Remembering Dolly Parton, Whose Artistry and Generosity Touched Generations
Dolly Parton left a mark far beyond country music, from songwriting and film to literacy programs that mailed millions of books to children. Students explore her extraordinary life and why she resonated with so many.
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Indiana Residents Frustrated by Extended Power Outage
More than 70,000 people in northwestern Indiana lost power for over a week after storms downed lines and flooded neighborhoods. Students explore why recovery stalled, who's responsible, and how communities can prepare for disasters.
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Scientists Explore Large-Scale Geoengineering to Slow Glacier Melt
As glaciers melt faster, some scientists are floating bold geoengineering ideas to slow the loss. Students explore how these interventions might work, why critics push back, and what's at stake for coastal communities worldwide.
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National Debt Nears $40 Trillion — Why Does That Matter?
The U.S. national debt is about to cross $40 trillion, a milestone economists call a warning sign. Students explore how the debt grew, what interest costs mean, and why Congress struggles to agree on a fix.
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Trump Dismisses Concerns over Conditions on Long-Deployed USS Abraham Lincoln
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea 208 straight days, a record in modern times, and sailors' families are raising alarms about mental health and supplies. Students weigh the Trump administration's response and the stakes of long deployments.
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Are Midterms Safe from Cybersecurity Threats?
Just three months before the 2026 midterms, CISA held its first broad security call with state election officials, and some said it came too late. Students explore who protects elections and how.
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Top Adviser to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Leader Sits Down for Rare Interview
As the war on Iran continues its uneasy stalemate, we're hearing from a top adviser to the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the force largely responsible for border and intern
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How AI Cameras Are Detecting Wildfires Before They Get out of Control
2026 is on track to be one of the worst U.S. wildfire years in a decade. Students explore how AI cameras and satellites like FireSat are helping spot fires faster, and weigh the promise and limits of the technology.
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Drought and Aging Infrastructure Plunge Puerto Rico into a Water Crisis
Severe drought has forced Puerto Rican cities to ration water, exposing the island's aging infrastructure and frustration over the government's response. Students explore how families are coping and who bears responsibility for a fix.
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Lonnie Bunch on How the Smithsonian Can Help America Understand Its Identity
When Lonnie Bunch became the Smithsonian's first Black leader, he called the institution as much about the future as the past. Now, amid a 2026 White House report attacking its leadership, students explore how museums shape America's story.
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