1. THE END OF “THE LATE SHOW”

“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” is ending after many years on television. The show became more than just a place for jokes because it continued a long late-night tradition that included famous hosts, celebrity interviews, music, and political comedy. Some people see its cancellation as a business decision, while others wonder whether politics played a role because Colbert often criticized President Trump. The change also shows how TV is shifting as more people watch short videos, podcasts, and clips online instead of traditional late-night shows. Losing the show means losing a familiar cultural space where comedy, news, entertainment, and public debate came together. Write a reflection about why long-running shows, newspapers, schools, or community places can matter to people. Explain what makes something an “institution,” why people may feel sad when it ends, and whether newer forms of media can replace it.

2. POSSIBLE U.S.-IRAN PEACE DEAL

The United States and Iran may be moving closer to a peace deal after weeks of war and tension in the Middle East. Officials said the possible agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for global oil shipping, and require Iran to deal with its highly enriched uranium. However, leaders have not signed a final deal, and major questions remain about missiles, nuclear enrichment, and fighting in other places such as Lebanon. Some lawmakers in the United States are criticizing the possible agreement, while others hope it could reduce violence and calm energy markets. The situation shows that peace talks can be complicated even when both sides say they want progress. Create a negotiation chart with two columns: “What the U.S. wants” and “What Iran may want.” Add at least three points to each side, then write a paragraph explaining why reaching a peace deal can take time even after both sides agree on some ideas.

3. FOX-F.I.F.A BROADCASTING BARGAIN

Fox is paying far less than many experts believe the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights are worth. The unusual deal began years ago, after FIFA moved the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from summer to late fall because of extreme heat. That change hurt Fox because fall is crowded with major U.S. sports, so FIFA gave Fox an extension for the 2026 World Cup instead of holding a new bidding competition. Now the 2026 tournament will be played mostly in North America and is expected to be extremely valuable. Critics say FIFA may have lost hundreds of millions of dollars by not reopening the bidding process. The story raises questions about business decisions, transparency, and how sports organizations manage valuable events. Act as a sports business reporter. Write 6–8 sentences explaining why the Fox deal became so valuable, who benefited, who may have lost out, and what questions FIFA should answer about the agreement.

4. CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR FACES BACKLASH

Mac Barnett, a well-known children’s book author and national ambassador for young people’s literature, faced criticism after writing that “94.7 percent of kids’ books are crud.” He meant the line as a sharp, exaggerated argument about quality, but many authors felt hurt by it. Some said the comment was especially damaging at a time when children’s books are already facing book bans, budget cuts, and debates over diversity. Barnett later said he should have used a different argument and that the line did not match the spirit of his book. The controversy shows how words can spread quickly online and how public figures may need to respond when their comments affect a community. Write a short response as a student mediator. Explain what Barnett may have been trying to say, why other writers were upset, and how he could rebuild trust with the children’s book community.

5. NEW QUESTIONS ABOUT N.A.D.+ SUPPLEMENTS

N.A.D.+ supplements have become popular because influencers and companies claim they may help with healthy aging. N.A.D.+ is a molecule that helps cells use energy, and many people believed its levels drop as people get older. New research found that N.A.D.+ levels in blood may not decline with age, which challenges one major claim used to market the supplements. Some scientists say the research does not settle everything because N.A.D.+ might still change in tissues such as muscle or brain. Still, experts warn that the evidence for healthy people taking these supplements is limited, and marketing claims may be stronger than the science. Create a media-literacy checklist for health claims online. Include questions students should ask before trusting a supplement ad, such as who is selling it, what the research actually shows, and whether influencers are simplifying the science.