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Good morning and welcome to KID News.
I'm Kim.
Today is Tuesday, October 14th, 2025.
And we begin with panda cams on pause.
Today is day 14 of the US government shutdown, and the live stream from Bao Li and Ching Bao's habitat at the National Zoo is among the many programs feeling the pinch.
It went offline this week after losing its federal funding and won't be back up until the shutdown ends.
And that's not likely to happen anytime soon, as Republicans and Democrats continue their very public blame game.
But the Senate will return today and try for the eighth time to end the stalemate.
The bill needs 60 votes, but so far has only secured 55.
A lot of attention has been paid to this week's Nor'easter along the Atlantic coast, but there's weather trouble on the other side of the continent too.
Hurricane-force winds from the former Typhoon Halong have left remote western Alaskan communities devastated.
The storm unleashed winds over 100 miles per hour, with gusts up to 107 miles per hour and surges that pushed at least eight homes off their foundations.
Search efforts continue with support from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard and the Coast Guard.
Federal officials, including FEMA, are coordinating an emergency response despite the government shutdown.
She's making a difference in young people's lives in a very big way.
Mackenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is donating 42 million to a San Rafael nonprofit that gives college scholarships to low-income students.
The organization 10000 Degrees, founded in 1981, has awarded over 105 million in scholarships to more than 60000 students.
Scott's massive grant will double the number of students that the program can help every year.
Since 2019, Scott has donated 19 billion to charitable causes, with a heavy focus on education, including recent donations to the United Negro College Fund and the Native Forward Scholars Fund for Indigenous Americans.
A win-win for students in Scotland.
An opportunity to get a break with food costs and help the environment at the same time.
A new pilot program at New College Lanarkshire, backed by Coca-Cola and the environmental non-profit Keep Scotland Beautiful, is rewarding students with 20 pence or 27 cent credits for recycling plastic bottles and cans.
The credits can be redeemed at campus dining spots.
The initiative aims to boost recycling habits ahead of a wider national recycling rollout in Scotland.
Similar programs have increased recycling rates elsewhere.
Coca-Cola and its partners have in the past implemented so-called reverse vending machine programs in parts of other countries, including the US.
Turning now to sports, the NFL has had its first firing of the midseason.
Yesterday, the Tennessee Titans axed head coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start.
The only team with a worse record is the New York Jets, who have yet to win a game.
And in college football, the Hoosiers are having a historic season.
After upsetting Oregon, last weekend, Indiana jumped to number three in the AP Top 25, its highest ranking in program history.
Still to come.
A big store's small mascot struts down the catwalk after a team of volunteers brought her back home.
But first we want to shout out Henry and Martin Schilke of Encinitas California, for their 12th birthday.
They're twins with very different passions.
Henry is a cross-country runner and sailor, while Martin is a fencer and actor.
Your mom and dad want you to know how proud they are of you and that the best is yet to come.
And now, today's Kid News quiz.
What's now offline due to the government shutdown?
The National Zoo's Panda Cam, who just donated $42 million to help low-income students.
Mackenzie Scott, which football team is now ranked higher than it's ever been?
The Indiana Hoosiers.
What country now has reverse vending machines to help the environment?
Scotland.
In today's Kid News Kicker.
She may be tiny, but Francine the cat holds a big place in the hearts of employees at the Lowe's Home Improvement Store in Richmond Virginia.
For the past eight years, she's called the store home, charming both staff and customers alike.
But a few weeks ago Francine disappeared after accidentally hitching a ride on a semi-truck bound for North Carolina.
A group of volunteers sprang into action, putting up flyers and searching the woods around Garysburg.
A local organization even offered a $2,000 reward for her safe return.
Finally, on October 5th, Francine was found and brought back home to Virginia, where she received a hero's welcome.
Lowe's employees rolled out the blue carpet the company's signature color and Francine strutted on it like a movie star.
To ensure she never goes missing again, Francine now has an air tag on her collar.
Thanks again to the Shilkies of Encinitas, California for sponsoring today's quiz.
Happy 12th birthday to Henry and Martin.
And hello to all the friends and teachers at Pacific Ridge in Carlsbad.
And shout outs for our other Kid News classrooms.
Ms.
Lane and her owls at Barbara Comstock Moore School in Sacramento, California.
Mrs Vaudrey, sometimes known as Mrs V, and her husky dog mascot at Highbridge Hill School in New Ipswich, New Hampshire.
Mr. Scott and the really strong swimming dolphins at Samantha Smith School in Sammamish, Washington.
And Mrs. Dugan and the Yeti at Destination Discovery Home School in Middleport, Ohio.
Thanks for listening.
Have a great day and we'll see you back here for more kid news tomorrow morning.