1. LASER WEAPON DISPUTE SHUTS DOWN EL PASO AIRSPACE

Federal officials briefly shut down the airspace around El Paso after border agents used a new high-energy laser system near a major airport without aviation regulators’ approval. The Pentagon wanted the laser to stop drones that cartels could use for smuggling, but the Federal Aviation Administration warned that using the technology without strict flight restrictions created a “grave risk of fatalities or permanent injuries.” Emails showed the F.A.A. repeatedly asked for data and time to run its own safety review, but those requests were not met. After the laser was deployed and a flying object was shot down near Fort Bliss, F.A.A. leaders moved to close the airspace for 10 days to prevent another unsafe use. Under pressure from the White House, the closure was quickly reversed, and officials began arguing publicly about who knew what and when. The episode raised bigger questions about whether national security agencies can move fast while still following rules meant to keep civilian flights safe. Write a paragraph that addresses why the F.A.A. thought closing the airspace was necessary, and why did other officials think the laser system should be used anyway. Include at least one detail about the safety concerns and at least one detail about the pressure to act quickly at the border. End by proposing one practical step that could help prevent this kind of last-minute emergency decision in the future.

2. DENMARK TELLS AMERICANS THEY ARE STILL WELCOME TO VISIT

Denmark’s national tourism board sent a message to thousands of U.S. travel advisers saying American travelers are welcome, even as political tensions rise over Greenland. Greenland is a semiautonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and President Trump’s repeated threats to annex it have caused diplomatic conflict and made some Americans worry about backlash while traveling abroad. VisitDenmark said there was no sign that the situation had harmed travel safety, visitor experiences, or tourism operations in Denmark. The tourism office also said bookings did not show a drop tied to politics, and it reported that travel from the United States to Denmark increased in 2025 compared with 2024. The message emphasized that many Danes separate ordinary people from government actions and that visitors should not assume they will be blamed for political headlines. Greenland may be more complicated, but local leaders there have also noted that not every American supports the U.S. president. Imagine you are creating a short “travel confidence” message for students whose families are planning an international trip. In 5 to 7 sentences, explain why political news can make people nervous about traveling, and then use at least two details from this story to show how travel organizations try to reduce fear with information. Finish by writing one thoughtful question you would ask a tour guide or hotel staff member abroad that shows respect and curiosity without bringing drama into the conversation.

3. HOMELAND SECURITY SHUTS DOWN, BUT MOST WORK CONTINUES

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security ran out, triggering a shutdown that could cause problems if it lasts, even though many essential services will keep operating. Officials said most employees would still have to report to work, but many would not be paid until the shutdown ends, which can strain families and lead some workers to quit. Past shutdowns have caused staffing shortages, and airport screeners have sometimes resigned when they were required to work without pay. Agencies under Homeland Security include the T.S.A., FEMA, the Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection, so the effects can spread to travel, disaster response, and security. The shutdown happened because Democrats and Republicans clashed over new limits on immigration enforcement, including rules about masks and warrants. Even though deportation efforts were expected to continue, leaders warned that pay and retention issues could still weaken the department over time. Write a short journal-style entry of 6 to 8 sentences from the point of view of a worker whose job is considered “essential” during a shutdown. You should describe what it feels like to be required to keep working without pay, how that could affect your life outside of work, and why you still might show up anyway. End with one sentence explaining what you think lawmakers should keep in mind when they argue about budgets.

4. LAWSUITS EXPECTED AFTER A MAJOR U.S. CLIMATE RULE IS REMOVED

The Trump administration erased a key climate rule known as the “endangerment finding,” which said greenhouse gases threaten public health by warming the planet. That finding was a foundation for many U.S. climate regulations, because it supported the government’s authority to limit emissions from cars, power plants, and other sources. Environmental groups and Democratic-led states said they would sue, and legal experts expect the fight could reach the Supreme Court after moving through lower courts first. In its final version, the administration focused less on arguing against climate science and more on legal claims, like saying the Clean Air Act was meant for local pollution and not for gases that spread globally. Critics argue the logic is flawed because it suggests the government cannot act at all if one sector cannot solve the whole problem by itself. Supporters of the repeal say major policy shifts like this should come from Congress, not federal agencies. Look up what at least two reputable sources say could change now that the endangerment finding has been removed. Write a paragraph that analyzes what the sources say the impact could be and if they differ from one another, what reasons there could be for those differences.

5. META CONSIDERS FACIAL RECOGNITION IN SMART GLASSES

Meta is considering adding facial recognition to its smart glasses so wearers could identify people and receive information through an A.I. assistant. The feature, internally called “Name Tag,” raises serious privacy concerns because it could be used to track people who did not agree to be identified. An internal document described the technology as carrying “safety and privacy risks,” and it suggested the company believed political turmoil might distract critics from the rollout. Meta has faced major privacy controversies before, including lawsuits over collecting facial data without permission and a large settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The company says it is still thinking through options and may limit who can be recognized, such as people the user already knows or people with public accounts. Critics argue that putting facial recognition into everyday glasses could threaten the practical anonymity people expect in public spaces. Write a short classroom discussion starter in 6 to 8 sentences that would help your classmates debate this question: Should facial recognition ever be allowed in consumer devices like smart glasses? You should include one benefit that supporters might point to, one specific harm that critics worry about, and one rule you think should be required if the feature is released. End by explaining how you would want to be notified if someone nearby was using glasses with this technology.