1. CONCERT SERIES BANDS CANCEL

A concert series planned as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration has run into problems after several musicians decided not to perform. Some artists said they believed the event would be nonpartisan and were surprised to learn it was connected to the Trump administration’s celebration plans. President Trump first suggested that he could replace the performers himself, saying he draws large crowds, but later called for the concerts to be canceled entirely and replaced with a political rally. Organizers now face questions about how the event was presented to performers and whether the concert series will continue as planned. The situation highlights how political events can become controversial when people disagree about their purpose or message. Imagine you are a reporter covering this story for a local news website. Write a short news analysis explaining why some musicians chose to leave the event and why organizers may be struggling to keep the concert series together. Include at least two different viewpoints from people involved in the story and explain how misunderstandings can affect large public events.

2. TEAM IN LIMBO

Iran’s national soccer team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup while dealing with challenges caused by conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The team is currently training in Turkey while waiting for visas that would allow players and staff to enter the United States and Mexico for tournament games. FIFA has said Iran will participate in the World Cup, but travel restrictions and security concerns have created uncertainty. Because of these issues, Iran moved its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Even as political tensions continue, the players are focused on practicing and preparing for one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Sports and politics sometimes affect each other in unexpected ways. Write a paragraph explaining how events outside of sports can impact athletes and teams. Use details from this story and describe at least two challenges Iran’s team faces that have nothing to do with playing soccer. Conclude by explaining whether international sporting events can help bring people together during difficult times.

3. A.I. ACTRESS

Tilly Norwood is a computer-generated character who has been described as the world’s first A.I. actress. Created by producer Eline van der Velden, Tilly can answer questions, perform scenes, and appear in videos using artificial intelligence. Supporters say technology like Tilly could help filmmakers create projects more quickly and at lower cost. Critics, including many actors and entertainment industry groups, worry that A.I. could eventually replace human performers and reduce opportunities for creative workers. The debate has raised larger questions about how artificial intelligence should be used in movies, television, and other forms of art. While some people see A.I. as a helpful tool, others believe human experiences and emotions are what make acting meaningful. Imagine your school is considering using an A.I. actor for a school production. Write a short opinion article for the school newspaper. Explain whether you think they should use a human actor, an A.I. actor, or a combination of both. Support your position with at least three reasons. Be sure to discuss creativity, technology, and how audiences connect with performers. End by explaining what you think makes a performance memorable.

4. REDISTRICTING CAUSES CONFUSION

A recent Supreme Court decision has led several Southern states to redraw congressional district maps. Republican lawmakers say the changes help create fairer districts that are not based on race, while many civil rights advocates worry the new maps could reduce the political influence of Black voters. The rapid changes have caused confusion because some elections are already underway and district boundaries are changing quickly. Supporters and critics disagree about what fair representation should look like and how voting districts should be drawn. The debate has renewed discussions about voting rights, political representation, and the role of race in elections. Imagine your class is creating voting districts for a student council election. Write a short explanation of three rules you would use to make sure the districts are fair. Then explain why changing district boundaries right before an election could create confusion for voters and candidates. Use examples from the story to support your ideas.

5. TRUMP QUESTIONS VANCE’S FUTURE

Vice President JD Vance is widely viewed as a possible candidate for president in 2028, but President Trump has publicly and privately questioned whether Vance is the best person to carry on his political movement. While Trump often praises Vance’s loyalty and work, he also compares him to other Republican leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance has taken on major assignments, defended administration policies, and remains popular with many Republican voters. However, some critics argue that his support for certain policies could create challenges if he decides to run for president. The story highlights how political leaders often begin thinking about future elections years before they happen. Political parties often have to choose future leaders. Imagine you are advising a political party preparing for a future election. Write a short memo explaining three qualities that might be important for a national leader. For each quality, explain why it could help a candidate earn support from voters. Use examples from the story, but focus on leadership skills rather than political opinions.