1. A TRAGIC CRASH

A deadly crash on January 29, 2025, involved an Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Washington, D.C. The plane was landing with 60 passengers and 4 crew members when the helicopter collided with it, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River. All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared dead. The crash is under investigation, but early reports suggest the helicopter and jet were in the same airspace, with the helicopter possibly flying into the jet’s path. Air traffic control had brief communication with the helicopter, but not with the jet. The crash is the deadliest air disaster in the U.S. since 2001. Recovery operations are still ongoing, and officials are working to understand what went wrong. Some victims were part of a group of figure skaters traveling home from a camp. Imagine you are a reporter tasked with covering the plane crash. How do you balance getting information out quickly and waiting for updates and checking facts for accuracy? Write a paragraph about how you would approach this assignment.

2. NEWSPAPER STRIKES BACK

Newsday, a major newspaper on Long Island, is suing Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, New York, for allegedly violating its First Amendment rights. The lawsuit claims Blakeman retaliated against the newspaper for its critical coverage of his actions by making The New York Post the county’s official newspaper instead. This move stripped Newsday of the opportunity to publish paid public notices, which are important for revenue. Newsday argues that Blakeman’s decision was politically motivated and aimed at punishing the paper for its liberal stance. This conflict highlights the growing tension between media outlets and public officials, especially as political divisions deepen in the U.S. Look up what it means to be the official newspaper of a place, like the New York Post became in this story. Then, write a paragraph summarizing what Newsday’s argument is and what the grounds are for its lawsuit against Bruce Blakeman.

3. FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SCRAMBLE

A government email sent to federal workers, including those at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has caused confusion and anger. The email, which arrived just after a deadly plane crash, encouraged workers to leave their jobs for higher-paying private sector jobs. It offered to pay workers until September 2025, even if they took second jobs or went on vacation. However, it raised questions about whether these offers were legal, as federal employees are usually not allowed to take second jobs. Many workers felt the email was disrespectful and poorly timed, especially given the air traffic control shortage and the ongoing crisis. The email sparked anger and disbelief, and employees were left unsure whether the offer could be trusted. Consider what it’s like to convey difficult news or decisions to employees or address them during a difficult time. What do you think the most important aspects of that communication are? What are the biggest mistakes the communicator could make? Write a paragraph about your response and how the email sent to federal workers fits into what you outlined.

4. ABANDONED SHIPS

More ships than ever are being abandoned by their owners, leaving thousands of sailors stuck at sea without pay, food, or a way to get home. In 2024, over 3,000 workers were stranded on more than 230 ships. Some sailors have been trapped for months or even years, living in terrible conditions—like on the cargo ship Sister 12, where the crew has gone over a year without pay, with little food and only dirty seawater to bathe in. Many of these ships are owned by small companies that stop paying workers when money gets tight. Some, like Friends Shipping, have a history of hiring workers, then abandoning them and replacing them with new, unsuspecting crews. Since many of these ships are registered under different countries and fake companies, it’s hard to hold owners accountable. While some groups fight to help the sailors, many are still suffering, stuck on rusting ships with no way out. Cases of ship abandonment have been rising since the pandemic, showing just how bad worker exploitation at sea has become. Look up organizations that are working to help abandoned sailors, such as the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Write a summary of what challenges these sailors are facing and what the organization you researched does to help.

5. READING STRUGGLES CONTINUE

A new report shows that American students’ reading skills dropped to record lows in 2024, with many struggling more than ever. About 40% of fourth graders and 33% of eighth graders scored below the basic reading level, meaning they don’t have the skills expected for their grade. Experts say the decline started before COVID-19 but got worse during remote learning. While some higher-performing students have started to improve, students who were already struggling have fallen even further behind. Math scores saw slight improvements for fourth graders, but eighth graders haven’t recovered. Lawmakers in many states have been trying to improve reading education, but progress has been slow. Some experts say fixing this problem will take more than just undoing the effects of the pandemic. What do you think would help kids improve their reading comprehension? Create a visual aid or a written plan of a communications campaign that would help kids get excited about reading or learn tips for success.