1. SPIRIT AIRLINES SHUTS DOWN

Spirit Airlines abruptly ended operations early Saturday morning, canceling flights and stranding passengers who were already in the middle of their trips. The shutdown followed years of financial trouble, including bankruptcy filings, fierce competition, rising labor and maintenance costs, and a recent spike in jet fuel prices tied to the war in Iran. Travelers were left to make expensive last-minute arrangements, from a maid of honor forced to leave a wedding early to a Honduran couple who had to spend five extra days in Florida and pay $1,200 for a new flight. Although some airlines offered rescue fares and Spirit promised refunds for some tickets, passengers who booked through third-party sites faced more uncertainty. Draft a short passenger protection proposal that could be considered by the Department of Transportation after an airline shutdown. Your proposal should include three specific requirements for airlines, such as advance notice when possible, automatic refunds, help for travelers booked through third-party sites, or emergency rebooking support. End by explaining which requirement would have helped the stranded Spirit passengers most and why.

2. G.O.P. WOMEN CHALLENGE CONGRESSIONAL MISCONDUCT

Representatives Anna Paulina Luna, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert have become outspoken voices against sexual misconduct in Congress, helping pressure lawmakers accused of wrongdoing to resign and demanding the release of documents related to congressional harassment settlements. Their campaign is unusual because they are hard-right Republican women who have sometimes crossed party lines on this issue, even as they remain deeply partisan and reject misconduct allegations against President Trump. The effort has exposed a larger debate over whether Congress’s internal ethics process is too slow, secretive, and protective of powerful lawmakers. At the same time, the women themselves are complicated messengers because each has a reputation for political combat, controversy, or selective standards. Create a two-column accountability chart comparing formal ethics investigations with public pressure campaigns. In each column, explain one strength and one weakness of that approach. Then write a concluding paragraph evaluating which method is more likely to change behavior in Congress, using examples from the story.

3. FEDERAL DISASTER AID SLOWS DOWN

Federal disaster declarations, which allow communities to receive major aid after storms, floods, fires, and other catastrophes, are taking longer during President Trump’s second term than they did under past administrations. A New York Times analysis found that both red and blue states have faced delays, but Democratic-led states have waited longer and had requests denied more often. FEMA says politics does not guide its decisions and that the process is based on disaster damage, thresholds, and local need. Still, delayed decisions can leave small communities paying recovery costs upfront for months, as happened in parts of Kansas after severe flooding. The issue raises difficult questions about federal responsibility, state preparedness, climate-related disasters, and whether emergency aid can remain separate from politics. Take the role of a county emergency manager whose community is waiting months for a federal disaster declaration. Write a brief memo to state officials explaining what costs or services are being strained while the county waits, what information residents need, and why a faster, clearer decision process matters after a disaster.

4. U.S. TROOPS TO LEAVE GERMANY

The Pentagon announced that 5,000 U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Germany over the next six to 12 months, returning America’s military presence in Europe closer to where it stood before Russia’s war in Ukraine. Officials said the decision followed a review of military needs, but some defense officials also framed the move as a response to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of the U.S. war in Iran. The decision drew sharp criticism from senior Republican lawmakers, who argued that Germany remains important to U.S. operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Germany hosts major U.S. command centers, Ramstein Air Base, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, where wounded American troops are treated. Prepare three questions that a senator should ask Pentagon officials in a hearing about this decision. Each question should focus on a different issue, such as military readiness, relations with Germany, support for wounded troops, or whether the withdrawal is connected to political disagreement with an ally. After the questions, write a short explanation of which answer would matter most before Congress decides how to respond.

5. TRUMP ARGUES IRAN WAR DOES NOT NEED CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL

President Trump sent letters to Congress arguing that the War Powers Resolution no longer required him to seek approval for military operations in Iran because hostilities had “terminated” after a cease-fire declared on April 7. Under the 1973 law, presidents generally must end military action after 60 days if Congress has not authorized it, with a limited extension allowed only to bring troops home safely. Trump’s argument was complicated by continued U.S. military activity in the region, a reported strike on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, and his own public statement that “we’re in a war.” Democrats rejected his position as illegal, while some Republicans had also pointed to the 60-day deadline as the point when Congress would need to act. Write a mock opening statement for a congressional hearing on the War Powers Resolution. In your statement, explain why the 60-day deadline matters, why the definition of “hostilities” is being disputed, and what is at stake when presidents conduct military operations without a clear vote from Congress.