1. FIGHT OVER FLIGHTS

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., is strongly criticizing the Trump administration for potentially defying his court order to halt the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants. The deportations were carried out under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act, a law originally passed in 1798 to deal with national security threats during wartime. Judge James Boasberg demanded the administration explain why deportation flights continued after he ordered them to return to the U.S., calling the government’s responses vague and evasive. He warned that the Justice Department’s lack of transparency could result in contempt of court charges, which could lead to fines or even jail time for officials. The administration argues that the deported individuals were gang members and part of an “invasion” backed by the Venezuelan government. However, immigration lawyers argue that many of those deported were unfairly targeted based on misunderstood tattoos and deserve a chance to prove they are not gang members. This legal battle reflects a larger constitutional clash between executive power and the authority of federal courts, raising concerns about the limits of presidential action and respect for the rule of law. Imagine you are a journalist covering this legal dispute for a student newspaper. Write an editorial that takes a position on the conflict between Judge Boasberg and the Trump administration. Should presidents be allowed to make quick decisions about national security, even if it means ignoring a judge’s order? Or should the courts always have the power to check the president’s actions? Use evidence from the summary to support your opinion, and try to explain the potential consequences of each side winning the argument.

2. BRIEFING INTERRUPTED

A recent report revealed that Elon Musk was scheduled to receive a top-secret Pentagon briefing on U.S. military plans in the event of war with China. The meeting was set to take place in the “Tank,” a secure room used for high-level military strategy, and would have been led by a four-star admiral. After the news broke, the briefing was abruptly canceled. President Trump denied the original plan but also stated that Musk should not have access to such sensitive information, citing Musk’s business ties to China. The incident has sparked concern about Musk’s growing influence in Washington, especially given his control over critical technologies like Starlink and his role in the administration’s government overhaul initiative known as DOGE. Critics worry about the blurred lines between Musk’s business interests and national security decisions. Meanwhile, Musk has used his social media platform to call for investigations into those protesting or leaking information about him, raising additional questions about his power and reach. The episode highlights tensions over the boundaries of private influence in public decision-making and whether billionaires like Musk should be treated as unofficial advisers on matters of national defense. Imagine you’re a journalist assigned to write a news article or editorial about the controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s canceled Pentagon briefing. Your task is to explain what happened, why it matters, and what questions this situation raises about government transparency, national security, and private influence. Use the article as your source, and write your piece for a student news site, making sure to include who, what, when, where, why, and how. Afterward, reflect on what it felt like to report on a high-stakes story involving powerful people—and whether you think the public has a right to know about situations like this.

3. IMMIGRATION EFFORTS CONTINUE

The Trump administration has intensified its immigration policies, expanding beyond undocumented immigrants to include legal visa holders, green card holders, and even tourists. New “enhanced vetting” measures at ports of entry have led to people being turned away, detained, or deported for expressing political views seen as threatening to U.S. national interests. This includes academics, scientists, and pro-Palestinian activists who have not been charged with any crimes. Critics argue that the administration is using immigration law as a tool to punish political speech, raising serious concerns about free expression and constitutional rights. The government says it’s enforcing immigration law to protect national security, but legal experts and civil rights groups warn that these actions could set dangerous precedents and undermine First Amendment protections. Put yourself in the position of a policymaker responsible for balancing national security with civil liberties. Based on what you read in the article, write a proposal for a new policy that outlines how immigration officials should handle situations where a visa holder or legal resident has expressed political opinions that some might view as controversial. Your proposal should answer these questions: What kind of evidence should be required before action is taken? What role should the courts play? How do we ensure that free speech is protected while still keeping the country safe? Use specific examples from the article to support your ideas, and explain how your policy would improve upon the current approach.

4.MUSK MAKES MOVES IN WISCONSIN

Just weeks before Wisconsin’s important state Supreme Court election, a political action committee (PAC) backed by Elon Musk is offering voters $100 to sign a petition opposing so-called “activist judges.” The PAC, called America PAC, also promises an additional $100 for every person a voter refers. Critics, including the campaign of Democratic candidate Susan Crawford, argue that this is an attempt to “buy” influence over the court’s future decisions. The winner of the race between Crawford and Republican-backed Brad Schimel will determine whether the court leans liberal or conservative—a decision that could affect key issues like abortion rights, voting laws, and even a lawsuit involving Musk’s company, Tesla. Musk’s PACs have already spent more than $13 million on the race, and this latest move mirrors a controversial cash-for-petitions tactic used before the 2024 presidential election. Supporters of the effort say it’s about judicial accountability, but opponents warn it crosses ethical lines and could distort democracy by financially influencing voter behavior. You are a campaign strategist tasked with advising a fictional political candidate running for state Supreme Court. Imagine your job is to create a campaign plan that energizes voters without using financial incentives like those offered by Musk’s PAC. In a short paragraph, explain how you would encourage civic engagement and build trust with voters. Consider which tools you would use—like social media, town halls, or student-led events—and how you would address controversial issues such as outside influence, big donors, or fairness in the judicial system. Be creative but realistic, and think about what kind of campaign would make people your age want to pay attention and get involved.

5. I.O.C. LEADER MAKES HISTORY

Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first woman and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). At 41, she’s also the youngest person ever elected to the role. A decorated swimmer from Zimbabwe with seven Olympic medals, Coventry was chosen by IOC members during a vote in Greece and will officially take over in June 2025 after Thomas Bach steps down. Her election comes at a time when the Olympic movement is facing tough questions about global politics, gender equality, and the future of international sports. Coventry has promised to lead with pride and integrity, focusing on making sports a unifying force across cultures and improving opportunities for women in athletics. Her first major responsibility as president will be overseeing the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Imagine you are part of Kirsty Coventry’s advisory team as she prepares to take on her new role. Write a short memo suggesting one issue you think she should prioritize in her first year as IOC President. Explain why this issue matters and how it connects to her goals of using sport to unite people and promote equality. Your suggestion could be related to youth access to sports, international conflict, fair pay for athletes, gender identity in competition, or anything else you believe is important for the future of the Olympic movement.