1. CANDIDATE CATASTROPHE

Mark Robinson, the socially conservative Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, has come under scrutiny for inflammatory comments made over a decade ago on a pornography forum. A CNN investigation found that he used the username "minisoldr" on the site, where he made disturbing remarks, including calling himself a "black NAZI" and expressing support for reinstating slavery. Despite denying that these comments were his, CNN identified Robinson through various biographical details linked to the username. His controversial past includes mocking civil rights leaders and advocating for extreme anti-abortion measures. As he campaigns for governor, Robinson emphasizes focusing on issues affecting North Carolinians rather than what he calls "tabloid trash," even as recent polls show him trailing his Democratic opponent. Read more about the governor race in North Carolina from at least three sources. Then, write an article that summarizes the candidates and their positions on key issues.

2. CALLING OUT CONVERSION THERAPY

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors, calling the discredited practice harmful and a danger to children. He acted after the Republican-led legislature blocked efforts to pass a state law. Conversion therapy, which attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, has been widely criticized by medical groups for increasing risks of depression and suicide. While LGBTQ+ activists praised the move as a step toward protecting vulnerable youth, conservative groups opposed it, arguing it infringes on religious and parental rights. Beshear emphasized that the order is about safeguarding children, not politics, and he plans to continue pushing for a formal legislative ban. How does an executive order work and how is it different from a law passed by the legislature? Write down what you think the answer is, then look it up and write down what you learned and how it compares to what you thought.

3. MORE UNREST IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Israel has significantly escalated its attacks on Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia, in an ongoing conflict that has lasted nearly a year. This week saw a series of intense strikes, including a major assault on southern Beirut, where a senior Hezbollah commander was reportedly killed. Israel's strategy seems aimed at pressuring Hezbollah to back down, but it risks provoking a stronger retaliation. Despite these intensified attacks, the balance of power appears largely unchanged. Hezbollah has responded with short-range strikes on northern Israel, indicating its intent to continue fighting. Israeli officials claim the conflict has entered a new phase, with promises of increased costs for Hezbollah, but there’s no indication of an imminent ground invasion. Both the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the war in Gaza are currently at a standstill, with no clear path to resolution. Israel continues to target Hamas in Gaza but has not achieved a decisive victory, partly due to the hostages Hamas still holds. How do the attacks in Lebanon fit into the context of Israel’s war in Gaza? Write an article explaining the tensions and conflicts leading up to the most recent attacks in Bernie, using your newspaper or the internet for research.

4. JUSTICE FOR INSULIN PRICES

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a legal complaint against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Health’s Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts, and UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx—accusing them of inflating insulin prices and steering patients toward more expensive products to boost their profits. These PBMs control about 80 percent of U.S. prescriptions and handle negotiating drug prices and managing costs for patients. The FTC claims that these practices harm consumers by distorting competition and increasing costs for those needing insulin, a vital medication for millions of diabetics. Despite recent caps on out-of-pocket insulin costs, many still face high expenses, and the agency is pushing for changes to hold PBMs accountable for their role in pricing. The PBMs deny these allegations, arguing they save money for patients and are being wrongly blamed for high drug prices, which they say are set by drug manufacturers. The legal action reflects a growing scrutiny of PBMs and their influence on drug pricing in the healthcare system, especially as the presidential election approaches. The FTC’s aggressive stance under its chair, Lina Khan, seeks to address what it views as systemic issues in the drug pricing model that affect patients directly. How has the attention given to drug prices changed in recent years? Write an article that summarizes the key milestones in addressing rising medication prices in the country.

5. WIN OR LOSE

A recent study revealed that nearly half of Republicans would not accept the results of the presidential election if their candidate lost, with 14 percent stating they might take action to overturn the results. In comparison, about 27 percent of Democrats expressed they wouldn’t accept a loss, with 11 percent saying they might take similar action. The World Justice Project conducted the study through online interviews with 1,046 American households. The findings highlighted a significant lack of trust in the electoral process, especially among Republicans, with only 29 percent believing it is free from corruption compared to 56 percent of Democrats. Concerns about voting accuracy and access were also noted, indicating a potential for conflict post-election. Additionally, a separate survey found that 1 in 6 Americans supports political violence, with a higher proportion among Republicans. The situation has led to increased threats and harassment against local election officials since the last election. From what you’ve learned so far this election cycle, do you think the election system in the US is fair and free from corruption? What have you learned from current events that’s lead you to feel that way? Write at least a paragraph about your answer, then share with your classmates and listen to their different perspectives.