1. CONVICTION UPHELD

A New York judge upheld President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records but suggested he won’t face jail time. Trump, who was convicted on 34 counts in May, is set to be sentenced on January 10. However, the judge hinted at giving Trump an “unconditional discharge,” which means no jail or probation. This unusual move would make Trump a convicted felon but without any punishment, just weeks before he takes office again. Trump is expected to appeal the conviction. Research the current status of the legal battles that President Trump faced since he was last in office. Write a paragraph summary for each.

2. FINE FOR TIME

JetBlue was fined $2 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) for repeatedly having late flights between June 2022 and November 2023. The airline had four routes where flights were delayed more than 50% of the time by at least 30 minutes. The fine is the first of its kind for chronic delays. Half of the fine will go to the affected passengers, who will get at least $75 each. JetBlue said it has worked to improve its operations, but air traffic issues have still caused problems. The airline has also struggled financially after the pandemic and a failed merger with Spirit Airlines. Write a statement as if you were the CEO of JetBlue. How would you address the issues the airline has faced and the fines in order to restore trust in the company?

3. PRESIDENT STAND-OFF

In South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a major crisis after being impeached and accused of insurrection for sending armed troops into the National Assembly. On January 3, 2025, criminal investigators tried to arrest him at his residence in Seoul, but they were blocked by hundreds of his bodyguards and a group of buses, leading to a standoff that lasted hours. The investigators failed to serve an arrest warrant, and Yoon’s supporters celebrated, calling it a victory. Meanwhile, many South Koreans are angry and want him punished, while Yoon’s supporters, mostly older citizens, continue to back him. The situation has divided the country, causing political turmoil and protests, with some calling for stronger action against him. Write an article that summarizes the current unrest in South Korea and the recent events that have led up to this point.

4. FORMER PRESIDENT’S FUNERAL

Former President Jimmy Carter’s public farewell began in Georgia, honoring his life from humble beginnings as a farmer to becoming the 39th president and a global humanitarian. Carter, who passed away at 100, is remembered for his lifelong dedication to public service, human rights, and his deep connection to his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Family members and public figures shared stories about Carter, highlighting his impact on the world and his commitment to helping others. His casket, draped in the American flag, traveled through important places in his life, including his childhood farm and the Carter Presidential Center. Carter’s legacy includes his fight for racial equality and his efforts to promote peace and environmental awareness. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Rosalynn, in Plains after a week of memorial events. Write your own obituary for Former President Jimmy Carter, looking up information about his life and deciding what facts to highlight.

5. MEDAL HONOREES

President Joe Biden gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., to 19 famous people from politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. Among the recipients were Hillary Clinton, who received a standing ovation, philanthropist George Soros, and actor Denzel Washington. Biden, in one of his last acts as president, thanked the honorees for their contributions to the country. Some medals were given posthumously to people like former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. The medal recipients have made significant contributions to America’s prosperity, values, and security. Other honorees included soccer player Lionel Messi, chef José Andrés, actor Michael J. Fox, and conservationist Jane Goodall. This ceremony continued a tradition of honoring those who have made a lasting impact on the nation. Choose one of the nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and look up what they are famous for and how they have impacted society. Write an article that profiles the person you chose and why they were given the medal.