1. FLOTILLA SETS OFF FOR GAZA

On Monday, a flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid for Gaza left Barcelona for the second time after storms forced it to turn back the day before. The Global Sumud Flotilla includes around 20 boats with participants from 44 countries, and dozens more are expected to join from the Mediterranean, making it the largest attempt yet to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by sea. High-profile supporters, like Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, are on board, while celebrities Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham voiced support. The mission comes as Gaza faces famine, with experts saying 500,000 people are at risk of starvation due to the Israeli blockade and ongoing war. Nearly 340 Palestinians, including 124 children, have already died from malnutrition, according to Gaza officials. The war, now almost two years long, began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken. Israel is expected to block the flotilla as it has in previous attempts. Research another historical example of a group trying to send aid during a conflict (such as the Berlin Airlift or past Gaza flotillas) and compare it to the current mission leaving Barcelona. Explain one similarity and one difference you find between the two situations.

2. FORMER C.D.C. OFFICIALS WARN AGAINST KENNEDY

In a rare joint statement, nine former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have condemned Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for severely weakening the agency and threatening public health. The authors, who served under both Republican and Democratic presidents, say Kennedy’s recent firing of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez was only the latest in a series of reckless decisions. Kennedy has dismissed thousands of public health workers, ended support for global vaccination programs, canceled promising medical research, and replaced experts with unqualified individuals who support his anti-vaccine views. These changes come amid a major measles outbreak in the U.S. and could leave the country unprepared for future health crises. The former directors argue that Kennedy’s decisions will hurt vulnerable populations the most—especially low-income families, rural communities, and children who rely on vaccines and public clinics. They say that while the CDC is not perfect, it has played a critical role in raising life expectancy and protecting Americans from disease for nearly 80 years. Imagine you are a journalist writing an editorial for your school newspaper. In 6 to 8 sentences, summarize the conflict between the CDC and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., take a clear stance on whether you think Kennedy’s actions are justified or harmful, and include one specific example from the published statement that supports your opinion. Then, suggest one way students or local communities can help support public health, even if they don’t work in government. Make sure your editorial has a clear opinion, uses evidence, and ends with a strong message for your readers.

3. FEDERAL RESERVE AT RISK

President Trump’s recent attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has sparked a major legal and economic debate. Experts say it’s the biggest threat in decades to the independence of the Fed, the U.S. central bank that sets key interest rates. Trump says Cook committed mortgage fraud, but Cook claims this is just a cover so Trump can take control of the Fed and push for large rate cuts. Economists warn that if the Fed becomes politically controlled, it could lead to much higher inflation and borrowing costs for everyday Americans. The Fed’s independence has long been valued because it allows leaders to make tough decisions without political pressure. Historically, when presidents have pressured the Fed—like Nixon and Johnson did in the 1960s and ’70s—it led to years of high inflation. Trump’s critics say his efforts echo those mistakes and could destabilize the economy. Supporters argue that the Fed should be more democratically accountable. This legal battle and Trump’s future appointees could reshape how much control the White House has over the economy. Do you think the Federal Reserve should be fully independent from the president, or should elected leaders have more control over its decisions? Write a short opinion piece where you argue one side. Use at least two specific examples from the article to support your view. Then, explain how your position might affect everyday people—for example, when they apply for loans or try to buy a house.

4. REBRAND GONE WRONG

Cracker Barrel tried to modernize its image by replacing its classic logo of “Uncle Herschel” leaning on a barrel with a simpler design of just the name in brown letters on gold. The company argued it needed to change because customer traffic had fallen and surveys showed the brand was falling behind competitors. But the rollout backfired — customers complained, and even President Trump criticized the change. Within days, Cracker Barrel reversed course and brought back the old logo, which helped its stock price rise. Experts say the problem wasn’t just the logo, but the way the company introduced it without clearly showing how it fit into its bigger refresh plan. Cracker Barrel will keep updating its restaurants and menu, but its logo — at least for now — is staying the same. Rebrands can be risky. Write a short analysis of Cracker Barrel’s situation, explaining why the logo change failed and what lessons other companies could learn from it. Then, think of another company (a clothing brand, restaurant, or tech company) and describe how you would update its image or logo without losing its identity. What steps would you take to avoid a backlash like Cracker Barrel faced?

5. COLLEGES ALLOWING PETS

At a growing number of colleges, pets are becoming part of dorm life. Schools like Eckerd College in Florida and the University of Northern Colorado now allow students to bring cats, dogs, and other animals to live with them on campus. While federal law already requires colleges to allow service and emotional support animals, these schools are going further by creating official pet policies open to all students—with some limits on size, species, and behavior. Supporters say living with pets reduces homesickness, stress, and anxiety while helping students form stronger social connections. For example, students like Sophie Nocera and Molly Cheer credit their pets with helping them feel more at home, emotionally supported, and even more responsible. Schools also benefit by boosting student engagement and retention. However, allowing pets requires careful planning—colleges must manage safety rules, roommate agreements, pet fees, and cleaning concerns. Some institutions even host pet graduation ceremonies. Although pets aren’t for everyone, many students and administrators believe they can positively shape the college experience. Imagine your college is considering a new policy to allow students to bring their pets to live in dorms. Write a persuasive proposal arguing for or against the idea. Your proposal should include at least two benefits and one challenge mentioned in the article. Then, explain how a pet policy might affect students’ mental health, responsibility, and campus life overall.