1. MUSLIM VOTERS FEEL BOTH PRIDE AND FEAR AS MAMDANI LEADS NYC MAYORAL RACE

As Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, continues to lead in the polls, many Muslim voters are experiencing a mix of pride and anxiety. Mamdani, who could become the city’s first Muslim mayor, has openly embraced his faith throughout his campaign. His visibility has inspired Muslim communities across New York, but it has also triggered a wave of Islamophobic attacks from opponents and online sources. Rival candidates Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa have been accused of spreading hateful or misleading statements about Mamdani, including A.I.-generated videos that mocked his faith. Supporters say this backlash shows how prejudice still exists even in a diverse city like New York. Many Muslims now see Mamdani’s candidacy as both a moment of empowerment and a reminder of the challenges that come with being visibly Muslim in politics. Write a short reflection analyzing how media and political rhetoric can shape public attitudes toward minority groups. Use examples from Mamdani’s campaign to explain how misinformation or biased comments can spread, and discuss one step journalists, voters, or social media platforms could take to reduce prejudice in political debates.

2. NATIONAL PARKS LOSE THEIR ONLY OIL-WELL EXPERT

Forrest Smith, the National Park Service’s only petroleum engineer, was recently let go after his contract was not renewed—leaving no one to oversee the cleanup of nearly 100 abandoned oil wells in U.S. national parks. These wells, many decades old, can leak methane and other dangerous chemicals into the air and groundwater, contributing to climate change and threatening public health. Smith’s departure follows the loss of his three former teammates, and the agency has not replaced any of them due to President Trump’s freeze on civilian federal hiring. Experts say this leadership gap could delay vital cleanup projects funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which provided billions to plug orphaned wells nationwide. Environmental advocates warn that without proper oversight, taxpayer money may be wasted and pollution could worsen in protected lands. Smith has since taken a private-sector job but says the problem remains far larger than most people realize. Write a short opinion article arguing whether the federal government should prioritize rehiring environmental engineers like Forrest Smith to oversee orphaned oil wells. Use evidence from the article to support your position, and explain how the decision could affect both environmental safety and public trust in government management of national parks.

3. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SAYS WAR POWERS LAW DOES NOT APPLY TO DRONE STRIKES AT SEA

The Trump administration has told Congress that its ongoing drone strikes against suspected drug smugglers at sea do not violate the 1973 War Powers Resolution — a law meant to limit presidents from waging war without congressional approval. Justice Department officials argued that the operation doesn’t count as “hostilities” because it’s carried out by unmanned drones far from American personnel, meaning U.S. troops aren’t in danger. So far, 62 people have been killed across 14 strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, and President Trump has declared the campaign a formal armed conflict. Critics say this interpretation expands presidential war powers and further weakens Congress’s authority to oversee military action. The administration’s reasoning builds on earlier precedents from the Obama era, when drone and airstrike operations were also argued to fall outside the law’s 60-day limit. Legal scholars warn that this decision could set a lasting precedent — allowing presidents to wage prolonged, unauthorized air wars without congressional consent. Write a short analysis discussing whether you think the War Powers Resolution should apply to drone and airstrike campaigns where no U.S. troops are directly at risk. Explain your reasoning, referencing how technology has changed the meaning of “hostilities,” and consider what this shift could mean for checks and balances between Congress and the president.

4. COURT ORDERS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PAY FOOD STAMP BENEFITS DURING SHUTDOWN

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite the ongoing government shutdown. The ruling, issued by Judge John J. McConnell, requires the administration to either make full SNAP payments by Monday or partial payments by Wednesday to prevent hardship for the program’s 42 million recipients. Without the order, millions of low-income Americans could have seen their food assistance cut off entirely. The court directed the government to use emergency reserves and possibly other funding sources, such as tariff revenues, to cover the payments. President Trump said delays were still possible and hinted that the administration might appeal the decision. The ruling highlights the legal and logistical challenges of maintaining essential social programs during a government shutdown—and the real-life consequences for families who rely on them. Write a short paragraph explaining why judges sometimes intervene in government funding decisions like this one. Use the SNAP case as an example and discuss how judicial action can protect citizens’ basic needs when political conflicts—like a shutdown—threaten essential public programs.

5. KING CHARLES III STRIPS PRINCE ANDREW OF HIS TITLES

King Charles III has officially removed his brother Prince Andrew’s royal titles—including “Duke of York” and “His Royal Highness”—in response to long-standing outrage over Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault. The move marks one of the most significant acts of accountability in modern royal history, signaling that even members of the monarchy are not above consequence. Royal observers say this decision was emotionally difficult but politically necessary, especially as public trust in the royal family has declined in recent years. Charles’s statement emphasized sympathy for victims of abuse and was reportedly supported by Queen Camilla and Prince William. Andrew, who denies all accusations, will also lose his longtime residence, the Royal Lodge, and move to a smaller home on the Sandringham estate. For many, the king’s decision represents both a personal reckoning and a shift toward a more transparent, responsible monarchy. Write a brief analysis evaluating how King Charles’s decision to remove Prince Andrew’s titles could affect public opinion of the British monarchy. Consider whether this act shows genuine reform or simply damage control, and discuss how accountability—even within a royal family—can influence trust in national institutions.