1. NEW COINS AND SOME UNEXPECTED CHANGES

The U.S. Treasury Department revealed new coins to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. A citizen advisory committee had suggested designs that highlighted major parts of U.S. history like the end of slavery, women winning the right to vote, and the civil rights movement. Instead, the final coin choices focused mostly on early American events and famous presidents, such as the Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers. Some people were upset because the committee’s recommendations were ignored, and the new designs looked less diverse than planned. The situation became part of a bigger argument over how America tells its story and what gets included in public symbols like money. Create a “coin pitch” for one important event or person you think should be remembered in U.S. history. In 6–8 sentences, describe what would appear on the front and back of your coin, explain why you chose that topic, and explain what message you want the coin to teach people who see it.

2. A.I. LEADERS NAMED “PERSON” OF THE YEAR

Time magazine chose a group called the “Architects of AI” as its 2025 Person of the Year. Instead of naming one person, the magazine highlighted several leaders who helped build today’s artificial intelligence systems. Time said AI is changing daily life quickly and that people can’t really “opt out” of its influence anymore. Some supporters say AI is exciting and will improve many parts of life. Others warn that it could cause serious harm if there aren’t strong rules and protections. The choice shows how big and controversial AI has become. Make a pro/con chart of positive and risky changes to society from AI. List at least four ways AI could improve everyday life on one side and at least four ways it could cause problems on the other. Then write 4–5 sentences explaining which side you think needs more attention right now and what one “guardrail” (rule or protection) you would add.

3. STATE OFFICIALS REJECT TRUMP’S PARDON

President Trump said he planned to pardon Tina Peters, a former county clerk in Colorado who was convicted of tampering with voting machines. Colorado officials argued that the president cannot erase a state court conviction because presidential pardons normally apply to federal crimes. Peters’s supporters say Trump does have the power, using a new legal theory that hasn’t been tested. Legal experts and state leaders strongly disagreed and said the idea goes against how the Constitution divides power between states and the federal government. The conflict could lead to a major court fight about what a presidential pardon can and cannot do. Pretend you are explaining this situation to a student who missed the news. Write 7–9 sentences that clearly answer these three questions: What happened, why Colorado officials say the pardon won’t work, and what the big constitutional argument is. End with one sentence naming a question you think the courts would need to answer to settle the dispute.

4. ORGANIZATION SUES OVER TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE REMODEL

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to try to stop President Trump from building a huge new ballroom on White House grounds. The group says parts of the White House complex were demolished without the usual review and approval steps. The lawsuit argues that several laws require public review and input before major changes can be made to important public buildings in Washington, D.C. The White House says the president has legal authority to renovate and modernize the property. The case is about whether a president can move ahead with a major project without letting the public and oversight groups weigh in first. Write a short opinion article in which you choose a side to argue: “Public buildings should always require public review,” or, “Presidents should be able to renovate the White House quickly if they want.” Write 5–7 sentences stating which side you agree with, using at least two specific details from the story to support your reasoning.

5. SMITHSONIAN RETURNS THREE KHMER ARTIFACTS TO CAMBODIA

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art said it would return three ancient statues to Cambodia. Museum officials and Cambodian investigators studied records and found strong reasons to believe the objects were taken illegally during decades of conflict, when looting was common. The Smithsonian said this return is part of a newer policy that focuses on ethical decisions, even when the evidence is not perfect but the situation looks wrong overall. Cambodian leaders thanked the museum for sharing records and working together. Both sides are also discussing ways the artifacts could still be displayed in the U.S. through loans, while Cambodia is recognized as the rightful owner. Write a short “museum label” like the ones you see next to artifacts in a museum. In 6–8 sentences, explain what one of the artifacts is, where it came from, why it matters to Cambodia, and why returning it could be seen as the right thing to do. Include one sentence explaining how museums can still teach people about world history while also respecting where objects belong.