Write to Russ

Hi Russ do you like to answer kids letters?

Olivia

I love it, Olivia! Answering notes from readers is one of my favorite parts of working at News-O-Matic.

Russell Kahn

Hi! Your News Room rocks!!!!!

Lucy

Hi! Thanks so much for these kind words, Lucy! I am so glad you enjoy the News Room. 😊

Russell Kahn

When did the Chicago fire start?

Davriv

The Great Chicago Fire started on the evening of October 8, 1871, in Chicago, Illinois. It began in a barn owned by the O'Leary family, but nobody knows exactly what caused it. Strong winds and dry wooden buildings helped the flames spread. The fire burned for nearly three days!

Russell Kahn

Hey, Russ. What is the definition of animosity?

Zelda

Hey, Zelda! Animosity means a strong feeling of dislike or anger toward someone. For example, two people who have argued for years might feel animosity toward each other. It's more than just being annoyed! Animosity can make it difficult for people to get along, but kindness and understanding can help.

Russell Kahn

Hi, Russ. I was wondering, how many days do fireflies stay out in summer?

Lucy

Hi, Lucy. Fireflies usually light up summer nights for several weeks, but the exact timing depends on the species and where they live. Most adult fireflies live for only a few weeks. Different fireflies appear at different times, so you might see their flashing lights for much of the summer!

Russell Kahn

Hey, Russ. Can you do an article on England?

Ruby

Hey, Ruby! News-O-Matic has many articles about England. You should check them out! I'll also look for more stories. What are you curious about?

Russell Kahn

When is the next presidential election?

Clara

If you're asking about the United States, the next presidential election is scheduled for November 7, 2028. U.S. presidents serve four-year terms. The current president, Donald Trump, began his term in January 2025. This means his term will finish in January 2029, and U.S. citizens will need to pick the next president before then.

Russell Kahn

What country is the coldest? What is the most hot? Why, Russ?

Dawson

Good question, Dawson. Russia is one of the coldest countries because much of it lies far north, where winters are long and freezing. Mali, in Africa, is one of the hottest countries because it lies near the equator and has large desert areas. Antarctica is even colder than Russia, but it's a continent, not a country!

Russell Kahn

Can you tell me a fact about rocks? I'm learning about it in class at social studies.

Milani

That is a cool topic to learn about! Did you know that some rocks are billions of years old? Rocks can tell us about Earth's history! Scientists study different layers of rock to learn what our planet looked like long ago. Some rocks even contain fossils, which are remains or traces of ancient plants and animals!

Russell Kahn

How did the Haudenosaunee Confederacy start?

Mat

Long ago, five Native American nations came together to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. According to Haudenosaunee tradition, a leader called the Peacemaker helped end fighting between the nations. They agreed to follow the Great Law of Peace and work together. Later, a sixth nation joined the Confederacy!

Russell Kahn

What is one the rarest birds to see in the world?

Allyanis

One of the world's rarest birds is the kakapo, a large, green parrot from New Zealand. Unlike most parrots, kakapos cannot fly! They sleep during the day and search for food at night. Only a few hundred remain, so conservationists work hard to protect these unusual birds!

Russell Kahn

Hi, Russ! I have a question. How does skin grow back? Like when I get a cut, how does the skin just grow over?

Vtziamih

Great question! Our skin has an amazing way of repairing itself! When you get a cut, your blood forms a clot to stop the bleeding. A scab may form to protect the wound. Meanwhile, your body makes new skin cells that grow across the cut. Eventually, the wound heals!

Russell Kahn

Hey, Russ. I was wondering if you have more articles about polar bears. They are my favorite animal!

Penelope

Hey, Penelope! Polar bears are super cool animals. You can find articles about them on News-O-Matic by typing "polar bear" into the Search. Have a good time reading! 🐻‍❄️

Russell Kahn

How old would Einstein be if he were still alive?

Amwinn

Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879. That was 147 years ago. So, if Einstein were still alive in 2026 he would be 147 years old.

Russell Kahn

What is your favorite book to read?

Alexa

My favorite book is "Hope for the Flowers." Trina Paulus wrote it! You should check it out. 🦋

Russell Kahn

Do water animals drink? If they do, what?

Leshleman

Yes, many animals that live in water drink! Ocean fish drink seawater, but their bodies remove the extra salt. Freshwater fish get most of the water they need through their gills and skin. Whales and dolphins get much of their water from the food they eat! 🐟🐋

Russell Kahn

Are you human?

Akir

I am totally human! My name is Russell Kahn. You can learn more about me by searching my name on News-O-Matic!

Russell Kahn

Why are they using drones to deliver food?

Jin

One reason companies are using drones to deliver food is because they say it is fast. You can hear more about the reasons businesses are using drones and the opinions for and against the technology in the article "Two Views: Drones for Delivery?"

Russell Kahn

Is rain clean water?

Stonepeyt

Rainwater starts out pretty clean! When water evaporates, most dirt and other materials stay behind. But as rain falls through the sky, it can pick up dust, pollution, and germs. That's why rainwater isn't always safe to drink. It should be properly cleaned before drinking! 🌧️

Russell Kahn

Your app is awesome.

Penelope

Thank you for the kind words! Our team works hard. I'm glad you enjoy it. 😁

Russell Kahn

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