1. GERRYMANDERING FIGHT CONTINUES

Republicans and Democrats are fighting hard over redistricting — the process of redrawing congressional district maps — and the results could shape control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Right now, Republicans hold a slim majority, 219–212, but GOP-led states like Texas, Missouri, Ohio, and possibly Florida are redrawing maps in ways that could give Republicans up to 7 extra seats. Texas alone is pushing for 5 more GOP seats, which experts are calling one of the most extreme cases of gerrymandering in modern history. Meanwhile, Democrats in California are working on their own plan to redraw districts that could flip up to 5 Republican seats. Other states like Indiana are debating whether to act. If all goes as planned, Republicans could solidify their majority, while Democrats try to fight back in states they control. The battle shows how much power redistricting has in deciding elections, often more than voters themselves. Create a political cartoon idea that shows the effects of gerrymandering. Think about how you could use symbols (like scissors cutting up a map, or politicians stretching district lines like rubber bands) to show how redistricting can change election results. Write a short caption to explain your cartoon’s message.

2. VACCINE FEDERAL REVIEW

A new federal task force at the CDC will review the safety of Covid vaccines, but its leader, MIT professor Retsef Levi, has previously called the vaccines a major failure and pushed for them to be pulled from the market. Levi was appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been criticized for spreading vaccine misinformation. Many CDC employees and health experts are worried the group will cherry-pick data and undermine trust in vaccines. While most Americans still vaccinate their young children, confidence in Covid shots has dropped sharply, especially along political lines. Critics say the new leadership threatens to politicize vaccine policy and may make it harder for the public to know what health information they can trust. Write a short response: Do you think it is good or bad for someone who strongly criticizes vaccines to lead a government review of them? Explain your answer with at least two reasons, thinking about both trust in science and the need to look at safety concerns.

3. THE PLAGUE TODAY

Health officials in California confirmed a new case of plague in the Lake Tahoe area. Plague is a rare but dangerous bacterial infection usually spread by fleas that bite infected rodents like squirrels or chipmunks. The person who got sick is recovering, and doctors say antibiotics can treat the disease if caught early. Symptoms can include fever, weakness, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes. While plague is best known as the “Black Death” from the Middle Ages, it still exists in the western United States, though only about seven people get it each year. Experts say the risk is very low, but people should take precautions when outdoors, like avoiding rodents, keeping pets leashed, and using insect repellent to prevent flea bites. Write a short safety guide for campers visiting the Lake Tahoe area. Include at least three tips based on the article about how to avoid plague, such as what to wear, what not to touch, and how to protect pets. Be sure to explain why each tip is important.

4. S.C.O.T.U.S. ALLOWS RESEARCH CUTS

The Supreme Court voted 5–4 to let the Trump administration cut $783 million from medical research grants as part of its effort to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The ruling allows the cuts to go through while a lawsuit continues, though the Court blocked the administration from using the policy to cut future funding. Supporters of the cuts argue that DEI policies hide discrimination, while critics — including 16 state attorneys general and public health groups — say stopping funding in the middle of research harms scientists, slows progress, and risks public health. The close decision sparked sharp disagreements among the justices, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson writing that the Court was unfairly siding with the administration. Write a paragraph explaining whether you think the government should be able to stop funding research projects once they have already started. Use at least two reasons to support your opinion, such as the importance of science, fairness to researchers, or how taxpayer money should be used.

5. CELL PHONE RESTRICTIONS FOR STUDENTS

As the new school year begins, 17 states and Washington, D.C., have added new rules limiting student cellphone use in schools. In total, 35 states now have restrictions, most passed in just the past two years. Some states ban phones all day, while others only restrict them during class. Supporters say the rules cut down on distractions, improve focus, and even encourage students to talk to one another more. Many teachers say classrooms feel calmer. But some students miss being able to listen to music while working, and many parents worry about not being able to reach their children in case of emergencies. Researchers say more studies are needed to know for sure how these bans affect learning and mental health. Write a short opinion piece on the new cellphone rules in schools. Do you think banning phones during the school day will help students focus, or do you believe students should still be allowed to use them at certain times? Explain your opinion with at least two reasons.