For Grades 9-12 , week of Feb. 17, 2025

1. CHARGES IN QUESTION

Usually, when the government asks a judge to drop criminal charges, the judge has to agree. But the corruption case against New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams might be different. Federal Judge Dale E. Ho is deciding whether to let the charges be dropped after a top prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, quit her job instead of following an order to dismiss the case. She and other prosecutors believe the Trump administration is dropping the charges not because Adams is innocent, but because they want his help with immigration policies. The judge could say this is a political decision and refuse to dismiss the case, but that would be very rare. Judges almost always allow prosecutors to drop charges, even when they disagree with the reasons. For example, in 2020, a judge was upset when charges were dropped against Michael Flynn, a Trump adviser, but still had to let it happen. Another judge criticized Trump’s pardon of two men involved in the January 6th attack but also had to let their charges be dropped. This case is unusual because the judge might decide that the Justice Department is abusing its power. If Judge Ho refuses to dismiss the charges, the government could appeal the decision, meaning the case would be sent to a higher court. Whatever happens, this situation is testing the limits of how much judges can push back against prosecutors when politics seems to get in the way of justice. Imagine you are a judge making a decision in a case like this. Write a 1-page argument answering the question: Should judges be allowed to block prosecutors from dropping charges if they believe the government is acting unfairly? Give at least one reason for each side (why judges should be able to block dismissals and why prosecutors should have the final say). Then, end by explaining which solution you think is best and why.

2. CRASH ANALYSIS

Investigators are looking into a deadly midair crash last month near Washington, D.C., involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet. The crash killed all 67 people on board both aircraft. Early findings suggest that a miscommunication between the helicopter crew and an air traffic controller may have played a key role in the accident. The controller told the Black Hawk crew to pass behind the passenger plane, but it seems the helicopter pilots didn’t fully hear that instruction. Part of the message may have been cut off because the helicopter’s microphone was accidentally held down for a moment. The crew also seemed confused about their altitude, with two pilots giving different height readings—one said they were at 300 feet, while the other said 400 feet. The helicopter was supposed to stay at 200 feet over the river but didn’t. Investigators are still piecing everything together, but this incident shows how one small miscommunication in the air can lead to a tragic accident. Look up past aviation accidents or scares where communication saved lives or caused an accident in a high-stakes situation. Pay attention to how communication affected the outcome. Then, write a paragraph comparing the case you read about and the American Airlines/Black Hawk helicopter crash and explaining how communication played into both cases. Using what you learned, offer your own theories about ways air traffic controllers, pilots, and helicopter crews can improve their communications during flights

3. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS OR DANGEROUS DOXXING?

Recently, Elon Musk and other supporters of former President Trump have started calling some journalists’ work “doxxing”—a term that usually means sharing someone’s private information online to harass or threaten them. But Musk and his allies are using the word differently. They’re saying it’s doxxing when reporters reveal the names of government employees, even though that’s public information and a normal part of journalism. This started when journalists investigated Musk’s new government efficiency program, called DOGE, and reported on some of the people he hired. One employee had made racist posts online in the past and later resigned. Musk and a top Trump official, Ed Martin, accused the journalists of breaking the law, even though what they did is protected by the First Amendment (freedom of the press). Now, free speech groups and media organizations are worried that Musk and Trump’s team are trying to scare journalists into silence. Reporters who covered the story have even been harassed online, including one from The Wall Street Journal who was insulted and had her contact information shared online. Critics say Musk and Trump’s allies are trying to protect their own people while attacking journalists who report on the government. Some experts warn that if this continues, it could make it harder for the media to hold people in power accountable. Consider the challenges presented here for journalists between the role as a watchdog for government corruption and scandals and the importance of personal privacy and protection for government workers. Write an opinion article on how you would balance protecting privacy and keeping the government honest as a reporter.

4. POWER AND THE PRESS

In another First Amendment fight, the Associated Press (AP), a major news organization, accused the White House under President Trump of violating the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press. The AP says its reporters were blocked from attending important press events because they refused to use the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” Trump recently signed an order changing the name on U.S. maps, but Mexico and other countries didn’t agree to the change. AP leaders said the White House was punishing them for not following Trump’s preferred wording, which is illegal because the government cannot control what the press reports. The White House argued that it can choose which reporters get special access to events. Free speech groups and journalism organizations criticized Trump’s actions, calling it an attempt to pressure the media into supporting his views. This conflict raises concerns about government power over the press and the role of journalists in reporting the truth, even when it challenges those in power. Why is freedom of the press important in a democracy? Look up countries that do not have a free press, like Russia and China, and research how people in those countries access information. Then, write an article summarizing what you learned and why independent, accurate, and fair reporting is important in the U.S.

5. KENNEDY CENTER CONTROVERSY

Issa Rae, an actress, writer, and comedian, recently canceled an appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., because of major leadership changes involving former President Donald Trump. Trump made himself chairman of the Kennedy Center after removing board members appointed by President Biden. He replaced them with his supporters and fired the center’s longtime president, Deborah Rutter, along with other top staff. This upset many artists who saw the Kennedy Center as a place that supported creativity and brought people together, regardless of politics. In response, several well-known figures resigned or canceled events. Renée Fleming, a famous opera singer, stepped down from her advisory role. Musician Ben Folds left his position with the National Symphony Orchestra. TV producer Shonda Rhimes quit her role as board treasurer. Adam Weiner, from the band Low Cut Connie, also canceled a performance. These artists believe the Kennedy Center’s new leadership threatens its tradition of being nonpartisan and focused on the arts, not politics. They worry that Trump’s takeover could limit artistic freedom and diversity. How can politics help or harm the arts? What would you do if you were an artist in this situation and didn’t agree with the decisions being made? Write at least a paragraph answering each question.