1. SHADOW PRESIDENT

In the years since leaving office, Donald Trump has remained highly influential, especially on the global stage. Many foreign leaders, recognizing his potential return to the presidency, have sought his attention and approval on important international matters. For example, when Finland wanted to join NATO, its leaders not only spoke with President Biden but also approached Trump, knowing his voice could sway Republican opposition. Trump stayed silent, allowing the U.S. Senate to approve Finland's bid with overwhelming support. Since then, Trump has continued to meet with a variety of foreign leaders, including those from Israel, Ukraine, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. These leaders know that Trump, despite being out of office, still wields significant power in U.S. politics. Some see him as a "shadow president," capable of influencing U.S. foreign policy decisions, even as he prepares for another presidential run. Trump's unique position, both as a former and potential future president, makes his dealings with foreign leaders highly unusual and sometimes controversial. Some experts warn that his actions could pose national security risks, especially when it comes to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his stance on NATO and Ukraine. Despite these complexities, Trump continues to play a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and remains a figure that global leaders must consider, whether they align with him or not. Consider the question “should former presidents have a role in shaping current foreign policy?” Write at least a paragraph taking a stance on the question and use research from your newspaper or online to add credibility. Try having a debate in small groups or as a class, presenting your position and considering others’ points of view.

2. HOUSE SEAT CONTENTION

Two U.S. House races in the Pacific Northwest are especially important for control of Congress. One race is in Washington’s 3rd District, where Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is up against Republican Joe Kent, who is backed by Trump. The other is in Oregon’s 5th District, where Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer faces Democrat Janelle Bynum. Both districts are considered "toss-ups" because they could go either way. The outcome of these races could decide which party controls the House of Representatives. Voter turnout, especially from moderates and independents, will be key. Write an article that connects the Congressional race in the Pacific Northwest and the consequences of a House and Senate closely tied between Republicans and Democrats in recent years.

3. STUDENTS IN NEED

Nevada recently tried to improve how it identifies students who need extra help in school by using an artificial intelligence (A.I.) system. This system, created by a company called Infinite Campus, looked at a lot of different factors—like attendance, language spoken at home, and even how often parents logged into school portals—to determine which students were "at risk" of falling behind. The results were shocking: the number of students labeled as needing help dropped from over 270,000 to less than 65,000. This change meant that many schools suddenly lost funding they relied on to support students, leading to budget cuts and program eliminations. School leaders were outraged, arguing that more kids need support, especially after the disruptions from the pandemic. They raised concerns about the fairness of the A.I. system, especially when it comes to classifying students based on factors like gender and race, which were later removed from consideration due to political pressure. While some schools received increased funding per at-risk student, many educators felt the system overlooked important issues like mental health and social struggles. They believed the A.I. failed to capture the full picture of students' needs, leaving vulnerable children without necessary support. This situation sparked a broader debate about how to fairly allocate limited resources in education and the role of technology in making those decisions. If you had the opportunity to interview an educator, technologist, or psychologist about this story and their perspectives on AI in education, write a list of questions you would ask to understand more about this story.

4. SURVIVORS RECOGNIZED

Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese group Nihon Hidankyo, made up of survivors of the bombings, was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. The group was recognized for sharing their personal experiences, showing the devastating impact of nuclear weapons, and advocating for peace. The atomic bombings resulted in the immediate deaths of around 120,000 people, with many more suffering from radiation-related illnesses. Survivors, known as hibakusha, faced stigma and isolation for years, often struggling with survivor's guilt and health issues. Despite their suffering, they formed Nihon Hidankyo in 1956 to raise awareness about the horrors of nuclear warfare and campaign for disarmament. The Nobel committee highlighted that even though nuclear weapons haven't been used since World War II, the threat remains as countries modernize their arsenals. Today, nine countries are recognized as nuclear powers, and there are nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide. As the hibakusha age, the Nobel Prize serves as a reminder of their stories and the need for a new generation to continue the fight against nuclear weapons. Nihon Hidankyo’s chairman, Toshiyuki Mimaki, expressed a heartfelt wish for the abolition of nuclear weapons during his lifetime. This call for disarmament is seen as increasingly urgent in a world where tensions over nuclear capabilities are rising. Using the internet or resources in your classroom, research the impact of nuclear weapons throughout history, including the effects of radiation on the survivors and organizations that advocate for nuclear disarmament and peace. Then, write an article that summarizes what you learned and how this relates to the Nobel Prize winners.

5. SCHOOL EMPLOYEE BEHIND BARS

Anthony Salters, a Democratic leader in Hillside, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to tax fraud earlier this year. Despite this, the local school district hired him for two public school jobs, including teaching and advising a club. Salters is currently serving a six-month prison sentence, but it's unclear if he's still getting paid while behind bars. This situation highlights concerns about political favoritism, as Salters' lawyer is also connected to the school board. Many people in Hillside, including the mayor, are upset about how someone convicted of a crime can still hold influential positions. What ethics do you think are important for public servants to adhere to? Write an opinion article about your position on ethical behavior in leadership roles, using research from your newspaper or online to back up your claims.