11-year-old becomes youngest American to summit Matterhorn | August 12, 2025

Summary

In this episode of CNN 10, Ky Wire highlights key news from around the world, including the development of tractor beam technology being used to neutralize rogue drones, the threat posed by tropical storm Aaron, and the Perseid meteor shower. It also covers unique events like the waterfall diving competition in Bosnia and the renovation of the White House Rose Garden. The episode concludes with a tribute to Sam Evermore, the youngest American to summit the Matterhorn at just 11 years old. A mix of science, current events, and extraordinary human feats is presented in an engaging and accessible format.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ky Wire introduces CNN 10, encouraging viewers to show appreciation for teachers on Teacher Time Tuesday.
• 😀 The concept of tractor beams, a technology popularized in science fiction, is closer to becoming a reality, with practical uses in drone patrols.
• 😀 A demonstration of Israeli company Defense Solutions' drone system, capable of detecting and taking control of unauthorized drones, highlights new security technology.
• 😀 Drones are increasingly being used for malicious purposes, such as attacks and espionage, with concerns raised about their impact on airports and major events.
• 😀 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tested anti-drone technologies to improve security for large events like the World Cup and Olympics.
• 😀 Tropical storm Aaron could strengthen into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, with experts warning it could become a Category 3 storm.
• 😀 The Perciad's meteor shower peaks tonight, but its visibility will be affected by a full moon. Stargazers are advised to watch between 10 PM and dawn.
• 😀 Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s tallest waterfall, standing at 3,212 feet—almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
• 😀 The International Waterfall Jumps Competition in Bosnia attracted divers from around the world, with one Bosnian native taking home the trophy.
• 😀 The White House's Rose Garden has undergone multiple redesigns over the years, with the latest update featuring a new patio, stirring debate among some critics.
• 😀 Sam Evermore, at just 11 years old, became the youngest American to summit the Matterhorn, completing the climb in a record time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Q & A

What is the significance of the tractor beam technology mentioned in the script?

The tractor beam technology, traditionally seen in science fiction, is now being used to track and control drones. The system can help detect unauthorized drones and even force them to land, which is a growing concern in the context of security around major events like the World Cup and the Olympics.

How does the Defense Solutions system work to neutralize drones?

The system detects radio signals emitted by drones from the moment they take off. It feeds this information back to a command center in real-time, allowing operators to take control of the drones and force them to land in a predetermined safe spot.

Why is the use of drones a growing concern for security?

Drones are increasingly being used for malicious purposes, including dropping grenades or carrying explosives, as seen in the Ukrainian attacks on Russian airbases. This makes drones a significant threat to airports, critical infrastructure, and large gatherings.

What is the current status of Tropical Storm Aaron?

Tropical Storm Aaron, which formed near the Cabo Verde Islands, has sustained winds of 45 mph and is heading west. It is expected to track over a region that could cause it to strengthen into at least a Category 3 hurricane by the weekend.

Why might it be difficult to see the Perseids meteor shower this year?

The Perseids meteor shower is peaking tonight, but the full moon will wash out much of the darkness, making it harder to see the meteors. Despite this, the best time for viewing is between 10 p.m. and dawn.

What is the world's tallest waterfall and where is it located?

Angel Falls, located in Venezuela, is the world's tallest waterfall, plunging approximately 3,212 feet—about twice the height of the Empire State Building.

What is the International Waterfall Jumps Competition?

The International Waterfall Jumps Competition is an event where divers from around the world gather to jump off waterfalls, competing based on form and posture. This year, the event took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the winner being a native Bosnian diver.

What notable change was made to the White House's Rose Garden?

The iconic Rose Garden has undergone a major transformation with the addition of a large patio, replacing the lawn with pavers. This decision has been polarizing, though it is just one of many changes the garden has seen over the years.

How did Sam Evermore make history with his Matterhorn climb?

Sam Evermore, at just 11 years old, became the youngest American to summit the Matterhorn, one of Europe's tallest mountains. He completed the climb in a record time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

How can schools participate in CNN 10's unique vocabulary challenge?

Students can participate by commenting their unique vocabulary word and its definition on Ky Wire's latest social media post. The winning word will be featured in the next episode of CNN 10, with a shoutout to the school and teacher.