1. UTAH GOVERNOR URGES FOR CHANGE

After the shocking political assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox delivered an emotional speech urging Americans to reject political violence and division. Speaking to reporters, Cox called this moment a turning point and pleaded with the public—especially young people—to help “turn down the temperature” in politics. He described how rage and hate have become common in political conversations, especially online, and warned that continuing down this path would make the country more dangerous and divided. Cox also criticized the harmful effects of social media, saying it spreads violent content too easily and fuels negativity. His message was a call for unity, empathy, and respect across political differences. Cox has long promoted civility, even when it’s unpopular in his party, and said he hopes the next generation can build a more peaceful political culture. Write a letter to your community—such as your school, town, or social media followers—sharing your thoughts on how young people can help reduce political violence and division. In your letter, explain how Governor Cox’s message applies to your generation, give one example of political anger or hate you’ve seen (online or in real life), and suggest two positive actions people your age could take to make things more respectful, safe, and united. Use clear reasoning and your own voice.

2. A.I. IN SCHOOLS

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT become more common, teachers and schools are rethinking how to define cheating. Many educators say that assigning take-home essays or writing assignments now often leads students to rely on AI-generated help, whether for brainstorming, summarizing, or even fully writing their work. Some teachers have responded by requiring all writing to be done in class and are using monitoring software to prevent misuse. Students say it’s not always clear what counts as cheating. Some use AI tools to translate text, check grammar, or explain difficult readings—without knowing whether those uses are allowed. Teachers are also divided on what is acceptable, and school policies often vary from classroom to classroom. Colleges and high schools are beginning to develop clearer rules. At Carnegie Mellon University and UC Berkeley, faculty are being asked to include specific AI use policies in their syllabi. Some educators argue that banning AI isn’t realistic, and instead want to teach students how to use it ethically. But with AI evolving so quickly, the rules around academic honesty continue to shift. Write a proposal to your principal explaining how you believe AI tools like ChatGPT should or should not be used in school. In your proposal, include whether you think AI should be allowed in classwork, give examples of when using AI is appropriate or inappropriate, list three clear rules you would include in a school policy, and explain one benefit and one risk of using AI in education. Use ideas from the article and your own experiences to support your opinion.

3. RUSSIAN DRONES IN POLAND

After several Russian drones entered Polish airspace last week, Poland called for consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the NATO treaty. These drones were reportedly shot down by Polish and Dutch fighter jets, and the incident occurred during a major wave of Russian airstrikes on Ukraine. While Russia claimed it did not intend to target Poland, and Belarus said the drones were off course due to jamming, Poland viewed the incident as an act of aggression. Article 4 allows any NATO member to call a meeting when they feel their territory or security is threatened. It does not require a military response, unlike Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. While Article 4 is not invoked often, its use has increased in recent years, especially in response to Russian military actions. Analysts say that invoking Article 4 allows NATO members to coordinate and respond to potential threats without immediately escalating to conflict. This latest meeting reflects the growing tension in Europe as the war in Ukraine continues and neighboring countries like Poland remain on high alert. NATO is a military alliance built on cooperation and shared defense. If you were writing an article about this news story as it unfolded, who would you interview and what questions would you ask them? What other sources would you use for information? Write a paragraph outlining how you would approach this assignment.

4. CUTS THREATEN FOOD SAFETY

The CDC has made major cuts to FoodNet, a national program that tracks food-borne illnesses like listeria and vibrio. Until now, FoodNet monitored eight dangerous pathogens, but starting this summer, it will only track two: salmonella and a specific type of E. coli (STEC). This program was created in 1995 after a deadly E. coli outbreak, and it plays a crucial role in finding patterns in food safety across 10 U.S. states. Experts worry that scaling it back could make it harder to detect outbreaks early and protect public health. Some food-related illnesses, like those from eating raw seafood or contaminated melon, were only caught in the past because of FoodNet’s proactive tracking. Now, with tighter budgets and less surveillance, more people might get sick before problems are caught. Critics say the government should be investing more in food safety—not less—especially since public trust in the U.S. food supply is already shrinking. Reflect on the role of government in protecting public health. Write a short essay or news article addressing this question: Do you think programs like FoodNet should be a high priority in the federal budget, even if they cost more money? Why or why not? Use details from the article and additional research as needed to support your argument.

5. TRUMP FINDS FRICTION IN BRAZIL

Tensions between the United States and Brazil have grown after President Trump demanded that Brazil drop criminal charges against its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted for trying to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. Trump responded by punishing Brazil with tariffs, sanctions, and visa bans, but Brazil pushed back, convicting Bolsonaro anyway and publicly criticizing U.S. interference. Brazilian President Lula and the Supreme Court stood firm, gaining domestic support. Meanwhile, Brazil’s economy adjusted by increasing trade with China, weakening its ties to the U.S. Public opinion in Brazil has also shifted, with more people now viewing China positively and fewer seeing the U.S. in a favorable light. The conflict has strained relations between the two nations, with some in Brazil comparing the U.S. actions to past interventions, like its support of a 1964 military coup. U.S. officials claim they are trying to defend democracy, but Brazil views the pressure as political bullying. In this article, Brazil stands up to pressure from the United States and chooses to continue its legal process against former president Jair Bolsonaro, even though the U.S. government applied political and economic pressure to stop it. Why do you think Brazil resisted the pressure? Write a paragraph explaining how this situation shows the importance of a country’s independence in legal and political matters. Then, research another example in history where one country tried to interfere in another’s government or legal decisions. Briefly summarize what happened and whether the interference worked or not.