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Good morning and welcome to Kid News.
I'm Kim. Today is Friday, April 11, 2025.
And we begin with whiplash on Wall Street as investors try and wrap their heads around President Trump's trade policies, especially his tariff tussle with China.
The stock market soared Wednesday only to plummet again yesterday.
And while no one has a crystal ball to predict what comes next, many economists say toys and electronics, most of which are produced in China, will be among the first to feel the sting of serious sticker shock.
Likewise, in the line of fire, Amazon.
According to Wedbush Securities, 70 % of goods sold on the site are made in China and all face hefty new import taxes.
CEO Andy Jassy told CNBC yesterday that its network of third -party sellers will likely pass the cost on to consumers.
One new toy is already commanding championship level prices and not because of tariffs.
Basketball superstar LeBron James just became the first male pro athlete to get his very own Ken doll.
Mattel unveiled the pricey $75 collectible as the first in its new Kenbassador series, celebrating inspiring role models.
James says that, as a kid, I was fortunate enough to have role models who not only inspired me, but also showed me what's possible through hard work and dedication.
Decked out in sunglasses, a letterman's jacket, and signature Nikes, LeBron's doll even has a Just a Kid from Akron written on the back.
When LeBron met mini -LeBron for the first time, he called it dope, although noting his skinny legs joked the doll might need to hit the gym.
The LeBron Ken doll hits store shelves Monday.
It's not a dragon, not a dinosaur, but it sure looks like one roaming the southeast. That would be the Argentine tegu, a giant black and white lizard that slithered its way from the pet trade into the wilds of Florida, Georgia, and now wildlife experts say South Carolina.
Originally brought to the US to be sold as pets, over time some either escaped or were let loose by their owners.
These heavyweight reptiles can grow up to four feet long and weigh 10 pounds, live for 20 years, and gobble up the eggs of protected species like alligators and gopher tortoises.
Wildlife experts say tegus aren't aggressive to humans, but they'll lash their tails, scratch or bite if they feel threatened.
If you see one, the advice is simple.
Don't try to catch it.
Take a photo and report it to local authorities.
It used to be that vacuum sucked.
now apparently they also text.
Samsung just unveiled a new stick vacuum cleaner that can show you your text alerts while you clean.
It's part of a growing wave of smart and AI -powered appliances that connect you to the internet, from fridges that suggest recipes to ovens that seem to know what food you've just put inside.
Some experts say these features are helpful for saving energy or spotting maintenance issues, while others think companies are just testing ideas to see what sticks.
Another potential pitfall, what happens down the line if companies stop supporting the technology?
According to two consumer surveys done last year, only about 15 % of homeowners own a smart large appliance, although that number is expected to grow in the coming years.
Some of America's coolest sounds just earned a permanent spot in history, and one of them is only six seconds long.
The Library of Congress just announced its latest picks for the National Recording Registry, where iconic songs, sounds, and speeches are preserved forever.
This year's list includes Hamilton's original Broadway album, music from the video game, Minecraft, and even the famous Windows 95 startup chime.
That quick little bing was created by musician Brian Eno for early computer users.
All 25 new recordings, including popular songs from Elton John and Celine Dion, will now join a collection fondly known as America's playlist. Still to come, a new theme park so magical it might make muggles believe in wizardry.
But first, we'd like to send a very special 13th birthday shoutout to two incredible girls, Edeline Lee and Emmeline Lee of West Covina, California.
Edeline and Emmeline are masters at Rubik's Cube.
We hear they can both solve the speed cube in just 30 seconds.
Girls, your proud parents want you to know that watching you grow into kind, curious, and hardworking young ladies has been one of the greatest joys of their lives.
Your laughter, love, and little surprises keep their lives exciting and beautiful.
Our KidNews team is excited to celebrate your first day as teenagers.
Now today's KidNews quiz, what percentage of products sold on Amazon are made in China?
About 70 percent according to Wedbush Securities.
Who just became the first male pro athlete to have a Ken doll made in his likeness?
LeBron James. What kind of giant lizard is spreading across the southeastern U .S.?
The Argentine tegu.
Which company made a vacuum cleaner that can receive text messages?
Samsung. And in our kid news kicker, some theme parks have roller coasters, others have water rides.
This one has a magical tunnel filled with green fog.
Next month, Universal Orlando will open in its brand new Epic Universe theme park.
And one of its coolest features lets guests step straight into Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic.
Visitors will walk through a floo network -inspired tunnel and enter an enchanted atrium with stormy skies swirling overhead.
The nearly $8 billion park with four themed lands, cutting edge rides and even dragons flying overhead will cover 750 acres, making Epic Universe one of the largest and most expensive theme parks in the world.
Thanks again to the Lee family of West Covina, California for sponsoring today's quiz, a big 13th birthday shoutout to identical twins, Edeline and Emmeline Lee, and hello to their language art teacher, Mrs. Harmenson, an advanced math teacher, Ms. Hoeckler, and all their friends at Suzanne Middle School in Walnut, California.
And hello to our other KidNews classrooms, Mrs. Kurshied and her Cougars at Sunnyview Middle School in Brampton, Ohio, Mrs. Beatty and her Trojans at Anderson School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Mrs. Minton and her Lions at St. John's Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas, and Ms. Shepler and her Gators at Gubser School in Kaiser, Oregon.
Thanks for listening - a reminder that for an ad -free experience, subscribe to StarGlow Media.
Have a great weekend, and we'll see you back here for more kid news Monday morning!
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