1. UMPIRE HISTORY

Jen Pawol made history by becoming the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball game. She worked at first base during the first game of a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves, then moved to third base for the second game. Pawol has spent over 10 years umpiring in the minor leagues and has worked more than 1,200 games before finally reaching the majors. Fans cheered for her when her name was announced, and players and coaches congratulated her on the field. Pawol said she was emotional but proud, and she hopes to inspire young girls and boys to see that anything is possible. Other umpires said she worked hard to earn her place and will be a great role model for future generations. Write 3 to 5 sentences about why Jen Pawol’s achievement is important. Include how it might inspire other people and what it shows about working hard for your goals.

2. PERSEID METEOR SHOWER

Meteor showers are like nature’s fireworks, with bright streaks of light shooting across the night sky. One of the most popular is the Perseid meteor shower, which happens every year in August. This year, it has been active since July 17 and will last until August 23, but the best time to watch will be the night of August 12 into the morning of August 13. At its peak, you might see up to 100 meteors an hour, though moonlight may make some harder to spot. Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through tiny bits of dust and rock left behind by a comet or asteroid. These bits burn up in our atmosphere, making the bright streaks we see. To watch, you don’t need a telescope—just your eyes and a dark spot away from city lights. The best time is late at night or early in the morning, and you should give your eyes 30 minutes to get used to the dark. Write a short video script or design a poster that explains what the Perseid meteor shower is and tips to have the best experience watching it.

3. TECHNOLOGY HELPS BRAINS STAY SHARP

Many older Americans are finding that using computers, smartphones, and the internet can help keep their minds strong. Researchers studied thousands of people over 50 and found that those who use technology often do better on memory and thinking tests than those who don’t. Learning to use new devices and programs challenges the brain in a healthy way, like solving puzzles or learning a new skill. Technology can also help older people stay connected to friends and family, remember important tasks, and handle everyday needs like shopping or paying bills. However, experts warn that spending too much time on screens or falling for online scams can be harmful. The key is to use technology in ways that help the brain without replacing other healthy activities like exercise or socializing in person. Think about an older person you know, like a grandparent, neighbor, or teacher. Write 3 to 5 sentences describing how technology could help them in their daily life. Include at least one example of a device or app they might use and explain how it could keep their brain active.

4. ASTRONAUTS ARRIVE HOME

Four astronauts are back on Earth after spending five months at the International Space Station. They traveled home in a SpaceX capsule, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near Southern California. The crew included Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from the U.S., Takuya Onishi from Japan, and Kirill Peskov from Russia. The astronauts went to space in March to take over for two astronauts who had been stuck there because of problems with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Before leaving, McClain said she hoped their mission would remind people of what can be achieved when we work together. Now that they’re home, the crew is looking forward to rest, hot showers, and tasty food. Write down a list of questions you would ask if you had the opportunity to interview an astronaut!

5. SKI SUIT SCANDAL

In ski jumping, the special suits athletes wear can make a big difference. If the suit is the wrong size or shape, it can help someone jump farther, which is against the rules. Recently, at a big competition in France, several ski jumpers were disqualified because their suits didn’t meet the new rules. Some athletes weren’t even allowed to start their jumps. The new rules were made after a scandal earlier this year, when some skiers wore suits that were changed to give them an advantage. Officials say they don’t think anyone was cheating this time—it just takes time for teams to adjust to the new requirements. They believe there will be fewer problems as the season continues, but they plan to keep checking suits carefully, especially with the Winter Olympics coming up. Make a list of three sports where the equipment or clothing must follow strict rules. For each sport, explain one reason why those rules are important for fairness and safety. Then, choose one of the sports from your list and describe what might happen if the rules were not followed.