1. N.A.S.A. MISSION SAVED

NASA's $5 billion Europa Clipper mission, set to study Jupiter's moon Europa, faced a major setback when a critical flaw was found in the spacecraft’s design. Engineers discovered that transistors on the spacecraft, essential for its instruments and systems, might fail due to exposure to Jupiter’s intense radiation. This put the entire mission at risk, as Europa Clipper needs to survive the harsh environment during its planned 49 flybys of Europa to gather data on the moon's potential to host life. NASA teams quickly formed to address the issue, testing and troubleshooting throughout the summer. One solution involved a "canary box," a system that would monitor the transistors during the mission and send warnings if they began to fail. After several tests and reassurances from engineers, NASA leaders voted to proceed with the mission. Europa Clipper is now on track to launch on October 10, 2024. Using the internet or reference materials in your classroom, look up information about Jupiter and its moons. Then, write a story that summarizes what happened to the Europa Clipper space mission and ties in information you learned about Jupiter.

2. SOCIAL SPIES

A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revealed that major social media companies and streaming services, including Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, are engaged in extensive surveillance of their users. The 129-page report highlights how these companies collect and profit from vast amounts of personal data, often putting user privacy at risk and failing to protect children effectively. The FTC pointed out that these companies make billions through targeted advertising, leading them to adopt increasingly invasive data collection methods. Child safety is a major concern, with advocates arguing that current laws do not adequately address the risks to minors using these platforms. In response, there are ongoing efforts in Congress to enhance protections for kids online, including the recently passed Kids Online Safety Act. While some companies, like Google, defend their privacy practices, the FTC's findings emphasize the urgent need for stronger regulations to safeguard consumer data. How much privacy do you feel you have when you’re online? Do stories like this change your opinion? Write a paragraph that summarizes how private you think your information and actions are when you’re online and uses information from this story to bolster your argument.

3. SURPRISINGLY CLEAN ENERGY

Texas, known for its oil production, is increasingly using renewable energy sources like solar power and battery storage to handle its growing electricity needs, especially during extreme weather. In 2023, high electricity demand caused problems, but by 2024, the situation improved thanks to the rapid growth of solar farms and battery systems. These batteries store energy and release it when solar power isn’t available, helping keep the grid stable. Texas has become a leader in both solar power and battery storage, outpacing even California. However, as energy demand continues to rise—due to things like data centers, manufacturing, and even oil companies using more electricity—the state will need even more power in the coming years. The state's mostly deregulated energy market has helped renewable energy grow, but after a major winter storm in 2021, some leaders want more gas-powered plants for backup. Renewable sources like wind and solar are growing despite pushback, and batteries are becoming essential to keeping the grid balanced. With Texas’s energy demand expected to double by 2030, renewable energy will play a crucial role in meeting the state's power needs. Look up what states rank the highest and lowest for use of green energy like wind and solar power. Do you see any trends in types of energy based on geography, political alignment, population, or any other factors? Write a paragraph about what you learned and what hypotheses or conclusions you can draw from it.

4. CITIZENSHIP CHALLENGE

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that nearly 98,000 voters, whose citizenship documents were not confirmed due to a long-standing database error, can vote in state and local elections. This decision is important because it affects many voters who believed they were eligible to vote, especially with upcoming elections on November 5. The error marked these voters as having full ballot access when they actually should have been restricted. Both the Secretary of State and the Maricopa County recorder had differing opinions on the issue, but the court ultimately sided with the Secretary of State, saying that it would be unfair to deny these voters their rights because of a mistake that wasn’t their fault. Most of the affected voters are older residents of Maricopa County, with a mix of party affiliations. The court's ruling is seen as a major victory for voting rights, especially since Arizona requires proof of citizenship for local and state races. Write a story that summarizes Arizona’s place in the last presidential election and why this decision matters for the upcoming election.

5. SHOTS ARE OUT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of FluMist, a nasal flu vaccine, for at-home use. This means that people who are afraid of needles can now get vaccinated easily. Although FluMist will still require a prescription, it can be given to children by parents or caregivers and used by adults themselves. AstraZeneca, the company that makes FluMist, will create a website where users can fill out a questionnaire for a pharmacist to review before the vaccine is shipped to their home. The cost for a dose is about $35 to $45, depending on insurance. The FDA found that giving FluMist at home is safe and effective, especially for kids aged 2 to 17. The nasal spray has been available since 2003 and contains a weakened flu virus. Studies show it works as well as the traditional flu shot. Experts believe this new at-home option will make it easier for more people to get vaccinated, helping to prevent flu cases as the flu season approaches. Look up tips on how to avoid catching the flu and identify the symptoms if you have it. Then, create a flyer or other public service announcement media that teaches people how to stay safe from the flu this winter.