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Title: Hurricane Milton in Florida

Date: October 11th, 2024

Information: There are millions of people in Florida living without electricity due to the arrival of Hurricane Milton.

Important people: Governor Ron DeSantis and Deanne Criswell

Important statistic: Over 3 million homes and businesses ere left without power across the state.

Potential essay prompt:

How can the infrastructure be improved to better withstand hurricanes or tropical storms?

What is the link between climate change and natural disasters?

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Title: China defends Coast Guard

Date: October 23rd, 2024

Information: By taking steps to intimidate without starting a conflict, China's Coast Guard is putting more pressure on Taiwan and other nations. Beijing's increasing hostility was demonstrated by recent drills that involved surrounding Taiwan with 17 ships. Taiwan's president, sai Ing-Wen, responded by announcing plans to construct eleven more Coast Guard vessels. Tensions have increased as a result of China's efforts, which include entering restricted waters and spreading propaganda referring to Taiwan as a "sweetheart." Concerns in the region are growing as a result of similar instances involving contested territory with the Philippines.

Important people: The president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, Chinese marine

Important statistics: China deployed 17 vessels, including a 12,000- ton ship.

Potential essay prompt: How does propaganda impact the state of the conflicts between different nations?

How can Taiwan strengthen its international alliances to counter intimidation by China?

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Title: Kid Politics - This American Life

Date: 2011

Information: This episode looks at how kids learn about politics, power, and decision-making, even at a young age. It covers how schools, parents, and the media shape kids' views on leadership, democracy, and authority. Some of the stories focus on student government, showing. how even small elections can mirror real-world politics. It also talks about how kids' political beliefs can be influenced by their surroundings, sometimes before they even fully understand them.

Important people: Ira Glass, the host.

Important statistics: Studies show that many kids start forming political beliefs by the age of 10, often based on their family's opinions and what they see in the media.

Potential Essay Prompt: How do young people develop political beliefs, and what factors influence their views the most?

Related Article: https://www.vox.com/policy/375202/kids-politics-election-2024-economy-inflation-climate-change

It adds a modern layer to the themes explored in the episode. While the episode focused on how kids absorb political ideas through school elections, parents, and media exposure, the Vox piece shows that even in today's complex political landscape, kids are not only aware but also forming nuanced views. The article emphasizes how deeply current events and family conversations influence young people's beliefs, directly supporting the podcast's message that political identity often starts early, long before voting age.

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Title: SpaceX Starship test flight

Date: October 15th, 2024

Information: On October 15th, 2024, SpaceX conducted its Starship test flight, which was another significant step in the ompany's mission to transform space travel. As part of its development, the Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft that can transport crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, completed an important test flight.

Important people: Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX),

Important statistic: The Starship spacecraft is designed to carry over 100 metric tons of cargo, making it the most powerful rocket ever built in terms of payload capacity;m

Potential essay prompt: What are the advantages and disadvantages of space missions?

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Florida, not longer a battleground state

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Florida, not longer a battleground state

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Title: Florida, not longer a battleground state

Date: October 24th, 2024

Information: Florida is now strictly Republican after years of being a swing state. Republicans seized control of the state legislature in 2022 after Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Ron DeSantos won by significant margins. With the support of conservative Cuban Americans ann elderly white voters, Republicans overtook Democrats in voter registration by 2021. Florida is no longer a prominent battleground, as evidenced by its low campaign spending when compared to statres like Georgia.

Important people: Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Ron DeSantos

Important statistics: Democrats spend $2 million in Florida compared to the $133 million in Georgia

Potential essay prompt: To what extent have older voters and Latino communities shaped the political identity of Florida?

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Title: Romes Trevi Fountain

Date: November 8th, 2024

Information: The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, is being cleaned and repaired in order to remove deposits and dirt that have accumulated over time. During this process, a makeshift "bathtub" like apparatus has been constructed to catch coins tossed into the fountain. The purpose of this process is to get ready for the 2025 Vatican jubilee. Many tourists are eager to see the well-known site even though they are a bit disappointed by the construction.

Important people: City officials and tourists

Important statistic: The renovation project costs 300,000 euros and is being completed ahead of the 2025 Vatican Jubilee.

Possible essay prompt: What would be the long-term consequences in tourism if major historical sites were neglected?

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Title: China-Russia military-alliance

Date: November 15th, 2024

Information: A key component of both countries' plans to change the balance of power in the world, lessen American influence, and fortify their strategic positions is the military partnership between China and Russia. Although the alliance is primarily geopolitical and military in nature, there is also a great deal of economic and scientific cooperation involved. As both nations continue to oppose Western domination on the international scene, the cooperation is probably going t become more significant in the years to come.

Important people: Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping

Important statistic: Russia and China have conducted their largest-ever joint naval drills in recent years.

Possible essay prompt: How do shared energy resources, trade, and technology exchange enhance the strength of their military alliance?

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Title: Plastic waste in the Republic of Congo

Date: November 21st, 2024

Information: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, trash has been accumulating in a lake next to a hydroelectric dam, obstructing the flow of water required to generate electricity. Plastic bottles and cans are among the trash that clogs the dam's channels, making it more difficult for the turbines to produce electricity. More trash is washed into the lake by heavy rainfall, whcih makes the problem worse. The situation is still unresolved, resulting in persistent issues for the economy and ecology.

Important people: Waste management groups

Important statistic: Plastic waste is clogging the hydroelectric dam, which affects electricity production for the region.

Potential essay prompt: How can the government and local businesses work together to address these issues?

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Title: Decrease of sales in Target

Date: November 22nd, 2024

Information: Target has reported lower-than-expected sales, predicting only minimal growth during the holiday shopping season. This is unusual because the holiday period is typically strong for retailers. Experts suggest that consumers are not spending as much on non-essential goods and are choosing other retailers like Walmart, which has competitive prices.

Important people: Vanessa Juravich

Important statistic: The company is expecting minimal sales growth for the period between October and December.

Potential essay prompt: How can businesses like Target adapt to a changing economic environment?

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Title: Weather groundhogs

Date: February 3rd, 2025

Information: Groundhog day has been a tradition for many decades in the United States. The species is used in the meteorological field as they often can predict the end of winter.

Important people: Meteorologists

Important statistic: The top-ranked weather groundhog was from New York and was 85% accurate.

Potential essay prompt: Does science have the right to use animals to predict the weather?

Related article: https://nypost.com/2025/01/31/us-news/staten-island-chuck-is-pretty-low-key-despite-groundhog-day-accuracy-rate/

The article highlights Staten Island Chuck's impressive 85% accuracy rate in Groundhog Day predictions, surpassing the more famous Punxsutawney Phil, who has a significantly lower accuracy rate. It brings attention to the varying success rates among different groundhogs, prmpting discussins about the reliability of using animals for weather forecasting.

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Title: Flying Taxis for 2030

Date: February 24th, 2025

Information: It is called eVTOL and is is planned to launch in 2030. It will be safe, low noise, zero emission, and nimble enough to fly through city city as well as low cost. It will cost as much as a regular taxi does. It has a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 150 miles per hour.

Important people: The company Vertical Aerospace

Important statistic: It wll have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 150 miles per hour.

Potential essay prompt: How will this invention affect the lifestyle of people in the next decade?

Related news story: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/12/technology/flying-cars.html

The article contributes to the conversation by offering an early and realistic look at the challenges and potential of flying vehicles like eVTOLs. It highlights both the technological progress and regulatory hurdles involved, which helps readers understand that while the idea of air taxis sounds futuristic and exciting, careful planning and gradual implementation are necessary before they become a regular part of everyday life. This adds nuance to the excitement surrounding the 2030 launch.

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Title: Michaela Schiffrin's victory post PTHD

Date: February 27th, 2025

Information: Michaela Schiffrin is an alpine skier who because the first athlete in the sport to win 100 World Cup races. Last November, she suffered a serious injury after attempting to win the 100th race, causing not only physical but deep psychological harm. Now she's working on guiding young American skiers to be successful.

Important people: Michaela Schiffrin (professional skier)

Important statistic: -

Potential essay prompts: How can traumatic experiences shape up to become better?

Related source: https://people.com/mikaela-shiffrin-wins-100th-world-cup-after-puncture-injury-11685306?

This article delves into Shiffrin's remarkable comeback following a severe abdominal injury sustained in November 2024. It highlights the physical and psychological challenges she overcame, including surgery and PTSD, to achieve her milestone victory.

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Title: How I got into college - The American Life

Date: 2013

Information: The episode breaks down the flaws in the college admissions process. It highlights how getting into college isn't just about grades or hard work since things like connections, money, and even random institutional preferences can play a huge role. The episode shares real stories from students and admissions officers, showing how unpredictable and, honestly, unfair the system can be at times.

Important people: Ira Glass, Emir Kamenica, and Miss Ames

Important statistic: A big percentage of students at top universities aren't just getting in because of their achievements. Some schools admit a large portion of legacy applicants, giving them an advantage over others.

Potential essay prompt: Is the college admissions process truly fair, or does it benefit certain groups more than others? What changes should be made to create a more equal system?

Related article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/31/opinion/college-admissions-consultant-branding.html

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Title: Them - This American Life

Date: February 11, 2000

Information: This episode delves into the concept of "Them." which are individuals or groups perceived as outsiders or adversaries. It examines how communities and individuals define themselves in opposition to others, often leading to misunderstandings, prejudice, and conflict. Through personal narratives and investigative reporting, the episode sheds light on the dynamics between "us" and "them," challenging listeners to reflect on their own perceptions and biases.

Important people: Ira Glass, Chris Brookes, and Jon Ronson

Important statistic: Studies have shown that humas are naturally inclined to categorize others into groups, often leading to discrimination. This tendency can contribute to societal divisions and conflicts.

Potential Essay Prompt: In what ways can individuals and communities bridge divides to promote inclusivity and understanding?

Related article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/09/us-culture-moral-education-formation/674765/

The article explores the erosion of empathy, moral formation, and civic responsibility in modern U.S. culture, ideas that directly echo the themes of the episode. While the podcast uses personal stories to show how "us vs. them" mentalities create division, the articles zoom out to examine the cultural forces like weakened institutions, online tribalism, and lack of shared moral education that deepen those divides.

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Title: Impact of New U.S. Tariffs on Major Trading Partners

Date: February 3, 2025

Information: President Trump's recent imposition of steep tariffs on America's three largest trading partners: Canada, Mexico, and China. These tariffs are expected to have significant implications for the U.S. economy, affecting various industries and consumer prices.

Important people: Donald Trump and trade representatives

Important statistic: The tariffs target goods totaling approximately $200 mbillion in annual imports, potentially leaving to increased costs for American consumers and businesses.

Potential essay prompt: How might such imposing tariffs affect domestic industries and international relations?

Related article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/08/business/china-tariffs-canada.html

This article provides insight into the international response to the U.S.'s imposition of new tariffs on major trading partners. It highlights China's retaliatory measures, including the implementation of its own tariffs on U.S. goods. This contributes to the conversation by illustrating the reciprocal nature of trade policies and the potential for escalating trade tensions.

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Title: Lunar New Year

Date: February 4, 2025

Information: As millions journey to their hometowns to celebrate with family, there is an immense scale of traveling during the Lunar New Year. This annual migration places significant strain on transportation systems and infrastructure, leading to challenges such as overcrowding and logistical complexities.

Important people: Travelers and transportation officials

Important statistic: During the Lunar New Year period, it's estimated that over 3 billion trips are made in China alone, underscoring the vast scale of this annual migration.

Potential essay prompt: How do government and communities prepare for and manage this large-scale migration?

Related article: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2586444/world

The article complements the story by providing current insights into how China is managing the world's largest annual human migration during the Lunar New Year. It discusses the strategies implemented by transportation officials to reduce congestion, ensure safety, and accommodate the billion expected trips.

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Title: Cuba's power outage

Date: March 18th, 2025

Information: Cuba's power grid collapsed Friday night, leading to blackouts across the country. The outage was triggered by a substation failure, leaving millions of Cubans without electricity. The government is working on restoring power and installing solar energy, but frustrations over ongoing shortages remain high.

Important people: Cuban residents and government

Important statistic: 42% of the national energy system was expected to be shut down due to power shortages. Also, power outages have previously led to anti-government protests in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Potential essay prompt: How can advancements in energy technology help countries ln both political and economic aspects?

Related article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68595885

The article provides a detailed account of the widespread blackout that affected Cuba in March 2025. It highlights the immediate impact on daily life, including disruptions to internet services and the challenges faced by residents in various provinces.

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Title: Underwater housing

Date: March 20th, 2025

Information: The British company, Deep, is working towards the goal of having underwater housing within the next 2 years. it's not only about making people live underwater but about educating them about the ocean and allow them to explore.

Important people: Steve Etherton, the president of Deep's Europe, Middle East, and Africa division.

Important statistic: Deep plans to construct a network of modular underwater habitats capable of supporting human life for extended periods, with depths reaching up to 200 meters below the surface.

Potential essay prompt: What are the potential benefits and challenges of underwater housing?

Related article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/03/flooded-quarry-mysterious-millionaire-and-dream-new-atlantis-welsh-border-deep?

The article expands the conversation by offering real-world context to Deep's underwater housing project. It explores the company's ambitious vision while also touching on environmental, financial, and societal implications of building livable habitats beneath the sea. This helps readers think beyond the technology itself and consider how underwater living could reshape human interacition with the ocean and what complications might arise from it.

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Title: Phone pouch use in the U.S

Date: April 7th, 2025

Information: Phone use was strictly forbidden in the state of Virginia. The schools use Yondr pouches so that kids can put their phones inside and then lock them. Most of the students are unhappy with this decision but some understand that that's the best for their academic experience. Some of the most common concerns about this new addition to the school system are the occasions of an emergency or a lockdown.

Important people: Students and teachers

Important statistic: -

Potential essay prompt: Is it more beneficial for students to be restricted from their phones or to be taught how to manage phones in a responsible way?

Related article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8plvqv60lo (a different perspective on the matter)

It provides a critical perspective on the effectiveness of phones bans in educational settings. It discusses a study from the University of Birmingham, which found that banned phones in schools did not lead to significant improvements in students' academic performance or mental well-being. The study suggests that while excessive smartphone use is linked to negative outcomes, simply banning phones during shcool hours may not address the underlying issues.

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Spring Heat Wave in the Southwestern U.S.

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Spring Heat Wave in the Southwestern U.S.

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Title: Spring Heat Wave in the Southwestern U.S.

Date: Marh 27th, 2025

information: An early spring heat wave is impacting the southwestern United States, with cities like phoenix, Arizona, nearly reaching 100F. Other cities like Bakersfield and Sacramento, California, also broke previous heat records. The heat is spreading into the Pacific Northwest, where it's causing rare thunderstorm threats not seen this early in decades.

Important people: Derek Van Dam

Important statistic: Phoenix reached 99°F this week. If it had hit 100F, it would have been the earliest 100F day on record. The average date for Phoenix's first 100F day is May 11.

Potential essay prompt: What are the possible consequences of increasingly early and extreme heat waves in the U.S., and how should communities prepare for and respond to them?

Related article: https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-heat-100-degrees-deaths-b93fa55dfe5009eea3e94a679ff45724

This AP news article complements the original story by providing specific details about Phoenix's near-record temperatures in late March 2025, highlighting that the city reached 99F, just shy of its earliest 100F day on record. It offers insights into local reactions and concerns about the early onset of extreme heat, thereby enriching the conversation on how such climatic anomalies impact coommunities and underscore the broader implications of climate change.

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Spring Heat Wave in the Southwestern U.S.

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Fighting Digital Addiction with Real-World Connection

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Fighting Digital Addiction with Real-World Connection

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Title: Fighting Digital Addiction with Real-World Connection

Date: March 29th, 2025

Information: The offline Club, which started in Amsterdam in early 2024, encourages people to disconnect from their phones and reconnect with real-life experiences. At these events, attendees hand over their phones and spend two hours engaging in screen-free activities like reading, journaling, playing music, and socializing. The movement has now expanded globally to cities like London, Lisbon, and Dubai.

Important people: Ben Hansel, the city leader of the Offline Club

Important statistic: The core audience of the Offline Club is 90% women between the ages of 25 to 50, showing that older generations may be more willing to unplug than younger ones.

Potential essay prompt: In a world increasingly dominated by technology, should communities create more screen-free spaces like the Offline Club to support mental health and social connection?

Related article: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/may/08/i-feel-more-connected-with-humanity-the-club-where-phones-are-banned-and-visitors-pay-for-the-privilege?

The article explores the Offline Club and similar initiatives in the Netherlands that promote digital detoxing. It sheds light on the growing movement to disconnect from screens and foster genuine human connections, contributing to the broader conversation on mental health and the impact of technology on social interactions.

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Fighting Digital Addiction with Real-World Connection

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Garbage strike in Birmingham leads to health concerns and rat infestations

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Garbage strike in Birmingham leads to health concerns and rat infestations

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Title: Garbage strike in Birmingham leads to health concerns and rat infestations

Date: April 10, 2025

Information: In Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, garbage collectors have gone on strike due to a pay dispute with the city council. As a result, trash has been piling up across neighborhoods, creating serious health risks. Residents have reported increased sightings of rats, and pest control calls have surged.

Important people: Will Tims, a pest controller who reported a 50% increase in rodent-related calls

Important statistic: Calls for rodent control have increased by 50%, and one rat caught measured over 22 inches from tip to tail, and it wasn't fully grown.

Potential essay prompt: What are the public health and environmental consequences of prolonged labor strikes in urban infrastructure, and how should city governments balance worker rights with community safety?

Related article: https://www.countryside-alliance.org/resources/news/birmingham-bin-crisis-send-in-the-ratters

It offers a distinctive perspective on the ongoing sanitation strike in Birmingham. It highlights the role of traditional pest control methods, specifically the use of trained dogs and their handlers, known as "ratters," to combat the escalating rat infestation resulting from uncollected garbage. This approach underscores the severity of the public health crisis and the innovative, community-driven solutions being employed to address it.

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Title: Artificial dye found in food in the USA

Date:April 24th, 2025

Information: The FDA announced that it plans to phase out certain artificial food dyes used in popular products like cereals, candy, beverages, and even medicine. These synthetic dyes, such as Red Dye No. 3 and Red Dye 40, are petroleum-based chemicals that make food appear more vibrant. Although food manufacturers claim the dyes are safe, research in animals has linked them to cancer and behavioral issues in children. The FDA will work with comanies directly, rather than passing new laws, to help transition to natural alternatives like watermelon, carrot, and blueberry juice.

Important people: FDA officials, the Consumer Brands Association, and health advocates

Important statistics: Many products in Europe and Canada already use natural dyes instead of petroleum-based ones.

Potential essay prompt: Should the U.S. follow other countries in banning artificial food dyes, or should consumers be responsible for their own choices?

Related article: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply

This FDA article reinforces this by confirming that the U.S. government is actively working to eliminate synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the food supply due to growing health concerns. It provides direct insight into the FDA's reasoning, timeline, and approved natural alternatives ,like butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate.

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Title: Met Gala 2025

Date: May 7th, 2025

Information: The Met Gala took place this week at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, gathering celebrities like Rihanna, Bad Bunny, and Zendaya in extravagant fashion for a night that combines entertainment with purpose. While the event is known for its viral red carpet looks, it's also a major fundraiser for the museum's Costume Institute, which houses over 33,000 fashion pieces. This year's theme focused on early 20th-century styles from the Harlem Renaissance, particularly Black dandism, which celebrated sharp-dressed, high-fashion Black identity through wide-shouldered suits and tailored elegance.

Important people: Hollywood cleebrities, Anna Wintour

Important statistics: The Met's Costume Insitute contains over 33,000 fashion artifacts, dating back to the 15th century.

Potential essay prompt: how does the Met Gala reflect the intersection of fashion, cultural history, and social influence, and why is it important to preserve fashion as a form of art?

Related article: https://www.vogue.com/article/superfine-tailoring-black-style-costume-institute-spring-2025-exhibition

The article contributes to the conversation surrounding the 2025 Met Gala by providing an in-depth exploration of the event's theme. It delves into the historical and cultural significance of Black dandyism, tracing its roots from the 18th century to contemporary fashion. By highlighting the exhibition's focus on how Black individuals have used fashion as a form of self-expression and resistance, the article offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the context behind the gala's theme.