California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that bans immigration agents and police officers from wearing face coverings like masks or balaclavas while working in the state. The law was created in response to federal immigration raids where agents were seen in masks, sparking fear and anger among immigrant communities and activists. Supporters of the law argue that officers hiding their faces reduces accountability and creates a climate of fear, while opponents—including law enforcement groups and the federal government—claim it puts officers at risk of being targeted or harassed. The law is likely to face legal challenges because states aren’t usually allowed to control what federal agents do. Experts believe the case could end up in the Supreme Court. At the same time, California also passed several other laws that make it harder for immigration officers to conduct raids in schools and hospitals without a warrant. Governor Newsom says these measures are meant to protect families and prevent people from living in fear, while critics call them political moves that could make law enforcement harder. Research the purpose of state laws versus federal laws and write a short essay explaining whether you believe California should be allowed to limit how federal agents operate within the state. In your response, include at least one argument in favor of the law (such as public safety or transparency) and one argument against it (such as officer protection or federal authority). Be sure to explain your own opinion clearly and support it with evidence or examples.

The Trump administration has denied visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his team, preventing them from attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This decision comes just as over 100 countries are preparing to meet about recognizing Palestine as a state—something the U.S. opposes. The State Department claims the denial is based on national security. However, a 1947 agreement between the U.S. and the U.N. requires the U.S. to allow access to U.N. headquarters for all invited leaders and diplomats, no matter the political relationship. Legal experts argue that by refusing Abbas a visa, the U.S. is breaking that agreement. The U.S. counters that it still has the right to deny entry to protect its own security. This isn’t the first time the U.S. has denied a visa to a foreign leader—Yasir Arafat was barred in 1988—but it’s still extremely rare. Other countries like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela have also faced visa delays or strict movement limits in the U.S. The situation raises serious questions about whether the U.S. is using its power over visas as a political tool and what that means for global diplomacy. The U.S. has denied a visa to a foreign leader invited to speak at the United Nations—an action that only has one major precedent in history, when Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat was barred in 1988. The U.N. says this violates the 1947 Headquarters Agreement, while the U.S. claims national security justifies the decision. This raises important questions about how countries balance international law with domestic policy. Imagine you are a U.S. high school student writing a letter to your local representative or senator about the importance of honoring global agreements. In one well-developed paragraph, explain whether you believe the U.S. should always honor its commitments to international organizations like the U.N., even when national politics or security concerns are involved. Use at least two examples from the article to support your position, and explain how this issue could affect the U.S.’s credibility, leadership role, or diplomatic relationships. Conclude by sharing your opinion on how young people can play a role in holding governments accountable.

Eleven Democratic elected officials in New York City were arrested after attempting to access federal immigration holding cells run by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) on the 10th floor of a Manhattan building. The officials, including City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, wanted to inspect the conditions after reports of overcrowding, poor hygiene, and limited access to legal counsel. They were denied entry and arrested for refusing to leave and protesting inside the building. The protest was part of a larger movement challenging President Trump’s immigration policies and mass deportation efforts. Although members of Congress have the legal authority to inspect such facilities, state and local lawmakers do not. The incident came shortly after a federal judge ruled that the ICE holding cells must improve conditions for detainees, calling current practices potentially unconstitutional and inhumane. Write a short opinion piece explaining whether or not you think elected officials should be allowed to inspect federal detention centers, even if they are not members of Congress. Use examples from the article to support your position, and consider how transparency and human rights might factor into your argument.

On September 18, 2025, the vaccine advisory committee chosen by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recommended new restrictions on the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The panel voted to stop giving the combination vaccine to children under 4 years old, recommending separate shots instead. Many public health experts strongly criticized the decision, arguing it could confuse parents, lower vaccination rates, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks. Critics also pointed out that there was no new safety data to justify the change, and that Kennedy’s committee included several known anti-vaccine voices. The panel’s discussion focused on rare seizure risks associated with the MMRV shot, though experts emphasized these seizures are temporary and not dangerous to brain development. The group also debated delaying the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, raising concerns that such changes could reverse decades of progress in public health and increase infections among vulnerable groups. Research how vaccine recommendations are developed and updated in the United States. Then, compare the recent changes proposed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advisory panel with previous CDC guidelines. In a short essay or presentation, explain how scientific evidence, public opinion, and political influence can each shape public health decisions. Include your own perspective on whether political leaders should have the power to change medical guidelines, and what role expert consensus should play.

President Trump has issued a new policy that places a $100,000 fee on companies seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. This sudden change caused widespread confusion and panic among businesses, workers, and immigration lawyers across the U.S. Although the White House later clarified that the fee applies only to new applications—not current visa holders or renewals—many companies acted quickly to bring workers back to the U.S. before the rule took effect. The H-1B program is often used by major tech and finance companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and JPMorgan to fill roles in software engineering, data science, and other competitive fields. Supporters of the new rule argue it will prevent companies from underpaying foreign workers and help American workers get better opportunities. Critics say it will hurt U.S. competitiveness, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, where top talent is limited and often foreign-born. Smaller businesses and startups say they may not be able to afford the fee at all, making it harder for them to hire skilled workers and grow. The policy has already led to legal challenges, with immigration groups planning to sue. Some foreign workers are stuck abroad and unsure whether they’ll be able to enter the U.S. at all. Others fear for their jobs and family plans. While some experts believe the policy could reduce abuse of the system, others warn it could damage the U.S. economy and innovation in the long run. The H-1B visa program has long been debated in American politics, especially around questions of wages, job access, and economic competitiveness. President Trump’s new $100,000 fee for new applicants has intensified that debate. Research how the H-1B visa system works, including how visas are distributed, who qualifies, and what industries rely on them most. Then, using at least two sources (including the article above), write a one-paragraph argument either supporting or opposing the visa fee increase. Be sure to include at least one statistic or example from your research to strengthen your position. In your paragraph, address how the policy could impact U.S. businesses, workers, and the broader economy. After writing, work with a partner to compare your findings and discuss how different industries might be affected in different ways.