Table of contents for Issue 305 in The Week Junior US

The US government is ending a massive effort to detain people in Minnesota who are in the US without legal permission. Operation Metro Surge has been run by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). What was the operation? Beginning in December, DHS increased the number of agents in Minnesota from 80 to about 3,000 to carry out a large enforcement effort. They arrested more than 4,000 people in the state, who ICE said were in the country illegally. Agents were also accused of using aggressive tactics to track people down and wrongfully detaining people who were here legally. Many people in Minnesota publicly protested the agents’ actions, and in January, two Minneapolis residents were killed by federal agents while they…

A BIG BIRTH He’s 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds—and yet he’s just learning to walk. A giraffe calf named August was born at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee. Staff said the arrival of the “sweet boy” will strengthen the vulnerable species. A “SUPER”-SPEEDY TRAIN High-speed trains decorated inside and out with characters from Nintendo’s Super Mario are now racing through Japan. They will also appear in 22 train stations as well as buses and pop-up shops. Mario and his friends are “beloved across generations and borders,” said a station master. CRUSHING IT WITH COOKIES A 6-year-old from Pennsylvania has sold 111,310 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies and set a single-season sales record. Pim, who has special needs and initially had trouble finding a welcoming troop, hopes…

NASA, the US space agency, announced that astronauts will now be able to bring their personal cell phones with them into space. An administrator said this will allow the astronauts to take more photos and document missions more easily, as well as capture special moments for their families and the world. The Artemis II crew will be among the first to bring their phones with them when they fly to the Moon, which could happen as early as March.…

Officials estimate that last year, as many as 70,000 people visited the Trevi Fountain each day. But the fountain stands in a small plaza in the middle of a bustling city, and the crowds clog up nearby streets—and frustrate many local residents. Mount Fuji, in Japan, used to be crammed with thousands of hikers who littered and damaged the beautiful natural landscape. In 2024, Japan instituted a $13 fee for tourists and capped the number of people at 4,000 per day. Other popular spots around the world are facing the same problem, but some people say charging visitors more isn’t the solution. What do you think? Are extra tourist fees a good idea? Yes—share the responsibility Visiting a special location or landmark is an amazing experience for tourists, but it’s…

New research has found that a species of crab can assist in breaking down microplastics. These plastic particles are less than 0.2 inches long and can come from a variety of sources, including larger pieces of plastic that have begun to break down. They can be harmful to the health of people, wildlife, and the environment. A team of researchers studied fiddler crabs living near the coastal city of Turbo, Colombia, in South America. The forests there are very polluted with plastic, yet fiddler crabs are thriving. The researchers wanted to know how this was possible, so they sprayed five small areas of forest with plastic particles over 66 days. Crabs ate these tiny pieces of plastic as they dug through the mud. During the crabs’ digestion process, their stomachs…

Clive D. L. Wynne Canine Science Collaboratory director, Arizona State University Because dogs typically sleep on the ground and not lovely, soft beds, they need to make sure there is nothing beneath them that will prod or poke them. So they walk carefully in circles two or three times, checking that the surface is safe before they lie down to sleep. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about Clive D. L. Wynne at clivewynne.com.…

Researchers have found a way to turn used cooking oil into glue strong enough to tow a car. Using chemical reactions, the researchers made materials called polymers from the oil. Some of the polymers were sticky. The scientists used them to connect two pieces of metal, then attached the metal to two cars, one of which was pulling the other uphill. The metal pieces didn’t come apart, which showed that the polymers were as strong as industrial glue. The sustainable material can be turned back into plastic for reuse or recycling.…

Top players from the NBA (National Basketball Association) met in Los Angeles, California, from February 13 to February 15 for this year’s All-Star Weekend. The annual event gives athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents in skills competitions and play in fun games. One of the highlights on February 14 was the 3-Point Contest. Eight players competed in it, including Damian Lillard, who has been sitting out this NBA season while he recovers from an injury. He made it to the final round, where he defeated Devin Booker, 29–27, and clinched his third All-Star Game 3-Point Contest title, tying a record. The All-Star Game, which had a new format this year, took place the next day. Instead of two teams playing each other, players were divided into three teams. The…

Every year, the Library of Congress (LOC) selects 25 American movies with “cultural, historic, or aesthetic importance” and adds them to the National Film Registry so they can be preserved for history. The list is usually revealed in December, but the one for 2025 came out in late January. The new selections span more than 100 years of filmmaking and include silent films from the late 1800s as well as documentaries and modern-day comedies and dramas. The LOC, the largest library in the world, serves as the research institution for the US government by collecting and protecting millions of books, photographs, recordings, and films. Congress (the branch of government that makes laws) created the National Film Registry in 1988 to maintain the country’s film legacy. Movies that are at least…

Enola Holmes PG-13 (Netflix) “This is an exciting mystery involving Enola Holmes, the younger sister of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. It is set in England in 1884. When Enola’s mother suddenly disappears, Enola sets off to find her by using clues her mother left behind. Along the way, Enola relies on clever disguises, quick thinking, fighting skills, and lots of bravery to stay one step ahead of her famous brother, who is also on the case. The film is a fast-paced adventure full of mystery, action, and funny parts. It has a strong message about breaking the boundaries of societal norms.” Jakob, 11, Pennsylvania Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

If you liked… The Baby-Sitters Club By Ann M. Martin, illustrated by various cartoonists In a series that began in 1986 with Kristy’s Great Idea and later became graphic novels, friends run a babysitting business. They learn that juggling their work and personal lives isn’t easy. Ages 8–12 You might like… The Startup Squad By Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader, illustrated by Nadia Hsieh The first book, One for the Dogs, in this new graphic novel series is set in New York City, where Resa and her pals help out at her abuela’s store. When a customer can’t find dog bandannas, the girls hatch a plan to meet demand. Ages 8–12…

Amari and the Metalwork Menace By B.B. Alston The fourth book in the Supernatural Investigations series may be the best one yet! As Amari prepares to graduate from eighth grade, she must decide her future: Does she want to return to being a secret agent, or will she choose to be a regular student and lose her memories of the supernatural world? A new curse threatening both the supernatural and mortal worlds may influence her decision. Ages 8–12 The Curse Breaker By Jen Calonita In the sequel to the best-selling Isle of Ever, Benny is still working toward inheriting the fortune that a mysterious ancestor left for her. She needs to locate a lost piece of pirate treasure in the next few days to break a curse once and for…

Ingredients For the tart: ● 1 pound (about 1 large) sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks● 1 tablespoon unsalted butter● 3 tablespoons light brown sugar● ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon● 2 tablespoons milk of your choice, plus more for sealing dough● Kosher salt● Ground nutmeg● Flour● 1 (14-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough For the glaze: ● 2 tablespoons unsalted butter● 3 tablespoons light brown sugar● 2 tablespoons milk of your choice● ⅔ cup powdered sugar● Vanilla bean paste (optional)● Orange or rainbow sprinkles Instructions 1. Heat oven to 425° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. 2. With an adult’s help, boil the potatoes until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and mash in a heat-safe bowl with the…

Keyword crossword Once you have completed the crossword, transfer the letters in the yellow boxes, from top to bottom, into the boxes below to get the answer to the Keyword question. ACROSS 1 Opposite of hard (and it’s not easy!) 3 Storage space at the gym or school 8 Covering for an area of the floor 9 Big ape 10 Creamy off-white sandwich spread 13 Long, crisp, baked item often served in a basket 17 Line separating the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres 19 Picnic crawler 20 Up-to-date and stylish 21 Bug seen flittering around a porch light DOWN 1 Pinkish shellfish 2 Like San Francisco, often, from May through October 4 It helps row a boat 5 Skirt-like items worn by bagpipers 6 Street 7 “What’s on the…

This week we pay tribute to Jesse Jackson, the influential civil rights leader who died on February 17 at age 84. He was famous around the world for decades, beginning with his work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. He entered the race for US President in 1984 and 1988 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. In his distinctive and instantly recognizable voice, he spoke out for causes he believed in and encouraged others to fight for equality, unity, and justice. A few of his well-known quotes: “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” “It’s time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.” “Dreams must be free to flee and fly high.” But the three words he was…

Have you read any books you’ve enjoyed so much you wish all kids knew about them? Contribute to our “50 Books Kids Love Most” list for 2026! The list, with quotes from readers, will be published in The Week Junior in June. We’re looking for at least 100 kids to fill out our voting form. If you’d like to vote, have an adult email us at hello@theweekjunior.com with Books Kids Love in the subject line, and we’ll send the form to you. Happy reading! IT’S YOUR TURN Email your news, views, and photos to hello@theweekjunior.com. We want to hear from you! To have your letters, photos, nominations, recommendations, or ideas considered for inclusion in the magazine, please include your first name, age, and state with your submission. By emailing your…

Teacher’s Name: Miss Cameron West School: East Central Elementary School “Miss West makes learning fun and always finds a way to connect with her students. She always uses kind words and motivates students to do their best. If you get 100% on a test, you get a coupon to use for things such as lunch with a buddy, pajama day, or candy. Miss West has fun games to play with her students. These are only a few of the endless reasons why Miss West is the best teacher ever!” Ellie Bennett, 10, Georgia Nominate your teacher for Teacher of the Week! Send your reason for the nomination, a photo of your teacher, and your school’s name and address to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

As hundreds of people looked on, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as prime minister of Bangladesh on February 17. The ceremony took place at a government building in the capital city of Dhaka. Rahman became prime minister because he is the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won a majority of seats in Parliament (similar to Congress) in an election on February 12. The BNP is replacing a temporary government that took power in 2024, when violent protests forced the nation’s previous prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to flee the country. Hasina was accused of suppressing personal freedoms and using violence to prevent people from criticizing the government. Many people also struggled to afford basic goods and services in the later years of her leadership. Though Rahman was once…

President Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced that the US will eliminate the EPA’s ability to regulate climate pollution. It was the largest act of deregulation (process of removing rules that restrict an industry) in US history. What happened? Trump and Zeldin said the government no longer has the legal authority to limit pollution, including greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. This means that the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, an environmental rule from 2009, doesn’t have to be followed. The new policy also weakens the power of the Clean Air Act, passed in 1963, and eliminates incentives for car manufacturers to make vehicles that have features that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Why is this significant? The US is the world’s second-largest annual emitter…

Mexican American singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos has spent years inviting families to sing and dance through her music in Spanish and English. Now she’s bringing the same themes to the page with her debut picture book, La Golondrina, a bilingual story inspired by her own childhood memories. De Los Santos grew up in Monterrey, Mexico. She sang with her mother at home, in the car, and while cooking. “I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a singer,” De Los Santos told The Week Junior. In 2005, she moved to New York City to pursue a music career and joined the Grammy-winning family band Dan Zanes and Friends, recording albums and touring the US. She launched her solo career in 2015 with the album Mi…

Most pet owners take for granted that a dog’s wagging tail or a cat’s purr signals contentment, but very little is actually known about how animals experience happiness. Now an international group of researchers is working to gain deeper insight into animals’ emotional lives. Although animal behavior has been studied for hundreds of years, most research on their emotions has focused on negative responses, such as expressions of pain and fear. This helps alleviate animals’ suffering, but it doesn’t reveal what brings them joy. Recently, some experts felt that it was time to study positive emotions. In 2025, for example, researchers in the UK were surprised to discover that tortoises exhibit long-lasting moods. Studies like this have raised questions: Are animals in captivity truly thriving? A varied group of researchers…

European wildcats Wildcats were once thought to be extinct in Europe, but the felines are coming back and expanding their range. They have now been spotted in more than 24 countries, including Austria and the Czech Republic. Monarch butterflies A historically low number of western monarch butterflies spent the winter in California this season. In the 1980s, experts documented millions of butterflies, but the latest total was about 12,000—the third lowest population on record.…

Frogs are one of the most widespread and diverse kinds of animal on the planet, and they have lived on Earth for about 200 million years. Thousands of species Frogs make up the majority of amphibian species on Earth. Amphibians are a kind of animal that lives both in water and on land. There are more than 7,000 known species of frogs, spread throughout every continent in the world except Antarctica. Scientists also continue to discover new frog species every year. Frogs range in size from a tiny species called the New Guinea Amau frog, which grows to be less than a half-inch long (see photo above), to Goliath frogs, which can be more than a foot long. Frogs come in many skin colors. Green or brown helps the animal…

The oldest known evidence of humans using poison arrows has been discovered. Researchers found a toxic substance on 60,000-year-old quartz arrowheads discovered at Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The team of scientists determined that the poison came from a plant called a gifbol (gifbol means “poisonous bulb” in African languages). Before this discovery, scientists suspected that early humans living 60,000 to 70,000 years ago used poison to hunt, but they were basing this theory on clues rather than solid evidence. For example, arrowheads that have been found from that time were too small to have killed animals on their own. Experts thought the early humans using them may have added poison to make them more effective. Until now, direct evidence of poison has been difficult to find because…

2026 WORLD SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS FINALISTS…

Coach’s Name: Lucy (SiPei) Le Team: X-Cel Swimming “Coach Lucy has helped me since I first started swimming and is one of the best coaches I could ask for. Every season, she prompts us to write goals and helps us accomplish them. Before every practice, she brainstorms sets and creates drills for us. She helps me with my technique and motivates me when I am nervous at our swim competitions. She is a wonderful coach, and I really appreciate her dedication to each and every swimmer.” Elody, 10, New Jersey To nominate a Coach of the Week, send your coach’s name, photo, sport, and team to hello@theweekjunior.com. Include your name, age, state, and a few reasons why your coach is great.…

WATCH: THE VOICE: BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS The 29th season of the popular singing competition returns on February 23. Look for big changes, such as three coaches (John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and Adam Levine, above, left to right) instead of four, and a special round in which past contestants will return. (Peacock) (NBC) PLAY: FIFA SUPER SOCCER This Roblox game used to be called Super League Soccer. It has been renamed and relaunched in a deal with FIFA, the global governing body of soccer. Real teams are now represented in the game, and you can dress your players in versions of official uniforms for fun matches that feature four players on a side. (Roblox) WATCH: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON The hit live-action film is now streaming. It follows Hiccup, a…

What inspired Phoenix? Several years ago, my daughter Katie acquired a horse named Merlin, who really does have Phoenix’s tragic backstory. There is no reason Merlin should trust humans, but he’s the most wonderful, loving goofball. I wanted to tell his story. When did you fall in love with horses? One of my earliest memories involves a white pony that was staying for the summer on the farm of an elderly couple who babysat me. I was 3 years old and would spend hours brushing it. I started learning to ride horses at age 18 when I went off to college. I still ride every day I can and still compete in the equestrian sport of eventing. What are some themes in this book? Resilience and connection—between people and between…

Stand-up is a type of comedy where someone stands before a live audience and performs a series of jokes. Young comedians—like you—can create a stand-up comedy act to perform in front of family and friends or in a school or community talent show. Here’s how to get started. Watch and learn A good first step is watching other comedians perform. Ask an adult to help you find some kid-friendly stand-up comedians on YouTube or streaming services like Netflix. A few to check out might include Nate Bargatze, Jim Gaffigan, and Anjelah Johnson. Pay attention to what kinds of jokes work well with the audience. Write your material Many comedians choose to talk about their personal experience, or make funny observations about familiar topics, like sports or movies. Think about who…

With spring almost here, it’s a good time to get your bike ready to ride with a tune-up. With an adult’s help, first use a soft cloth to wipe away any winter grime and road salt. Next, check that your tires are properly inflated, which will help ensure a safer, smoother ride. Test your brake levers to make sure the bike stops easily. Pay attention to the chain. A thin layer of chain lubricant will keep it in good shape and prevent rust. Hop on the seat and make sure the height is comfortable—especially if you’ve grown since last year—and adjust it if necessary. Finally, look over your bike for any loose or missing bolts or reflectors. Wear a helmet, follow the rules of the road, and happy riding!…

Huge game offers giant prizes When it comes to fun, bigger is definitely better at the PlayFair Arcade in the Philippines, which now officially boasts the world’s largest claw machine. At about 13 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 17 feet long, the machine is fully functional and filled with enormous prizes—some too big for winners to carry. Owner Kuya Magik spent about two months designing the game and five days assembling it. Magik says visitors are“not just playing a game, they’re interacting with a piece of history.” An island stay with a twist A tiny island off the coast of Wales, in the UK, is offering a special getaway for nature lovers. About 40,000 Atlantic puffins live on Skomer Island, and the wildlife trust that manages it will provide…

“I’m a proud graduate of The Week Junior’s Junior Council, which taught me how to ask great questions and share my voice. Those skills helped me report from Washington, DC, at the Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress, which supports people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), like me. It raises awareness and funds to help find a cure. I attended a US Senate hearing about the Special Diabetes Program and interviewed inspiring role models. After returning home, I completed my first Breakthrough T1D Walk, raised $4,400 for the groups, and served as a youth reporter. I hope to return to the Children’s Congress in the future.” Have you done something interesting or raised money for a cause you care about? Whatever you’re up to, we want to hear about it at hello@theweekjunior.com.…

We’d love to see pictures you’ve taken or pictures with you in them! Have an adult email them to us at hello@theweekjunior.com, along with anything you would like us to know about what’s happening in the photo. “I saw that your cover for January 23 featured KPop Demon Hunters. I have watched the movie four times!”Kira, 9, California “Thank you for recommending the book Pocket Bear. It was so interesting!”Oliver, 9, Maryland “I made the chocolate fudge cake, and it tasted delicious!”Aadya, 9, South Carolina…

1 Experts noticed dolphins producing which sounds after positive events? a) Squeals b) Clicks c) Whistles a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 2 What is the name of the robot that learned to look more lifelike when it speaks? 3 Which film was added to the National Film Registry this year? a) Frozen b) Inside Out c) The Incredibles a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 4 True or false? Toads are a kind of frog. True ☐ False ☐ 5 How many current National Basketball Association teams were originally part of the American Basketball Association? a) Three b) Four c) Five a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 6 What is the name of the real horse that inspired the novel Phoenix? a) Misty b) Merlin c) Tommy a ☐ b ☐…

February 22, 1889 US makes move to expand the Union On February 22, 1889, President Grover Cleveland (1885–1889, 1893–1897) signed the Enabling Act, giving the territories of Dakota, Montana, and Washington a path to becoming states. It allowed the territories to create state governments and divided the Dakota Territory into North and South Dakota. Later that year, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington joined the Union.…

An aardvark calf was recently born to parents Karanga and Winsol at the Nashville Zoo. It weighed four pounds and was said to be the size of a rolling pin. When it grows up, the animal may be paired with a mate at another zoo. ● LIFESPAN: 18 years in the wild, 24 in human care ● HABITAT: Woodland, scrubland, and grassland ● SIZE: Up to 7 feet long with a 28-inch tail ● DIET: Ants and termites ● FUN FACT: Using its strong claws, an aardvark can dig a hole two feet deep in 15 seconds.…

Scientists who were examining the fossilized forearm of a 67-million-year-old dinosaur determined that it used its spiky arm and giant hooked claw to snatch eggs from larger dinosaurs at night. Named Manipulonyx reshetovi, the small creature was about the size of a dog and had such an unusual arm that it was classified as an entirely new species. Manipulonyx reshetovi’s wellpreserved remains were first found in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia in 1979. It belonged to a family of feathered, two-legged dinosaurs called alvarezsaurids that ranged from 19 inches to 6 feet long. They had short arms, a single “finger” with a claw, and long legs. In the past, scientists believed that alvarezsaurids used their arms like modern anteaters do, digging into ant and termite mounds and eating the insects.…

The Winter Olympics in Italy will conclude on February 22 after 16 days of medal competitions. While some athletes have broken records or made history, others have displayed grace and humility when things haven’t gone as expected. As of February 16, Norway led all countries with 28 medals. The US had 19, with six golds. Here are some of the big moments from Day 5 through Day 10. DAY 5 On February 11, Team USA Alpine skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle won silver in the men’s super-G (super giant slalom, an event that combines speed and turns). It was 54 years to the day that his mother, Barbara Cochran, won an Olympic medal in the same event at the 1972 Games in Sapporo, Japan. US athletes also medaled in women’s freestyle skiing…

A new four-part Prime Video documentary A series is telling the story of the ABA, a pro basketball league that existed from 1967 until 1976 and had a major impact on the sport. Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association features vintage footage plus interviews with ABA stars such as Julius “Dr. J” Erving, George “Iceman” Gervin, and Rick Barry. It is narrated by rapper Common, whose father, Lonnie Lynn Sr., played in the ABA. There were 11 original ABA teams, but the number decreased over the years. Eventually, four ABA teams merged with the NBA (National Basketball Association), and they still play in that league. They are the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, and Brooklyn Nets (formerly the New York Nets). The ABA was founded…

Harper’s world turns upside down at age 11 when she discovers that her parents are getting divorced and that her best friend’s mom contributed to the breakup. Harper and her mom suddenly move to a rural town and live in a tiny house next to a horse stable. Harper can’t bring herself to contact Cat, her best friend, because she thinks Cat told their classmates what happened to Harper’s family. One afternoon, when many of the stable’s horses and riders are at an event, a truck pulls up to the house. Harper is the only person around. Two men ask permission to unload a sick, neglected horse in the paddock. Harper realizes that the men want to drop off the horse to die. She agrees to take the horse—but only…

Snoop By Gordon Korman “Carter is addicted to screens. When he takes a trip to a ski resort with his dad and his brother Martin, Carter is so absorbed by his phone that he does not see Martin skiing uncontrollably straight toward him. He gets hit by Martin and breaks both of his legs. Now Carter needs a wheelchair to get around and starts attending school virtually. He goes to the police website and figures out that he can legally watch police surveillance videos. Carter starts to see some strange things. Can he figure out what is happening in time? Read to find out!” Levi, 11, California Do you have a book to recommend? We want to hear about it! With an adult’s help, please send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…