1. AVIATION DISASTER

A deadly crash occurred near Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025, when an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet that was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The crash, which killed all 67 people on both aircraft, is the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001. The collision sent both planes into the Potomac River. Officials are investigating, but the exact cause is unclear, although flight conditions were clear. Air traffic control had contacted the helicopter, but the jet was not in communication with the controller. The crash is especially tragic as some of the passengers included a group of U.S. figure skaters returning from a camp. President Trump suggested that federal diversity policies could be partly to blame, but this claim lacks evidence. The FAA and NTSB are examining the incident, and experts are highlighting that midair collisions are extremely rare. Research the role of air traffic control and aviation safety as well as the latest updates on what experts think contributed to the plane crash. Then, write an article that synthesizes what you’ve learned.

2. A LONG-AWAITED PRISONER RELEASE

Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages and prisoners, but the process turned chaotic. Hamas released three Israeli hostages and five Thai workers in exchange for over 100 Palestinian prisoners. The handover got out of control in Gaza when large crowds gathered, making Israeli leaders angry and briefly delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners. One of the freed Israelis, 29-year-old Arbel Yehud, had to walk through a crowd while armed Hamas members led her to Red Cross officials. Israel’s prime minister criticized Hamas for putting the hostages through such a chaotic situation. Despite the tension, Israel later released the promised Palestinian prisoners, including some who had been in jail for decades. Families of both hostages and prisoners had emotional reunions, but fighting between Israel and Hamas is still paused only temporarily as more negotiations continue. If you were writing an article about these recent events, write an outline of the story as well as who you would interview and what questions you would ask.

3. HUMANITARIAN CRISES

President Trump’s freeze on most U.S. foreign aid has worsened crises in countries already struggling with war, disease, and hunger. Aid workers in places like Sudan, Thailand, and Ukraine say the decision is causing severe harm. In Sudan, food kitchens feeding over 800,000 people have shut down, and hospitals in refugee camps are turning away patients. The freeze has also disrupted efforts to fight diseases like malaria and HIV, and programs supporting civil rights and democracy in places like Iran and Cambodia have been stopped. Some aid programs have resumed but with limited funding and a lot of uncertainty. This cutback is damaging the U.S.’s global reputation and giving countries like China an opportunity to step in as a more reliable partner. Choose one of the countries listed here and look up the impacts of U.S. foreign aid in that country. Then, write an article explaining how the aid freeze could impact that country’s development or political stability.

4. CONFIRMATION CONTINUES

At his confirmation hearing to become the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struggled to answer key questions about Medicare and Medicaid, two major health programs. He made several mistakes about how they work and didn’t offer clear plans for reform. Kennedy, once a Democrat, is now former President Trump’s pick for the role. While Republicans supported him, Democrats criticized his history of spreading vaccine misinformation and his past comments about health issues like antidepressants and school shootings. He insisted he supports vaccines, but Democrats pointed to his past statements and legal work against vaccine makers. One of the biggest concerns was whether he would use his position to weaken vaccine policies. He also faced tough questions about abortion, with Democrats pressing him on whether he would restrict access, especially to the abortion pill. Kennedy said he would follow Trump’s lead on the issue. Despite the controversy, many Republicans backed him, and his confirmation will depend on whether enough of them vote in his favor. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation based on his public health knowledge, political affiliations, and past controversies. Based on what you learn, write an opinion article about whether you think he should be confirmed.

5. TARIFFS SET TO TAKE HOLD

President Trump plans to impose new tariffs starting Saturday on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. The tariffs will be 25% on products from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on Chinese goods. The goal is to pressure these countries to address issues like illegal migration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S. This move could trigger a trade war, as these countries are major trading partners with the U.S. and may retaliate with their own tariffs on U.S. goods, like orange juice and whiskey. This could raise prices for American consumers, disrupt supply chains, and slow down business operations, especially in sectors like farming, auto manufacturing, and energy. Economists warn that the tariffs could cause higher inflation and hurt U.S. businesses, while experts disagree on how severe the impact will be. The situation is complicated further by concerns about energy prices and the broader effects on the global economy. Choose one of the countries impacted by the tariffs; research the country’s response and articles from at least 2 different sources on how experts believe the tariffs on that country’s goods will affect the U.S. and global economies. Write an article that synthesizes what you’ve learned.