1. MORE AID ALLOWED INTO GAZA

Amid growing international anger over the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, Israel has announced it will restart aid deliveries by air and make land convoys safer. Starvation-related deaths in Gaza have nearly doubled recently, with 127 people reported dead. From March to May, Israel had completely blocked food aid, later creating a system that forced civilians to walk long distances through military zones to reach food. This system led to deadly chaos, with reports of Israeli soldiers firing on crowds. In response to criticism from the United Nations, aid groups, and global leaders, the Israeli military says it will now allow foreign countries like Jordan and the UAE to resume aid drops and will implement short “tactical pauses” to reduce the danger for aid convoys. While Israeli officials claim the crisis has been exaggerated, even some Israeli politicians have made extreme statements, further intensifying global scrutiny. Prime Minister Netanyahu distanced himself from remarks made by a far-right minister who suggested Gaza’s destruction. The situation in Gaza raises complex questions about war, humanitarian aid, and international responsibility. Research the role of the United Nations and organizations like the Red Cross in delivering aid during conflict. Then write a short opinion essay: Should countries involved in a war be required to allow humanitarian aid, even to areas controlled by their enemies? Use facts from the article and your research to support your point of view.

2. RUSSIA REPORTS

Newly released documents from the Trump administration claim to challenge a 2017 intelligence assessment that said Russia tried to help Donald Trump win the 2016 election. But many experts say these claims are overstated. The original report, made during President Obama’s final weeks in office, said Russia hacked Democratic emails, spread misinformation online, and worked to hurt Hillary Clinton’s campaign. While the new reports reveal behind-the-scenes details about how the assessment was quickly put together, they don’t actually disprove the original findings. Some of the controversy centers around the Steele dossier, which included unverified claims and was mostly kept out of the official assessment. Trump’s team argues that the intelligence process was biased and corrupt, but previous investigations, including one by a Republican-led Senate committee, agreed that Russia favored Trump and acted to help his chances. Many of the bold claims being made now—like accusations of treason—are not supported by the facts. Analysts say this push may be more about politics and distracting from other issues than uncovering anything new. Write a paragraph explaining why intelligence reports like the 2017 Russia assessment can become controversial. What challenges come with interpreting raw intelligence? Why might different groups view the same report in very different ways? Then, write a short opinion piece on whether the intelligence community should publicly share more of its internal decision-making.

3. QUESTIONING COLLEGE

For many years, 529 plans have been a popular way for American parents to save money for their children’s college education. These plans offer tax advantages but are mainly limited to education-related expenses. Now, some parents are rethinking this approach. Rising college costs, uncertain job prospects after graduation, and a desire for financial flexibility are leading some families to choose other options like brokerage accounts or life insurance savings plans. Some parents say they don’t want to assume their kids will go to college and would rather use money to help them in other ways, like starting a business or handling emergencies. Others have found that they didn’t understand the limitations of 529 plans until it was too late. While recent changes to federal law have made 529 plans more flexible, including allowing some unused funds to be rolled into retirement accounts, confusion and lack of awareness remain. Experts caution that skipping college savings could cause problems if a child later decides to attend an expensive university, but more families are exploring nontraditional paths and financial tools to prepare their children for the future. Think about your own goals for the future. Do you plan to go to college? Start working right after high school? Learn a trade? Start a business? In a short essay, describe what path you’re currently considering and why. Use information from the article to weigh the pros and cons of college, including financial costs, job stability, and alternative options like trade school or entrepreneurship. Then, write 3 questions you would want to ask a parent, teacher, or financial advisor to help you make the best choice for yourself.

4. FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH FOG

Scientists in Australia are testing a new climate intervention that may help protect the Great Barrier Reef from extreme heat caused by global warming. Their idea is to use machines on boats to spray saltwater into the air, creating fog and brighter clouds that reflect sunlight. This technique, known as cloud brightening, cools the ocean water below and reduces stress on coral reefs. The project, led by oceanographer Daniel Harrison, is part of a growing interest in geoengineering—the use of technology to intentionally change the environment in response to climate change. While the goal is to save one of the world’s most important ecosystems, the project has sparked debate. Supporters say this method could buy time for coral reefs until global carbon emissions are reduced. Critics worry it may be costly, risky, or distract from solving the root problem: burning fossil fuels. Others question whether altering weather in one region could have unexpected effects elsewhere. Still, as coral reefs continue to decline, many scientists argue that taking no action could be even riskier. Write a position paper where you take a stance on the use of localized geoengineering like cloud brightening to protect ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef. In your argument, include at least two scientific facts about the topic, one ethical concern, and a possible alternative solution to climate change.

5. INJECTABLE PREVENTION

A powerful new drug called lenacapavir has been approved in Europe as a twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Scientists say this injectable treatment is nearly 100% effective at stopping the virus’s spread and could be a major breakthrough in ending the HIV epidemic. Lenacapavir works longer than current options, which include daily pills or shots every two months, making it easier for people to stay protected. The drug has already been approved in the U.S. and recommended by the World Health Organization. However, some experts are worried it won’t be widely available in countries that need it most. Gilead, the company behind the drug, plans to sell cheaper versions in many poor countries—but not in places like Latin America, where HIV rates are rising. Advocates say that global access is critical if this drug is going to make a real difference. After learning about the new HIV prevention shot, write or design a brief public service announcement (PSA) to educate teens about HIV prevention. In your PSA, explain what HIV is, how it spreads, and how new options like lenacapavir can help stop it.