1. AID INTO GAZA HALTED

Tensions in Gaza escalated again as Israel launched deadly airstrikes after two of its soldiers were reportedly killed by Hamas militants. In response, Israel briefly paused humanitarian aid to Gaza but later said it would resume the ceasefire and reopen aid deliveries. The violence is the first major challenge to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began just over a week ago, aiming to end two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Over 30 Palestinians, including children, were killed in recent strikes, sparking fears that the war could start again. While the Israeli government blamed rogue militants, Hamas said it had no contact with its units in those areas and denied responsibility. At the same time, the group returned the bodies of two more Israeli hostages. Discussions are ongoing about the next steps in the ceasefire, including disarming Hamas and setting up a new governing authority for Gaza. The conflict has already claimed over 68,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and thousands more are missing. Many civilians are calling on world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to keep the ceasefire in place and prevent further suffering in Gaza, which has been devastated by war and famine. Write a news analysis in which you summarize the key events described in the article and explain how the breakdown of a ceasefire can impact both civilians and efforts for peace. Then, explore how international leaders—like U.S. President Trump or Egyptian mediators—can influence conflicts in other regions. Finally, reflect on the importance of humanitarian aid during times of war and whether you think military actions should be allowed during a ceasefire if one side violates the terms. Support your response with examples from the article.

2. “NO KINGS” PROTESTS HELD ACROSS THE U.S.

On October 18, 2025, tens of thousands of people across the United States took part in nationwide protests known as “No Kings Day,” organized in opposition to President Trump’s actions during his second term. Demonstrations occurred in over 2,600 locations in all 50 states, from major cities like New York and Chicago to small rural towns. Protesters expressed frustration over a range of issues, including mass immigration raids, deployment of federal troops to cities, budget cuts, government layoffs, attacks on voting rights, the disbanding of D.E.I. programs, and the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Many participants said the president was acting more like a monarch than a democratically elected leader. Despite the serious political message, most rallies were peaceful, energetic, and family-friendly. People carried signs reading “No Kings” and “We the People,” wore costumes, chanted, and waved American flags. The protests were supported by progressive organizations like MoveOn and Indivisible and drew participants of all ages and backgrounds. International solidarity events were also held in cities around the world. President Trump’s administration dismissed the demonstrations, but organizers and attendees believed public protest was essential for defending democracy and civil rights. Write a short opinion essay responding to this question: What does the phrase “No Kings” mean in the context of the protests, and do you agree with the message? In your response, explain why protesters used this slogan, how it connects to concerns about democracy and power, and whether you believe public demonstrations like this can influence change. Use examples from the article to support your ideas.

3. REPORTERS CLASH WITH PENTAGON OVER NEW RULES

In October 2025, dozens of journalists walked out of the Pentagon after refusing to agree to new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The policy would require reporters to get prior approval before publishing any information not authorized by the Defense Department, even if it wasn’t classified. Many news organizations viewed the rules as an attack on press freedom and declined to sign. Journalists packed up their belongings and turned in their badges together in protest. Supporters of the policy, including former President Donald Trump, said the press had become “disruptive” and needed to be controlled. Critics argue that the rules would allow the government to control the narrative and prevent journalists from doing independent reporting. Despite the walkout, many reporters said they will continue covering military issues from outside the Pentagon, relying on sources and investigative work. The standoff highlights an ongoing debate over the balance between national security, government transparency, and freedom of the press. Write an opinion article addressing the question: Should journalists be required to get government approval before reporting on military or national security matters? Take a clear position, support your argument with evidence from the article, and include at least one counterargument with a rebuttal.

4. REDRAWING UNDERWAY

North Carolina’s Republican leaders have announced plans to redraw the state’s U.S. House district map in hopes of gaining another seat for the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The move comes after pressure from former President Donald Trump, who called on Republican-controlled states to take action to increase their party’s power in Congress and counter Democratic redistricting efforts. Currently, Republicans hold 10 of North Carolina’s 14 House seats, but they’re targeting a competitive district held by Democrat Don Davis, who won by just 2 percentage points. If successful, this redrawing could give Republicans an 11-3 advantage. However, critics argue that this is an abuse of political power meant to protect incumbents and rig elections. Some even say it could reduce representation for Black voters. North Carolina’s governor, a Democrat, cannot veto redistricting plans, so the Republican-majority legislature has the final say. Similar redistricting battles are happening in other states like Texas, California, and Missouri, as both parties try to shape voting maps in their favor before the next election. Lawsuits over racial discrimination and unfair practices could delay or block some of these changes. While redistricting is typically done every ten years after a census, there is no law preventing it from happening more often, even for political reasons. Write a short essay explaining how redistricting can impact elections and political power. Use the example of North Carolina’s proposed map changes and discuss how both Republicans and Democrats are trying to use redistricting to their advantage in different states. Then, analyze whether you believe it is fair for politicians to redraw voting maps more frequently than every ten years. Should there be more rules about how and when redistricting happens? Defend your opinion with evidence from the article.

5. BIPARTISAN EFFORT AGAINST ATTACKS ON VENEZUELA

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is trying to block President Trump from launching military attacks in Venezuela without Congress’s approval. Senators Tim Kaine (D), Adam Schiff (D), and Rand Paul (R) introduced a resolution that would require Congress to explicitly authorize any military action “within or against” Venezuela. This comes after Trump ordered covert CIA operations and U.S. military strikes on boats near Venezuela, claiming they were drug trafficking threats. He recently said he is now considering a ground invasion. Critics argue that the president has overstepped his constitutional authority, which gives Congress—not the president—the power to declare war. So far, Congress has not received legal justification or briefings on the strikes, and lawmakers are concerned that the U.S. could be pulled into another war without public debate. While the resolution is unlikely to pass due to Republican resistance, it raises serious questions about executive power, war powers, and America’s role in foreign conflicts. The push for a vote is part of a broader effort to reclaim Congress’s role in military decision-making and avoid unintended escalation in Venezuela. Write a short essay or op-ed in which you explain whether you believe the president should be allowed to authorize military strikes without approval from Congress. Use examples from the article, including the actions taken in Venezuela and arguments made by lawmakers. Then, connect the issue to the Constitution by discussing which branch of government should hold the power to declare war and why. End by explaining how requiring public debate before military action could affect American democracy and foreign policy.