1. RED DYE ON THE WAY OUT

The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 from food because it could cause cancer in rats. Food companies have until 2027 to stop using it, and drug companies have until 2028. Red Dye No. 3 has been used for over 100 years to give foods a bright red color, but scientists and public groups have worried about its safety for decades. Some research suggests the dye might also cause hyperactivity in some kids, but those studies aren’t very large. Foods like candies, icings, vegan meats, cereals, and some medications still contain the dye. If you’re concerned, you can check ingredient lists to avoid products with Red Dye No. 3 until the ban fully takes effect. Experts suggest trying to limit how often kids consume the dye, keeping it for special occasions like birthdays and Halloween. There are lots of conflicting opinions about the safety of Red Dye No. 3 and how much of it is safe for humans. Write a pro/con list, starting with what you already know or have heard about this dye. Then, look up different reputable sources online and add to or adjust your list based on what you learn. Write a brief paragraph summarizing what you learned and what the different sides of the argument are.

2. INAUGURATION MOVED INDOORS

A blast of cold air from Siberia, called a polar vortex, is spreading across the U.S., making temperatures extremely cold in many places. This cold weather is even affecting President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, which has been moved indoors due to the freezing conditions. Starting in the Rockies, the cold will move east and south, reaching as far as northern Florida. About 280 million Americans will experience temperatures colder than Anchorage, Alaska, with some places even reaching subzero levels. Cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh will see the coldest temperatures compared to normal. The cold snap comes from a disruption in the polar vortex, a ring of cold air usually around the North Pole. This ring is being stretched south, causing the frigid weather. Scientists think these disruptions are happening more often because of climate change. The cold weather could stick around through the end of the month and might return in February. Write your own script as if you were a broadcast news reporter, sharing this weather update and how it will affect the inauguration.

3. BIDEN’S FRAILTY

President Biden’s family and advisers have been carefully managing his physical decline, aware that he has changed over the years. His speech is slower, and he has a more unsteady walk. Despite these concerns, Biden has been determined to run for re-election in 2024, pushing aside suggestions that he should step down due to his age. His inner circle, including his wife, son, and close aides, have tried to protect him from criticism, often arranging his schedule to avoid negative moments and trying to shield him from public scrutiny. Biden’s age has been a major topic, with some donors and allies questioning his ability to handle another term. His staff has rearranged his schedule to accommodate his needs, and they’ve used strategies like having him use a teleprompter for smaller events. Despite some public mistakes, Biden has stayed focused on his mission, even if his health has been a challenge. His family and team have been supportive, believing he’s the only one who can beat Donald Trump, but the physical and mental toll of the presidency has been apparent. Do you think the 2024 election would’ve had a different outcome if President Biden hadn’t run for reelection at first before stepping down and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris? Why or why not? Write an opinion article about your stance on the topic.

4. LAWSUIT FOR RENTERS

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Greystar Real Estate Partners, the largest apartment landlord in the U.S., for charging tenants hidden fees. These fees, for things like trash collection and pest control, often added up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Many renters didn’t know about these extra charges until after they moved in. The lawsuit accuses Greystar of making it hard for renters to compare prices and choose affordable homes. Greystar says they followed industry standards and plans to fight the lawsuit. The FTC has been working to stop hidden fees in different industries, and this lawsuit is part of that effort. Using your newspaper or the internet, look up the Biden administration’s efforts to tackle hidden fees. Write a brief summary of the different industries that have been affected, including the latest lawsuit against Greystar.

5. COVID VACCINE CRITIC

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop the emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, just six months after the vaccines became widely available. At the time, the vaccines were helping save thousands of lives and were in high demand. Kennedy, who runs the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, argued that the vaccines were too risky and that other treatments, like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, could work better. His petition was quickly rejected by experts and the FDA, who called his views dangerous. Kennedy’s opposition to vaccines has been controversial, and he has also spread claims that the COVID-19 vaccines caused deaths, which were later proven false. As he prepares for hearings to potentially lead the U.S. health agencies, many public health experts worry about his views on vaccines and his approach to public health. If you wanted to understand more about vaccine safety and the safety of other public health efforts (like adding fluoride to our water), what sources would you look at? How would you evaluate the information to make sure it’s accurate and reliable? Write your own answer, then discuss as a class.