Countries from China to the U.K.—and states like Florida—are tightening rules on student cellphone use in classrooms. Advocates say the bans reduce distractions, social media use, and bullying. Critics argue they can unfairly penalize students who need phones for jobs, family, or safety, and that schools risk over-discipline without clear data showing long-term benefits. Studies show mixed outcomes: some report higher test scores or less cyberbullying, others find no effect. UNESCO warns against one-size-fits-all policies, suggesting students should learn both how to use technology responsibly and when to set it aside. Choose a partner and take opposite sides—one for and one against a school cellphone ban. Each person should write a short opening statement (about 3–4 sentences) and one counterpoint to the other’s argument. Then, switch roles and summarize what you learned from defending the opposite view.

As court fights delay federal food assistance payments, political and online misinformation about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has spread. Some public figures have falsely claimed that unauthorized immigrants receive most of the benefits or that funding has exploded under President Biden. In reality, eligibility depends on income, work, and citizenship status; nearly 90% of recipients are native-born Americans. Spending fluctuates with economic conditions and emergency legislation, not partisan control. The Agriculture Department data and fact-checkers show how viral distortions can mislead millions and affect public support for safety-net programs. Create a two-column chart titled Claim vs. Reality. In the first column, list three false or exaggerated statements about SNAP mentioned in the summary. In the second, explain what verified data show instead. End with a reflection on why accuracy in discussions about public programs matters.

Food companies are clashing with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, which pushes states to ban artificial dyes and ultraprocessed foods. After several state-level laws passed, major corporations formed a group called Americans for Ingredient Transparency to lobby for federal control—a move critics say would override stronger state rules. Industry leaders argue that a single national standard would simplify regulations; activists warn it would weaken consumer protections and slow progress. The debate now centers on who should hold the power: states, Congress, or the Food and Drug Administration. Write a short editorial arguing which level of government—state or federal—should set food-labeling laws. Include one example of a benefit and one drawback of your chosen level. Conclude by predicting how this power struggle might affect what ends up on grocery store shelves.

James D. Watson, who helped reveal DNA’s double-helix structure with Francis Crick in 1953, has died at age 97. Their discovery transformed genetics, earning them the 1962 Nobel Prize and paving the way for the Human Genome Project, which Watson later led. Yet his legacy is complicated: his later racist and sexist remarks led to professional disgrace and revoked honors. Many scientists credit Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray work, which was used without her consent, as essential to the discovery. Watson’s career shows how major scientific contributions can coexist with ethical controversies about credit, character, and conduct. Write a one-page “Ethics in Science” memo analyzing how Watson’s achievements and behavior should be taught in classrooms. Include his scientific importance, the harm caused by his remarks, and one recommendation for how schools could present both honestly.

A growing number of people are turning to A.I. chatbots for mental-health support, but the technology is raising safety and ethical questions. Some users say the bots offer comfort and structure, while psychologists warn they can’t replace human connection or handle crises. The FDA recently held hearings on whether therapy chatbots should be regulated like medical devices. States such as Illinois and Nevada have already banned them until clearer rules exist. Experts say that while A.I. tools could make care more accessible, they must be tested, monitored, and transparent to avoid harm. Imagine the FDA has asked for your input. Draft a short policy outline with three sections: the benefits of A.I chatbots in a therapy setting, the risks of what could go wrong, and at least two safeguards or rules you would put in place to help with those risks.