1. MARCO RUBIO’S EXPANDING ROLE IN VENEZUELA

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken on an unusually powerful role in Venezuela following the U.S. capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. According to the report, Rubio now oversees key aspects of Venezuela’s finances, sanctions, oil industry, and international relationships while working closely with acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The United States controls much of Venezuela’s oil revenue, releasing funds under conditions set by U.S. officials, giving Washington significant influence over the country’s government and economy. Supporters argue that this arrangement has reduced corruption, stabilized the economy, and opened opportunities for foreign investment. Critics contend that it undermines Venezuelan sovereignty, strengthens an unelected government, and raises difficult legal and ethical questions about one nation exercising such extensive control over another. The situation highlights broader debates about intervention, democracy promotion, national self-determination, and the limits of American influence abroad. Evaluate whether this arrangement should be understood primarily as humanitarian assistance, strategic foreign policy, or a form of external control. In an analytical essay of 8–10 sentences, identify evidence supporting at least two of these interpretations, explain the competing arguments, and conclude by discussing what international law and national sovereignty suggest about the appropriate limits of foreign involvement in another country’s government.

2. KANSAS CITY’S WORLD CUP MOMENT

Although Kansas City is the smallest U.S. host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it has become one of the tournament’s biggest success stories. Hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world have filled stadiums, restaurants, and public gathering spaces, while local television ratings have led all American markets. The city’s success reflects decades of investment in soccer, much of it inspired by Lamar Hunt, who helped found Major League Soccer and spent years working to bring the World Cup to Kansas City. Local officials hope the tournament will boost tourism, strengthen the city’s international reputation, and create long-term economic benefits. At the same time, hosting the event required major public spending on transportation and infrastructure, leading some to question whether the investment will continue paying off after the tournament ends. The event illustrates both the opportunities and trade-offs that accompany hosting global sporting events. Research another city that has hosted a major international sporting event, such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup. Then write an article comparing its long-term economic, cultural, and tourism impacts with Kansas City’s experience. Evaluate whether hosting these events generally produces lasting benefits or whether the costs often outweigh the gains.

3. LINDSEY GRAHAM’S POLITICAL LEGACY

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died at age 71 from an aortic dissection after more than three decades in Congress. Throughout his career, Graham became one of the Senate’s most influential Republicans, serving as chairman of both the Judiciary and Budget Committees while playing a major role in judicial confirmations, tax legislation, and U.S. foreign policy. Early in his career, he often worked across party lines on issues such as immigration, climate policy, and judicial nominations. Over time, however, he transformed from a vocal critic of Donald Trump into one of the president’s closest political allies. Graham was also known for his strong support of American military involvement overseas and maintained close relationships with leaders in countries such as Israel and Ukraine. His career demonstrates how political leaders may adapt their positions as parties, coalitions, and political circumstances change over time. Political careers often involve both consistency and change. Write a historical assessment explaining how Lindsey Graham’s political evolution reflected broader changes within the Republican Party between 2010 and 2026. In your response, examine how his policy priorities, alliances, and leadership roles changed while considering possible political, ideological, and electoral reasons for those shifts.

4. E.P.A. FIRING SPARKS DEBATE OVER SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY

An Environmental Protection Agency employee was fired after objecting to the removal of a proposed requirement that a new offshore fish farm monitor for microplastics. The engineer argued that monitoring would provide valuable scientific information about pollution that could affect marine ecosystems and human health. Agency leaders removed the requirement, expressing concern that it could establish a regulatory precedent for other industries. The employee later filed a scientific disagreement memo supporting the monitoring requirement and now claims he was unlawfully dismissed for raising scientific concerns. The E.P.A. denies that politics influenced its decision and says it continues to rely on sound science while reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. The case raises broader questions about whistleblower protections, scientific independence, environmental regulation, and the relationship between research and public policy. Imagine you are a reporter tasked with writing about this story. Write an outline of how you would structure your article, who you would interview and what questions you would ask them, and what other sources you would use to gather information.

5. CLIMATE SCIENCE CRITIC SELECTED TO LEAD NATIONAL ASSESSMENT

The Trump administration appointed Matthew Wielicki, a geochemist who has publicly criticized many mainstream conclusions about climate change, to oversee the National Climate Assessment. The report, required by Congress, is widely used by governments, businesses, and communities to prepare for future climate risks. Supporters argue that Wielicki may bring greater scrutiny and encourage broader scientific debate, while critics note that he lacks formal climate science research experience and worry the report could become less credible after hundreds of previous contributors were dismissed. Scientists emphasize that assessments depend on extensive peer review and contributions from specialists across many disciplines. The appointment has intensified debate about the relationship between scientific expertise, political leadership, and public confidence in government research. The controversy also highlights the challenges policymakers face when scientific findings have significant economic and political consequences. Write a comparative analysis examining the role of expert consensus in public policymaking. Using this story as a starting point, discuss the value of peer review, the importance of dissenting viewpoints in science, and the challenges governments face when scientific evidence intersects with political priorities. Conclude by proposing principles that could strengthen public confidence in major government scientific assessments.