All Eyes On All Eyes On: Ukraine

NEWS
KIDS CAN
TRUST
Issue 820 £2.35 4 – 10 March 2022
2 .6MS*
READER
SPECIAL PAGES 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

EDITION YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
ALL EYES ON
UKRAINE
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*First News readership is 2,626,625. Source: Opinion Matters 2020. First News is the widest-read of all children’s publications audited in the UK. First News supports children’s charities.
2. UKRAINE SPECIAL FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
BACKGROUND
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TO THE CRISIS
IN UKRAINE
RUSSIA has invaded Ukraine and started a war.
Why did they do that and what’s going on? A doctor at a Kyiv hospital stands in the children’s ward, which
was moved to the basement to avoid Russian airstrikes
Why is Ukraine in the news? Where is Ukraine? But isn’t NATO still in existence?
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. But the Ukraine sits between Russia and the central Yes, very much so. Although it was set up at the
lead-up to war began last year when Russia began European countries of Romania, Slovakia and start of the Cold War, NATO didn’t break up when
positioning tens of thousands of soldiers along its Poland. To the north is Belarus. the conflict ended. In fact, it has got bigger..
border with Ukraine – then more inside the country In 2004, former Soviet states Estonia, Latvia and
of Belarus, a Russian ally (supporter). Western Lithuania joined NATO. Russia was not happy about
leaders were worried the Russians were preparing to this. It meant that an organisation it thought of as an
invade Ukraine. Now that has happened. But why? enemy now had troops on its western border.
LITHUANIA
RUSSIA The decision to allow former Soviet states to join
Why did Russia NATO also upset Russia because, back in 1990 and
invade? 1991, many Western leaders told the Russians they
BELARUS would not look to grow NATO eastward.
Russia says it wants
to know that Ukraine
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won’t join NATO (the
North Atlantic Treaty
UKRAINE
POLAND
Organisation). NATO
is an international
organisation that SLOVAKIA MO
L
guarantees the
D
OV
A
CRIMEA
freedom of its HUNGARY
member countries. Jens Stoltenberg,
the head of NATO ROMANIA
Russian president BLACK SEA
Vladimir Putin thinks USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev (left)
that, if Ukraine joins, it will give the USA and its allies and US President Ronald Reagan helped
too much power right next to the Russian border. to bring the Cold War to an end
Russia has also demanded NATO removes all troops
from Bulgaria and Romania. From 1919 until 1991, Ukraine was part of the Soviet What happened to Ukraine after the
NATO members and other countries are against the Union (also known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Cold War?
invasion of Ukraine. They argue that Ukraine should Republics – USSR). This was a giant country formed Since it became its own country after the collapse
be free to do what it wants and Russia shouldn’t after the Russian Revolution began in 1917. In total, of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has mostly been quite
interfere. Western leaders say if Ukraine wants to it was made up of 15 states. All of them became friendly towards Russia. But some Ukrainians want
join NATO, it should be free to do so. independent when the Soviet Union collapsed in to be closer to the European Union and to join NATO.
1991. These former Soviet states include Lithuania,
Also, thousands of Russian people who don’t agree When an uprising in early 2014 forced the pro-
Latvia, Estonia and Kazakhstan.
with President Putin’s decision to go to war have Russian president of Ukraine to quit, it seemed the
been protesting in cities across the country. Russia was the biggest power inside the Soviet Union. country might change direction and become very
Many Russians lived and worked in other Soviet pro-Western. Putin acted fast and sent in Russian
Are world leaders trying to resolve countries. There are still large Russian communities soldiers to take control of Crimea. This region
the crisis? in many of these countries, including Ukraine. of southern Ukraine used to be part of Russia.
Yes. There have been talks between Russia and It remains under Russian control today.
What was the Cold War?
Ukraine to try to stop Russia also sent its troops to support pro-Russian
the conflict. The UK, EU, The Soviet Union was very powerful. After the rebel fighters in their war against Ukrainian
USA and other countries Second World War, another global conflict began, government forces in the eastern part of Ukraine.
are making it tough known as the Cold War. But this wasn’t a normal war. This conflict, which began in 2014, is ongoing.
for Putin by bringing in The main countries involved didn’t fight each other,
There are many Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine
sanctions – penalties but there was always tension because both sides
who prefer to be close to Russia, not the West. But
given to a country that feared the other would try to invade them or, worse,
Western leaders say that is no excuse for Russia to
is behaving badly. launch a nuclear war and wipe them out.
wade in and support a war.
Sanctions make it The Cold War saw the Soviet Union and many
Every week, First News will help you to make sense
difficult for a country to eastern European countries, like Poland and
Sanctions on Russia about what is going on in Ukraine. You can also
make money, so it can’t Hungary, pitted against NATO, which included the
are making its money, watch FYI, the Sky Kids children’s news show, at
carry on as normal. USA, Canada, UK and other western European
the rouble, worth less, first.news/educationTV to find out more.
NATO has said it won’t countries, like France and West Germany.
which puts pressure on If you are worried, speak to an adult you trust or
get involved directly The Cold War ended in 1991, when the Soviet
Russia’s economy contact Childline on 0800 11 11.
with fighting. Union collapsed.
WHAT’S
All pictures: Getty

THE LATEST?
RUSSIA has attacked Ukraine, and hundreds of thousands of people
have left their homes to escape the fighting.
We look at what’s happening inside Ukraine, the effect it is having
around the world, and what other countries are doing to try to stop
A civilian block of flats in Kyiv that
the war and help Ukraine and its people.
was damaged by a Russian rocket
Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions. said that this is yet another reason why moving
invades Getting reliable news is limited in Russia, as to greener sources of energy that we control
the government runs much of the media and ourselves is a wise move, as it would limit how
Russian troops
has closed down many independent news much money Russia could spend on its military.
have attacked
Ukraine from the organisations. But even this hasn’t stopped many
people in Russia from protesting against the war.
north, east and
Protests have taken place in more than 50 Russian
Bear vs bear
south, including
cities and towns, with police arresting hundreds of Russia as a
several attempts
protesters. country has often
to enter Ukraine’s
been nicknamed
capital, Kyiv.
the ‘Russian
Russian forces
bear’, but Ukraine
control some
People taking shelter in also has a bear
sections inside
a Kyiv subway station on its side –
Ukraine’s borders,
Paddington!
but Ukrainian
Ukraine’s
troops have put up a tough fight and stopped
president,
Russia’s first attempts to take over Kyiv. However,
Volodymyr
lines of Russian tanks several miles long have
Zelensky, used to
been seen headed towards Kyiv.
be an actor and An illustration of
Russian missiles have hit lots of civilian areas comedian – and
Kyiv is 1,500 miles (2,414km) from London, the ‘Russian bear’
in Kyiv and other cities, including Kharkiv, the provided the
second-largest city. On Sunday, human rights about the same distance from the UK to the voice for Paddington in the Ukrainian versions of
organisation Amnesty International said that south of Spain, so it’s really far away the two hit movies.
Russian weapons had hit at least four schools,
killing several people and a child. The head of The world unites against Russia
Amnesty, Agnès Callamard, said it was “stomach On Sunday, European Union (EU) leaders agreed
turning” and “should be investigated as a war to send millions of pounds’ worth of weapons and
crime”. Many civilians have been hiding in other aid to Ukraine – the first time the EU has ever
subway stations and bomb shelters to avoid done this. Many countries around the world have
Russian airstrikes. also put financial restrictions called sanctions
in place. This means that Russian companies
and banks will struggle to carry out their
Ukraine fights back Children’s charity UNICEF says Paddington’s
normal business. kindness makes him a perfect champion for them
Although Russia’s military is much bigger and
On Monday, it was reported that the European
has better equipment, Ukrainian troops are
part of Russia’s biggest bank, Sberbank, was Mr Zelensky became famous for starring in
fiercely defending their country. They are also
in big trouble after so many people decided to a TV show called Servant of the People, where
being helped by many civilians who have bought
take their money out. It was also reported that he played a teacher who became president
weapons and taken shooting lessons in recent
Russian citizens are already feeling the effects of after ranting about the state of politics. He also
months. Some Ukrainian businesses have even
sanctions, with prices rising in shops and some competed in the Ukrainian version of Strictly back
stopped producing goods so that they can make
things being harder to find. Even though the in 2006!
weapons instead.
Russian government controls a lot of the media, Hugh Bonneville (on the right of Paddington in
it can’t stop people noticing empty shelves and the picture above), who voiced Paddington for
Anti-war higher prices. English-speaking countries, tweeted about Mr
protests – Zelensky’s role as the marmalade-loving bear.
even in Russia He also posted a link to the website of children’s
A fuss over fossil fuel charity UNICEF, which has Paddington as a
Ukrainians and The big problem with the sanctions is that many children’s champion. You can find out more about
their many countries (including the UK) rely on Russia for how UNICEF is helping the children in Ukraine or
supporters have lots of their oil and gas supplies. So, even while donate money by visiting www.unicef.org.uk.
A man is led away by been protesting in Western countries are protesting against Russia’s
police officers in Moscow, cities all around the actions and trying to restrict the country’s The situation in Ukraine is changing rapidly,
Russia, for protesting world, with many economy, they are sending millions of pounds but you can keep track of events with our daily
against the war people criticising to Russia in exchange for fossil fuels. Many have update at live.firstnews.co.uk.
UKRAINE: YOUR
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QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
SOME of you got in touch with us to ask questions about the Ukraine
situation (thank you especially to Portway Primary School), so we’ve
answered some below to help you understand better what’s going on.
What is the reason for it starting? Who
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agrees and disagrees with Russia?
Mahreen, Portway Primary Will this lead to World War Three or
a nuclear war?
The main reason seems to be that Russia is
worried about losing its influence over the The world has come a long way since World War
countries that surround it, which will mean that Two, and all countries realise that the risks of a
Russia has less of a say in world affairs. Russia world war are too great. After WW2, organisations
is basically on its own with this attack, although such as the United Nations and NATO were set up
Belarus is allowing Russian troops based there to to avoid the threat of future world wars. Only two
launch attacks on Ukraine. Even its big supporter, nuclear weapons have ever been used in war,
China, is trying to stay out of it, and has said that and both were in 1945 against Japan. People were
both sides should stop the fighting. horrified at the devastation caused by those two
bombs, and huge efforts have gone into making
sure that it never happens again. Putin knows that
What does
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a nuclear war would only lead to the destruction

Russia want
of Russia, so he has nothing at all to gain from
from Ukraine? starting one.
Simona, A girl calls for peace at an anti-war
Portway Primary protest in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Will my parents have to fight?
Ukraine has a very
many people’s minds right now. World leaders No. A lot of people have asked this, maybe
long border with
are being joined by business leaders to make because Ukraine has barred men aged 18-60
Russia, so Russian
it harder for Russia to make money (see p3). from leaving the country, in case they are needed
President Vladimir
Vladimir Putin Sport is also helping to increase the pressure on to fight. But there isn’t even the slightest possibility
Putin seems
Russia from all angles. Russian athletes are being of such a thing happening here. So, your parents
uncomfortable
banned from many international events, including won’t be going anywhere. You’ll still get your
with the idea of Ukraine being more friendly with
the Champions League and the qualifiers for dinner every night and you’ll still have to tidy
Western countries such as the UK and US. Although
this year’s men’s football World Cup, which is the your room!
Russia fought on the same side as the UK and US
in World War Two, since then they haven’t really most-watched sporting event in the world. Sport,
been on friendly terms. So, possibly, Putin is worried especially football, is big business and has huge What’s happening to the families who are
that countries he sees as opponents may, in future, influence around the world, so it all helps to pile leaving Ukraine to escape the fighting?
have troops based over the border in Ukraine. pressure on Russia. By Monday, more than half a million people
had already fled Ukraine. Most have crossed
How long is it going to continue? Why aren’t other countries like the UK into Poland, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.
sending troops to help Ukraine? Organisations like UNICEF and the Red Cross have
Joy, Portway Primary
Russia has one of the most powerful armies in set up camps where people can shelter, warm
It’s impossible to say. Russia has been funding up and get food. Countries around the world are
the world, so starting a war against it would be
small rebellions in eastern parts of Ukraine for taking Ukrainian people in, and many people who
a bad idea. That’s why world leaders are trying to
years, but a full-scale assault is another matter. aren’t from Ukraine, such as students who are
talk to Russia, so that things can be worked out in
The attacks are seriously harming Russia’s studying there, are being helped to get back to
discussions rather than on the battlefield. Russia
global reputation, and the world’s countries their own countries.
also knows that Ukraine isn’t yet part of NATO (see
are increasing
p2). Countries who are in NATO will join a war if
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the pressure on
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another member is attacked, but Ukraine doesn’t

Russia’s economy,
have that protection.
so Russian citizens
and businesses are
unlikely to support Could Russia invade the UK?
the war or want it to No. Russia has no reason to invade the UK. Even if
continue for long. it did, it is a very long way away from the UK, with
lots of countries and sea in between. It is much Refugees being fed after leaving
What’s being easier for Russia to invade Ukraine, as it can send Ukraine and making it safely to Slovakia
done to stop tanks and troops the short distance by land and
Russia? air. Also, the UK is a part of NATO, so could call on We know many of you have questions about
Cars queue as people the help of other NATO countries such as the US, what’s happening in Ukraine, so send us your
try to cross the border Stopping the war is
France and Germany. It might be hard to judge questions at first.news/ukrainequestions and
into Poland the main thing on
what Vladimir Putin is thinking, but he isn’t stupid. we’ll answer more in an upcoming issue.
WORRYING
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ABOUT WAR?
THE news from Ukraine is unsettling for everyone. We hope the information in
First News this week has helped you understand everything a bit better. When you
just hear a worrying headline, or scary words are thrown about, it can be upsetting.
It’s the “fear of the unknown”. Knowing more about what’s going on hopefully has
helped you not to feel worried. But, if you are still feeling anxious, here is some
advice from Childline, who have been talking to children who are worried about
events in Ukraine.
by Childline Take a break

There’s been a lot of news about When the news is talking a lot about ITV This Morning’s clinical psychologist Dr Anna
Russia invading Ukraine, and how what’s happening, it can be hard to
get away from it.
Colton has more advice for First News readers
other countries might respond. Some
Remember that while war is scary help us at
things that happen in the world Take media breaks, including from
and the news makes it very real, all… we can’t
can make us scared, confused, and social media, and limit discussions,
you are safe. The UK is a long, long change the
unsafe, or like we don’t have any such as having discussion/media-
way from Ukraine and it is safe here. situation, so
control. These are all totally normal free mealtimes.
If you are feeling worried or upset constantly
and expected reactions. Try doing something that relaxes
speak to your mum, dad, family or watching
Here are some things you can do to you for a while, or turning off the news or
teachers. They will reassure you
help when you’re worried or upset notifications so you’re not getting videos just
and talk things through with you.
about things in the news. lots of breaking news alerts and makes us
reminders. It’s natural and normal to worry,
feel worse.
Talk to someone you trust especially when there are big world
Look only
Do something positive events like the invasion of Ukraine
Share how you’re feeling with an once or twice a day, if that, and
happening. Know that you are not
adult you trust and ask questions There are some basic things we can certainly no more.
alone in feeling worried, and there’s
about what’s happening. all do. Ask an adult what you can do Anxiety loves attention. So the more
nothing wrong with you for feeling
to help other people, support a friend attention you give it – by thinking
worried.
Get the facts who’s upset or share something about whatever’s worrying you –
positive online. Doing things to help Although it might feel hard, try to
You might hear people talking about the bigger it grows. It’s like watering
other people can help you to cope find things to do to distract yourself
what might happen next in Ukraine a plant. To stop growing your
and feel more in control. from the news. When we focus
or the rest of the world. But some anxiety, take away the attention.
our mind on something worrying
of that isn’t based on fact. Double We may know people from Ukraine Talk to friends, engage in a hobby,
or upsetting it gets stuck there.
check the information on what’s who are worried about loved ones. be with family, play games.
So, when we focus on something
happening with sites you can trust to Check in on them. Let them know Feelings blow in and then they blow
different that we enjoy, our mind
manage your reaction to the news. you are here to listen or talk if they out, so know that your worries won’t
gets filled with that and our
(First News and FYI at first.news/ need. Is there anything you can do stay forever.
anxiety reduces.
educationTV can help). for them?
Stop the scroll. Bad news draws us Make sure you notice the times
Want to talk about the news or what’s happening? You can share your in and we keep wanting to find out the worry isn’t there as well as when
feelings safely and anonymously on the Childline message boards, or can what’s happening. But this doesn’t it is.
speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. They are available 24/7.
FYI: UKRAINE VIDEO EXPLAINER
OUR partner weekly news show, Sky

Kids’ FYI, has made a short film that
explains what is going on in Ukraine.
You can watch it right now at first.news/
educationTV, or by scanning this QR code.
In the film, presenter Braydon explains the
background to the war and why it hasn’t just first.news/educationTV
come out of the blue, but has a long history.
6. NEWS IN PICS: UKRAINE SPECIAL by Kirsty MacDonald FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
LIVERPOOL, UK
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WASHINGTON, DC, USA
EVERTON and Manchester City players pay respect to Ukraine ahead of
FLOWERS, including sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, surround
their game. Both clubs have a Ukrainian player, with both teams wearing
candles on the steps of the Ukrainian Embassy.
the Ukraine colours of yellow and blue as support for the country and for
their team-mates.
NEW YORK,
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USA MADRID, SPAIN
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TENS of thousands of adults and children demonstrate against the war
in Ukraine.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA KROŚCIENKO, POLAND

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IN a sign of solidarity, famous landmarks around the world, including the POLISH citizens put together individual packages from aid donations near
Empire State Building (top) and Sydney Opera House, are lit up in the the border crossing point from Ukraine. Clothing, food, and essential items
colours of the Ukrainian national flag. have been donated in huge quantities from all over the country.
6 FREE ISSUES!
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7. QUICK NEWS FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
QUICK
WILDFIRES TO HONG KONG
BECOME MORE ORDERS COVID
COMMON TESTS FOR ALL
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NEWS
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TO READ YOURSELF
AND SHARE WITH FRIENDS Shoppers browse
test kits in Hong Kong
As Hong Kong struggles to

A United Nations (UN) report
cope with Covid infection rates,
says the world will continue
to experience more extreme
CHESS TEEN BEATS BTS ON TOP the government has ordered
wildfires due to global WORLD CHAMPION BTS were the best-selling artists
that everyone living there
must be tested for Covid. Chief
warming and the way we use An Indian in the world for the second year
executive Carrie Lam said
land. It says that extreme teenager running. The K-pop megastars beat
schools would close earlier
wildfires will be 14% more has beaten the likes of Taylor Swift, Adele, Drake
than usual for summer and
frequent by 2030, up to 30% the highest and Ed Sheeran with their combined
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that the entire 7.5m population

by 2050 and rising to 50% by ranked chess streams, downloads and physical
will be tested three times over
the end of the 21st century. player in the sales around the globe.
the coming months.
Scientists from the UN say world. Sixteen-
recent wildfires have burned year-old
hotter and for longer in many
parts of the world, and they are
Rameshbabu BYE BYE BABY WIPES
Praggnanandhaa beat Norway’s
worried even colder regions Magnus Carlsen, 31, adding to a Tesco has said it will stop selling
could be affected. The study string of impressive wins for the baby wipes that contain plastic. The
says we should spend more teen over the last six years. Indian supermarket is the biggest seller of
Getty
on stopping fires happening, prime minister Narendra Modi called baby wipes in the UK, selling 75m
rather than fighting them once Pragg, as he is known, a “young packs a year. Wet wipes play a big
they have already happened. genius” and said he was “proud part in fatbergs, which are massive
of his accomplishment”. mounds of rubbish that build up in
sewers and cause blockages.
BATTLE OF THE BELLS CRACKING IDEAS
MEMORY WALKS
The people of northern Italian town The Wallace & Gromit Cracking MANY HANKS
Dolina are in a bitter battle after The Alzheimer’s Society is looking Ideas competition is back! This year,
noisy church bells were removed by for people to take part in their any kids aged 4-11 are being asked Last week, we told you about a very
a judge. Some people from the town Glow walks throughout March. to use their creative minds and big bear, nicknamed Hank the Tank,
have Slovenian heritage (Slovenia The memory walks are a way of invent a new mode of transport to who was terrorising the California
shares a border with Italy) and the raising money in the fight against get Wallace & Gromit across the UK. town of Lake Tahoe, breaking into
ringing bells are seen as a Slovenian dementia, a disease that affects Head to www.crackingideas.com to more than 30 homes. But DNA
tradition. However, a petition from the brain and people’s memory. find out more and get involved. evidence has now revealed that
Italian locals said the bells were If you’re interested, head to there was not one, but three bears
driving them crazy and a judge tinyurl.com/walkwithglow to MAN SNAPPED AT responsible for the chaos. All three
bears will be captured and given a
agreed. The bells rang 550 times
a day, and 1,350 times on Sundays!
see if there’s a walk near you.
RIOT SENT TO JAIL more suitable home.
MILLIONS OF KIDS GOTTA BUY

DOG KENNEL HIT BY HAVE LOST PARENTS
SPACE ROCK SOLD THEM ALL
TO COVID A rare Pokémon trading card has
Rare space rocks, as well as a dog
Analysis by the US Centers for sold for $900,000 (£670,000). The
kennel that was hit by one, have
Disease Control and Prevention 1998 Pikachu ‘Illustrator’ Holo promo
been sold at auction. A shard
card was sold at auction for the
Getty
from Mars, weighing in at 178.7g, suggests that 5.2m kids globally

have lost a parent, grandparent or huge sum, after 34 bids for it saw
hit the kennel of Roky the German
caregiver to Covid-19. They estimate the price skyrocket.
shepherd in Costa Rica in April 2019.
Luckily, Roky was fine but, when they around 3.3m of those kids lost
went under the hammer last week, a parent but added that the true A man who was photographed
the kennel fetched $44,100 (£32,896) number is probably higher. taking part in the Capitol riots
and the rock $21,420 (£15,983), just has been sentenced to 75 days
a fraction of what was expected. POGO PUZZLER in prison. Adam Johnson was
one of more than 700 people
Have you ever tried bouncing on a arrested for their involvement
pogo stick or solving a Rubik’s Cube? in the riots. On 6 January
They’re both pretty hard but imagine 2021, people broke into a US
doing both at the same time. That’s government building to protest
what Canadian teenager Saul
Christie’s
against the presidential election

Hafting did when he jumped on a that Joe Biden won, saying it
pogo stick for 72 minutes, solving was ‘stolen’ from Donald Trump.
211 Rubik’s Cubes along the way. Mr Johnson says he “deeply
Unsurprisingly, he set a Guinness regrets” his actions that day.
World Record. Well done, Saul!
8. HEADLINES FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
CLEVER BIRDS EDITOR’S

BEAT SCIENTISTS COMMENT
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YOU will have seen that we have given up a lot of this
week’s First News to events in Ukraine.
Firstly, this is because there is an awful lot to say and to understand.
Secondly, we know that there is a lot of misinformation online which can
get repeated in the playground and be quite scary.
So, if you’ve read everything in this week’s paper, you’ll be able to put
people right when they get things wrong. You Ukraine expert!
WE LOVE A SALE!
Do you have a friend who’d like to try First
Australian magpies like teamwork!
News? They can try the first six issues for free.
MAGPIES in Australia have outsmarted scientists by helping each other
take off their tracking devices. Visit subscribe.firstnews.co.uk
Five magpies were fitted with special solving skills into action and started
GPS trackers as part of a study to help each other to remove the
by experts at the University of the devices. Dominique Potvin, from the
Sunshine Coast. They wanted to learn research team, said it was the first
more about the movements of the time they had seen the magpies
GOOD
birds and test out new technology. “helping another member of the
The trackers were attached to each group without getting an immediate…
BAD
WEEK WEEK
magpie with a tough harness, which reward”.
the scientists thought could only Scientists say it shows a rare type
be removed by a magnet. Little did of rescue behaviour for the birds.
they know! The research was published in the
The clever birds put their problem- journal Australian Field Ornithology. A BRAVE BULL GHOST FLIGHTS
A BULL in New Zealand has survived MORE than 14,000 ‘ghost flights’
THE POWER OF POOP

being swept 80km (49 miles) left UK airports during the
down a river, over a waterfall and pandemic, new research has
nearly out to sea! The young bull shown. The term ghost flight is
(a Hereford, like the one below) used to describe a plane that is
HUMANS should be eating more
was swept away by flooding and flying with hardly any passengers
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insects and using their poop to his owner thought they’d never see on board. During the pandemic,
grow crops, says a plant expert. him again. He couldn’t believe it a lot of international travel was
Marcel Dicke, a researcher from when he got a call to say the bull banned and it’s believed many
Wageningen University in the had been found alive! The amazing flights were simply being used to
Netherlands, knew that insects are story has gone viral, with the bull transport cargo (goods). Some
a good source of protein for us, but becoming a local celebrity. people are now concerned about
didn’t realise they could also help the environmental impact of so
Would you eat insects?
our plants too. many empty planes taking off.
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He and his team found that insect poop is rich in nitrogen, which is a very
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important nutrient for helping plants to grow. It’s also one that isn’t found in
most soils. The scientists say that adding this type of waste to soil could help
with the health of plants and pollination.
The researchers now plan to continue their investigations into whether the poo
could also help to control plant diseases and pests.
A NAPPY ENDING! An estimated

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143 million
nappies are
RECYCLED nappies are being used to pave roads in Wales. thrown away in
Wales each year
The Welsh Government is trialling the unusual of road between Cardigan and Aberystwyth.
idea as part of its plans to become a zero waste If the trial is successful and the fibres work well,
nation by 2050. they could become a permanent replacement
The fibres from 4.3 tonnes of used nappies for other types of materials.
were taken out and used to make a type of very The Welsh Government believes the clever idea
thick liquid called asphalt. This was added to could help to reduce waste, tackle climate
aggregate (crushed rock) to resurface a stretch change and create more green jobs.
9. HEADLINES FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
CLIMATE CHANGE
IS A “THREAT YOUR
SAY!
TO HUMAN
WELLBEING”
A NEW study by Griffith University in
southeast Queensland, Australia, wants
to see if human urine can be recycled as
a fertiliser for the city’s parks.
We asked you whether you thought that it was
a cool idea – or if you thought it was a ‘wee’
CLIMATE change is getting worse very quickly and there is only a short time to reverse its bit gross.
effects, says a new global report. Most of you were on board with the idea, with
The report, which came out on Monday, is the indictment [a sign of how bad something is] of 70% of you saying that it was COOL, while the
second part of a big study by the world experts on failed climate leadership.” remaining 30% of you said it was GROSS!
the climate crisis, the Intergovernmental Panel on Everywhere will experience some of the effects of Here are some of your comments…
Climate Change (IPCC). climate change, but half of the world lives in areas
that are “highly vulnerable” to climate change.
What does it say?
Africa will be badly affected, even though
The IPCC says that if global temperatures rise I think it would be cool but also a bit weird,
the continent produces the lowest levels of
more than 1.5°C we can expect more extreme knowing that it’s human wee.
greenhouse gas emissions.
weather, such as droughts, floods, heatwaves and
storms, and we won’t be able to reverse things. What can we do? – blackmamba
Hans-Otto Pörtner, a co-chair of the group who The report says there is only a short time for
wrote this chapter of the IPCC report, said that governments to adapt to the climate crisis by
the scientific evidence is overwhelming: “Climate building flood defences, growing different crops It’s significantly better for the environment
change is a threat to human wellbeing and the and providing more sustainable transport. than man-made fertilisers.
health of the planet.” The third part of the IPCC report is due out in April, Yes, it may be uncommon, but we should
António Guterres, the United Nations secretary and it will focus on how we can cut greenhouse
give it a chance! Who knows the wonders it
general, said: “I have seen many scientific reports emissions. A final part will be published in
could do our plants?
in my time, but nothing like this. The IPCC report September, summarising how governments can
is an atlas of human suffering and a damning make the changes needed. – charlieee7
WANTED: PROFESSIONAL POO SNIFFER Although it seems a bit gross, human

urine is really good for plant life, and it
A DOG food company is looking for one very dedicated
doesn’t cost anything, so it could be a really
Getty
dog owner to sniff their pooch’s poop for two months, to

see how a plant-based diet affects it. beneficial idea.
The particularly passionate pet owner will be given £5,000 by – tiger.star
Omni, the plant-based dog food company, to record all the ways
that their dog changes with a plant-based diet. The dog will get
some sustainable dog toys and vegan treats, too.
I think using urine as fertiliser is a great idea
That means keeping track of their bowel movements and how Would you sniff all of
your dog’s poos for £5,000? as it saves money and is significantly better
the poo smells, as well as things like their overall health, their
weight, skin and fur condition.
for the environment.
Vote at
If you were thinking of becoming a professional poo-sniffer, we – izzylottie
first.news/polls
have some bad news – the job is only open to those 18 and over!
If the urine can fertilise parks effectively,

that prevents more potentially harmful
chemicals from being fed into the ground
2022 WINTER INTERNATIONAL and atmosphere. It also brings long-term
PARALYMPIC WOMEN’S DAY costs down and that money can be spent
GAMES 8 MARCH
DIARY
elsewhere in the community.
4-13 MARCH A global day
– budgerigar
DATES
Paralympic athletes from celebrating the skills
across the world will be and achievements
showing off their skills at of women.
the Games in Beijing. Join in the conversation and vote at
first.news/polls
10. HOME NEWS by Hannah Timson FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
UK EDINBURGH
Getty
RZSS
Ticket ballot opens for School names goats
Queen’s Jubilee concert Schoolchildren have helped to name Edinburgh
Zoo’s new female Bagot goats. Pupils from
The ballot has officially opened to get tickets for the
Dalkeith High School were delighted when
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham
they heard their suggestions – Judith and
Palace. Ten thousand free tickets are up for grabs
Janice – had been picked by zookeepers as
for the Platinum Party at the Palace, which is due
the winners of a competition. The duo are now
to take place on 4 June. Some tickets will also be
getting to know the zoo’s male goat, Patrick.
given out to charities. The huge concert will feature
Bagot goats are thought to be one of the oldest
stars from TV, film and the stage, with singer
goat species in Britain. They are important
George Ezra the first performer announced. The
in conservation grazing and are often used
ballot closes on 23 March. In other Jubilee news,
to help clear invasive woodland species.
charities are set to light over 1,500 beacons (fires)
Jonathan Appleyard, from the zoo, said: “It has
across the UK to celebrate the occasion in June.
been fantastic to get the community involved.”
HULL DUNBLANE
Theatre puts on
RSPCA
fastest ever show!

A Scottish theatre company has
staged a musical in under ten hours,
scooping a new Guinness World
Record. Rubber Chicken Theatre
managed to put on a show in just
9 hours, 59 minutes and 3 seconds.
They had never seen the script
before or had any rehearsal time!
Nearly 200 people took part in the
challenge, with many more turning
up to watch the final performance
of Return to the Forbidden Planet.
This is the second time the company
has broken the record – they first
achieved the title back in 2020, but
Huntsman spider lost it to a group from Spain.
travels from China

A huntsman spider has been found
by port workers, after making an
epic 8,000km (5,000-mile) journey
from China to Hull in a shipping
container. Staff refused to go back
into the yard until it was removed.
RSPCA inspector Beth Boyd said: “It’s
probably one of the most unusual
jobs I’ve done - I’ve not been called
Rubber Chicken Theatre

out to collect a spider before.” The
big fella has been named Rolf and is
now being cared for by a specialist
rescue centre in Yorkshire. The
huntsman is venomous, but
doesn’t usually bite and is not
considered dangerous.
WINCHCOMBE LONDON
Winchcombe meteorite Dippy the dinosaur
Christie’s Images LTD. 2022
sells for £22,300 heads home

A meteorite that fell in the Cotswold town of Dippy the dinosaur is set to return to
Winchcombe has sold for £22,300 at auction! the Natural History Museum this spring
The meteorite hit the UK on 28 February 2021, after touring the UK for four years.
making headlines across the world. Scientists The huge 26-metre-long Diplodocus
claim it is the most important space rock ever model will visit the museum for six
found in this country, as it tells us more about the months as part of a new exhibition.
Getty
formation of the solar system. A 15g fragment Dippy was the first Diplodocus to go
of the rock was sold by Christie’s auction house. on display anywhere in the world
You can also see more of it on display when it was gifted to the museum in 1905. It has since been enjoyed by millions
at London’s Natural History Museum. of people. Dippy Returns runs from 27 May until December 2022.
11. KIDVERSATION FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
First News has teamed up with show FYI and the to make a series of films for you to
watch at home or at school, called Kidversation. The plan is to explain stuff that can be complicated or difficult to understand.
This week FYI takes a look at the families in the UK who struggle with getting enough food to eat.
FOOD
Felix, Asha and Fayeth
POVERTY
IN THE UK
IN recent years, the number of food banks in the UK
has rocketed. In this week’s Kidversation video, which you
can check out by scanning this QR code, we hear from
three children who rely on food banks – but how has the
situation in the UK changed?
Join in the discussion and set up an FYI News

Club in your school! Ask your teacher to go to
first.news/FYInewsclub to find out more about
the FYI News Clubs.
because they couldn’t afford or

access food.
Getty
The Trussell Trust, which supports
the nationwide network of food
banks, gave out a record 2.5 million
emergency food parcels during 2020
and 2021. Nearly a million (980,000) of
these went to children.
Sometimes food banks In comparison, back in 2010, just
will ask for specific
Getty
40,000 emergency food parcels were

items that are needed given out.
What is a food bank? What can be done?

Usually run by volunteers, a food bank is like As Asha, one of the children in this week’s
a supermarket, but one where everything is free Kidversation film, says: “They’re there when people
for those who need it. [are] in a crisis and they need help. But it’s not
Families can visit food banks if they don’t have a long-term solution.” There are around 2,500 food banks in the UK
enough money to buy food and other everyday The Food Foundation has called on the
items like soap, shampoo and toilet paper. Government to make tackling food insecurity
The aisles are usually stocked with items donated about the stigma: “Just get the help that you need,
a priority of its new “levelling up” programme.
by members of the public. Some supermarkets because it’s easier to get help than to struggle,
The foundation says that the Government needs and I don’t want anyone else to go through that.”
also give some of their stock to food banks. to help raise incomes and support those on lower
incomes, so that everybody can afford and access
What’s the situation a healthy diet.
Stigma (noun) –
like in the UK? judgement or negative
Last month, The Food Foundation published new Feeling judged attitudes towards
WORD
data showing a continued rise in the number of In the Kidversation film, the three young people
someone based on a
characteristic, like their
CHECK
British households without access to enough food. explain how they feel when they have to go to
A million British adults reported that they or the food bank – and they say it’s not very nice. health or how much
someone in their household have had to go Asha explains that it’s important not to worry
money they have.
a whole day without eating in the past month,
Kids – you can watch our film about food poverty at first.news/Kidversation
Teachers/parents – you can watch the film alongside our tie-in award-winning educational resources at first.news/EducationTV
12. WORLD NEWS by Aaron Henderson FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
USA FRANCE AUSTRALIA

Pooch picks
Getty
Getty
a president
Valérie Pécresse,
the presidential
candidate for the Les
Républicains party,
is facing allegations
that a dog has joined
her political party.
An investigation
by newspaper Libération claimed that the dog,
Douglas, was signed up to the party in November,
First black top judge nominated then voted for Mrs Pécresse to be the party’s
presidential candidate in the upcoming elections.
US president Joe Biden has nominated judge Ketanji
Brown Jackson to become a justice (senior judge) in Mrs Pécresse has denied any knowledge of Douglas,
America’s Supreme Court. but Libération suggested that the party’s members
also include lots of other people who don’t exist, and
She’s the first black woman to be nominated
that it could be an attempt to fix party elections.
for the position in the 232-year history of the
Supreme Court. Major floods hit east coast
The Supreme Court is made up of nine justices, At least ten people have died and thousands
who make decisions in the country’s biggest of homes have been damaged after a record-
and most important cases. breaking storm hit the country’s east coast – with
more rain on the way.
Its decisions are then supposed to
be followed by all other courts Hundreds of people have been
in the United States. rescued from their rooftops by
boats, kayaks and jetskis. Many
The White House said that
rivers are several metres above
Judge Jackson was an
their previous record height.
“exceptionally qualified”
nominee for the job. Weather experts have said
that there were lots of
reasons for the massive
storm, but that climate
change likely made
it worse.
CHILE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Border wall TONGA
Getty
to be built
The Dominican Island’s
Republic has begun
internet
work an a wall along
its border with Haiti.
reconnected
The moai will join other
Getty
After five weeks,

statues, as seen here Dominican officials
Tonga has been
say that the wall will A satellite view of Tonga,
reconnected to
stop crime coming following the eruption in
Moai on the move the internet.
in from Haiti, which January
After more than 150 years away, a historic stone moai An undersea
has been hit by a Construction
monument is being returned to Rapa Nui, better known cable that gave the country internet access
series of political and begins on the wall
as Easter Island. was damaged during the volcanic eruption
environmental crises.
The huge statue was removed and taken to the city and tsunami that took place in January.
Dominican President Luis Abinader said: “Each time
of Santiago back in 1870. It’s been kept in the National A 92km (57-mile) section of the 827km (514-
Haiti has suffered a catastrophe, the Dominicans
Museum of Natural History in the Chilean capital mile) cable, which is connected to Fiji and other
have always been the first to arrive with help, [but]
since then. international networks, needed to be replaced.
the Dominican Republic cannot take charge of the
After years of discussions, the 715kg moai statue will crisis in that country.” Some cable that connects the main island of
now be taken back to the island, which is more than Tongatapu to the smaller surrounding islands
There are concerns that the wall’s construction will
3,200km (2,000 miles) away. still needs to be repaired.
cost the Dominican Republic a lot of money, and
Rapa Nui is home to more than 1,000 stone statues, could become a cause of conflict and violence It’s estimated that could take another six to
which were carved hundreds of years ago. between the two countries. nine months.
13. SPECIAL REPORT by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
SAFER
INTERNET
FOR ALL
THE Government is introducing new laws that will make the UK the safest place in the
world to be online. For the first time, tech and social media companies will be forced
to follow rules that keep their users, particularly children, safe. Here we find out more.
THE ONLINE SAFETY BILL interact with each other, such as social media
The Online Safety Bill is a set of new laws that will sites, message boards and interactive games,
protect people from being exposed to illegal and and to search engines. This bill comes with
harmful content online. It will tackle cyberbullying, punishments for big tech companies. If they don’t
trolling and under-age access to inappropriate follow them, they’ll face huge fines of up to 10% of
Pupils from Rhyl Community Primary School
material. The new laws will apply to companies their global turnover [money they make], which for
talking about the new bill with Chris Philp MP
that allow users to post content online or to the biggest companies will be billions of pounds.
LET’S TALK TECH

DCMS
A GROUP of Year 5 and 6 students from Rhyl Community Primary

School sat down with the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy,
Chris Philp MP, to ask him some questions about what the Online
Safety Bill means for kids.
What are some of the good things about What is the Online
the internet? Safety Bill? How will it help
The internet has revolutionised [changed a lot] protect children?
the way that people connect, communicate I want every child in the
and do business all over the world. We all UK to be free to explore Pupils question Mr Philp about how the online
know it can be a lot of fun to spend time on the internet safely, and safety laws will protect young people
the internet. It can help us do lots of things we we are bringing in new
enjoy, like playing games, watching videos, laws to help do this. The
talking to our friends and learning new things. Online Safety Bill is a set What is Ofcom and what is its role?
We want to make sure that the online world of legal rules that will help protect everyone, Ofcom is what’s called a regulator, which
of the future remains a positive, fun and but especially children, from illegal and harmful means it is an independent body from the
informative place to be. content. We are making sure that many of the Government that ensures standards are being
websites and apps young people use every met. It will be Ofcom’s job to set out the steps
day will have to do much more to protect companies can take to protect children on their
As a father, how do you feel about children
their users from things like online abuse service, and enforce punishments like big fines
having bad experiences online?
and cyberbullying. if they don’t comply [stick to the rules].
For all the positive aspects of being online,
there are too many stories of people for whom
the internet can be scary, overwhelming or What can tech companies do to make the What could we all do to try and make the
lead to negative consequences. It makes me internet a safer place? internet a more positive place for everyone?
sad to hear about instances of children being We want tech companies to be more We want everyone to be able to enjoy all of the
bullied online, or young people viewing content responsible, and to make sure that children great things the internet has to offer, and the
that encourages damaging behaviour that have fun, age-appropriate experiences when Online Safety Bill will make it a safe place for all
can affect their physical or mental health. As visiting their sites. Tech companies will also of us. As individuals, we can help contribute by
a parent, I want children to be able to use the need to ensure that children and parents can always being kind when interacting with others
internet safely and securely without worrying easily report harmful content and receive online, and by using the report functions on
that tech companies aren’t doing enough to support if they do come across anything that websites to flag anything inappropriate, which
protect them. they shouldn’t. will help keep the internet safe for others.
14. ENTERTAINMENT by Serena Lacey FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
Disney+
Disney+
SPO O K Y
S I DE KI CKS
WE chatted to Ashly Burch and Dana matter what she does or where she goes until misery. There’s a misery level that The Ghost
Snyder, who play animated buddies Molly she moves out of the house. Molly decides that Council tracks, so he’s conscious of keeping the
and Scratch in the Disney comedy series if he’s going to go wherever she goes and do misery level high. But then this ultra positive,
The Ghost and Molly McGee. whatever she does, it sounds like a best friend. wonderful person shows up and they’re going
Dana: That is not what Scratch meant at all! against each other, so he has to find little work-
What’s The Ghost and Molly Whenever she calls his name, it summons arounds. There are a lot of high-jinks.
McGee about? him and so he has to be where she is. She’s
all flowers and rainbows but he’s all garbage Do you believe in ghosts and have you
Ashly: It’s a story about a young girl who
and tears! Scratch is a grump but we all know ever seen one?
is an optimist; she loves to “happify” things.
She wants to “happify” everything in her life. a grumpy person is just someone who hasn’t Ashly: I haven’t had any first-hand experiences
She moves to this new house in a town called found his smile! but I have heard lots of stories and I do believe
Brighton and unbeknown to her, there is already that they exist. I don’t know why but I feel really
somebody living there. There is this ghost called
Molly does manage to bring a bit of joy confident that ghosts exist.
Scratch who is living in the attic. He’s grumpy out of Scratch though… Dana: I believe in ghosts in animated form!
and he doesn’t like the fact that a new family Dana: I think Scratch would really love to have
is moving in. So to try to scare her away, he a best friend but he can’t say that because it Who’s your favourite animated ghost?
curses her and says he will be haunting her no would go against his image. His job is to spread Dana: Well nobody wants that snooze-fest
Casper, it’s all Scratch, baby! If you want
excitement, music, garbage consumed?
You want Scratch!
Disney+
The show is about friendship, so

what qualities do you have that make
you a good friend?
Ashly: I think I am a good listener. It’s not too
hard for me to listen to my friends when they
are having a problem, and to see where they
are coming from and understand how they
feel. I think I’m pretty good in a crisis.
Dana: I think if it’s not me, I’m great in a crisis.
I’m very positive – sometimes not with myself,
but if you feel negative, I would be the positive
for you. I would be the yin to your yang.
Catch The Ghost and Molly McGee

on Disney+ now
15. ENTERTAINMENT FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
GIGANTIC FUN
THIS WEEK
1
This November the British
Academy Children’s and Young
People’s Awards will return.
BAFTA
The awards celebrate the best
in children’s film, TV and games.
BAFTA’s Young Game Designers
award is also running again this year,
and you have until 24 March to enter.
Paramount
2
The Teenage Cancer Trust concerts are back after a two-year
break due to the pandemic. The shows at the Royal Albert Hall
will feature musicians like Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher and
Yungblud, as well as comedians like Rob Beckett and Romesh
Ranganathan. The full line-up and ticket details can be found
at www.teenagecancertrust.org/gigs.
3
Crealy Theme Park & Resort THE fantastic Clifford the Big Red Dog is now available to
in Devon has announced download at home, so we asked Darby Camp, who plays
plans for an entire area Emily in the film, some BIG questions.
dedicated to Sooty! Sooty Land will Crealy
open this spring and will feature

What’s the biggest animal you’ve ever seen in person?
new rides, exhibitions, and even
magic shows inspired by the TV That’s tough. Maybe when I’ve gone to the zoo and seen an elephant
bear and his pals Soo and Sweep! or something? Yes, it must be an elephant.
What’s the biggest meal you’ve ever eaten?
PICS OF
My dad and I were in New York City and we found this really cool
steak house. And this steak was huge. The asparagus were also bigger
than any I’ve ever seen. It was a ton of food, delicious and enormous.
THE WEEK
Who is the biggest celebrity you’ve ever met?
Probably Will Smith. I went to watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy
Fallon and our friends work there, so we got to go backstage. He stopped
and said hi to us and I was speechless. It was the best day ever. I’m
a huge fan of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He’s just such a talented actor
that I look up to, and I love that show so much.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?

When I was little, I had just met my kindergarten teacher. She was my
first actual teacher, so I was super excited. I admired her very much and
I loved her hair – she had swoop bangs [a fringe]. I was like: “I want to
have bangs,” so I got some scissors and decided to cut my hair. I just kept
Disney+
going… It was shorter than I’ve ever seen anyone’s hair, like there was none
of it hanging off my head. It was horrible. I was sobbing. I was probably
about five. Actually, a few
days before that, I had got
a brush stuck in my hair and
my parents worked so hard to
Paramount
get it out of my hair without

cutting it. Then a few days
later, I decided to cut it all off.
GET ready to head back to the My mom thought it was funny,
Ice Age with your favourite but she was still upset with me.
prehistoric characters in The Ice
What’s the biggest movie of this year?
Disney+
Age Adventures of Buck Wild.

Sid, Manny, Diego and the gang are I think Clifford The Big Red Dog because everyone loves Clifford. So I think
back for this brand-new film in the it’ll be the biggest movie!
Ice Age series. When Crash and Eddie
We’ve got an exclusive behind-
accidentally fall into a lost world,
find them. What they don’t realise the-scenes clip featuring Jack
their friends set off on a mission to
is that the pair have been rescued Whitehall, who stars as Casey in
by a mysterious adventurer called Clifford the Big Red Dog. Use the
Buck Wild. While the rest of the gang camera on your phone to scan
search for their lost friends, Crash and this QR code and watch the clip.
Eddie go on the wildest adventure
they could have ever imagined. Will
Disney+
the gang be reunited or will this new

Clifford the Big Red Dog is available to
adventure be their last?
download and keep from 7 March and to own
The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild on DVD or Blu-ray from 14 March
comes to Disney+ from 25 March
GIVE YOUR OUTGROWN TOYS
THE POWER TO LIVE ON!
Dear families and teachers, Listen up kids! Play your part in
Mattel and the educational experts at Super are delighted to protecting the environment!
announce the launch of a campaign in partnership with the We need your English and problem-solving skills to help solve
Mattel PlayBack programme. our PlayBack word search and spot the difference games.
The Mattel PlayBack programme enables you to recycle your outgrown,
unusable, and worn-out Barbie®, Matchbox™ and MEGA™ toys,
Word Search.
helping keep valuable materials in play and out of landfills. Do you know your PlayBack from your playtime? See if you
can find all the words below!
To learn more about Mattel’s PlayBack recycling
programme simply scan the QR.
• PlayBack F K B A R B I E M L
How can I register • Mattel
my school for a free • Barbie
A C T O Y S Y D A L
PlayBack resource pack? • Mega V A U S E A O O T I
Alongside this initiative, we are launching • Matchbox
a PlayBack schools programme and club. • Recycling O B J Y L N W M C F
Centred around developing STEM and English
• Landfill U Y M P L R A H D
writing skills, children will examine environmentally friendly T
alternatives to landfill. Students can be challenged to turn their ideas • Play
into a story to enter the Mattel PlayBack story competition, where • Toys R A W E E S U P B N
they can win £500 for the school. • Favourite
I L A T G W O R O A
Simply complete our simple online form and we’ll send your school • Don’t
a free printed pack and downloadable resources this March. • Throw T P T C H A Y D X L
Register your school for free at: • Away
E A W O R H T W F T
www.super-ideas.com/playback • Your
• Use M G N I L C Y C E R
Can you spot 10 differences below?
MATTEL and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel ©2022 Mattel All Rights Reserved. © Super Ideas Marketing ltd. 2022.
17. SPECIAL REPORT by Comic Relief FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
RED NOSE
Comic Relief
Comic Relief
DAY IS
NEARLY
HERE!
RED Nose Day returns on Friday 18 March! Money raised will support life-changing work in the
UK and around the world, including tackling homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty, mental
health problems and supporting children to survive and thrive.
MEET WILLOW She is also a keen singer who loves Christmas Willow
Willow is a lively five-year-old who lives in Kent,

carols and serenades her family with Little
DID
YOU
Drummer Boy and Silent Night throughout the year. Kabuki syndrome is
southeast England, with her parents and two a very rare condition that
older siblings. She has a condition known as
Kabuki syndrome.
HER FUNDRAISING EFFORTS KNOW affects just one in every
32,000 children across the
Willow also has trouble with her hips, meaning
Her parents first found out about it when Willow whole world.
she struggles to walk without help so uses
was eight months old. The low sugar levels in It was first recorded in Japan in 1981 by
a walking frame to help her move around.
her blood prompted doctors at London’s Great two doctors called Dr Niikawa and Dr Kuroki.
Ormond Street Hospital, which is famous for When Willow’s school encouraged their pupils to
fundraise for Red Nose Day 2021, Willow was keen Every child is affected differently by the
looking after sick children, to run some tests. They
not to miss out. condition, which is caused by a mutation in
discovered a gene mutation had caused Kabuki
the DNA found inside the body’s cells. Some
syndrome. Genes are found inside cells and tell With the encouragement of her parents, she
children might have problems with their
the body how to grow. marched about 40 metres around her garden
heart or other internal organs, while others
But despite the condition leading to trouble with three times.
have difficulties with speech, hearing or
Willow’s hearing, eyesight, heart and kidneys, she is The family only expected Willow’s challenge to their eyesight.
a bouncy youngster who loves to boss around her raise a couple of hundred pounds, but she raised
Children with Kabuki syndrome also often
siblings and play with her toy kitchen. £8,170 in total for Red Nose Day last year.
have a distinct facial appearance, mostly
shown through large, almond-shaped eyes.
Comic Relief
“When you have

a child who can “Red Nose Day is such
struggle with a fun and brilliant
even the most charity for families to
basic things, it get behind”
makes you so – Stacey
proud to see
her achieve RED NOSE DAY
a feat like this” Red Nose Day hopes to inspire families across
– Willow’s mum, the UK to make a difference, no matter how big or
small. This Red Nose Day, we want to celebrate our
Stacey fantastic fundraisers like Willow who make the day
so special. You have the power to change lives.
Money raised by Red Nose Day will help people in
the UK and around the world live free from poverty,
violence and discrimination, and support people
with their mental health.
Willow with her mum, Stacey
Red Nose Day is back on 18 March. Visit www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday

or follow @ComicRelief on social media for the latest Red Nose Day news.
18. SPECIAL REPORT by Dr Nick Palmer, Head of CIWF UK
A LIFE IN
FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
Compassion in World Farming

A CAGE
IS NO LIFE Over 350 million
AT ALL
laying hens are
DID farmed in the
YOU EU every year.
KNOW
Of those, nearly
50% are caged.
OVER 300 million farmed animals suffer in cages across Europe. In the UK alone 16 million British hens live behind bars, producing more than
a third of the UK’s eggs. Meanwhile, every year, over 200,000 British mother pigs are forced to give birth in cages and raise their piglets through
bars. Astoundingly, this is still legal in the UK. Legal, but not right! How in the 21st century can we still be raising animals in such cruel and
outdated systems?
ENDING THE CAGE AGE announcement that it will put forward legislation
[laws] to phase out the use of cages for farmed
Patron and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden,
gained 109,828 signatures over a six-month period.
Every farm animal should have the chance to animals, following the End The Cage Age European Now that the petition has passed the 100,000
feel the sun on their back and the earth under Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), headed by Compassion. signature mark, Parliament must, under its own
their feet. And science shows us that caging Now we need to keep up the pressure to ensure rules, consider allowing time for this issue to be
animals is cruel: they are sentient beings [can feel this ban really is delivered and continue our work debated. If selected, this debate could be a crucial
through senses], capable of feeling pain and joy. to see it replicated [copied] here in the UK too. next step to bringing about the new laws that are
Yet, millions of farm animals here in the UK are
needed to End the Cage Age across the UK once
confined and restricted in caged systems, unable
and for all.
to express their natural behaviours. MAKING THE GOVERNMENT The British public have made it clear; they want
For many years, we have campaigned for an end
to the cruellest forms of farming in order to ensure
TAKE ACTION to see a cage-free future for farmed animals.
In May last year, the Department for Environment, Because after all, a life in a cage is no life at all.
higher welfare standards for all farm animals. Our
‘End the Cage Age’ campaign seeks to bring about Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched a new
an end to the use of cages in farming throughout ‘Action Plan for Animal Welfare’, setting out the
Europe. Over the years, we have seen progress with steps the UK Government pledges to take to
the EU ban on veal crates, barren battery cages for improve animal welfare. One of these pledges
laying hens and a partial sow stall ban. Hundreds was to examine the use of cages for poultry and
of the EU’s biggest retailers and brands – including farrowing crates for pigs. And just last week,
Danone, Nestlé, Aramark, Lidl and Sodexo – have a Compassion-
now committed to using only cage-free eggs led parliamentary
petition closed, There are around

throughout the entire region. In the UK, companies
that commit to using free-range, organic or barn calling on the 11 million sows
eggs, instead of cage eggs, can be found on our Government to
DID
(female pigs) in
YOU
Food Business website. End the Cage the EU. Over 85%
Age. The petition, spend much of
KNOW
And there is more good news – in June 2021,
supported by their productive
the European Commission made a historic
Compassion’s lives in cages.
This pig is feeding its piglets in a farrowing crate. The metal crate means the pig
cannot move a lot or interact with its piglets as it naturally would
To find out more about Compassion in World Farming and its work, head to www.ciwf.org.uk
19. ANIMAL NEWS by Serena Lacey FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
HEDGEHOG
SNIFFING
Mark Bolton
DECLINE
OUT SEA
Getty
BIRDS
THE number of hedgehogs in the British

countryside is falling at a worrying rate,
Islay the golden retriever looking for
says a new report.
the nests of European storm petrels
Greg Morgan
The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report is by the
People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and
TWO dogs have taken part in a trial to see The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).
if they can find the nests of threatened sea It says that in rural areas, hedgehog numbers
birds just by using their sense of smell. have been falling steadily since 1981. The report
The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) looked at five hedgehog surveys that collected
trained a golden retriever named Islay to track the data between 1981 and 2020. They showed that
burrows of European storm petrels, and a border in some areas numbers have fallen by 75%.
collie called Dewey to search for Manx shearwater The news is more positive in urban areas, with
burrows. Both bird species are threatened in the hedgehog numbers in towns and cities recovering
UK and lay their eggs in burrows underground. This A Manx shearwater slightly. It’s thought that an increase in the number
makes it hard for conservationists to track them of hedgehog-friendly gardens has helped the
and to keep a count of nests and hatchlings. are rarely used to search for seabirds. Seabirds species to recover.
Both dogs were trained to detect whether the bird are one of the most at-risk groups of birds, so it’s The BHPS is now calling on farmers,
nests were empty or occupied, and both have had hoped that by training dogs like Islay and Dewey, conservationists and wildlife experts to work
a very high success rate. monitoring these bird species will become a lot together to find out why hedgehog numbers are
Scent-trained dogs are used in conservation easier in the future. falling in the countryside and to help them recover
programmes around the world, but in the UK they The full study was published in the journal Seabird. in those places too.
BEEP, BEEP! NEW

Field Museum
FROG ALERT!
RESEARCHERS in Peru have tracked down a mysterious
species of frog thanks to the odd beeping sound it makes.
The tapir frog, named because it has a long snout similar to a tapir,
is native to Peru. Local people have known about the species for a
long time, but biologists have found the creatures harder to track
down because they live underground.
A team from the Keller Science Action Center at Chicago’s Field
Museum used local guides to help them find the species. The
guides listened for the unusual “beep, beep, beep” sound the frog
makes. The team used their hands to dig close to the sounds and
managed to find both adult and young frogs. The species has now
been given the scientific name of Synapturanus danta, as ‘danta’
is the local word for tapir.
The full report can be found in the journal Evolutionary Systematics. The unusual-looking new frog species
20. SCIENCE NEWS by Eddie de Oliveira FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
DINOS When the asteroid hit, molten rock

flew up into space, then rained CELEBRATION
OF SCIENCE
WERE
down on Earth the same day
WIPED
Getty
OUT IN
Joschua Knüppe
SPRING
SCIENTISTS have known for a long time that
BRITISH Science Week is here again!
The celebration of science – which actually lasts
dinosaurs became extinct when an asteroid for ten days – returns on Saturday 11 March and
struck Earth 66 million years ago. runs until 20 March, with thousands of events
Now, new research suggests that the strike taking place across the UK. Organisers say it’s the
probably took place in springtime – and the largest grassroots celebration of science, with
timing may have made more species extinct. events happening in local libraries, community
hubs, museums and schools across the country.
Three-quarters of Earth’s species were destroyed
after the asteroid smashed into modern-day The idea behind British Science Week is to support
Mexico. Scientists now reckon the event took people who don’t typically get involved in science
place during the northern hemisphere’s spring. to run their own inspiring activities. The team
behind the event offer support, free resources
They say that made many animals to the north
and activities to enable people to try out science
of the equator more vulnerable to the heatwave
in their own way.
caused by the impact. Certain mammals, birds
and plants might have survived if the asteroid The study was led by Uppsala University in Sweden. This year is about “smashing stereotypes” [fixed
had crashed at a different time of year. Melanie During, who worked on the research, said: ideas about people], as organisers want to
“In spring, you expect animals to be tending to change ideas about who scientists are. They
The extreme heatwave caused by the strike
their offspring, which are very fragile, or perhaps ask: “What do you imagine when you’re asked
affected the whole planet. It wiped out many
they are still tending to eggs, waiting for them to what a scientist looks like? Are you picturing lab
animals, and temperatures later dropped
hatch or be looking for food. That puts them in coats, goggles and conical flasks? How about the
dramatically,
a vulnerable position.” person? Are they a white man with grey hair, who
causing even
resembles [looks like] Albert Einstein?”
more extinction. Scientists have worked out that the asteroid hit
in spring by studying fish fossils. Those fossils The 2022 edition of British Science Week wants
But the timing
show the growth rates of the fishes’ bones, and to challenge that stereotype and celebrate the
of the impact
that points to them dying in the spring. There was diversity of scientists, who come from a wide
might have
also evidence of what the fish were eating at the variety of backgrounds.
helped species
in the southern time of their death, and that also suggested they The event is organised by the British Science
Melanie During
hemisphere survive, were eating food that was usually available in Association, which was established in 1831 to
as they would have the springtime. engage people in science, particularly those
been hibernating The fossils were found in Tanis, North Dakota, in the who don’t feel represented.
or sheltering at the USA, a site that contains many clues as to what You can find out more about British Science
time, when it was happened when the asteroid struck 66 million Week, and how to get involved, at
The fish fossils
their autumn. years ago. www.britishscienceweek.org.
BANKS FAIL ON CLIMATE

THE world’s top banks are not doing enough to help tackle climate change.
This report is from the Science Museum Group
DID you know that lighters were invented

That’s what a new study by experts at the before matches?
University of Gothenburg in Sweden says.
Döbereiner’s lamps were the first ever lighters to
Getty
They found that, in 2020 alone, be invented. Developed by German chemist Johann Wolfgang
$425.92 billion (£318 billion) was spent on Döbereiner in 1823, they used chemical reactions between zinc,
fossil fuel projects (oil, coal and gas) by sulphuric acid, hydrogen and platinum to create a gentle flame.
ten of the biggest banks in the world. The
After a long time of making fire with
group included Britain’s Barclays Bank
steel, flint and tinder, these lighters
and the USA’s JP Morgan Chase. The study
were innovative and in the 1820s,
says that the wealthy banks are talking
more than 20,000 lighters were sold in
more and more about climate change,
Science Museum Group
Germany and Britain. One of the buyers

but not doing enough to stop it.
was famous German poet Goethe, who
Most of the banks have recognised that went on to fund Döbereiner’s research
the financial industry has some sort of and even wrote him a poem!
role to play in tackling climate change.
Due to the lighters being heavy and
They are taking steps to reduce their carbon emissions by reducing electricity use in
dangerous, their popularity was short-
their buildings, for example. But the report says they aren’t recognising the effect of their
lived and largely came to an end when
customers’ emissions – even though they are lending large amounts of money to them.
the first phosphorus matches were
The experts have recommended steps to address the situation, including coming up sold in 1827.
with ways for banks to measure and reduce the climate impact of their customers.
21. SHOPS by Kirsty MacDonald FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
WIN! MARVIN’S DELUXE BOX

OF TRICKS FROM
WHAT’S IN
MARVIN’S MAGIC is recognised as the brand
leader and number one for magic worldwide.
It is proud to have won many awards, and has the
THE SHOPS?
best-selling magic sets and largest following of
young magicians anywhere!
Magic is normally based on dexterity, skill and many
years of practice, but with Marvin’s Magic, budding
magicians can perform similar sensational effects
in no time. It’s professional magic made easy!
TURTLES In celebration of its 35th year, Marvin Berglas, award-winning

magician and Creator of Marvin’s Magic, is giving away Marvin’s
Deluxe Box of Tricks to three lucky winners.
3D CARDBOARD This special edition set includes a hand-picked selection of Marvin’s

favourite professional-quality effects and is strictly limited to just 3,000
MODEL KIT copies worldwide.
WICKEDUNCLE.CO.UK £8.95 The Deluxe Box of Tricks is a stunning collection of magic, and comes
beautifully presented in a unique, double-layered
This little sea turtle is made up of 28 layers black-and-gold box with red flock-fleeced interior
of sturdy, corrugated cardboard. It’s to protect and display each prop.
very easy to assemble and very cute!
To be in with a chance of winning, just answer
Assemble each piece in numerical order,
this question:
following the illustrated instructions and
fixing them together with the included
eco glue as you go. Each part features fun animal facts for you to discover Which type of hat does
– did you know that some sea turtles have been known to live to be 150 a magician use as a prop?
years old? a) Bowler hat b) Top hat c) Bucket hat
ECO NATION For more fun and magic, visit www.marvinsmagic.com
TURTLE SOFT ENTER NOW! MARK YOUR ENTRY TRICK

TOY firstnews.co.uk/competitions or see page 23. The closing date is 17 March 2022.
WHSMITH £12.99
This green and brown sea turtle
is made from recycled plastics,
including the fibre filling. There
are no plastic beans and embroidery has been used instead of plastic
eyes to make this turtle as eco-friendly as possible. This turtle is extremely
soft and is the perfect plush for hugging and cuddling.
ADOPT A SEA
TURTLE GIFT TIN
IWANTONEOFTHOSE.
COM £11.99
Adopt an endangered species of
sea turtle for 12 months and make
a real difference to their future survival.
This adoption pack has been put
together with the People’s Trust for
Endangered Species charity, which
helps protect these gentle giants. Inside
the tin you’ll find a poster, a postcard,
fact sheets and a registration sheet.
*All prices correct at time of printing
First News team details available at www.firstnews.co.uk/team. For editorial enquiries, contact newsdesk@firstnews.co.uk
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We package First News in a mixture of compostable wrapper, paper wrapper, cardboard wraps and boxes, depending on the
order size. See www.firstnews.co.uk/about-first-news for more information about our environmental commitments.
22. PUZZLE FUN by Kirsty MacDonald FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
SUDOKU READER What

’s you
ideal r
SURVEY
fami
day o l y
ut?
CAN you complete our sudoku puzzle, filling in the

numbers one to nine? WE want to make First News the best it can be, and
to do that we’re asking you – our readers – to share your
4 9 6 1 5
views! What do you love? What do you dislike?
What would you like to read more about?
Let us know and you could be in with a chance
1 4 How would of winning £100 worth of Amazon vouchers!

you rate
First News? Head to first.news/survey22
6 8 3 2 to take part in our reader survey today!
7 1 3 5 8 WIN! THE WILD

3 7 1 BEFORE BOOKS
CAN you complete our crossword puzzle using the
1 2 4 8 5 clues below? Send in your answers and five winners will win
a copy of The Wild Before plus a plantable bookmark. The
Wild Before is a timely tale of climate change, defiance and
8 2 6 5 courage from the extraordinarily inventive storyteller Piers

Torday. The perfect adventure story for animal lovers!
Available from Waterstones.
9 3 1 2 3 4 5
5 6 2 9 8 6 7 8
W
9 10 11
RD HEE
O L
12 13 14
W
e letters you
or mor c an
t h re e o u fi nd the word m 15
f n y tha ake
d s o n d ca t us , us
r A
wo ne. es i
al n g 16 17 18
y o l
n h th t
ac
r i ma
h e t te
e
e
m rs?
let ow
le
n
id
h
D A
te
dle
SE E
19
Across Down
E I ACROSS
1 - Two times nine (8)
6 - School test
1 Two times nine (8)
(4)
DOWN
1 - Full of life; very a
1 Full of life; very active (9)
2 - A tropical fruit (5)
C
6 School test (4) 2 A tropical fruit (5)
7 - Condition 7that
Condition thatitcan
can make hardmake 3 Type
to breathe (6) of Dutch cheese 3 (4)
- Type of Dutch ch
it hard to breathe (6) 4 Not anything (7)
A D
9 - A type of fruit (5) 4 - Not anything (7)
9 A type of fruit (5) 5 Female parent (3)
11 Priest (5)
11 - Priest (5) 8 Consensus; having the 5 - Female parent (3
12 Feel with your hand (5) same opinion (9)
12 - Feel with your hand (5) 8 - Consensus; harm
13 Able to move 10 The largest ocean (7)
T N 13 - Able to moveand
quickly
16 Sneaky
16 - Sneaky (6)
quickly
(6)
and
easily (5)
18 Area of land surrounded

easily (5) 14 Supply or distribute 10 - The largest oce
something (5)
15 Computer memory unit (4)
14 - Supply or distrib
18 - Area of land surrounded by the sea (4) 17 Primary colour (3) 15 - Computer mem
by the sea (4)
19 Shape
19 - Shape of aofnew
a newmoon
moon(8) (8) 17 - Primary colour (
23. PUZZLE FUN HOW TO ENTER: Send your finished puzzles by email to win@firstnews.co.uk. Don’t forget to put Puzzles 820 in the subject box and include
your contact details. We’re afraid we can’t accept postal entries for now. The closing date for puzzle entries is Thursday 10 March 2022.
WIN! CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG GOODIES

CAN you spot the five changes we’ve made to this picture from Clifford the Big Red Dog? Send in your answers and one
lucky winner will win a copy of Clifford the Big Red Dog on Blu-ray™, Posh Paws Clifford plush and a graphic novel of the film.
When Emily discovers Clifford has grown enormously tall overnight, she turns to her eccentric uncle for help. But when an
evil scientist tries to capture Clifford, it takes the entire neighbourhood’s help to hide him.
Clifford the Big Red Dog is available now to Download & Keep and on DVD & Blu-ray™ from 14 March.
A B
© 2022 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

WIN! A HOVERBOARD WIN! A SCHOOL EVENT
WITH THE AUTHORS OF THE
THANKS TO THE ADAM
PROJECT ON ADVENTURES ON TRAINS SERIES
TO celebrate the launch of Sabotage
TO celebrate the release
on the Solar Express, the fifth book in
of The Adam Project, the
the bestselling and award-winning
hotly anticipated time travel
Adventures on Trains series by MG
adventure hitting Netflix today,
Leonard and Sam Sedgman, one lucky
we are giving away two high-
winner can win an event for their school
tech hoverboards to two lucky
from both authors!
readers, so you can fly around
Hear how they create their mystery stories,
on these futuristic machines!
how they write together as a team and how
Strap yourselves in for a wild ride they come up with their ideas and locations
as you watch a time-travelling pilot for each brilliant book.
team up with his wise-cracking
Follow 11-year-old hero Harrison Beck and his
younger self and dad to bring
travel journalist uncle Nat as they go off on
his family back together their next amazing adventures in Sabotage on
and save the future. the Solar Express.
To be in with a chance of winning, Five runners-up will win an Adventures on
just answer this question: Trains book bundle.
To be in with a chance of winning, just
answer this question:
How many years are there
in a millennium?
a) 1,000 b) 100 c) 10 Sabotage on the Solar Express is
The Adam Project
set in which country?
hits Netflix today
a) Brazil b) China c) Australia
Always wear a safety helmet. Currently, electric hoverboards
can only be ridden on private property with the owner’s permission.
Depending on Covid-19 restrictions, the event will either be in person or via video.
ENTER NOW! MARK YOUR ENTRY ADAM ENTER NOW! MARK YOUR ENTRY TRAIN
firstnews.co.uk/competitions or see below. The closing date is 17 March 2022. firstnews.co.uk/competitions or see below. The closing date is 17 March 2022.
COMPETITIONS: You can enter First News competitions in one of two ways. 1. Go to firstnews.co.uk/competitions and follow the instructions.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS: 7 9 6 4 5 2 8 3 1
W A L L P A P E R
2. Email us at win@firstnews.co.uk putting ‘competition name’ (e.g. Holiday), in the subject box. Please note: First News will not share your A A I A
8 3 2 9 6 1 7 5 4
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T I R E S A L I E N
1 4 5 8 7 3 6 2 9
O K T N S I
First News competitions are only open to those aged 17 and under and residents of the UK & Republic of Ireland, except employees of 4 6 3 2 8 9 5 1 7
colour, moon added to sky, arm of glasses D A D O R I N G
First News, First Group Enterprises Ltd, Reach plc and any associated companies and their families. Winners will be the first correct entries D W O N E 5 1 8 7 4 6 3 9 2
drawn after the closing dates. No purchase necessary. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that have been lost or damaged is missing, necklace has been added, L E A F L E T R 9 2 7 1 3 5 4 6 8
E L Y E O I
in transit. First News will not enter into any correspondence. All winners will be notified accordingly and their names and location will be eyebrow is different. R E L I C L A R V A
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available on request. No cash alternative for any prizes will be offered. The winner may be required to partake in media activity relating Word Wheel: vegetable.
E R L C
T R A N S L A T E 3 8 1 5 9 4 2 7 6
to the competition.
24. BOOKS by Aaron Henderson FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
DEBATE OVER YOUR READS!

QUEEN BOOK
LAST year, the Government announced that it was spending £12
million on sending a book about the Queen’s life to every primary
school student in Britain. Labour MP Dawn Butler has suggested the
FING DAVID
WALLIAMS Reviewed
by Lee-Anne
money would be better spent elsewhere. THIS book is intriguing Foo
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the MP said that the Department for
and will grab the
Education hasn’t been able to make sure that schools are properly ventilated attention of the
“and that £12 million would go a long way to improving the situation” and reader immediately.
helping schools to be better protected against the spread of Covid-19. It is filled with laughs and
She suggested making the book an online resource instead. I would rate it a nine out
of ten for the humour and
A Government spokesperson said that the book was an “opportunity to
all the detail included.
celebrate the achievements of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth
over the last 70 years,” It’s about the Meek family,
and that it had been Do you think that all British kids should get the Mr and Mrs Meek, who get
designed to “be book about the Queen, or would the money be married and have a child
inclusive and speak better spent somewhere else? called Myrtle Meek.
to all children across She was the rudest and
the UK.” Vote at first.news/polls meanest child ever, she
would whine and whine and whine. Her first word was: “More!” Over the years,
she had grown to be more and more greedy; every toy, thing and food her
parents gave her, she would still be ungrateful, no
WE WANT YOUR matter what.

One day, the Meeks were eating breakfast and Myrtle
BOOK REVIEWS! asked for a “Fing”. Her parents knew she would whine and
tantrum continuously if the Fing was not given to her!
Read a book recently that you want to tell
After a long time, Mr Meek finds a Fing and gives it to
us about? Send us your review! We’ll need around 125 words on a book you’ve
Myrtle, and the Fing grows to be gargantuan! The two
been reading and a picture of yourself (with parents’ permission!) sent to
cause chaos everywhere they go – but the ending is
bookreviews@firstnews.co.uk.
something that you’ve got to find out for yourself!
We get loads of reviews sent in, and sometimes that might mean it’s months before yours is
published. We’re sorry about that, but we’ll always do our best to tell you when we’re featuring This book was extremely interesting and I hope you
your review! read it as well.
OUT
NOW
an to liste
TO AN
Sc
AUDIO CLIP
SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE IN STORE OR ONLINE AT WATERSTONES.COM

Illustrations © Thomas Flintham, 2021.
25. CRAZY BUT TRUE by Hannah Timson FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
WHO’S APPY NOW? AN 18-year-old has scooped $1,800 (£1,350) from his
Lorna Goldstrand Klefsaas
Lorna Goldstrand Klefsaas

mum, by staying off social media for six years.
Sivert Klefsaas from America was set the challenge by his mum
Lorna back in 2016 when he was 12 years old. She said that if he
could stop using social media until his 18th birthday she would
reward him with the huge cash prize.
Little did she realise how determined her son really was, and
on 19 February this year, Sivert collected his winnings! Funnily
enough, Sivert’s mum Lorna announced the news on Facebook!
Sivert said the challenge wasn’t as hard as people might expect
and he didn’t actually miss social media that much. He told CNN
news: “I wouldn’t say there was ever a time where I thought
I was about to break. As it went on, it was more of a pride thing.”
Sivert says he’ll spend money on something for his room at
Sivert managed to stay off university. In the meantime he says he is spending his time
social media apps for six years! learning how to use his first social media app, Instagram. Sivert with his mum, Lorna
SILLY SPORT
OR OLYMPIC WOW!
CONTENDER?
FANCY trying a new winter sport called Assledding?
The sport involves an Assled, a foldable sled you wear on your
bottom that effectively turns you into a human slide! It can be
carried like a backpack, which means you can use it whenever
there’s snow about, and it’s lightweight so you won’t have to lug
anything big and heavy around.
Snowfeet
The makers of the Assled say it’s “just like a plastic bag” and can
be used on slopes, hiking trails and sledding hills. They even hope
that Assledding might one day become an Olympic sport!
COULD this A DELIVERY driver has been
Getty
BITE-SIZED
WOW!
caught on CCTV eating a family’s
be the most
doughballs! The family ordered
valuable Harry
NEWS
a Pizza Express takeaway to their
Potter book
home but were baffled when they
ever?! discovered they’d only got four
A first edition copy doughballs instead of 16 – and
of Harry Potter and most of their garlic butter was
the Philosopher’s Stone missing too!
that is unread, unopened and has When dad Stuart checked his
been kept in a protective sleeve for CCTV camera, he couldn’t believe
Hansons Auctioneers
25 years could fetch up to £100,000 his eyes. The Just Eat driver
when it goes to auction on 9 March. delivering the meal was seen
Amazingly, the owner nearly took scoffing the doughballs in her car.
the book back when he first bought
The family has since complained
it as it didn’t have a dust jacket (a
and Just Eat has given them their
detachable outer cover) on it!
money back.
Written and illustrated by Paul Palmer

26. GAME ZONE by Aaron Henderson FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
A FIFA-LESS 7
8
Square Enix
FIFA GAME?
SINCE 1993, Electronic Arts (EA) has
EA
worked with football organisation FIFA
to create its annual series of football
games. That could be set to change.
In October last year, EA said it was
NINTENDO
SWITCH
negotiating a new deal for the football
series with FIFA, but that FIFA was asking for
CHOCOBO GP
$2.5 billion (£1.8bn), more than double the
current agreement.
A NEW kart racer has drifted on to the scene, and it’s set in
the magical world of Final Fantasy!
Now, the website Video Games Chronicle
has reported that EA boss Andrew Wilson If you’ve played and enjoyed a Mario Kart game, you’ll have no
told staff last November that, other than organisation doesn’t want to let EA problem picking up Chocobo GP, as it shares a lot with that series.
access to the World Cup, all FIFA provides include different game modes, other There are races between a colourful cast of characters with all sorts
are the “four letters on the front of the box”. than 11 v 11 matches. of different methods of transport. Items can be picked up mid-race
He added that “most people don’t even He said: “At the end of the day, I think to give you a much-needed boost, and drifting around corners can
see the box” any more, because most that might even be better for our gamers speed you up.
people download games instead. than continuing with those four letters on Unlike Mario Kart, the characters in Chocobo GP have their own
Wilson said that those playing the FIFA the box.” special powers, which can give you a serious advantage. It’s fun
games want new brands such as Nike If the negotiations with FIFA do fall through, trying them all out to find which suits you best.
in the game, but “because FIFA has then FIFA 23 will be the last game with the To unlock new characters, you’ve got to beat the story mode. The
a relationship with Adidas, we are FIFA name. story is funny, and very strange – especially if you’re not familiar
not able to do that.” We’re already thinking up new names for with the Final Fantasy series.
He also says that the FIFA football the game here. Do you have any ideas? The most important thing is that it’s a lot of fun to play!
FIRST CAREERS
NATIONAL
CAREERS WEEK
DID you know it’s National Careers Week from 7-12 March? The week is all about helping young
What job would
you like to do?
people to learn about different careers and what you might like to do when you leave education.
First News has been lucky enough to chat to loads of interesting people about their jobs and how
they got into them, so check out our First Careers website at firstcareers.co.uk and be inspired!
t
Wha How can What’s it
a really like
does rk I become
a
e m e pa zookeepe
r? to be a
th do? ? What
g n e r YouTuber
desi qualifications
What does
it take to
do I need to be
become a
a doctor?
journalist?
What career would you like to learn more about?

Let us know at newsdesk@firstnews.co.uk
DISCOVER LOADS OF AMAZING JOBS AT FIRSTCAREERS.CO.UK
27. YOUR NEWS by Kirsty MacDonald FirstNews Issue 820 4 - 10 March 2022
SKATEBOARDING STAR
by Poppy
I STARTED skateboarding because I saw

Sky Brown in the Tokyo Olympics and
I was inspired!
I asked my parents for a skateboard when I was
four years old, and it was only when they saw how
excited I was during the Games in August 2021
that they finally let me have one.
Just three months later I was offered a scholarship
by Tic Tac Skate School, because they said I am a
natural! Once I found out I was pumped and ready
to skate!
I have now been skateboarding for six months
and have learned lots of tricks such as ollies,
shuvits and frontside and backside kick turns.
I can drop in from 2-8ft [0.6-2.4m] ramps and
hope to tackle the 12ft [3.7m] vert ramp at
Skaterham Skatepark before the end of the year!
I’ve met lots of brilliant skateboarders, including
JUNIOR
Bombette Martin, who competed for GB in the
Tokyo Olympics, and her brother Kayo Martin, an
up-and-coming skateboarder. I’ve also skated
with Pete Dossett, a legend in UK vert. JOURNALIST
I love that when you skate you can show people
who you are and express yourself. You push
Poppy in action
yourself to get tricks and it helps you to be happy.
I WROTE A BOOK
by Charlie JUNIOR
JOURNALIST
HI, I am Charlie and I am 12 years old. Back in 2019 I was suffering with
anxiety and I was getting bullied at school. I had no confidence.
This put me off a lot of things I liked to I recently went to a home-schooling art
do, like singing and dancing; I didn’t even class where the teacher said: “It is okay
want to go on holiday any more. That’s to be different.” I really enjoy playing
when I discovered BEAM, a service run basketball with my brother, Henri, and
by The Children’s Society, where children walking with my mum.
who are struggling like me are helped by I am also trying to get my book
playing games, doing group activities, published, which I have been writing
drawing and so much more. on and off since I was seven. It is about
This really helped me get back into a boy who is always busy but never
things that I love. After getting support, manages to get anything done.
I started to talk and write about how My advice for anyone else struggling
I was feeling and what was worrying me. with anxiety is to not give up on what
I even wrote to David Walliams and got you enjoy.
a letter in reply and a signed picture.
My dream is for David Walliams to read
Today I am doing home schooling and my book. Charlie (left) and his brother Henri
WE WANT TO HEAR
Write in to let us know what you’ve been up to! Have you been getting creative? Been for
a great day out? Raised money for charity? Whatever it is, we love hearing about your
WHAT YOU/YOUR
adventures, so why not share your experiences with First News readers?
Email your report (and any pictures you want to share) to yournews@firstnews.co.uk.
SCHOOL IS UP TO
Don’t forget to include your name and age (and your school’s name and address for school
news reports). By writing in, you give consent to First News printing details and photographs
of those involved in the report.
SUBSCRIBE FOR SCHOOL – FIND OUT MORE AT SCHOOLS.FIRSTNEWS.CO.UK

CALL: (020) 3195 7256 EMAIL: SCHOOLS@FIRSTNEWS.CO.UK
28. SPORT by Richard Mead FirstNews Issue 820 4 – 10 March 2022
million dollars
24
(£17,900,000) has
been awarded to
Getty
the US women’s
national football
team, who have
been campaigning for equal pay
with the men’s team. “It’s a great
day,” said Megan Rapinoe, who has
been capped 187 times. With four
World Cup wins, the United States is
the most successful women’s team.
Getty
HIGH
Getty
AND LOW IN Megan
ACAPULCO
Rapinoe
Rafael Nadal Alexander Zverev
celebrates another on court before his minutes and 14
29
2022 success disqualification seconds was all
Yalemzerf Yehualaw
FOUR of the five top ranked male players in the world were in action at this year’s Mexican Open. Records needed to complete
were broken and spectators were treated to some thrilling tennis – and a temper tantrum! the Castellón road
race in Spain,
Only Novak Djokovic, who was playing in the Dubai Tennis Zverev did set one record before his unexpected departure,
breaking the world 10km record.
Championships, was absent from the impressive line-up, though. His first-round singles match with Jenson Brooksby
It was a deserved victory for the
with Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas ended at 4:55am, making it the latest ever finish in an ATP
Ethiopian athlete, who thought she’d
and Rafael Nadal forming the Open’s top four seeds. tour match. It is also the longest ever match played at any
broken the world record for the half-
Defending champion Zverev was one of the favourites, Mexican Open, lasting three hours and 20 minutes!
marathon in 2021, only to discover
until he was thrown out of the competition! After losing a Both Tsitsipas and Medvedev were eliminated in the semi- the course was 54 metres too short!
doubles match with his partner Marcelo Melo, the German finals, leaving Rafael Nadal to contest the final against
smashed his racket into the umpire’s chair. As punishment, British number one Cameron Norrie. Nadal was hampered
he was banned from the singles event and fined $40,000 by a foot injury at the end of 2021, but nothing stopped him
(£29,800), as well as having to forfeit his prize money. from breaking Norrie’s serve to win the first set 6-4. In the
second set, Nadal raced to a 5-2 lead, before Norrie broke
back to recover and reach a tantalising 5-4 scoreline.
However, the Spaniard proved too strong and won the final
Getty
game to end the set 6-4. It was Nadal’s fourth Mexican
Getty
Open success – and his third straight title of 2022!
Although he wasn’t successful in Acapulco, Medvedev did
have something to cheer after the tournament finished.
0
Novak Djokovic lost in the quarter-finals in Dubai, which goals were scored
resulted in Medvedev overtaking him to reach number in the 2022 Carabao
one in the ATP rankings. Djokovic has held the top spot for Cup final between
a record 361 weeks and this is the first time Medvedev has Chelsea and
been ranked highest. “I am happy to reach number one,” Liverpool. Penalties
he said. “It was my goal since I was young were needed to
and especially my goal in the settle the match… which went to
Daniil Medvedev sudden death at 5-5! At 10-10, the
latest times.”
goalkeepers had to take their turns.
WARNING!
Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher scored
his, but Kepa Arrizabalaga blazed
his shot high, giving the Reds victory.
Getty
ROAD MAY BE ICY… Thierry

WINTRY conditions usually require motorists to take
Neuville
extra care. But for competitors in Rally Sweden, driving
Getty
slowly isn’t really an option!

First held in 1950, this year saw the 69th race in the competition’s
history, which is now part of the World Rally Championship.
Belgium’s Thierry Neuville had the best of the opening day,
finishing in first place in his Hyundai. Neuville fell behind on the
second day, allowing Finland’s Kalle Rovanperä to take the lead.
On the final day, the Finn was chased by his Toyota teammate
Elfyn Evans, until the Welsh driver lost control and hit a snow-
bank, leaving his car too badly damaged to continue.
Rovanperä was victorious in six stages of the rally, making
Getty
him a worthy winner. It’s not the first time his family name has
Kalle Rovanperä races in
appeared on the trophy – Kalle’s father, Harri, won Rally Sweden
his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
in 2001, when the 2022 champion was only four months old!

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