1. WEST COAST WILDFIRES

A series of wildfires in Los Angeles have become the most destructive in the city’s history, destroying neighborhoods, killing at least 11 people, and forcing thousands to evacuate. The fires are still raging, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The largest fire, the Palisades fire, has burned over 21,000 acres and is only 8% contained, while the Eaton fire has destroyed 7,000 structures and is just 3% contained. Despite some smaller fires being contained, like the Sunset fire, the bigger blazes are still out of control, and more homes have been destroyed, including famous landmarks. At least 18 people have been arrested for looting in affected areas. Experts say the fires broke out at once because of strong winds and dry conditions. Firefighters are working hard, but the winds are expected to pick up again, making it hard to stop the fires. Authorities are urging people to stay alert, as the fires can spread quickly. When officials say a fire is “contained,” it means that the fire’s spread is under control, but it doesn’t mean the fire is completely out. For example, if a fire is 40% contained, it means that 40% of the fire’s edge is surrounded by barriers like rivers, highways, or areas that have already burned, so the fire can’t grow in that part. However, the fire can still burn inside these boundaries. Once the fire is fully surrounded by barriers and not growing anymore, it’s called 100% contained, but it might still be burning inside. A fire is considered “controlled” only when it has been fully extinguished. Write your own summary of the events of the California wildfires as if you are a reporter assigned to this breaking news.

2. ILLNESS OUTBREAK

A new strain of norovirus, called GII.17[P17], is causing most of the recent stomach bug outbreaks in the U.S., according to the CDC. This virus spreads easily and has been found all over the country, including on cruise ships. It’s replacing the previous dominant strain, GII.4, which has been around since 2012. While it’s too early to know if this new strain causes worse symptoms, experts believe the rise in cases might be due to people having lower immunity to it. Norovirus is common in winter and often spreads through contaminated food and surfaces. Health officials say that even though many people recover on their own, it’s important to wash hands frequently, stay home when sick, and avoid spreading the virus to others. Design your own poster or flyer that grabs a viewer’s attention and educates them about the risks of the new virus strain and how to protect themselves, like hand washing.

3. NOT JOKING ANYMORE

Canadian leaders are getting frustrated with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. At first, it seemed like a joke, but now they believe he is serious and trying to create confusion. Trump has suggested using “economic force” to push Canada into joining the U.S., instead of military action. Canadian officials are standing firm against these comments. They emphasize the strong trade relationship between the two countries, pointing out that Canada supplies much of the U.S.’s energy and raw materials. They are also prepared to retaliate if Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian products. Canada’s leaders insist they will not be annexed and are focused on maintaining their independence and strong economy. If you were writing an article on this topic, who would you want to interview and what questions would you ask them? Write an outline of your story, including interview questions and sources you would use for information.

4. FLUORIDE STUDY FLAWED

A new study has raised concerns that high fluoride exposure could lower children’s I.Q. levels. The study looked at research from countries where the water has more fluoride than in the U.S. and found that children exposed to higher fluoride levels had lower I.Q. scores. While U.S. drinking water has very low levels of fluoride, experts say fluoride is also found in toothpaste, mouthwash, tea, and certain foods. Some scientists criticized the study, saying it didn’t prove that fluoride causes lower I.Q., and they warned against changing U.S. policies based on this analysis. However, some experts say more research is needed to understand the effects of fluoride on brain development. This story illustrates how research studies can be misleading about what they really prove. Using resources in your classroom or through a class discussion, identify important points to consider when looking at a research study (for example: who performed the study or the number of subjects studied).

5. TURMOIL IN VENEZUELA

Edmundo González is a key figure in Venezuela, where he claims he won the presidency in the last election, but the current president, Nicolás Maduro, says he didn’t. The situation has become very tense, with González preparing to be sworn in as president, while Maduro plans to continue his presidency. González, who was a diplomat and had never run for office before, was chosen by the opposition to challenge Maduro. He has faced serious challenges, including being forced into exile and dealing with the kidnapping of his son-in-law, which his family believes is politically motivated. Despite the dangers, González has gained support from many Venezuelans and some international governments, including the U.S. He plans to return to Venezuela to take the oath of office, but it’s unclear how he will do so or how he will confront Maduro, who still controls the government. Look up the relationship the United States has with Venezuela. How does the turmoil over their election impact the country’s relationships with the rest of the world? Write a paragraph briefly summarizing the current political situation there and how it might impact other countries.