: Tiny “Plutino” Discovered [07:33–08:19]

• Mini Ice World: Astronomers find a small ice-covered object beyond Pluto—possibly one of the smallest in the outer solar system (about 300 miles across).
  • “It even appears to have an atmosphere that is 5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth’s.” — Ryan [08:13]
• Orbit Facts: Called a “Plutino”—orbits the sun twice for every three Neptune orbits.

Animal Welfare: Beagle Rescue [08:19–09:01]

• 1,500+ Beagles Rescued: From a Wisconsin research facility; organizations are helping with care and adoption.
  • “President of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Laurie Simmons, describes the beagles as super sweet and that they’ve already received more than 700 applications for the pups.” — Pamela [08:46]

Trivia & Tech Segment: IRobot and Robo-Dogs [09:19–10:37]

• Roomba Trivia: First launched in 2002 (correct trivia answer: C), led by robotics pioneer Colin Angle.
• Robotic Companions: Angle's company is developing a four-legged, plush robot prototype that can follow owners, recognize voices, and become a friendly companion.
  • “These furry friends aren’t on the market yet, but they hint at a future where robots don’t just help us with daily tasks, but also keep us company.” — Owen [10:31]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Fun fact, the Atlanta Hawks are out of the NBA playoffs and Ryan’s team, the New York Knicks, are still in it.” — Ryan [00:13]
• “Pam doesn’t care because the WNBA just started back up… She shoots. She scores. Pam with the three pointer to win.” — Pamela [00:20]
  (Lighthearted hosts’ basketball back-and-forth launches the episode.)
• “Furry friends are the best.” — Ryan [09:01]
• “Plutino—It would be a great one of these [names for a robot dog]!” — Pamela [08:19]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• WNBA Season, New Teams: [00:52–01:47]
• Championship Game Recap: [01:47–02:15]
• Endangered Species Day: [02:15–03:03]
• Armed Forces Day: [03:03–03:57]
• Obama Center Opening: [03:57–04:34]
• McDonald's Drink Carriers: [04:34–05:22]
• Hantavirus Health Update: [05:55–06:44]
• Iran–U.S. Diplomacy: [06:44–07:33]
• ‘Mini Pluto’ Discovery: [07:33–08:19]
• Beagle Rescue: [08:19–09:01]
• Trivia: Roomba Launch Year: [09:19–09:55]
• Robot Dogs’ Future: [09:55–10:37]

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Tone and Language

The hosts, Ryan and Pamela, keep the tone light, playful, and upbeat while delivering factual and informative content. Jokes and friendly banter (especially about basketball) set a fun mood, and they sprinkle in easy-to-understand explanations for young listeners.

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Closing & Extras

• The show features listener feedback and encourages submissions, especially about AI for an upcoming deep dive (May 22 episode preview).
• “You can now get ad free versions of our episodes when you join the Tenors Club on our website.” — Pamela [11:51]
• Hosts acknowledge five-star Apple review submissions, reinforcing community engagement.
• End with playful basketball chatter and appreciation for their listeners.

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Summary Takeaway:
This episode offers a vibrant mix of sports, science, health, history, and playful optimism—making it highly engaging for curious kids, while also keeping parents informed and entertained alongside them.

Transcript

[A]

The division rivals are at it again. Pam versus Ryan. Pam dribbles at the top of the

[B]

key and she leads this game to 11. 10 points to Ryan 7.

[A]

Fun fact, the Atlanta Hawks are out of the NBA playoffs and Ryan's team, the New York Knicks, are still in it.

[B]

Another fun fact, Pam doesn't care because the WNBA just started back up.

[A]

Wait, really?

[B]

Yep. She shoots. She scores. Pam with the three pointer to win.

[A]

Oh, sweet sassafras. Come on. Ah, GGs. At least she didn't dunk on me.

[B]

There's still time. Wanna run it back?

[A]

No, thank you. Because we should probably go inside and start the show. I'm Ryan. Let's go, Nicks Willard.

[B]

And I'm Pamela. Ready to dunk on Ryan Kirkland. It's Thursday, May 14th.

[A]

This is 10 things you need to know. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6. We're kicking things off in the wild world of sports and in the wide world of sports. The 30th season of the WNBA is officially underway. This season is extra special as the league welcomes two new teams teams the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. Each team will play 44 games, including 22 away games and 22 home games. One of the most anticipated matchups of the 26 season is a rematch of the WNBA's inaugural game in 1997, with the Los Angeles Sparks hosting the New York Liberty on Sunday, June 21, which is the anniversary of the original game.

[B]

This year's WNBA tip off featured all 15 teams, most notably the New York Liberty. The 2025 defending champs, defeating the Connecticut SE 106 to 75. And the Dallas Wings versus the Indiana Fever, a matchup featuring star players like Paige Beckers and Caitlin Clark, where the Wings came out on top with a final score of 107 to 104.

[A]

Tomorrow marks an important day for our animal friends. Endangered Species Day. Each year on the third Friday in May, the world highlights the importance of wildlife, conservation and restoration efforts for endangered species. It's also a time to celebrate the progress made in protecting wildlife since the Endangered Species act was created in 1973. Did you know? Scientists estimate that up to One third of US species are at increased risk of extinction. More than 1,600 US plants and animals have already been federally listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. But we can all help through small actions such as learning about threatened wildlife, supporting conservation organizations, reducing waste, and protecting natural habitats in our own communities.

[B]

Also coming UP on Saturday, May 16, is Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May, honoring the men and women currently serving in all branches of the United States military, which includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Space Force and Coast Guard. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish this single holiday, and on August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day, replacing separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Days. The first observance dates back to May 20, 1950, and it was established as an official holiday in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. A big thank you to all of our military members for your service today and every day.

[A]

Speaking of Presidents, Barack Obama announced last week that tickets to his new presidential library, museum and community hub in Chicago, Illinois are now on sale. The opening day is set for Juneteenth, and the center will feature a replica of the Oval Office, a basketball court, a public library, branch, gardens, playgrounds and a fountain honoring his late mother, Ann Dunham. It will also include interactive exhibits and personal artifacts from his presidency designed to inspire young people to get involved with their communities. Obama hopes that the center will become a space focused on leadership, creativity and bringing people together.

[B]

McDonald's is stepping into the fashion world with six limited edition beaded drink carriers. Inspired by its new McCafe drinks, the chain teamed up with Susan Alexandra, a New York designer known for co colorful beaded accessories, to create the collection, with each carrier matching a different refresher or crafted soda flavor. The bags, priced between $42 and $58, are sold exclusively online and come with a $10 arch card while supplies last and include the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher Carrier, Sprite Berry Blast Carrier, Mango Pineapple refresher carrier, dirty Dr. Pepper carrier, BlackBerry Passion Fruit Refresher Carrier, and Orange Dream Car.

[A]

Okay, well, that last story made me thirsty for some good old fashioned H to the O Break time.

[B]

Hey tenors, we're doing a deep dive on artificial intelligence and we want to hear from you. Do you have any thoughts or questions about AI? If you drop us an email hello theten news.com or leave us an Apple podcast or Spotify comment, we might have you on the show. Speaking of, let's get back to it.

[A]

And we are back. Several people aboard a cruise ship traveling near South America and Africa got sick with a rare illness called hantavirus. Scientists believe the virus may have begun after an elderly couple aboard the cruise came into contact with rodents or rodent poop during a recent land excursion. The hantavirus is rare and usually passed to humans through contact with contaminated rodent waste or saliva. But the strain identified in this outbreak is the Andes virus, the only known hantavirus to spread person to person with close contact. So far, there have been at least 10 confirmed or suspected cases connected to the ship, including three deaths. While investigations and containment protocols are underway, health experts are stressing that this is not expected to become a pandemic and the risk to the public is very low.

[B]

Iran and the United States remain at odds during ongoing peace talks, with the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson accusing the US of making unreasonable and excessive demands while defending Iran's proposals as fair and aimed at regional stability. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's response as totally unacceptable, though he did not provide details of the US Proposal. Iran's peace proposal included stopping Washington from blockading Iranian ports and called for releasing assets belonging to the Iranian people that are held abroad, as well as Iran's safe passage through the street of Hormuz. While negotiations are at a standstill, this leaves operations in the Strait at a standstill and the global economy scrambling alright,

[A]

it's time to get out of this world. A new study suggests that there is a tiny ice world beyond Pluto. According to a lead researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, this mini Pluto maybe one of the smallest known objects in the outer solar system. At just about 300 miles across, the so called minor planet is considered a Plutino, meaning it orbits the sun twice for every three orbits Neptune completes. Scientists think it may have been shaped by an ancient collision or icy activity beneath its surface, and it even appears to have an atmosphere that is 5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth's.

[B]

I actually love the name Plutino. It's it would be a great one of these. We've got some good news for some very good doggos. Over 1500 beagles have been rescued from a Wisconsin breeding and research facility after months of animal welfare concerns. Animal rescue organizations like Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the center for a Humane Economy help secure the pups and are working to transport them across the country, provide medical care, and find them loving new homes. President of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Laurie Simmons describes the beagles as super sweet in that they've already received more than 700 applications for the pups.

[A]

Furry friends are the best. And for the last thing you need to know, let's go to our trivia master, Owen.

[C]

Thanks Ry. Robots are on the rise and one popular household name is unleashing a new prototype. But before we get into that, do you know when the Irobot Roomba was first Launched, was it a 1997, b 2006, c 2002 or d 1990? The answer is C2002. Robotics pioneer Colin Angle led iRobot as it made Roomba the first widely adopted home robot. And now he's transitioning from a cleaning tool to a companion. Angle recently introduced the familiar a four legged prototype of a plush robot that could one day follow you around the house. The pet robot can make animal like sounds and has audio input ears and an AI system that can understand and learn from its humans. These furry friends aren't on the market yet, but they hint at a future where robots don't just help us with daily tasks, but also keep us company.

[B]

And that was 10 things you need to know.

[A]

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

[B]

You think you can do what, Ry?

[A]

I think I can dunk this basketball.

[B]

Oh yeah, that's probably not a great idea. Maybe we should just give some ten new snaps out.

[A]

Nah, I'm gonna give it a go.

[B]

Ry, you all right?

[A]

Yep. I just missed. Yeah, I just need a little more practice. And while I do, here's a quick note for the grownups. It's time for 10 new snaps.

[B]

A tenor named Fatfood123 left us a five star Apple podcast review and said amazing podcast. Please post more episodes. Thank you so much Fat food. We have an extra episode coming out on May 22nd, which is our deep dive all about AI.

[A]

And a tenor named Work of Stars left us a five star review and said, I finished Astro Bot. Okay, Work of Stars. I'm impressed because I still haven't finished Astro Bot. My friend Grayson might have already platinumed the game and I'm not even halfway through.

[B]

So GGs and two extra notes for the grownups. You can now get ad free versions of our episodes when you join the Tenors Club on our website.

[A]

And if you want to Help support the 10News, you can make a tax deductible donation at the link in our show notes. The whole team thanks you for your support.

[B]

The 10News is a co production of Small but Mighty Media and Next Chapter Podcasts and part of the Airwave Podcast Network.

[A]

The ten News creative team is practicing their three pointers and includes Tracy Nada Crooks, Adam the Great Bambino, Bernard, Brian Not Ryan Douglas, the Duke of Earl, Davis and Carson not so Harry Potter. Big thanks to Owen. Not slowing down for anybody.

[B]

Our production director is Jeremiah Tittle and our executive producers are Donald Albright. Albright Albright and show creator Tracy takes the leads. Kaplan. I'm Pamela Kirkland.

[A]

And I'm Ryan Willard. Thanks for listening to the 10 news.