1. SHIPPING STRIKE STARTS AND STOPS

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) agreed to stop their strike after port employers offered them a higher wage. The strike had started last Tuesday, affecting major East and Gulf Coast ports, and had the power to disrupt shipping and supplies around the world. The new deal includes a 62 percent wage increase over six years, which is much higher than the employers’ first offer but lower than what the union originally wanted. The strike could have hurt the economy, especially with elections coming up, but the workers agreed to go back to their jobs while they keep negotiating other issues like retirement benefits and automation. President Biden helped push for this deal, and many businesses are relieved it’s over. Some people think this wage increase might raise costs for businesses that rely on the ports, but the union believes port employers can afford it, especially after making big profits during the pandemic. Using your newspaper or online for research, write an article that summarizes how the port strike could have affected businesses and consumers if it had continued longer.

2. N.A. DEBATE

Some experts are saying that nonalcoholic drinks, like alcohol-free beers and mocktails, should have age limits and not be sold to minors. These drinks don’t make you drunk but still have less than 0.5% alcohol, and they look and taste like real alcoholic drinks. Experts argue that these drinks can be helpful for adults trying to cut back on drinking, but there’s no benefit for kids and teens. The concern is that these drinks might get kids used to the taste of alcohol and encourage them to start drinking. Research from countries like Japan and Australia proves that kids who drink these nonalcoholic beverages are more likely to try real alcohol. Some U.S. states already have laws that limit the sale of these drinks to minors, but most don't. In small groups or as a class, host a debate about the issue presented in this story: whether minors should be limited from buying non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic beverages. Use evidence from the article or research in your newspaper or online to support your argument.

3. SECRET SERVICE STRUGGLES

As the 2024 presidential election season approaches, the Secret Service is facing a serious staffing crisis. Many experienced agents have quit due to overwhelming overtime, poor working conditions, and an unhelpful retiree program. This has left the agency short-handed at a time when it needs to provide increased security for political events and public figures, especially with rising threats of violence. In 2022 and 2023, about 1,400 agents—nearly 18 percent of its workforce—left the agency, the largest loss in over 20 years. This exodus has resulted in burnout for remaining staff, who are often overworked and underprepared. Despite attempts to recruit new agents, including hiring bonuses and increased funding from Congress, the underlying problems persist. Many agents feel the facilities are outdated, and they lack access to modern technology that could help with their duties. Recent incidents, including assassination attempts against former President Trump, have highlighted the agency's vulnerabilities, raising concerns about its ability to protect key figures. With the busy election year approaching, the Secret Service's management is under pressure to quickly solve these staffing and operational issues to ensure public safety. Research the history of the Secret Service and how they’ve operated throughout U.S. history. Then, write an article that summarizes what you learned and the current issues they’re facing.

4. OIL TANKERS UNDERCOVER

Russian oil tankers have been switching their flags to avoid Western sanctions, using a loophole in the shipping industry. For example, a Russian oil tanker called Jaguar switched from flying the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, which is linked to the U.K., to Gabon, a small African country, after delivering oil to India. Many other tankers have also re-registered in Gabon, making it one of the fastest-growing ship registries. This tactic is part of President Putin’s strategy to keep selling Russian oil while dodging Western restrictions put in place after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia has found ways to sell oil to countries like India and China that aren’t bound by these rules. By re-registering in smaller countries, Russian ships can keep operating, avoiding detection or punishment by Western authorities. Gabon, which became closer to Russia after a coup in 2023, is now helping Moscow maintain this “dark fleet” of ships that evade sanctions. Gabon profits by registering the Russian tankers, but some of these ships are old and unsafe, leading to accidents like explosions. Despite some international pressure, Russia's workaround allows it to continue selling oil above the capped price. If you were going to host a podcast episode or news show about this story, who would you interview and what would ask them? Write a list of sources and questions and any resources you would use to gather more information to be prepared for your interview.

5. STAGE DEBUT

In the new play “McNeal,” Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut as Jacob McNeal, a once-great novelist struggling with writer's block in the near future. Set against a sleek, tech-inspired backdrop, the story explores the tension between traditional writing and artificial intelligence. McNeal, who embodies the classic, troubled literary figure, begins using AI to help craft his new novel by feeding it pieces of his past works along with famous literary texts. As his reliance on technology grows, his relationships with his literary agent, son, and a journalist unravel when they discover his AI use. The show explores the complexities of modern artistry, suggesting that while technology may offer shortcuts, it cannot replace genuine creativity. Consider your opinion about whether AI can replace humans in creative works or if creativity requires a human element. Write an opinion article, using research from your newspaper or online as needed to bolster your argument.