1. POLICY BILL BEGINS DEBATE

The U.S. Senate narrowly voted to begin debating a major domestic policy bill backed by President Trump, passing a key procedural step with a 51–49 vote. The bill includes sweeping changes such as tax cuts, Medicaid reductions, increased military and immigration spending, and benefits tailored to certain states like Alaska. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a key Republican holdout, ultimately agreed to support the debate after the bill was revised to include state-specific perks like exemptions from work requirements and increased healthcare funding. Critics are alarmed that the Senate is moving forward without a full analysis of the bill’s financial impact, which could add trillions to the national debt. Billionaire Elon Musk also criticized the bill, calling it harmful to the economy. The rushed process and lack of transparency have raised concerns about the bill’s fairness and long-term effects on lower-income Americans and rural communities. Write a paragraph that explains why some senators were hesitant to support the bill and what changes were made to win their votes. Include details about Alaska-specific provisions and why they mattered to Senator Lisa Murkowski. Then, reflect on whether you think it’s fair to make special deals for certain states in national legislation. Support your answer with reasoning.

2. A DECADE OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Last week marked the tenth anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Since that ruling, over half a million same-sex couples have married, and nearly two-thirds of Americans now support marriage equality. Despite its widespread acceptance in daily life, the right to same-sex marriage still faces political pressure. Some conservative leaders, including those in the Southern Baptist Convention, have called for the decision to be overturned, drawing inspiration from the 2022 repeal of Roe v. Wade. Republican support for same-sex marriage has also dropped in recent years. Activists are concerned that future legal challenges—like the one expected from Kim Davis, a former county clerk—could reach the Supreme Court and put the ruling at risk. However, many legal experts and LGBTQ+ advocates believe the chances of overturning Obergefell are slim. Unlike abortion, public and political support for same-sex marriage had already been strong before the Supreme Court acted. Even some conservative figures and lawmakers, including former President Trump, have accepted the status quo, and more than thirty House Republicans supported a 2022 law affirming marriage rights. Still, LGBTQ+ advocates remain vigilant, knowing that political winds can shift quickly. Write a short essay that answers two questions: First, why are LGBTQ+ advocates both celebrating and concerned on the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges? Use information from the article to support your answer. Second, explain why public opinion matters when it comes to protecting civil rights through the courts. Do you think court decisions are enough, or should people keep advocating for their rights even after a ruling is made? Be sure to explain your reasoning with specific examples from the article.

3. S.C.O.T.U.S. RULES ON INJUNCTIONS

The Supreme Court recently ruled that federal judges do not have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions—legal orders that block a law or policy across the entire country. This decision is considered a major win for President Trump, who has often criticized judges for blocking his policies, including a controversial order that would deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the country to undocumented or temporary immigrants. However, the Court did not decide whether Trump’s birthright citizenship policy itself is legal. That issue now returns to lower courts, which must decide how the policy should be handled in different states. The ruling could result in a confusing patchwork of laws—where Trump’s policy is enforced in some states but not others. Critics argue that the decision weakens the courts’ ability to check executive power, while supporters say it restores balance to the system by limiting judicial overreach. The debate also touches on the meaning of the 14th Amendment, which has guaranteed birthright citizenship since after the Civil War. Legal battles over Trump’s policy are still ongoing, and the final outcome remains uncertain. In a paragraph, explain what the Supreme Court decided about nationwide injunctions and how that might affect Trump’s birthright citizenship order. Then, analyze the potential impact of having different laws in different states on an issue like citizenship. Do you think one judge should be able to block a national policy for everyone? Why or why not? Use evidence from the article to support your viewpoint.

4. AMERICANS DETAINED ABROAD

Six American citizens were detained by South Korean police for trying to send plastic bottles filled with rice, mini Bibles, U.S. dollars, and USB drives into North Korea by sea. The bottles were meant to float across the border from Gwanghwa Island. This kind of activity has been controversial in the past because it can increase tensions with North Korea, which has responded harshly to similar efforts. Although South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled in 2023 that banning these campaigns violated free speech, the new South Korean government is still trying to stop them using safety laws to avoid provoking North Korea. President Lee Jae Myung is working to restart peaceful talks with the North, but so far, North Korea has not responded. Write a short paragraph explaining why some people try to send messages or materials into North Korea. Then, discuss whether you think these actions help or hurt efforts to create peace between North and South Korea. Use evidence from the article to support your opinion.

5. GRASSROOTS DIASTER RESPONSE

As the federal government, under President Trump, scales back the role and staff of FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), a new kind of disaster response is growing. Volunteer-led aid groups — many formed after recent hurricanes and tornadoes — are stepping in to help when natural disasters strike. These organizations, like the Christian Rangers and the United Cajun Navy, train for search and rescue, deliver supplies, and clear debris. Most of the volunteers are religious and some have military backgrounds. While these grassroots groups can act quickly, experts say they lack the resources for long-term recovery and must learn to coordinate better and avoid spreading misinformation. With FEMA possibly being eliminated after hurricane season, more responsibility may shift to these local and volunteer efforts — a major change in how America responds to disasters. Imagine your community is hit by a major flood and FEMA isn’t available to help. Write a short plan describing how local people, schools, and organizations could work together to respond. Include what roles different groups would play and what challenges they might face.