1. INVESTIGATIONS BEGIN

The Trump administration has launched federal investigations into over 50 universities, targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs for alleged racial discrimination. The Department of Education warns that schools using race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, or student life could lose federal funding. Most investigations focus on universities partnering with the PhD Project, a nonprofit that helps underrepresented students earn business degrees. The administration argues these partnerships and race-based scholarships exclude white and Asian students. Some universities, including Arizona State and Ohio State, have distanced themselves from the PhD Project or affirmed that their programs are open to all applicants. The move is part of a broader effort to dismantle race-conscious policies in education, following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that banned affirmative action in college admissions. Teachers’ unions are challenging the policy in court, arguing that it infringes on free speech and is too vague. Research a university of your choice and examine its policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Look for information on admissions, scholarships, and student support programs. Then, write a one-page analysis explaining how the university approaches DEI and whether its policies could be affected by the federal investigations discussed in the article. Conclude by giving your opinion—should universities continue DEI initiatives, modify them to comply with new regulations, or remove them altogether? Use evidence from your research to support your stance.

2. FREEZE AVERTED

The U.S. Senate narrowly passed a Republican-led spending bill just hours before a government shutdown, sending it to President Trump for his signature. The vote was largely along party lines, with most Democrats opposing the measure, arguing that it gives the administration too much control over spending without their input. However, some Democrats chose to support the bill to prevent a shutdown, fearing that Trump would use the opportunity to further dismantle government programs. The bill funds the government for six more months but reduces spending on healthcare and housing while increasing defense spending. Democrats worry that the bill functions as a “blank check” for Trump, allowing his administration to shift funds toward policies like mass deportations instead of addressing issues like the fentanyl crisis. Despite their frustration, Senate Democrats ultimately allowed the bill to pass, believing a shutdown would grant Trump even more power over federal agencies. Write a letter to a senator or representative expressing your thoughts on government shutdowns and funding decisions. In your letter, explain how a government shutdown could impact everyday people, including workers, students, or public services. Consider whether you think lawmakers should compromise to avoid shutdowns or if they should take a stronger stand on funding priorities. Use facts from the article and your own reasoning to support your argument. If you were a senator, how would you handle a similar situation?

3. CHURCH AND STATE

The Scopes Monkey Trial, which took place 100 years ago, was one of the most famous legal battles in U.S. history. It all began in 1925 when Tennessee became the first state to ban the teaching of evolution in public schools. The law was challenged when a teacher, John T. Scopes, was arrested for teaching evolution. His trial became a national spectacle, with two famous lawyers—William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow—debating not just the law, but science, religion, and education. Scopes was found guilty, but the trial raised awareness of evolution and led to future court cases striking down similar laws. Even today, debates over how to teach about the origins of life in schools continue, with some lawmakers pushing for the inclusion of religious perspectives in science classrooms. Imagine you are a journalist in 1925 covering the Scopes Trial for a national newspaper. Write a short news article (about 5–7 sentences) reporting on one key moment from the trial. You can describe the arguments made in court, the reaction of the crowd, or even an interview with someone involved, like a lawyer, a student, or a local resident. Think about how reporters write news stories—use clear facts, an interesting headline, and a strong opening sentence to grab readers’ attention.

4. GENDER PERSPECTIVE

A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals that most teenagers today believe that boys and girls are treated equally in school, with some saying girls have an advantage. While girls now perform as well as boys in math and better in reading, boys struggle more with school, are more likely to act out, and are less likely to plan for college. Researchers are still trying to understand why boys have fallen behind, but some factors may include differences in social expectations, the structure of school environments, and the fact that most teachers are women. Boys often feel that working hard in school does not bring them status, while girls are encouraged to succeed and not disappoint others. However, teenage girls also face struggles, especially with anxiety, depression, and pressure to look good. While past efforts have helped girls succeed in school, there is growing awareness that boys also need support, particularly in emotional development and school engagement. Using the information from the article, conduct a mini-investigation on how boys and girls experience school in your own community. Create a short survey with five to seven questions about school experiences, such as attitudes toward learning, participation in class, feelings about academic pressure, and future plans. If possible, ask a mix of male and female classmates to answer your survey. Then, analyze the responses—do they reflect the patterns mentioned in the article, or are there differences? Write a short reflection discussing what you learned from your classmates and how their experiences compare to the national trends described in the article.

5. TEXTER BEWARE

Officials across the U.S. are warning people about a new scam that tricks drivers into giving away their financial information through fake road toll collection texts. These messages claim that the recipient has an unpaid toll and must pay immediately to avoid fines or license suspension. The scam, known as “smishing” (a form of phishing through text messages), impersonates state toll collection agencies and has been detected in at least 10 states and Canada. Even states without toll roads, like Vermont, are reporting incidents because travelers might mistake the texts for real toll agencies. Cybersecurity experts say scammers have registered over 10,000 fake websites to make the texts seem legitimate. Some messages even attempt to bypass security measures on iPhones by encouraging users to respond instead of clicking a link. Officials, including Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, have urged people to never click suspicious links and to delete the messages immediately. The FBI recommends reporting these scams to its IC3 internet crime complaint center. As online fraud becomes more common, staying alert to phishing scams is crucial for protecting personal and financial information. Create a brief social media post or a short radio/TV ad script warning people about these scams. Your campaign should include: a clear and catchy message to grab attention; an explanation of the scam in simple terms; steps people should take if they receive a fake toll text; and a reminder to report scams to authorities. Think about how to make your message persuasive, informative, and easy to understand. Would you use a slogan, humor, or a serious tone? Consider what would make your campaign effective in warning people about smishing scams.