1. U.S. PAUSES GAZA VISITOR VISAS

The U.S. government has paused giving visitor visas to people from Gaza, which has stopped a program that brought sick and injured children to America for medical treatment. A nonprofit called HEAL Palestine had recently flown dozens of children to hospitals across the U.S. for life-saving care, but criticism from right-wing activist Laura Loomer and some politicians led the State Department to halt the visas. Supporters of the program say the children have already gone through strict security checks and that the pause is putting their health at risk. Critics, however, claim—without evidence—that the flights are unsafe. The decision has sparked debate about whether national security concerns should outweigh medical needs for children caught in conflict. Write a paragraph explaining what you think the U.S. should do in this situation. Should sick and injured children from Gaza still be allowed to come for medical care, or should visas stay paused? Give at least one reason to support your opinion.

2. EUROPEAN LEADERS TO JOIN UKRAINE-U.S. MEETING

European leaders are joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Leaders from France, Britain, Germany, and NATO want to support Zelenskyy after he was left out of Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At that meeting, Trump and Putin discussed ideas like “land swaps” and limiting Ukraine’s ties with NATO and the EU, which worried many Ukrainians. Now, European leaders hope to push for stronger security guarantees for Ukraine, possibly similar to NATO’s rule that an attack on one member is an attack on all. While Trump says he wants a peace deal, critics worry he might give too much to Putin. Write a short opinion piece about whether you think Ukraine should have a direct seat at every negotiation about its future, or if larger countries like the U.S. and Russia should be able to make deals on its behalf. Explain your reasoning with at least two points.

3.HURRICANE HITS THE CARIBBEAN

Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, has weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 3 storm, but it is still dangerous. Its strong winds and heavy rain have already knocked out power for nearly 150,000 people in Puerto Rico and canceled flights. Erin is not expected to directly hit the U.S. East Coast, but its large size could cause rip currents, flooding, and beach erosion along the Southeast. Bermuda may also feel its effects as the storm turns north. Scientists say climate change is making hurricanes stronger and more likely to intensify quickly because warmer oceans provide extra energy. Imagine you are a news reporter in Puerto Rico covering Hurricane Erin. Write a short news update for your audience that explains how the storm is affecting people in your area and what safety advice you would give them.

4. THE LAST POWWOW

The Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico — known as the largest in North America — will end after its 2026 event. For over 40 years, the powwow has brought tens of thousands of people together to celebrate Indigenous culture with music, dancing, artisans, parades, and the crowning of Miss Indian World. Organizers announced the decision on social media, calling the 2026 event “The Last Dance,” but gave no clear reason for ending it. Some Native Americans have criticized the powwow for being too commercialized, while others see it as an important way to share and preserve culture. Smaller, community-based powwows will likely continue to carry on these traditions. Write about how you think large cultural events, like powwows or festivals, can help people learn about traditions they may not be familiar with. Then explain one possible drawback of big events compared to smaller community celebrations.

5. NATURE BOOSTS ATTENTION

Spending time in nature has been shown to improve focus, memory, and mood. In one experiment, college students who walked through a park did about 20% better on memory tests than those who walked through city streets. Scientists call this attention restoration theory—the idea that our brains get tired from focusing too hard and that nature gives them a chance to rest and recharge. Natural sights, like trees, rivers, or snowflakes, are “softly fascinating,” meaning they hold our attention without draining it, unlike busy city environments. While researchers don’t fully agree on why nature has this effect, some think it could be because of shapes, exercise, fresh air, or even natural smells. What most agree on is that being outdoors gives our brains a break and helps us return sharper and calmer than before. Think about a time you spent outside—maybe walking in the woods, playing in a park, or sitting by the beach. How did it make you feel compared to being indoors or in a busy place like a city street or shopping mall? Write a short response explaining whether you think nature helps you focus or relax, and why.