Smog So Bad It Can Be Seen From Space | November 12, 2024

Summary

In today’s CNN 10 update, Republicans are poised to control the Senate, with former President Trump set to become the 47th U.S. President. While the House remains uncertain, the Senate's shift to GOP control marks a significant political change. In Southeast Asia, severe air pollution is impacting millions in India and Pakistan, prompting calls for action. Meanwhile, Rome’s Trevi Fountain undergoes renovations, offering visitors a rare up-close view. Lastly, a lost emperor penguin in Australia finds its way to safety. Shoutouts are given to schools, and viewers are encouraged to submit vocabulary for Word Wednesday!

Takeaways

• 😀 Republicans are projected to control the U.S. Senate with at least 52 seats, marking a victory after a long absence of majority since 2021.
• 😀 Donald Trump has been chosen as the 47th president of the United States, with his campaign manager Susie WS named as the first female White House Chief of Staff.
• 😀 The fate of the U.S. House of Representatives is still uncertain, with Republicans needing five more wins to maintain their majority, while Democrats need to flip five Republican districts.
• 😀 The Senate race results are still pending in Arizona and Pennsylvania, with Republicans likely to retain control.
• 😀 The U.S. government faces a leadership change in the Senate, as Mitch McConnell steps down, prompting multiple candidates to vie for the leadership position.
• 😀 India and Pakistan are experiencing severe air pollution, with air quality reaching hazardous levels, especially during the winter months due to crop burning and industrial emissions.
• 😀 In Lahore, Pakistan, the air quality index reached over 1,000, far surpassing the hazardous threshold of 301, prompting government action like school closures and online classes.
• 😀 The World Health Organization warns that breathing toxic air can lead to health issues like strokes, heart disease, and respiratory infections, with clinics reporting a rise in patients due to smog-related illnesses.
• 😀 The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome is undergoing renovation, allowing tourists to view the historic site up close, despite it being temporarily drained for restoration.
• 😀 A penguin found 2,000 miles from Antarctica in Western Australia was malnourished but is now being cared for by a local wildlife group, highlighting the unexpected journeys of wildlife.
• 😀 Santan Junior High School in Chandler, Arizona, received a shoutout for subscribing to CNN 10's YouTube channel, connecting with viewers across the country.

Q & A

What major political development is happening in the U.S. Senate as of November 12, 2024?

As of November 12, 2024, CNN projects that Republicans will control the U.S. Senate with at least 52 out of the 100 seats. This marks a significant shift, as the GOP hasn't had a majority in the Senate since 2021.

What positions are being considered for the leadership of the new Republican majority in the Senate?

With Mitch McConnell stepping aside, several candidates are vying for the position of Senate Majority Leader, including Senator John Cornyn, Senator John Thune, and Senator Rick Scott.

What is the status of the U.S. House of Representatives following the elections?

The outcome of the U.S. House of Representatives remains uncertain, with Republicans fighting to defend a narrow majority. CNN has not yet projected winners in over a dozen races.

What did voters decide regarding the U.S. Presidency in the 2024 elections?

Voters elected former President Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, and his team is already working on building the incoming administration.

What has been the situation with air pollution in India and Pakistan?

Air pollution has reached hazardous levels in India and Pakistan, with the air quality index in some areas three times higher than hazardous levels. The pollution is caused by factors like crop burning and vehicle emissions, and both governments are seeking climate diplomacy to address the issue.

What measures have been taken in response to the extreme air pollution in South Asia?

In response to the dangerous air pollution, cities like Lahore have mandated face masks, closed schools, and limited outdoor activities. New Delhi has also initiated a trial program using drones to spray water and reduce pollution.

How are residents in Delhi reacting to the air pollution and government measures?

Some residents in Delhi are critical of government measures, noting that factories and sources of pollution are not being closed. While schools are closed, the pollution continues to affect the city, with a rise in health complaints like sore throats and breathing issues.

What is the current status of the Trevi Fountain renovation in Rome?

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is undergoing a $300,000 renovation that includes cleaning and repairs. Due to the renovation, the fountain is currently dry, and visitors have a rare opportunity to closely inspect the 18th-century landmark.

What significant event is scheduled to occur in 2025 that is related to Rome's landmarks?

In 2025, the Vatican will begin its Holy Jubilee year, expected to draw millions of visitors. The Trevi Fountain renovation is one of many conservation projects in Rome scheduled to be completed before the event.

What unusual event involving penguins happened recently in Western Australia?

An emperor penguin was found on a beach in Western Australia, over 2,000 miles from its home in Antarctica. The penguin had likely followed a northward current while searching for food and appeared malnourished, but is now being cared for by a local wildlife organization.