(Describer) In computer animation, different news scenes in rectangles move fast around a turning globe. In front of a blue background with a triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News. A boy sits at a desk with monitors behind him.

(upbeat music) - Hi, and welcome to "Teen Kids News." I'm Luke. We've got a lot to cover in this week's show, so let's get started. Here's our top story.

(upbeat music)

(Describer) The Teen Kids News logo is on curved screens that form a turning cylinder. Passing around it, title: Top Story.

For years, "Teen Kids News" has been reporting on the growing dangers to our environment. One of the most pressing is ocean pollution caused by plastic, especially single-use plastic, like straws. It's an issue that one teen is so passionate about, she's taken on one of the nation's biggest restaurant chains. Ava tells us more.

(Describer) A long-haired girl.

- There's an old saying that everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it. Guess you can say that about pollution. Everyone talks about what a problem pollution is, but very few of us really do anything about it. One teen who is doing something is Isha Sangani. When she was a freshmen, she worked at the Seattle Aquarium as a Youth Ocean Advocate, and what she learned on the job turned her into a girl with a mission. And she's joining us by Skype from Seattle, Washington, to tell us about that. Hi, Isha, welcome to "Teen Kids News." - Hi, happy to be here. - Tell us what you learned at the aquarium. - So at the Seattle Aquarium, I teach guests about a lot of different ocean issues, but what really stood out to me was the issue of plastic. And I learned about how plastic is entering our oceans, and it breaks down into these tiny pieces called microplastics. And microplastics can be eaten by animals, they can enter animals' tissues, and they are so pervasive that they're actually ending up in our tap water. - Wow. So you did some research, and what did you find out about how that plastic was entering our oceans and polluting them? - So I found that a lot of ocean pollution is actually caused by single-use plastic. So that's any type of plastic product that we're using once and then throwing away. So that could be a plastic fork that you use to eat lunch, that could be a straw that you used for your coffee, and the thing about single-use plastic is that we don't really think about it when we use it, but it definitely builds up as we're using it. - And how did that lead you to the restaurant chain Panda Express? - So I am really hopeful because a lot of restaurants are taking action on plastic pollution, but I did a little bit of research, and Panda Express doesn't seem to be taking as many steps to cut down on plastic pollution compared to other restaurants. So I really thought that that was an area of improvement for them, and I wanted to encourage them to improve their habits. - So you started a petition asking Panda Express to replace its single-use plastics with more sustainable alternatives at all of its 2,000 locations. Did you get a lot of people signing your petition? - I got 4400 signatures, which is a lot

(Describer) Since the interview, over five thousand.

if you do just sort of look at the number, but we still have a long way to go before Panda Express is convinced to change. - So how did Panda Express respond to the signatures? - So Panda Express so far hasn't made any changes to their practices, but they did reach out to me in an email and telling me that they acknowledged my cause. I think that it's great that they're hearing what their customers are saying, but I still think that that could definitely turn into action. - We have a copy of the letter Panda Express sent you. Here's part of what they wrote. "We'd like to applaud you for being so passionate "and taking action to create progress. "As a company, we are currently providing "sustainable solutions to stores within specific states "and cities where local mandates "require specific requirements, "including single-use plastics in many stores in Washington." What's your reaction to that? - Yeah, I think it's great that they are complying with local mandates; obviously we do need that to happen, and that's one piece of solving the plastic problem. But I think that if they can comply with local mandates that are making local businesses and businesses use items other than single-use plastic, why can't they implement non-single-use plastic items throughout all their 2,000 locations? - Good point. There's a bit more from the response Panda Express sent you. "Our teams are currently working on a thorough plan "that will outline where the company "can begin to make larger strides in this space, "and in the meantime, are implementing the necessary changes behind-the-scenes." Since they say they are currently working on a thorough plan, are you satisfied with that response? - I would like to know more about this plan. I have reached out to them about that with questions about that, but due to privacy reasons, they have been unable to disclose that information to me. But I just really want to know if their plan includes steps to cut down on single-use plastics. - Yeah, because there are other businesses doing that, right? - Yep, Starbucks is implementing strawless cups in its stores; I think Subway has pledged to get rid of plastic bags. So there are definitely other food chains that are addressing the issue. - So what's your next step?

(Describer) Isha poses by Panda Express.

- Well, my next step is to keep spreading the word. The more people that I get to sign my petition, the more people I get that are aware of this issue. And I've actually had a few people who signed my petition, not encouraged by me, just boycott Panda Express, and they've promised to do that. And I think by showing Panda Express that their customers do care about this issue, I can encourage them to get rid of single-use plastics and go with an option that's better for our planet. - Isha, if only more teens took on the pollution issue like you! Great talking with you, and good luck with your petition! - Thank you! - If you'd like to support Isha's efforts to protect the ocean, you can find her petition at change.org; just search for "Dear Panda Express: We Don't Want Your Single Use Plastic." For "Teen Kids News," I'm Ava. - My Make the Grade report is next on "Teen Kids News."

(Describer) Coming up: Talk It Out. Luke.

- It's time for Make the Grade. Here's Christin with this weeks advice.

(Describer) A dark haired girl smiles.

- Let's face it. Some teachers can be, well, somewhat intimidating, especially if you're in middle school. That's why some students avoid speaking up if they need extra help with classwork. But let me give you a piece of advice: speak up. If there's something you don't understand, rather than guessing, or even worse, getting what may be wrong information from a friend, talk to your teacher after class. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised at how willing the teacher will be to help you. Speaking of helping you, I'm Christin, here to help you Make the Grade.

(Describer) Luke.

- If you're a new driver, there's a lot to keep in mind. That's why we're bringing you this driving tip from The National Road Safety Foundation.

(Describer) A blonde girl sits in a driver's seat.

(Describer) She fastens her seat belt.

(seatbelt clicking)

(Describer) She adjusts the car's rear-view mirror, then starts the engine.

(car engine revving)

(funky upbeat music)

(Describer) Five teenagers in clown wigs pile into the car. In the back seats, four of them dance and take selfies, while a boy in the passenger seat plays a trumpet.

(kids cheering) (trumpet blaring)

- Yeah! (kids cheering)

(Describer) The blonde driver blinks and shakes her head. Words appear: Driving with multiple passengers is *dangerous.* A girl in the back seat turns up the radio volume, while the trumpet player aims his horn at the driver's ear. It can be *distracting...* *Especially* for teen drivers. The blonde drives away, leaving the five passengers behind, flinging down their wigs and turning on their heels. Don't Clown Around with Safety. Limit Passengers and Distractions. A brown-haired girl gently opens the passenger door and exchanges smiles with the blonde driver.

- Let's get that! (funky upbeat music)

(kids cheering)

(trumpet blaring) (all shouting)

(funky upbeat music)

(Describer) The passenger buckles her seat belt. Her shirt displays a logo for SADD . A message from the National Road Safety Foundation and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Luke.

- We still have a lot more to tell you about. "Teen Kids News" will be right back.

(Describer) Coming Up: Jay Z's Collection.

Humans are natural-born collectors. No wonder collecting things like stamps or coins is so popular. And we found out that some very famous people collect some very unusual things. Here's an example.

(Describer) A dark-haired boy.

- Rapper Jay-Z likes to collect more than just Grammys. He also likes to collect watches, so for his 43rd birthday, wife Beyonce bought him a watch. But Beyonce isn't just any wife, and Jay-Z isn't just any successful singer, songwriter, and businessman. So it's no surprise that the Queen Bee didn't buy him just any watch; she bought him the world's most expensive watch. Called The Big Bang, it's priced at five million dollars. Made by ultra upscale Swiss watchmaker Hublot, Big Bang glitters inside and out with gold and diamonds-- lots of diamonds, more than 1200, in fact. It took more than a year for watchmakers, diamond cutters, and jewelry setters to make the unique timepiece. This isn't the only mega-expensive present Beyonce has given Jay-Z. Doesn't even come close to the $40 million jet she reportedly gave him for Father's Day. But I'm sure when he saw the watch with all that bling, he must've got a bang out of it, a really big bang. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Sebastian.

(Describer) A brown-haired teen.

- Coming up next, I'll show you an incredible palace that's been home to Spanish royalty for more than 600 years. "Teen Kids News" will be right back.

(Describer) Coming up, The "Reign" in Spain.

In Southern Spain is the city of Seville. Over the centuries, it's been ruled by the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors, and the Spanish. Much of Seville's history is captured in breathtaking detail in one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Nicole takes us on a tour in this week's report on The Reign in Spain.

(Describer) A montage of images, including a red-domed cathedral beneath a blue sky; multistory, rectangular buildings with spires rising from the walls; a bell tower overlooking a gently sloping, green landscape; a metalworker; a guitarist; paintings on a ceiling; a woman on a scooter; food in a marketplace. The Reign, R-E-I-G-N, in Spain.

(upbeat music) - [Nicole] On the other side of these walls and towers, behind what's called the Lion Gate, is the Real Alcazar. Real means Royal, and Alcazar means palace or fortress, specifically a palace or fortress built by the Moors who invaded Spain. - We are in the Real Alcazar, one of the most important buildings that we got in the city, and also one of my favorite ones. - [Nicole] Carmen is a guide from Visita Sevilla.

(Describer) A hall with stone arches.

Being shown around the Alcazar was like a walking history lesson. - To know the meaning of this building, we have to go back to the Roman period, where all this area, it was part of the Roman fortress. Okay, we have to imagine that the building would be completely different. After the Roman period, we got the Visigoth people living over here in this area also. It was in the 8th century when the Arabs got over here that the palace started to take the fort that we can appreciate today.

(upbeat music)

(Describer) A domed ceiling comprises hundreds of colorful geometric shapes like glittering gemstones.

- And there's a lot to appreciate. The Alcazar is simply stunning.

(Describer) Sculpted archways bear carvings in intricate detail.

For almost 800 years, the Spanish battled the Moors to recapture the Iberian Peninsula.

(Describer) Paintings of conquest.

With each victory, the Christian kings occupied towns and palaces once controlled by the Islamic rulers. After Seville was retaken, the Arab Fort was turned into a palace for King Pedro of Castile. But the Spanish kept the Arabic influence. And you can see that influence everywhere you look in the Alcazar, from the Moors' horseshoe arches to the colorful and intricate geometric designs.

(Describer) Floral wall carvings curl among interwoven bands. A long, narrow pool spans a garden.

This is the Courtyard of the Maidens, a beautiful area with an ugly history. Legend has it that every year, the Christians had to pay a tribute to the Moors--tribute of 100 virgins. By the way, the upper levels of the Alcazar are still used today by Spain's royal family. It's their official residence in Seville.

(Describer) On a tapestry, ships with full sails glide across rolling ocean waves.

As Spain grew rich from its exploration and exploitation of the New World, its explorers were the superstars of the day.

(Describer) A gold-framed painting.

That's Columbus covered in gold.

(Describer) Christopher Columbus poses with a sword.

On other walls are huge tapestries celebrating military victories. In addition to bathing in the glory that was Spain, residents of Alcazar could bathe in a tub fit for a king, as well as for a queen, and probably could still fit half the household.

(Describer) A rectangular pool.

Here in the Room of the Ambassadors, the king would meet important dignitaries.

(Describer) Beneath the domed ceiling.

And when the courtiers wanted some fresh air, they could stroll to their royal hearts' content in the terraced gardens. Seville served as the setting for a number of scenes in "Game of Thrones." Some of those scenes were shot right here in the garden of Real Alcazar. No question about it, Real Alcazar is the real thing. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Nicole.

♪ Story of my life, I take him home ♪

♪ I drive all night... ♪

(Describer) Coming Up: Rising Star: Filipa .

- Let's meet another rising star.

(Describer) Columns of colorful squares slide together to form a rectangular grid. Seven of the squares display images of teens singing on stage or in videos. A title: Rising Stars. Emily.

(upbeat music) - There are many ways for a young performer to be discovered. We're about to meet a young lady who owes her start to contest. Her name is Filipa, and she's from Pretoria. That's in South Africa. Here's a cut from her debut single, "Good Behavior."

♪ Baby, I can barely breathe ♪

♪ I can't promise good behavior ♪

♪ 'Cause baby, you're a danger to my health ♪

♪ Can't promise good behavior ♪

♪ 'Cause baby, I ain't tryna save myself ♪

- Joining from South Africa via Skype is this talented singer. Hi, Filipa. - Hi! - First, I've gotta ask, what is it like growing up in South Africa?

(Describer) Filipa sits near a fireplace.

- Goodness, I think that's a tough question because it's normal for me. I feel just like it would be for everyone else, but it's great because it's such a diverse country, so that's the really cool thing about it. - So tell us about how your big break came about. - Wow, well, I've been singing since I was little, and I wanted to start really pursuing music as a career after I graduated high school, so that's what I did. And I thought, okay, this is my senior year in high school, and I wanted to start posting YouTube videos up.

♪ I know your insides are feeling so hollow ♪

So that's what I did, and I posted my first cover, it was a Maroon 5 song called "Love Somebody."

♪ Story of my life, I take him home ♪

♪ I drive all night to keep him warm... ♪

I posted that and then a few months later I posted another one, which was One Direction's "Story of my Life." And about two weeks after I posted the "Story of my Life" video, I got a message from RyanSeacrest.com on my Facebook fan page, and from there I was asked to enter the competition that they were holding, and that is when I think everything started; I think that I would say that was my break, especially in my home town, because it was all over the radio; it was all over media. And South Africa's really supporting me 'cause it was a public-based voting system, and I just got this abundance of support from my home

(Describer) A newspaper.

and that was super unreal and super cool. - So you won Ryan Seacrest's Best Cover Ever competition. What happened next? - Well, winning the contest came with an exclusive premier of a single, so that was my first single, and it was debuted on RyanSeacrest.com, which was amazing, and I actually was approached by two L.A. producers who wanted to work on this single with me. So I worked with them and I released the single, and from there it just opened up connections. I started working with different teams on my original material, and from then, it's just been expanding and growing. And I've now been working with a few teams in L.A., and that's why I've been going there a lot. So I think that kind of spun off my original material, and me as an artist, I would say. - Let's talk about some of your original material. Your song, "I'd Rather Be Single," is sort of based on a contest of its own, isn't it?

(Describer) Filipa smiles.

- Yeah it is. "I'd Rather Be Single," I remember when we were writing it in the studio, I was in L.A. for this, and I just remember sitting there. 'Cause before in a writing session, I just liked to chat about concepts and chat about things that we would possibly write about, and the thing that came up was how difficult it was to date, how difficult the dating scene was, especially for young people and young single people. And we started chatting about that and we had a few laughs, and I thought, I love being single because it's empowering.

♪ I'd rather be single ♪

♪ Than dive in and get it wrong ♪

♪ I've already been through a tragical dance and song... ♪

And I wanted to bring that message across that it's-- rather be by yourself than be with the wrong person, so we started writing about that, and I thought how cool would it be to do a game show and make it funny. Zayne, so if we're going out for a date night, who takes longer to get ready?

(quirky upbeat music)

(Describer) Dane mouths the words, "Call me," and holds up fingers to show a series of numbers.

- What? I wasn't listening. - Where at the end, I declare that I'd rather be single and I'd rather be on my own. So I thought that was a really funny way to bring that message across. - It's a fun video. A number of your songs have climbed the charts in your home country. Does that make it easier to break into the music scene here in the U.S., or is it still a challenge? - I would say that it's a challenge still because it does help having support from your home base, from your home country, but I think again, going into any new territory, you have to, as an artist, you have to win over your new territory, you have to find audience members that connect with your music. And I think no matter where you go in the world, it'll always be a challenge, but it's worth it, and it's a great challenge because it just makes you wanna grow as an artist and be better and be more authentic to who you are. - Not only are you pursuing your singing career, but you're also a student. What are you studying? - Yeah, I'm studying through Harvard Extension School, which is amazing 'cause I get to do it wherever I'm in the world, and I'm studying Liberal-- a BA, Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. So I've been doing it for a while now, and I'm actually gonna be on campus soon for a summer semester. - Good luck with that! And thanks for speaking with us. - Yes, thank you, that was super fun! - Filipa may be from far-away South Africa, but with her talent, success in America probably isn't far away. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Emily.

(Describer) Luke.

- And that's it for this week's show. Thanks for watching. We'll be back with more "Teen Kids News" next week, so make sure you tune in.

(upbeat music)

(Describer) Producer: Marilou Yacoub . Director/Writer: Alan J. Weiss. Production Assistance Provided by: The National Road Safety Foundation. Created by Executive Producers Albert T. Primo and Alan J. Weiss. Copyright Eyewitness Kids News LLC, 2020. Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education. A logo: Alan Weiss Productions.