1. AIR CANADA C.E.O. STEPS DOWN

The chief executive of Air Canada said he would step down after many people criticized the way he spoke to the public after a deadly plane accident. After an Air Canada flight crashed into an airport fire truck in New York, he shared a message of sympathy mostly in English, even though Canada has two official languages, English and French. Many French-speaking Canadians, especially in Quebec, felt that this showed a lack of respect during a very sad time. Political leaders and community members spoke out, and the airline later said that speaking French would be an important skill in choosing the next leader. The former executive apologized and said he never meant to take attention away from the families who were grieving. Imagine you are helping a company write a message after a sad event. Write a short response of 5 to 7 sentences explaining what a respectful public message should include. In your answer, describe why it is important to think about the different languages people speak, how a leader can show care for families and communities, and why words matter even more during a tragedy.

2. JUDGE SIDES WITH N.P.R. AND P.B.S.

A judge stopped the government from carrying out an order that would have cut off funding to National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The judge said the order broke the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. NPR and PBS are known for news, educational programs, documentaries, and children’s shows. Leaders at both organizations said the ruling protects independent journalism, while the White House argued that public media should not receive taxpayer money. The case has become an important debate about whether the government can punish news groups because of viewpoints it does not like. Have you ever watched a PBS show, like Sesame Street, Clifford the Big Red Dog, or Arthur? Can you think of anything you learned from one of those shows? Write 4 to 6 sentences about your experience and why you think it would be important for people to have free access to educational shows like these when they’re growing up.

3. ARTEMIS II ASTRONAUTS HEAD FOR THE MOON

Four astronauts have now blasted off from Earth for Artemis II, the first mission in more than 50 years that will send people around the moon. Before launch, the crew members said they hope the journey will remind people that space exploration can inspire wonder and bring people together. Each astronaut has worked for years to reach this moment, and each brings a different story, background, and set of skills to the team. The mission is also historic because it includes the first woman, the first Black astronaut, and the first Canadian to travel that far into space. Even though not everyone agrees about spending money on moon missions, the astronauts believe the trip can help people look up, dream big, and feel connected to something larger than everyday problems. Pretend your class has been asked to make a welcome card for the Artemis II crew. On the front, draw or describe one image that represents the mission. Inside the card, write 3 to 4 sentences telling the astronauts what makes their trip important, what you hope they discover, and why this mission might inspire people back on Earth.

4. ANCIENT FOSSIL HELPS SCIENTISTS STUDY SPIDER RELATIVES

Scientists studied a fossil found long ago in Utah and now think it may help explain the early history of animals related to spiders and scorpions. The fossil came from a sea creature that lived more than 500 million years ago and had large pincer-like parts near the front of its body. Those pincers are important because they look like features found in chelicerates, the animal group that includes spiders, scorpions, mites, and horseshoe crabs. Researchers believe this fossil shows that these creatures may have appeared earlier than scientists once thought. The discovery also shows how a specimen sitting in a museum for many years can still lead to exciting new ideas when someone takes a closer look. Draw your own science museum label for this fossil. Include a small sketch of what the animal may have looked like and add at least three labels pointing to important body parts or features. Under your drawing, write 2 to 3 sentences explaining why the pincers helped scientists learn something new about the past.

5. HERSHEY TO BRING BACK CLASSIC REESE’S RECIPE

Hershey says it will return all Reese’s candies to their classic recipe after complaints about some products using less chocolate. For years, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were made with milk chocolate or dark chocolate and peanut butter, but some newer items used a coating with less chocolate in it. The company faced criticism after a family member of Reese’s founder publicly questioned why a famous candy brand would change ingredients that people trusted. Hershey said it listened to concerns and plans to bring back the classic recipes next year. The company also said it will make other changes to improve its candy and spend more money on research and development. Make a “customer reaction meter” for this story with three sections such as happy, disappointed, and unsure. In each section, write one sentence explaining why a customer might feel that way about the recipe change. Then add 2 to 3 sentences giving Hershey one piece of advice for how to keep people’s trust when changing a popular product.