1. SCHOOL PAPERS PERSEVERE

In New York City, only 27 percent of public high schools have a student newspaper, which is a big drop from 50 percent in 2009. A new initiative called Journalism for All aims to change that by creating journalism programs at 30 high schools. This program, backed by a $3 million fund from the City Council and private donors, will help schools get started with their own newspapers and train teachers to run journalism classes. The need for this program was highlighted when students at Pace High School wrote an article about a flooded gym, leading the City Council to fund repairs. This shows how student journalism can make a difference. The decline in school newspapers is particularly troubling for low-income schools, where very few have student-run publications. Nearly 70 schools have already shown interest in the Journalism for All program, which also provides grants and internship opportunities for students. The program hopes to give more Black and Latino students a chance to participate in journalism, allowing them to share their stories and represent their communities. If you were going to share this initiative with people and get them involved in helping bring journalism programs back to schools, how would you spread the word? Write a paragraph about your ideas on how you would get people interested and learning about Journalism for All.

2. SENEGAL’S YOUNG MONARCH

Bassirou Diomaye Faye became Senegal’s president in March 2024, going from being in prison to winning the election in just 10 days. At 44, he's the youngest elected leader in Africa and represents a new generation eager for change. In his first interview with Western media, Faye emphasized the need for a fairer world where Africa has a stronger voice, especially in organizations like the United Nations. He pointed out that Africa's population is expected to grow to about 2.5 billion by 2050, meaning the continent should have more influence. Faye also criticized how rich countries contribute to climate change while ignoring the negative impacts on Africa, like coastal erosion in towns like Bargny. Faye’s government focuses on creating job training programs for young people, as many are fleeing to Europe in search of better lives. He aims to improve qualifications so young people can find jobs or migrate legally if they choose. Despite the hopes surrounding his leadership, many challenges remain, including a high cost of living and youth unemployment. To address these issues, he called for new elections to gain support in Parliament. Faye knows that the youth of Senegal are counting on him to make real changes that will improve their futures. If you had an opportunity to interview Faye, what would you ask him? Write down at least ten questions you would ask and a paragraph about why you chose the questions you did.

3. RESCUE MISSION LAUNCHES

SpaceX launched a rescue mission on September 28, 2024, to help two astronauts who are currently stuck at the International Space Station (ISS) and can't return until next year. The mission used a Falcon rocket that took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with two astronauts, Nick Hague from NASA and Alexander Gorbunov from Russia, and two empty seats meant for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the return trip. Wilmore and Williams are stranded due to safety issues with their Boeing spacecraft and will stay in space for over eight months instead of the planned week. NASA had to make some last-minute changes, including removing rookie astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson from the mission to make room for Wilmore and Williams on the return flight. During the launch, Hague, who is now in charge of the mission, acknowledged the unique challenges of flying with a smaller crew. The astronauts aboard the ISS cheered for the mission, excited about the upcoming changes and the eventual return of their colleagues. SpaceX has been a key player in NASA's crewed missions, especially after Boeing faced several delays and issues with its own spacecraft. This launch marks a significant moment in the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and NASA as they continue to push the boundaries of space exploration. Create a script for a news broadcast about this launch and the stranded astronauts involved in this mission. Then, present your “broadcasts” to your classmates.

4. HISTORY DESTROYED

In Chile's Atacama Desert, ancient carvings of animals and humans that are over 3,000 years old are being damaged by off-road racing. Every year, racers from around the world come to compete in the desert, leaving tire tracks that ruin these important geoglyphs, which are huge figures made by Indigenous people long ago. Preservationists are upset because both authorized and illegal racers are not being stopped, and they feel that the government is failing to protect these historic sites. An archaeologist, Dr. Gonzálo Pimentel, used drone footage to show how bad the damage is, saying that some of the carvings are barely recognizable and that the destruction is irreversible. The Atacama Desert is a very dry place, making it unique for archaeologists and a popular spot for extreme sports. Sadly, as the geoglyphs are harmed, local tour guides who rely on tourists to see these sites are losing income, affecting many families. There are signs warning drivers about the geoglyphs, so it's hard to argue that they don't see them. Despite this, big races continue to be approved, leading to more damage. Some race organizers say they’re not responsible and that the real problem is unregulated drivers who don’t follow the rules. Although laws exist to punish those who damage archaeological sites, enforcement is weak, making it difficult to catch offenders. The government is now trying to find better ways to protect these ancient figures and raise awareness among racers about the importance of preserving the desert’s history. Write an editorial article that shares your opinion about whether the Chilean government should do more to protect the geoglyphs from drivers.

5. HURRICANE HITS THE SOUTH

Hurricane Helene caused massive destruction across the Southeastern US, particularly in Florida, where it made landfall as a Category 4 storm. The hurricane resulted in at least 44 fatalities. It brought winds of up to 140 mph and heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding, especially in Georgia and the Carolinas, where record rainfall was reported. Emergency responders conducted numerous rescues from floodwaters, including evacuating a hospital in Tennessee. Many communities were left without power, with over three million homes affected. The damage is estimated to cost between $15 billion and $26 billion. In the aftermath, residents faced difficult conditions, with some trapped in their homes due to rising water levels. The storm also affected areas beyond the US, flooding parts of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and knocking out power in Cuba. Meteorologists warn that climate change contributes to the intensity of storms like Helene, making them more powerful and unpredictable. As recovery efforts begin, officials urge residents to stay safe and prepared for future storms. Write a news story that summarizes this information about the storm, including a timeline of the events or a map of the storm’s path.