1. PROTESTERS RALLY AGAINST I.C.E.

More than a thousand people gathered in New York City to protest the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a man named Alex Jeffrey Pretti was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Despite freezing temperatures, protesters marched, held signs, and chanted to show their anger, grief, and frustration. Some people said the protest helped them mourn, while others hoped it would pressure elected officials to change immigration policies or even abolish ICE. Many attendees said seeing videos of the shooting made them feel helpless and pushed them to take action by showing up. The protest ended with a march to ICE’s headquarters, where demonstrators continued calling for accountability. Imagine you are explaining this protest to a student who did not attend and does not follow the news closely. Write a short explanatory paragraph of 5–7 sentences that answers three questions: why people gathered, how they expressed their feelings, and what they hoped would change as a result. End your paragraph by explaining one reason why protests can matter in a democracy, even if change does not happen right away.

2. PRIME MINISTER PUSHES BACK

Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has been leading efforts to resist President Trump’s repeated threats to take control of Greenland. Through careful diplomacy, she worked with European allies and Greenlandic leaders to make clear that Greenland’s sovereignty is not negotiable. While Mr. Trump appeared to back down from using force, negotiations and tensions remain. Frederiksen’s calm but firm approach has made her more popular at home and highlighted Greenland’s importance to Denmark’s identity and global standing. The situation also affects Greenland’s Indigenous population, whose future and autonomy are deeply tied to the dispute. Write an outline as if you are preparing to interview Mette Frederiksen for a newspaper. List questions you would ask and what other sources you would use to gather information for the article.

3. ELECTIONS IN MYANMAR

Myanmar’s military government held elections for the first time since taking power in a coup five years ago, but many countries and human rights groups say the vote is not fair. The main opposition party was banned, many leaders remain in prison, and voting only took place in areas controlled by the military. The country is also in the middle of a violent civil war, with airstrikes and attacks continuing even during the election period. The junta hopes the election will make it seem like a civilian government and help rebuild international relationships. Critics argue the vote is meant to legitimize military rule rather than reflect the will of the people. Write a paragraph that compares and contrasts how the government works in a Myanmar and how our government works in the United States.

4. POST DITCHES OLYMPICS

Just weeks before the Winter Olympics in Italy, The Washington Post decided not to send journalists to cover the event. The sudden decision surprised staff members, many of whom had already made travel plans and whose expenses had been approved. Covering the Olympics had long been a tradition for the newspaper and usually drew large audiences. The move reflects broader financial struggles at the paper, including layoffs and buyouts in recent years. The decision raised questions about how news organizations decide what is worth covering when money and staffing are limited. Imagine you are a journalism student studying how newsrooms make decisions. Write 5–7 sentences explaining what this story teaches about the tension between money, tradition, and public interest in journalism. Include one sentence explaining how this decision might change what readers understand about the Olympics.

5. FIRST TRILATERAL PEACE TALKS

Officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in Abu Dhabi for peace talks, marking the first time all three sides have met together since the war began. The discussions focused on difficult issues such as control of territory in eastern Ukraine and future security guarantees. While negotiators expressed cautious optimism, major disagreements remain, especially over land and military demands. The talks took place as Ukraine faces severe winter power shortages and ongoing attacks. Leaders said the meetings show progress, but reaching a lasting agreement will still be very challenging. Write a short paragraph of 6–8 sentences explaining why peace talks can happen even when fighting continues. Use details from the story to describe why negotiations are still useful during a war and why progress can feel slow or uncertain to people watching from the outside.