1. COPYRIGHT IN QUESTION

President Trump has fired Shira Perlmutter, the top official in charge of the U.S. Copyright Office, just days after also firing Carla Hayden, the head of the Library of Congress. Perlmutter had recently released a report about how artificial intelligence (AI) should use copyrighted work, saying that only work created by people should be protected by copyright. Many Democrats are upset and say that her firing, like Hayden’s, seems unfair and may be about politics. The White House has not explained why Perlmutter was removed. The U.S. Copyright Office protects original works like books, songs, and movies. Think about something creative you’ve made (a story, drawing, or video). Write a few sentences about why it’s important that creators like you have their work protected. Then, do a quick search: what does it mean for a work to be “copyrighted”? Why do you think AI makes this more complicated?

2. SPACECRAFT HEADED BACK

A Soviet spacecraft named Kosmos-482, which was supposed to go to Venus in 1972 but got stuck in Earth’s orbit, is now finally falling back to Earth. Scientists expect it to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10, though they don’t know exactly when or where it will land. The spacecraft was built to survive harsh conditions, so it might make it to the ground in one piece. But experts say the chance of it hurting anyone is very small. If it lands in the ocean, that’s the best outcome. If anyone finds it, they’re supposed to give it back to Russia, since it still legally owns it. Kosmos-482 was designed to study Venus but never made it. Imagine you’re a space scientist in 1972 who just discovered your spacecraft didn’t reach Venus. Write a short paragraph explaining how you would feel and what you would try to learn from the mistake so your next mission could succeed.

3. ARRESTED STUDENT RELEASED

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student from Turkey, was released from an immigration detention center in Louisiana after a federal judge ruled her arrest was unfair and could scare other noncitizens into staying silent. Ozturk had been detained for six weeks after writing an article critical of Israel, which her lawyers say is protected free speech. The judge said the only evidence against her was the article and warned that punishing her could harm freedom of speech for millions. Ozturk, who has asthma and was struggling in detention, is now free to return home and finish her Ph.D. studies. Imagine you’re a student reporter writing for your school newspaper. Write a short opinion piece (4–5 sentences) answering this question: Should people who aren’t U.S. citizens still be allowed to speak out on important issues while living here? Explain why you think freedom of speech matters for everyone.

4. NEWARK MAYOR ARRESTED

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka was arrested outside a new immigration detention center in New Jersey while protesting its opening. He had tried to enter the facility along with three members of Congress, but only the lawmakers were allowed inside. The mayor was later charged with trespassing, though videos show he was outside the gates when he was arrested. Many people, including other politicians, said the arrest was unfair and a form of intimidation. The detention center, run by a private prison company, is part of President Trump’s plan to expand deportations. Mayor Baraka and others say the center opened without the city’s permission and violates local laws. Think about why Mayor Baraka and others were protesting the detention center. Write a short paragraph explaining whether you think it’s fair for city leaders to be arrested for protesting something they believe is wrong. What rights should people—even mayors—have when speaking out or standing up for their community?

5. MEETING CONFUSION BETWEEN U.S. AND CHINA

Before a big meeting to talk about tariffs, the U.S. and China argued over who asked for the meeting first. China said the U.S. requested it, but President Trump said China did. Both sides want to look strong and in control. Tariffs are extra taxes on goods from another country, and both nations have raised them to very high levels. The meeting in Switzerland this weekend is meant to help fix the problem, but both countries are trying to show they have the upper hand before the talks begin. Write a paragraph explaining what tariffs are and how they affect everyday people in the U.S. and China. Then, pretend you’re a news reporter covering the Switzerland meeting. What would you ask the U.S. and Chinese leaders to learn more about how they plan to fix the trade disagreement?