アメリカの政権交代と東南アジアの大気汚染問題[CNN10]

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What's up, Sunshine? Welcome to CNN 10 on November 12th. We've got your news for this Tuesday, November 12th. Remember to submit your unique vocabulary words for tomorrow’s Your Word Wednesday. Put your school name, your word, and definition in the comment section on my most recent post on my @kywi social accounts. We choose one winner to work into tomorrow's show!

Alright, we have lots to get to, so let’s hop right into it, starting with U.S. politics where the balance of power in the nation’s capital is nearly set. Ballots are still being counted in a number of congressional races. Even with some races still undecided in the Senate, CNN projects that Republicans will now control the chamber with at least 52 out of 100 seats. The party will need to choose a new Senate Majority Leader before the new Congress convenes in January. 

The Senate takeover marks the first big election night success for Republicans, flipping seats in Ohio, West Virginia, and Montana. It’s a significant victory for the party, which hasn’t held a majority in the chamber since 2021. There are still two Senate races yet to be declared, in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

On the other side of Washington, D.C., the fate of the House of Representatives remains uncertain. Republicans are striving to defend their narrow majority, and CNN has not yet projected winners in more than a dozen House races. Meanwhile, American voters have chosen former President Donald Trump to be the 47th president of the United States. Trump and his team are working on building the president-elect's administration at his Florida property in Mar-a-Lago. 

So far, Mr. Trump's campaign manager, Susie W.S., has been named White House Chief of Staff, becoming the first woman to ever hold that title. President-elect Trump is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with President Biden ahead of Inauguration Day. States have until December 11th to confirm their Electoral College votes before electors officially cast their 538 Electoral College votes. 

Once all races are determined, the new Congress will be sworn in on January 3rd, and both chambers will count electoral votes on January 6th. With Republicans set to control the presidency, the Senate, and possibly the House of Representatives, the GOP will be in a prime position to back the future Trump administration's agenda.

CNN’s Manu Raju joins us to break down the details. 

“Republicans have an edge in holding onto the House, but just barely. They may maintain power, but there are still votes left to be counted. To reach the magic number of 218 seats, Republicans need only five more wins. Democrats, on the other hand, need to flip five Republican districts, which is much more difficult as they currently only lead in two Republican districts. Republicans, meanwhile, are leading in two Democratic districts. If that holds, Democrats will likely remain in the minority, a big letdown for their party after eyeing key districts from Iowa to California. This could lead to internal debates and potential blame toward top-ticket candidates.”

However, one thing is certain: Republicans will hold the Senate majority with at least 52 seats, with a couple of races yet to be called. Another significant question is who will lead this new majority, as Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate Republican leader, steps aside. Potential replacements include Senator John Cornyn, Senator John Thune, and Senator Rick Scott.

Next, we shift our focus to Southeast Asia, where two neighbors, India and Pakistan, are grappling with extreme pollution affecting millions. Air quality typically worsens in the winter due to cold air trapping pollutants from crop burning, vehicles, and power plants. Recently, the pollution levels have reached three times the hazardous threshold on the IQAir index. 

Pakistan’s government is calling for climate diplomacy with India to address the issue. CNN's Sophia Sethi reports from Lahore, where officials urge people to stay indoors as smog blankets the city, which often ranks among the worst in the world for air pollution. Masks have become mandatory, acting as thin shields against the toxic air. The city’s air quality index recently surpassed 1,000, far above the hazardous level of 301. 

Many public spaces, such as zoos, parks, and monuments, have closed, and schools have shifted to online classes for at least another week. One resident voiced frustration, noting that while schools have been closed, the main sources of pollution, like factories and brick kilns, remain open.

In New Delhi, pollution levels have also reached hazardous levels, though some residents continue outdoor activities. The World Health Organization warns that toxic air can cause serious health issues, including strokes, heart disease, and respiratory infections. A clinic in New Delhi has reported a 20-25% increase in patients with sore throats, burning eyes, and breathing difficulties following Diwali celebrations, when illegal fireworks were set off. Officials have tried spraying water from drones to reduce dust and pollutants, but critics argue this is just a temporary fix; long-term solutions are needed.

Lastly, a lighter story from Italy: the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome is undergoing renovations, giving tourists a unique chance to see the masterpiece up close. CNN’s Barbie Latza Nadeau reports that the usually gurgling fountain is now dry as workers clean and restore the iconic 18th-century structure. The renovation, costing over $300,000, is part of conservation efforts leading up to the Vatican’s Holy Jubilee year in 2025, which is expected to draw millions of visitors.

**Pop quiz, hot shot!** A group of penguins in the water is called a “raft,” but what are they called on land? A swarm, a waddle, a charm, or a gaggle? The answer is: a waddle! Named after their distinctive walk, the collective noun for penguins on land is a “waddle of penguins.”

For today’s 10 out of 10 story: What do you call a penguin on a sandy beach? Lost. An emperor penguin was recently found on a beach in Western Australia, over 2,000 miles from its Antarctic home. Conservation officials believe it followed a northward current too far while searching for food. Thankfully, it’s now in the care of a local wildlife team after being found malnourished.

**Shoutout time!** We’re sending love to Santan Junior High School in Chandler, Arizona. We see you, Storms! Thanks for subscribing to our CNN 10 YouTube channel and for putting your shoutout requests in there. Thanks for making us part of your day. 

Rise up, everyone! I’ll see you right back here tomorrow on CNN 10.