1. ELECTION RESULTS

In the 2024 U.S. election, Donald Trump won by holding onto his core supporters, like white voters, older voters, and those without a college degree, while also gaining ground with younger voters and Black and Hispanic men. Trump’s support among younger voters, especially those aged 18-29, grew significantly compared to the last election, while his support among non-college educated voters also increased, especially in non-white and younger groups. Trump made small inroads with Black and Latino voters, especially younger Black men and Latino men, who were more likely to vote for him compared to 2020. Meanwhile, his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, made small gains among college-educated white men in urban areas, but it wasn’t enough to offset Trump’s gains. Trump continued to do well in rural areas and small towns, where he won a large majority of votes, while Harris won urban areas. Trump’s strategy also included gaining more support from certain groups, like non-college educated urban voters and non-white voters in these areas, but Harris did better with college-educated voters in cities. Read post-election summaries from at least three different sources. Then, write your own article that explains the different demographics of voters and how they led to this result.

2. SCHEDULE F

When Trump takes office in 2025, he plans to bring back a rule called “Schedule F” that would let him fire certain federal employees more easily, allowing him to replace them with people who support his policies. Originally created by Trump in 2020, Schedule F is a special category for federal employees who have influence over policies. Being placed in this category would make these employees “at-will,” meaning they could be fired without the usual job protections. Although President Biden canceled Schedule F in 2021, Trump has promised to bring it back and use it aggressively. Around 50,000 federal workers, especially those with roles in shaping or enforcing government policies, might be placed under Schedule F if it returns. This would affect their job security, allowing Trump to replace them with loyal supporters more easily. Typically, presidents can only appoint about 4,000 people to lead government agencies, while the rest of the 2 million federal employees stay on through different administrations. Schedule F, however, would give Trump more control over a larger portion of the federal workforce by making it easier to replace workers who don’t support his agenda. Federal worker unions and some lawmakers are pushing to prevent Schedule F from being reinstated. They argue that the plan would weaken job protections in the government and harm the independence of the civil service. Research the results of Schedule F when it was instituted by Donald Trump in 2020. Then, write an article summarizing what it is and how it could affect those with federal jobs—and the American public as a whole—if reinstated.

3. BURN YOUR WORRIES

Every year, the people of Santa Fe gather for an unusual ritual: they burn a 50-foot puppet named Zozobra to release their worries and start fresh. The tradition began in 1924 with a small six-foot puppet, but it has grown into a massive event held on the Friday before Labor Day. People fill the puppet with written slips listing their personal troubles and watch as it goes up in flames, hoping to symbolically destroy their anxieties. The Zozobra ritual mixes elements of theater, spirituality, and community bonding, with thousands attending to chant, "Burn him!" The puppet’s name, "Zozobra," means “anxiety” in Spanish, capturing the event’s purpose as a release from daily stress. Local volunteers and organizers, led by Ray Sandoval, spend months preparing for the event, which also includes a full performance with fireworks, dancers, and other symbolic acts. Zozobra has become a unique, unifying spectacle in Santa Fe, a break from everyday life and a shared experience that brings people together. Despite the commercial side of the event, for many locals, it's still about community, catharsis, and fun. As a class or in small groups, brainstorm your own ideas for a ceremony or event for people to release their troubles and anxieties. Write a paragraph describing your idea, how people would get involved, and how it could benefit the community. If you’ve worked in small groups, share your ideas with your classmates and discuss.

4. PAINTINGS FOR A CAUSE

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are auctioning off valuable art, including works by Norman Rockwell, to help pay settlements to survivors of sexual abuse within the organization. Over 300 pieces, including around 60 by Rockwell, are expected to raise millions of dollars, though the BSA’s bankruptcy settlement totals billions. This auction is part of a larger effort to compensate tens of thousands of survivors who filed claims when the BSA filed for bankruptcy in 2020. In addition to selling art, the BSA has sold properties, and their insurance providers are also contributing to the settlement. The survivors hope the funds will provide some justice, but many stress that the most important outcome is ensuring stronger protections for young Scouts today so that abuse like this won’t happen again. Using research as needed, write a summary of the legal action against the Boy Scouts of America and this latest step of selling off assets to pay the settlement they owe survivors.

5. AUSTRALIA CONSIDERS BAN

Australia has proposed a law to ban kids under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the goal is to protect children from the harm social media can cause, like cyberbullying and unhealthy comparisons. The law would hold social media companies responsible for enforcing the ban, but neither kids nor parents would be punished for breaking the rules. Some experts argue that while social media can have risks, it also offers benefits like connecting with others and learning. However, many agree that more protections are needed for young users. If the law passes, it will go into effect in a year. Do you think a ban for kids under 16 would protect children as the lawmakers suggest it will? Using research to support your argument, write an opinion article about this proposed legislation.