1.PRIME MINISTER STAYS IN POWER

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced he will stay in office, even though his ruling coalition lost its majority in both houses of parliament during a recent election. Ishiba said his main focus now is to protect Japan’s economy, especially as prices rise and U.S. tariffs threaten to make things worse. A 25% U.S. tariff on Japanese goods is set to begin on August 1, adding more pressure to reach a trade agreement with the U.S. President Trump has criticized Japan for not buying more American cars and rice, even though Japan is dealing with food shortages of its own. Ishiba’s government has also faced backlash over past corruption scandals and has struggled to help people deal with inflation and low wages. Although his party remains the largest in Japan, Ishiba will now need to work with opposition parties to get anything done. Write a paragraph that explains why Prime Minister Ishiba might want to stay in office even after his party lost support in both houses of parliament. What challenges is Japan facing right now, and how might a change in leadership make those issues harder to solve? Then, consider how the relationship between Japan and the U.S. could affect everyday people—such as farmers, carmakers, or consumers—in both countries. Use examples from the article to support your response.

2. “ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ” SPARKS CONTROVERSY

In late June and early July, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration quickly built a migrant detention center—nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”—on a remote airstrip in the Everglades without notifying many local officials. Emails obtained by the Associated Press show that county leaders in Collier County, where the center was built, were unaware of the plans until construction had already begun. Using emergency powers from a previous executive order, the state bypassed local zoning rules and environmental reviews, raising concerns about transparency, legality, and safety. Some local emergency leaders were frustrated at being kept in the dark, especially as they were being asked to respond to possible risks at the site. Critics argue the center’s remote location and tough nickname are part of an effort to scare migrants, while environmental groups have filed lawsuits to stop the project. The center opened just 10 days after local officials learned of it, with President Trump, Governor DeSantis, and other officials touring the site on July 1. In a paragraph, explain how the DeSantis administration’s approach to building the detention center affected local officials and raised concerns about government power and communication. Do you think it’s okay for a state to use emergency powers to build a facility without local input? Why or why not? Use evidence from the article to support your opinion, and consider how government decisions can impact both people and the environment.

3. C.E.O. RESIGNS AFTER VIRAL CONCERT VIDEO

Andy Byron, the CEO of tech company Astronomer Inc., resigned after a video of him and a coworker at a Coldplay concert went viral. The clip, shown on the jumbotron during the show, captured Byron embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s chief people officer, sparking online speculation and debate. Although the company initially placed Byron on leave and launched an investigation, he stepped down a day later. The situation raised questions about leadership behavior, workplace boundaries, and the power of social media. Experts say moments like this can quickly spiral due to how easy it is to identify people in public videos using online tools and artificial intelligence. The incident also highlights how people in leadership positions are often held to a higher standard—and how even a brief public moment can lead to serious consequences. Write a paragraph discussing how social media and viral videos can impact people’s careers and personal lives. Do you think it’s fair that a private moment at a public event can lead to someone losing their job? Why or why not? Use examples from the article to support your opinion, and consider how modern technology has changed the line between public and private life.

4. TRUMP SUES OVER EPSTEIN REPORTING

President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media executive Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. The article claimed to include a letter supposedly written by Trump in 2003, with sexually suggestive content and a hand-drawn sketch, which Trump denies authoring. The lawsuit accuses the newspaper of publishing false and damaging claims. Meanwhile, the Justice Department — under pressure from Trump’s own supporters — asked a federal court to release grand jury transcripts from Epstein’s criminal case, although other promised files remain sealed. The case highlights tensions between Trump and the media, as well as the broader push for transparency about Epstein’s connections to powerful figures. The First Amendment protects freedom of the press, but people can sue for defamation if they believe false information harmed their reputation. Based on what you’ve read, do you think public figures like the president should have the same rights to sue the media as private citizens? Why or why not? Write a paragraph explaining your opinion and use examples from this story to support your argument.

5. VENEZUELA RELEASES PRISONERS

Venezuela has released 10 jailed Americans and U.S. permanent residents as part of a three-country deal that also returned over 250 Venezuelan migrants to their home country. The migrants had been deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador earlier this year under a controversial immigration crackdown that used wartime-era law. The migrants were detained in El Salvador’s harsh mega-prison, CECOT, known for human rights abuses. Their return to Venezuela was part of a swap proposed months ago by Salvadoran President Bukele, giving both him and Venezuelan President Maduro political wins. The freed Americans were accused by Venezuela of plotting against the government, but many were likely detained as political pawns. The exchange is seen as a major diplomatic maneuver for all three countries involved. Despite the U.S. still refusing to recognize Maduro’s presidency due to election fraud allegations, the deal marks another in a series of quiet negotiations between Washington and Caracas. This international prisoner swap raises questions about diplomacy, human rights, and political power. In a well-developed paragraph, explain whether or not you think it was appropriate for the U.S. to negotiate with a government it does not officially recognize in order to free its citizens. Consider the risks and benefits of making such deals. Then, reflect on how international relationships can influence immigration policy and human rights around the world.