1. SUMMER CAMPS BOOST SAFETY AFTER TEXAS FLOOD

After a tragic flood at Camp Mystic in Texas on July 4 that killed more than two dozen campers and staff, many parents are feeling nervous about sending their kids to summer camps. The disaster raised questions about safety during natural events like floods and storms. Across the country, camp directors have responded by reviewing and updating their emergency plans. Some are adding extra equipment like walkie-talkies, sirens, and storm monitors to keep campers safe. Parents have been asking detailed questions about camp safety, and directors are trying to reassure them. While summer camp has always involved some level of “safe risk” with activities like sailing and horseback riding, recent events are pushing camps to be even more prepared. Many say the goal is to give kids confidence and independence while still protecting them from serious danger. Think about what it means for something to be a “safe risk.” What activities at camp, school, or even home help you grow while still being carefully supervised? Now imagine you are a camp director. Write a short plan explaining how your camp would stay safe during storms or floods. Include at least three safety steps you would put in place and how you would communicate with campers and their families if something unexpected happened.

2. TRUMP ANNOUNCES BIG TARIFFS

President Trump has announced that the U.S. will place a 30% tariff on all goods coming from the European Union and Mexico, starting August 1. A tariff is a tax on imported goods, and these high new tariffs could raise prices on everyday items like cars, food, and medicine. Leaders in both the E.U. and Mexico had been negotiating trade deals with the U.S., hoping to avoid these taxes, but Trump ended talks by posting identical letters on social media. He also warned that if other countries try to fight back by raising their own tariffs, he’ll raise U.S. tariffs even higher. The European Union and Mexico are two of America’s biggest trading partners, and some experts are worried this could start a trade war—where countries keep raising taxes on each other’s goods. Some leaders say they don’t want a trade war but are preparing to respond if they need to. These moves could affect global business, jobs, and prices on both sides of the border. Imagine you’re writing a news article or podcast script to help your classmates understand what tariffs are and how they might affect people’s lives. Include a definition of tariffs, why President Trump says he’s using them, and how other countries are reacting. Then, give an example of something that could become more expensive because of these tariffs, like cars or groceries. Finish by explaining what you think should happen next—should countries fight back, or try to make a deal? Write at least one strong paragraph or record a 60-second explanation.

3. RAIDS SLOW REBUILDING

In Los Angeles, immigrant workers have been helping rebuild neighborhoods damaged by wildfires earlier this year. But recently, many workers have stayed home after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted surprise raids in the area. These workers—some undocumented, some not—are afraid they might be arrested, even if they’re helping with important fire recovery work. Community leaders and business owners say the rebuilding process is slowing down because so many workers are too scared to show up. Even people who are in the country legally say they feel targeted based on how they look. Government officials claim they’re not raiding construction sites, but many workers say they’ve seen agents nearby and don’t feel safe. Local leaders are calling the raids harmful and say they’re hurting the community’s recovery after the disaster. Imagine you are a community journalist writing a story about how the ICE raids are affecting your town’s recovery after a natural disaster. Write a short article or news segment that explains who is being affected, why they are scared, and what might happen if the rebuilding work can’t continue. Include at least one quote from a worker or community leader (real or imagined), and suggest one idea for how officials could help workers feel safer while doing their jobs.

4. RUBIO SPEAKS OUT ON RUSSIA

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently traveled to Malaysia, where he met with leaders from around the world, including Russia’s top diplomat. Rubio told reporters that President Trump is frustrated with Russia for not doing more to stop the war in Ukraine. He said the U.S. might increase sanctions on Russia if the violence continues. While in Malaysia, Rubio also defended President Trump’s threat to put high tariffs on goods from 14 countries, including Malaysia. These tariffs would raise the cost of goods coming into the U.S., which could affect businesses and shoppers. Malaysia’s prime minister warned that trade barriers are now being used as political weapons between countries. Rubio said the U.S. still wants strong partnerships in Asia, but some leaders worry that sudden trade threats are causing tension instead of cooperation. Imagine you are a student journalist writing a short article or blog post to explain Secretary Rubio’s visit to Malaysia. In your article, include why he met with Russian officials, what he said about the Ukraine war, and how U.S. trade policy is affecting countries in Asia. Then explain how leaders in Malaysia and other countries are reacting to the new tariff threats. End with your opinion: Do you think tariffs help solve international problems, or do they create more issues between countries? Why or why not? Write at least one paragraph.

5. NEW S.N.A.P. RULES

A new law signed by President Trump could take away food stamp benefits from about 300,000 people in New York. The law adds stricter rules for who can get help from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Now, many people—including homeless individuals, veterans, and some parents—will have to prove they’re working, volunteering, or in school to qualify. Before this, those groups didn’t need to meet work requirements. The law also includes large tax cuts, mostly benefiting wealthy Americans, and shifts more of the cost of the SNAP program to state governments. Critics say the changes are unfair to people in poverty and will hurt small businesses and grocery stores that rely on customers using food stamps. Supporters of the law say it reduces waste and encourages people to work. City and state officials are still figuring out how these changes will affect families, especially those who already struggle to afford food. Imagine you are a city council member trying to explain the new SNAP rules to people in your community. Write a short speech or flyer that explains what the law changes, who might lose benefits, and what people can do if they’re affected. Then share your opinion: Do you think it’s fair to add more work requirements for food stamp benefits? Why or why not? Be sure to support your opinion with at least two facts from the article.