1. CANCELLED CONCERT

Two teenagers in Austria were arrested for planning a terrorist attack on Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna. The main suspect, a 19-year-old who had been radicalized online, confessed to planning an attack inspired by previous major terrorist assaults in Europe. He had gathered explosives, weapons, and other materials to carry out the attack, aiming to kill as many people as possible. A 17-year-old accomplice, who worked at the concert venue, was also arrested. The threat was serious enough that all three of Swift’s concerts in Vienna were canceled as a precaution. How would you report on this event if you were assigned to cover it? Who would you interview and what questions would you ask to get the full story? Write a summary of your approach and list of questions and sources you would pursue.

2. PRESIDENTIAL PICK

Vice President Kamala Harris recently picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 election. After an intense review of candidates, Harris decided on Walz due to their strong personal connection and his willingness to support her campaign wholeheartedly. Harris had several strong contenders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Shapiro had shown interest in the role but seemed uncertain, while Kelly was seen as a solid third choice. Despite their strengths, Harris felt that Walz, with his open and supportive attitude, would be the best fit. Harris's choice came after rapid interviews and evaluations. She and Walz quickly formed a good rapport, which influenced her decision. Walz’s background as a veteran, teacher, and governor, along with his down-to-earth demeanor, helped him stand out. This selection is seen as a strategic move to appeal to a broad range of voters and energize the campaign. If you had the opportunity to interview Walz for a podcast or television interview, what would you ask him? Write a paragraph summary of Walz background and career and a list of questions based on that information that you would ask.

3. LIVERPOOL PROTESTS

In the UK, tensions have been high due to anti-immigrant protests and counter-protests. The unrest began after a tragic stabbing in Southport, which was falsely linked to an asylum seeker. Far-right groups organized over 30 protests targeting immigration sites, while anti-racism activists planned counter-protests. On August 7, 2024, thousands of anti-racism protesters formed human shields to protect immigration centers. Police mobilized 6,000 officers in response to potential violence. Many protests were peaceful, with counter-protesters outnumbering far-right demonstrators in several cities. Despite fears of widespread chaos, the situation was more controlled than anticipated. Some protests turned into celebrations with music and positive messages. In contrast, a few clashes occurred, particularly in Aldershot and Blackpool. Police arrested numerous individuals for public order offenses and violence. Authorities are investigating several incidents related to the recent unrest, including attacks on mosques and asylum seeker accommodations. The British government and police are taking firm action to prevent further violence and ensure public safety. Using research about the history of far-right activity in Europe, write a story that summarizes how this reaction is different than those in other countries.

4. WORKING MOMS

WNBA players who are also moms are relieved that the league now provides charter flights for road games. This change makes traveling much easier, especially for those with young children, like Indiana Fever forward Katie Lou Samuelson, who recently had a baby. Before, moms hesitated to bring their kids on the road because of the difficulties of commercial flights. Besides charter flights, the WNBA has introduced other benefits for players who are parents, including full maternity leave pay, a childcare stipend, and accommodations for nursing. Connecticut Sun forward DeWanna Bonner, a mom of twins, appreciates these improvements, but says that being a mom and a professional athlete is still very challenging. The league’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) also includes support for family planning, but players like Breanna Stewart believe there’s room for improvement, such as increasing the childcare stipend and reducing the number of years required to qualify for family planning benefits. Stewart and other WNBA moms are hopeful that future agreements will provide even more support for parents in the league. Write an article about how maternity care would change the approach to women’s sports, using research to back up your claims.

5. TOUGH DAY ON THE TRACK

Noah Lyles, the world’s top sprinter, collapsed after winning a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the Paris Olympics. Lyles revealed he tested positive for COVID-19 two days before the race, which explained his uncharacteristic struggle. Despite feeling the effects of the virus, he chose to compete and managed to finish third, ending his three-year winning streak in the 200 meters. Lyles’ struggle was evident as he lagged behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who won gold. This bronze was different from Lyles’ previous one in Tokyo, where the pandemic also played a significant role in his performance and mental health. After the race, Lyles expressed pride in his ability to compete despite COVID and hinted that he likely wouldn’t participate in the 4x100 relay. In other events, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in the 400-meter hurdles, winning gold. The U.S. also saw victories in the long jump and 110-meter hurdles, adding to their medal count. Additionally, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won gold in the javelin with a new Olympic record, while India’s Neeraj Chopra took silver. The Paris Games, meant to be a return to normalcy post-COVID, served as a reminder that the virus still impacts athletes. Using research, compare Lyles’ experience with Covid to other athletes at the games, including the Netherlands team that has been the most vocal about Covid precautions.