1. FOOD OF THE FUTURE

Scientists have found a way to grow real meat from animal cells, without needing to raise or kill animals. This type of meat is called cultivated meat, and it’s made in special labs or factories using cells taken from chickens, cows, or other animals. The cells grow inside tanks filled with nutrients and are shaped into meat products like chicken strips or beef patties. Supporters say it could help the environment by using less land and causing fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Some people also think it’s more humane because it avoids animal slaughter. Right now, lab-grown meat is still expensive and hard to make in large amounts. It’s only approved for sale in the U.S. and Singapore, and not everyone is comfortable with the idea of eating meat from a lab. But as technology improves, many companies and scientists believe it could be a big part of how we eat in the future — especially as the world’s population grows and climate change makes traditional farming harder. Imagine you’re a food scientist helping to introduce cultivated meat to your community. Write a short advertisement explaining what cultivated meat is, why it might be important, and how it could help people and the planet. Be sure to include at least one benefit and one challenge. Then, in small groups, share your ad and discuss: Would you try lab-grown meat? Why or why not?

2. JEANS AD SPARKS CONTROVERSY

American Eagle Outfitters recently launched a new denim campaign starring actor Sydney Sweeney, known for shows like Euphoria and The White Lotus. The ad features the line “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” which many people thought was a play on the word “genes.” Some critics said the ad focused too much on beauty standards and raised concerns about the messaging, especially in a teaser video where Sweeney talked about inherited traits like eye color and hair. American Eagle responded by saying the campaign was always just about jeans, not genetics, and was meant to show how everyone can wear denim their own way. The company’s marketing team had hoped the ad would grab attention and “push buttons,” but it’s unclear if they expected the level of controversy it received. Some people defended the ad, saying others were reading too much into it, while others said it reminded them of harmful ideas about who gets to define beauty. Experts say that even though some people didn’t like the ad, the buzz may still help the brand get noticed. Still, it raises questions about how much companies should think about the messages their ads send—especially when it comes to topics like race and beauty. Think about how companies use celebrities and clever wordplay to sell products. Do you think American Eagle’s ad was just a fun play on words, or do you see why some people were upset by it? Write a short paragraph explaining your opinion and include at least one reason why advertising messages should (or shouldn’t) be more carefully planned when it comes to sensitive topics.

3. WILDFIRES CREATE “FIRE CLOUDS”

Two massive wildfires burning in Arizona and Utah are not only spreading fast—they’re creating their own extreme weather. One of the fires, near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is so large it’s called a “megafire” and has burned more than 160 square miles. In Utah, another fire has destroyed power poles and forced people to leave their homes. These fires are being fueled by dry, hot winds and unusually low humidity. The intense heat has caused towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulus clouds to form above the flames. These clouds can create strong winds, lightning, and even fire tornadoes. Firefighters say the clouds make their job more dangerous because the weather becomes unpredictable. Some crews have had to retreat to stay safe. Experts say these clouds could become more common as climate change makes fire seasons longer and drier. In places like Antimony, Utah, people are helping each other stay safe and fed while waiting for power to return. While firefighters continue battling the flames, communities are working together to stay strong during this extreme wildfire season. Think about how wildfires can affect more than just trees—they can change the weather, cut off electricity, and force people to leave their homes. In a paragraph, describe one challenge that wildfires bring and how communities or firefighters can prepare for or respond to it. Include at least one detail from the article and one of your own ideas.

4. TRUMP FIRES JOBS DATA OFFICIAL

President Donald Trump has removed the head of the government agency responsible for tracking U.S. job growth after a disappointing jobs report showed hiring was weaker than expected. Erika McEntarfer, who led the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was fired after updated data showed fewer jobs were created in May, June, and July than originally reported. Trump claimed, without proof, that the numbers were changed to hurt him politically and said she would be replaced. Many experts and former government officials criticized the firing. They said the BLS is known around the world for being trustworthy and not influenced by politics. Even a former Trump-appointed commissioner signed a letter saying McEntarfer’s firing could damage public trust in U.S. economic data. The BLS updates job numbers each month as more companies send in their data, which is a normal part of the process. The new job numbers showed only 73,000 jobs added in July, with earlier months also revised down. These weaker results suggest the economy is slowing and that recent tariffs may be making prices rise. Some lawmakers say Trump is unfairly blaming the messenger instead of addressing the bigger economic issues. Why is it important for government data, like job numbers, to be trusted by the public? In a paragraph, explain how firing someone in charge of reporting this information might affect people’s confidence in the economy or in the government. Use at least one example from the article and share your own opinion on what leaders should do when they receive bad news.

5. RADIOACTIVE WASP NEST

Workers at a former nuclear bomb-making site in South Carolina recently discovered a wasp nest with dangerous levels of radiation. The nest was found near storage tanks holding liquid nuclear waste at the Savannah River Site, a location that once helped build nuclear weapons during the Cold War. The nest had radiation levels 10 times higher than federal safety limits, but no wasps were found, and officials say there is no danger to the public. Experts believe the nest got contaminated by leftover radioactive materials from the site’s past operations. A safety group wants more information about where the radiation came from and whether there could be other nests or possible leaks. Officials say the waste tanks are not leaking, and the wasps likely stayed close to the area. Today, the site focuses on nuclear fuel and clean-up rather than bomb-making, but it still stores millions of gallons of radioactive waste. The discovery raised questions about how animals or insects might unknowingly interact with radioactive materials and how safe these old nuclear sites really are. Think about the ways animals or insects could accidentally come into contact with dangerous human-made materials, like radiation or pollution. Write a paragraph explaining how people can help prevent this from happening. Include at least two examples of what workers or scientists can do to monitor and protect the environment from hidden dangers like this one.