1. F.C.C. CHAIR THREATENS BROADCASTERS OVER WAR REPORTING

Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, warned that television broadcasters could lose their licenses if he believes their coverage of the war with Iran is unfair or misleading. His comments came after President Trump criticized news coverage of the war and accused the media of wanting the United States to fail. Carr has made similar threats before, and critics say his actions are dangerous because the government is not supposed to censor the press. Lawmakers and free-speech groups argued that his warning goes against the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The dispute has added to growing concerns about how much power the government should have over the news people see and hear. Write a short editorial for a student newspaper in which you explain whether government officials should ever threaten broadcasters over news coverage. Use at least two details from the story to support your opinion, such as Carr’s warning about license renewals, Trump’s criticism of the media, or the response from free-speech groups and lawmakers. Make sure your paragraph shows that you understand both the issue of public trust in the media and the danger of government pressure on journalists.

2. ASIA FACES OIL SHOCKS FROM MIDDLE EAST WAR

As war in the Middle East disrupts energy supplies, many countries across Asia are scrambling to deal with rising oil and gas prices. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that normally carries huge amounts of oil and gas, has effectively been closed to shipping, creating fears of shortages and higher costs. Different governments are responding in different ways: South Korea announced a gas price cap, the Philippines shifted some offices to a four-day work week to save energy, and Bangladesh introduced fuel rationing. In Vietnam, some gas stations ran out of fuel, while in Taiwan and Japan leaders discussed using emergency reserves. The crisis shows how a conflict far away can quickly affect transportation, jobs, food prices, and daily life in other parts of the world. Imagine you are creating a front-page infographic for a world news magazine. In one well-developed paragraph, explain the main cause of the oil disruption, then describe three different ways countries are responding to it. Include examples from at least three places in the story, such as South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Japan, or Pakistan.

3. TRUMP PROPOSES NEW WHITE HOUSE SCREENING CENTER

The Trump administration has proposed building a large new security screening center for visitors to the White House. The facility would replace the temporary tents and trailers now used by the Secret Service to check people before big events, and most of the new structure would be built partly underground to reduce its visual impact. Officials say the project would also include landscaping and tree planting to restore the surrounding park area. The proposal is the latest in a series of major changes to the White House grounds under President Trump, including a patio in the Rose Garden, gold decorations inside the building, and a planned ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing. Together, these changes show how presidents can leave a visible mark on the White House, even when those choices spark debate. Pretend you are part of a city planning board reviewing this proposal. Write a formal recommendation in one paragraph explaining whether you would support or oppose the new screening center. Include at least two facts from the story about the design or the purpose of the facility, and also mention one concern people might have about changing such a historic place. Finish by suggesting one question the planning commission should ask before approving the project.

4. SOUTH AFRICA PUSHES BACK AGAINST NEW U.S. AMBASSADOR

Relations between the United States and South Africa have grown even more tense after the new U.S. ambassador, L. Brent Bozell III, criticized the South African government in public remarks. He claimed that South Africa had laws targeting white people, dismissed a court ruling about an anti-apartheid song, and suggested that the Trump administration was losing patience with the country. South Africa’s foreign minister summoned him to explain what officials called his undiplomatic comments. The conflict highlights a larger problem in the relationship between the two countries, as South Africa says it will not be bullied while also trying to build stronger ties with other nations like Brazil. Analysts say the two sides now seem stuck in a “managed decline,” where neither is willing to back down. Imagine you are writing a short briefing for a new ambassador who is about to be sent to another country. In one well-developed paragraph, explain what this story teaches about the importance of tone, respect, and diplomacy. Use at least two details from the article, such as Bozell’s remarks, South Africa’s response, or Ramaphosa’s comments about sovereignty and not being bullied.

5. A.I. POLITICAL ADS ARE GETTING HARDER TO SPOT

Artificial intelligence is already changing political advertising, and experts say voters will probably see even more A.I.-generated ads in future elections. Some recent campaign ads have used fake voices, fake images, or deepfake videos that make it seem as if real politicians are saying things they never actually said. Although some states have passed laws about political deepfakes, experts say the rules are uneven and may not be strong enough to stop misleading content. Campaigns and technology companies are trying different ways to respond, including better detection tools and authenticity standards, but the technology is improving very quickly. As a result, voters may have a harder time figuring out what is real, especially when false information spreads faster than corrections. Create a short media-literacy guide for students your age about A.I. political ads. In one paragraph, explain what a deepfake is, describe one or two examples from the story, and then give clear advice about how viewers can spot possible warning signs in suspicious videos or images.