Why "flying cars" are closer to reality than you think | November 12, 2025

Summary

In this edition of CNN 10, Ryan Young discusses key headlines from November 12th, including a potential end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the development of personal flying vehicles, and an incredible volcanic eruption in Hawaii. The episode also highlights a Lego initiative helping children overcome anxiety during MRI scans and a heartwarming story of a high school football team making pizzas after their victory. The word of the day is 'bruhaha,' and shout-outs are given to schools across the country.

Takeaways

• 😀 The US government shutdown is one step closer to ending, with bipartisan support for a new funding bill. However, key Democratic demands, like extending ACA assistance, were not included.
• 😀 Personal flying vehicles are becoming a reality, with companies like Kittyhawk and Pivotal working on electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. These vehicles could revolutionize commuting but come with limitations like a $190,000 price tag and a 20-minute battery life.
• 😀 Mount Aloha in Hawaii is the world's largest active volcano, covering more than half of the state's Big Island.
• 😀 Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is creating volcanic tornadoes, known as 'volats,' with lava blasts reaching over 1,000 feet into the air, illustrating the power and unpredictability of volcanic activity.
• 😀 LEGO has designed a custom playset to help children understand and prepare for MRI scans, which has been shown to reduce the need for anesthesia during the procedure.
• 😀 More than 10,000 LEGO MRI playsets have been donated to hospitals worldwide since 2023, helping children feel more comfortable and less anxious during medical procedures.
• 😀 A high school football team from Morehead, Minnesota, had to make their own pizzas after their pre-ordered ones were not prepared. The team worked together to create 30 pizzas in just 40 minutes, showcasing teamwork and adaptability.
• 😀 The Morehead Spuds' pizza-making experience was described as a great example of 'adapt and overcome,' as the team quickly turned an unexpected challenge into a fun and successful task.
• 😀 The word of the day, 'bruhaha,' refers to a noisy and excited response to something, and was submitted by an eighth-grade class from Belmont Middle School in North Carolina.
• 😀 The episode highlights various creative and technological advancements, such as the potential for flying cars, innovative ways to educate children about medical procedures, and the unique nature of natural phenomena like volcanic tornadoes.

Q & A

What significant political event is mentioned in the script regarding the US government?

The longest government shutdown in US history is one step closer to ending, as a bill to fund the government was approved by eight Democratic senators and Republicans. However, key Democratic demands for an extension of the Affordable Care Act assistance were not met.

What innovation in personal transportation is discussed in the transcript?

The script discusses personal flying vehicles, with one company working on electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircrafts, offering the possibility of commuting in flying cars.

What challenges do personal flying vehicles face currently?

Challenges include legal restrictions on flying over congested areas, a high starting price of $190,000, limited battery life of about 20 minutes, and a range of only about 20 miles. However, these issues are expected to improve in the future.

What is the significance of the virtual reality simulator mentioned in the script?

The VR simulator is used to train individuals on how to fly the personal aircraft. Users must pass a test in the simulator before being allowed to purchase the aircraft, though it is not a legal requirement.

How is the military involved in the development of personal flying vehicles?

The company developing these personal flying vehicles has already provided aircraft for non-developmental testing by the US Air Force, and is working with other agencies within the Department of Defense (DoD).

What natural phenomenon is explained in the script regarding Hawaii's Kilauea volcano?

The script describes a phenomenon called a 'volat,' which occurs when lava from the Kilauea volcano creates a tornado-like swirl due to the interaction of hot air near the lava and cooler air surrounding it.

What unique application does LEGO have in the healthcare sector, according to the script?

LEGO has created a specialized playset to help children prepare for MRI scans. The playset includes a model MRI room, allowing children to learn about the process in a less intimidating way, helping to reduce anxiety and the need for anesthesia.

How effective has LEGO's playset been in reducing the need for anesthesia in children?

A report from LEGO states that healthcare professionals have found the playsets to be highly effective, reducing the need for sedation or anesthesia in children undergoing MRIs by nearly half.

What lesson can be learned from the high school football team's pizza-making adventure?

The lesson is about teamwork and adaptability. When their pre-ordered pizzas were not ready, the team worked together to make their own pizzas, showcasing resourcefulness and cooperation.

What word of the day was featured in the script, and what does it mean?

The word of the day is 'bruhaha,' which is a noun meaning a noisy and excited response to something, often one that is chaotic or overly dramatic.