1. EL NIÑO WEATHER

Scientists are debating whether climate change is making El Niño stronger. El Niño is a natural weather pattern that happens every few years when parts of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual. It can raise global temperatures and affect weather around the world, sometimes causing droughts, floods, wildfires, or dangerous heat. Some scientists think recent strong El Niño events may show that climate change is making the pattern more intense. Others say the evidence is not clear yet because El Niño is very complex and has changed naturally over time. Even without full agreement, scientists do agree that El Niño happening in a warmer world can make extreme weather more dangerous. A town council is preparing for a future El Niño event. Write a short emergency planning memo explaining which weather dangers the town should prepare for and why. Choose one type of community (coastal town, farming region, mountain town, or large city) and explain how El Niño could affect it. End by recommending three actions local leaders should take to protect people and property.

2. STRANGE SCIENCE

A medicine used to treat diabetes and obesity began with an unusual discovery from the Gila monster, a desert lizard that can go a long time without eating. Scientists studied a molecule in the lizard’s venom that helped control blood sugar, and that research eventually helped lead to GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The story shows how basic science can lead to important medical breakthroughs, even when the research question seems strange at first. Some scientists worry that cuts to government research funding could stop future discoveries before they happen. They argue that many lifesaving treatments come from years of patient work and curiosity-driven experiments. Imagine you are a science reporter interviewing the researcher who first studied the Gila monster’s venom. Write five interview questions you would ask about the discovery process. Then answer one of your questions as if you were the scientist, explaining why curiosity and unexpected ideas can sometimes lead to important breakthroughs.

3. TEST KITCHEN PUSHES BACK AGAINST A.I.

People Inc., the company behind food brands like Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Allrecipes, is using its large test kitchen to show why human-created recipes still matter. In its Birmingham, Alabama, food studios, cooks test and retest recipes before they are shared with readers. The company believes this is important because A.I.-generated recipes can look convincing but may not actually work well. Human recipe developers can taste food, understand memories connected to meals, and notice details that a chatbot cannot. At the same time, the company still uses A.I. for some research and business tasks, while keeping creative food work in human hands. Compare a recipe made by a trusted cook with one that might be created by A.I. Write a short review explaining what makes a recipe reliable. Consider clear steps, tested measurements, taste, safety, and whether real people tried the food before publishing it.

4. PROBLEMS FOR THE REFLECTING POOL

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., recently had a costly renovation, but problems appeared soon afterward. Algae spread through the water, and blue paint on the bottom of the pool began peeling away. President Trump said the pool may need to be drained for repairs and blamed vandals, though some details remain unclear. One man, a former Olympic athlete, was arrested after he said he only touched a loose piece of paint because he was curious about the damage. The situation raises questions about public projects, government spending, evidence, and how officials explain problems to the public. Write a brief public-information update for visitors to the Reflecting Pool. Explain what the problem is, what officials know for sure, what still needs investigation, and how visitors should behave around a damaged public landmark. Your update should be calm, clear, and fair.

5. SEATTLE AS A SOCCER CITY

Seattle was not chosen to host World Cup games when the United States held the tournament in 1994, but this year the city is finally getting its moment. Seattle is hosting six World Cup matches, including a game between the United States and Australia. The city has become known for strong soccer support, with popular teams like the Seattle Sounders and the Seattle Reign. Fans have filled stadiums, watch parties, bars, and public spaces to celebrate the tournament. For many people in Seattle, hosting the World Cup shows how much the city’s soccer culture has grown. Create a short tourism pitch for Seattle as a World Cup host city. Include details about its soccer fans, local teams, stadium atmosphere, and places where visitors might gather to watch games. Then explain how a major sports event can affect a city’s pride, economy, and reputation.