1. UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS’ STRUGGLE

Serhii Hnezdilov, a 24-year-old Ukrainian soldier, deserted the army to highlight how tired soldiers need to be replaced by fresh recruits. He had been fighting for five years and tried to raise awareness about this issue, but when no one listened, he left and made his desertion public. This sparked a big debate in Ukraine. Some people criticized him, saying it was wrong to desert during the war, while others understood his concerns about troop exhaustion. Ukraine is having trouble recruiting enough new soldiers, so many troops are stuck fighting for years without a break. Soldiers and their families are asking for better policies to rotate troops, but the army argues that it can’t afford to let experienced soldiers leave when fighting continues. Serhii now faces possible prison time, but he believes it’s important to talk about this problem so that soldiers can have hope of returning to normal life.

2. AMAZON RIVER

A historic drought in South America is causing serious problems, including wildfires, power outages, and water shortages. The Amazon River, the largest river system in the world, which supports around 30 million people across eight countries, is drying up. The drought, now in its second year, has been fueled by climate change and a strong El Niño weather pattern, leading to drier conditions. Countries like Brazil and Ecuador are facing wildfires and electricity cuts. In Brazil, smoke from fires has covered 80% of the country, forcing schools to close and causing health issues. Major rivers, like the Paraguay River, have hit record low levels, impacting shipping, fishing, and local economies. Some areas are also experiencing water rationing and struggling with reduced hydroelectric power, which many countries depend on for energy. Scientists believe the drought is being worsened by rising global temperatures, and although there's hope for more rain soon, the overall situation is alarming as the planet continues to warm. Write a script for a TV broadcast that shares the problems the Amazon is facing.

3. BLACK ARTIST’S IMPACT

Toni Vaz, one of Hollywood’s first Black stuntwomen and the creator of the N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards, passed away at 101. In the 1950s, Black stunt performers weren’t common, and Vaz, like others, worked in dangerous situations with little preparation. She supported Black actresses and fought for fair pay, often earning much less than her white counterparts. In 1967, she created the Image Awards to honor Black artists and improve their representation in the industry. Despite her impact, she spent years being overlooked for her role in founding the awards. Finally, in 2021, she was recognized with the Image Awards’ Founder’s Award. Read more about Toni Vaz’s life and accomplishments online. Then, write an article that shares what you learned.

4. CUBA IN CRISIS

Cuba had two major power outages in just 24 hours, leaving the entire island without electricity. For years, experts warned that Cuba's old power plants, some nearly 50 years old, would eventually fail. The country still relies on these outdated plants, and it can barely afford the fuel needed to keep them running. The situation is so bad that many people compare it to the 1990s when Cuba lost support from the Soviet Union and faced serious economic problems. The government managed to restore power briefly, but another blackout happened soon after. People are worried that the island’s power grid is falling apart, especially with a hurricane on the way. Cuba’s power issues are made worse by a shortage of fuel. Cuba has tried to get help from countries like Venezuela and Russia, but those shipments have dropped off. The country's government is struggling to fix the problems, and some fear that if the power keeps failing, more people might leave the country or protests could happen again. Write a list of interview questions and sources you would contact if you had to write an article about the problems in Cuba right now.

5. TRAGEDY FOR FORMER BOY BAND

Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, died at 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. His family asked for privacy and said they were heartbroken, remembering Liam as kind, funny, and brave. Before the fall, a 911 call was made by the hotel’s desk manager, who reported that Payne appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was acting dangerously. The police found broken furniture and suspected drugs in his room. An autopsy confirmed that Payne died from multiple injuries, but it’s unclear if he fell accidentally or on purpose. The investigation continues, but no one else seems to have been involved. Read at least 2 articles memorializing Payne, then write your own obituary based on what you read and learned.