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Good morning and welcome to Kid News.
I'm Kim.
Today is Friday, November 21st, 2025.
The kickoff to what is expected to be a record-breaking week of holiday travel.
And just in the nick of time, flyers are getting a lesson in manners right along with their boarding passes.
The U.S.
Department of Transportation has launched a nationwide campaign called The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You.
In an online video, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urges travelers to show more respect to airline workers.
Say please and thank you and treat fellow passengers with courtesy.
The move comes after reports of an uptick in rude behavior in airports and on planes, which officials say has made air travel less fun and more stressful for everyone.
Further complicating our 2025 Thanksgiving comings and goings, two big storms.
The first is expected to hit the southern plains on Monday, then track east.
And the second will slam into the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday, before diving across the middle of the country midweek.
A surprising survival story from the edge of space.
Scientists from Japan's Hokkaido University attached moss to the outside of the International Space Station to see if the tiny plants could survive the freezing, cold conditions and intense ultraviolet rays.
The result, as reported in the journal iScience, is a resounding yes.
After 283 days in space, not only did over 80 of the moss spores survive, nearly 90 were able to germinate or wake up and start growing again.
Researchers say the plant species could one day help support life in space by creating oxygen or forming soil on other planets.
Two big New York figures are meeting for the first time today, with President Trump welcoming incoming New York City Mayor, Zoran Mamdani, to the White House.
The two men clashed mightily during the recent mayoral campaign, with Mr Trump even endorsing Mr Mamdani's opponent, Andrew Cuomo.
But after Mr Mamdani's decisive win he reached out to the president with the hopes of securing his support for some of his campaign promises.
These include faster and free city buses, freezing rents and operating a handful of city-run grocery stores.
Mr Trump has deep ties to New York, having grown up in the area, and whose skyscrapers help shape parts of the Manhattan skyline.
Whether shopping online or in stores, this year's holiday sparkle might cost a little extra.
Retailers are warning that new import taxes on everything from artificial Christmas trees, ornaments and other decorations will likely result in higher prices.
10 to 20 percent more for trees and up to 60 percent more for lights.
It may also mean fewer choices on store shelves.
Many of these items are made overseas, and when prices go up, stores sometimes stock less.
Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, told Inc.
Magazine, he's already seeing a reduced assortment and expects popular trees and decor to start thinning out well before Black Friday.
The Magic of Oz is returning to theaters in a big way.
Wicked for Good hits screens today, and it's already being called the cinematic event of the year.
Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as unlikely best friends.
The sequel has already broken one record for ticket sales, becoming the biggest first-day preseller of 2025 on Fandango for a PG-rated film.
Analysts expect the film to take in between 112 million and 155 million in North America this weekend alone.
But if you go, you might want to bring along some tissues.
One critic has called the film epic and heartbreakingly tender, with another saying it will leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end.
Still to come, what to do when an entire NBA team shows up at your house for dinner.
But first, we want to say happy eighth birthday to fantastic Faye Holta in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Faye, your family tells us you warm their hearts every day with your beautiful, powerful voice and your talent at the piano.
We hear you also work hard at tennis and are a true artist and shine at school in language and math.
That's a lot to celebrate, Faye.
We hope you have a wonderful day.
Now, today's Kid News quiz.
What is the name of the U.S.
Department of Transportation's campaign encouraging travelers to be more polite?
The golden age of travel starts with you.
What percent of moss spores survived 283 days outside of the International Space Station?
Over 80%.
Who is meeting President Trump today at the White House for the first time?
Incoming NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani.
What potential blockbuster hits screens today?
The Wizard of Oz-inspired Wicked for Good.
In today's Kid News Kicker.
When 20-year-old Charlotte Hornets rookie Conn Knipple came to Milwaukee this month for his first hometown NBA game, his mom wanted him home for dinner.
When he asked if he could bring along a few teammates, she said, invite whoever you want.
Just a few days later, 12 NBA players pulled up on a bus at his childhood home.
Neighbors lined up to snap pics and, according to Conn, his four younger brothers did a good job of not freaking out.
25 pounds of chicken fajitas later, everyone was feeling full and fulfilled.
One veteran player said he'd never been to a teammate's home for dinner before, and a few others were reportedly inspired to repeat the experience in their own hometowns.
Thanks again to the Holta family of Lucerne, Switzerland.
Happy birthday to Faye, and hello to her teacher, Ms.
Dittrich, and all her friends at Felsberg Schulhaus.
And shout-outs for our other Kid News classrooms.
Ms.
Lyle's Mighty Tigers at William Hatch in Oak Park, Illinois.
Mrs. Conson's Cougars at Hiawatha School in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Mrs. Philly's Tigers at Saltillo in Saltillo, Mississippi.
And Mrs. Weisgerber's Lions at Baldwin School in Rochester, Michigan.
Thanks for listening.
A programming note.
Our Kid News team is putting away the microphone next week to spend the holiday with friends and family.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and we'll see you back here for more Kid News on Monday, December 1st.
