1. BOXER’S CONTROVERSY

Imane Khelif, a boxer from Algeria, secured a medal at the Paris Olympics in a dramatic fight. Her victory came after facing intense scrutiny and online abuse related to her gender identity. Khelif won her quarterfinal match against Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary with a 5-0 score, ensuring she will take home at least a bronze medal. Her journey to the Olympics was clouded by accusations from the International Boxing Association (IBA) that she had failed a gender eligibility test due to high testosterone levels. This led to online debates and false claims about her being a man or transgender. In response to the controversy, Khelif's emotional win was seen as a powerful statement. After the match, she broke down in tears of joy, overwhelmed by the support from her fans and the weight of the past few days. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach defended Khelif, emphasizing that she is a woman according to official records and regulations. He criticized the hate speech aimed at her and other athletes, highlighting the need for respect and scientific clarity in defining gender in sports. Khelif's next match will be against Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in the semifinals. The boxing tournament at these Games has had fewer competitors than usual, making it possible for athletes to win medals with fewer victories. Read articles from at least three different sources about Khelif’s experience at the Olympics. Then, write an article that summarizes Khelif’s story and how it was addressed online throughout.

2. PRISONER SWAP

In December 2022, the U.S. government’s chief hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, had just brought Brittney Griner back to America after her imprisonment in Russia. Right after, he got a call from Paul Whelan, who was left behind, reminding everyone that more work was needed to bring him home. This led to a huge prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia, involving 24 people, including Whelan and a Russian assassin named Vadim Krasikov, that finally took place last week. The negotiations were complicated, especially after the unexpected death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was initially considered part of the deal. The U.S. had to work with Germany to release Krasikov, who had killed a Georgian citizen in Berlin on orders from Russian secret services. Despite initial resistance, Germany agreed, motivated by strong alliances and diplomatic ties. The U.S. team, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, worked with European countries to finalize the deal. On the day of the swap, several private jets converged on Ankara, Turkey, carrying prisoners to be exchanged. The families of the detained Americans waited anxiously at the White House, and President Biden announced the successful swap once the Americans were safely in Ankara. The freed Americans, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, were welcomed back home with celebrations and emotional reunions. This swap highlighted the complexities and moral challenges of international diplomacy, where freeing innocent people often involves releasing those convicted of serious crimes. Despite the difficulties, the families were overjoyed to have their loved ones back, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Russia relations. Research the prisoners who were involved in the swap and the stories surrounding their imprisonment. Then, write a summary of this story with explanations of the people involved.

3. BAD NEWS FOR G.L.A.A.D.

The chief executive of LGBTQ+ advocacy organization GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis, has been using the organization's funds for personal luxury expenses, which might have violated IRS rules. These expenses include first-class flights, stays at high-end hotels, a Cape Cod rental, and a $20,000 renovation of her home office. Such spending is considered inappropriate for a nonprofit, which must ensure that executive pay is reasonable and aligned with its mission. Ellis's compensation, potentially reaching into the seven figures annually, and her lavish spending patterns have raised concerns among nonprofit experts and some GLAAD employees. GLAAD's own travel and expense policies were reportedly violated, leading to internal disputes and an investigation by an outside law firm. While Ellis and GLAAD defend the spending as necessary for advancing the organization’s mission, legal experts argue that the expenditures appear excessive and not in line with typical nonprofit practices. Write an opinion article about whether you think that an executive of a nonprofit should have their spending limited or scrutinized like Ellis’ is now. Use research from your newspaper or online to back up your points.

4. SECRET SERVICE

During a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Secret Service experienced major technology failures. These flaws allowed a gunman to shoot Mr. Trump and three attendees, one fatally. A local police officer spotted the shooter but couldn’t relay the message to the Secret Service due to communication issues. Additionally, the Secret Service declined offers to use a surveillance drone and didn’t bring equipment to boost signal strength in an area with poor cell service. The agency's existing technology, like a drone detection system, failed due to network problems. The acting director of the Secret Service admitted these failures and expressed regret, emphasizing that better use of available technology could have prevented the shooting. Considering this story among many about aging technology across different industries causing challenges, write an article that summarizes how a reliance on technology but a lack of technological updates is creating challenges for our society.

5. FIRE IN COURT

A $4 billion settlement has been reached for lawsuits related to the devastating Maui wildfires from August 2023. This agreement, nearly one year after the fires, aims to compensate victims and help with the recovery. The fires, the deadliest in over a century in the U.S., killed 102 people and destroyed the historic downtown of Lahaina, burning thousands of homes and displacing 12,000 people. More than 600 lawsuits were filed by affected residents. The settlement involves several parties, including Hawaiian Electric, which some blame for starting the fires. There were concerns that Hawaiian Electric might go bankrupt, so the settlement was crucial for financial stability. Some, like attorney Gilbert Keith-Agaran, believe the amount is not enough, but it was necessary considering the circumstances. Victims and their families will receive compensation, although it won't fully make up for their losses. Payments are expected to start by mid-2025. Hawaii Governor Josh Green emphasized the importance of quickly reaching an agreement to help the community heal and rebuild. Write at least a paragraph about the importance and challenges of reporting on the aftermath of a historic event, either positive or negative, months or years later.