1. ACTIVIST SPARKS FIRINGS

The White House recently fired several officials after President Trump met with far-right activist Laura Loomer. Loomer gave the president a list of people she claimed were disloyal to him, and some of those people were removed from their positions, including four National Security Council staff members. While President Trump said the firings were based on job performance and loyalty, many believe Loomer influenced the decision. Loomer is known for making controversial and sometimes offensive statements online. She has a history of spreading false information and conspiracy theories. The situation has raised concerns about how much influence outside activists have on government decisions and how national security staff are chosen and removed. Write a paragraph explaining why it’s important for national security decisions to be based on experience and facts instead of political loyalty or public pressure. What could be the risks of letting activists influence who gets hired or fired in national security roles? Think about how this might affect the safety and decision-making of the country. Then, share your opinion on how the government should decide who works in these important positions.

2. RELATIONSHIP BAN

The U.S. government has made a new rule for Americans who work for the government in China: they are not allowed to have romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. This rule also applies to their family members and contractors who have security clearances. The rule was put in place by the former U.S. ambassador to China before he left in January, but it hasn’t been announced to the public. In the past, American workers in China had to report these relationships but weren’t banned from them completely. Now, unless someone already had a relationship before the rule started — and gets special permission to keep it — they must end the relationship or leave their job in China. The rule is meant to protect American secrets, because in the past, spies have sometimes tried to get close to government workers through relationships. U.S. officials say China continues to use these methods to gather information, and the rule is meant to keep American workers and information safe. After reading about this new rule for U.S. government workers in China, write a short paragraph explaining why the U.S. might be worried about its workers having personal relationships while working in another country. Do you think the rule is fair? Why or why not? Use examples from the article to support your opinion. Then, think about how the U.S. can protect its secrets without hurting friendships or cultural understanding between countries. Share your thoughts on whether this rule helps or harms international relationships.

3. SCHOOL FUNDING THREATENED

The Trump administration has announced that K–12 schools must promise to follow new rules about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in order to keep getting federal money. A letter from the U.S. Department of Education says schools have 10 days to sign a form saying they do not treat students or staff differently based on race. If they don’t, they could lose important funding, especially Title I money, which helps schools in low-income areas. The government says some DEI programs unfairly favor one group over another, which it claims breaks civil rights laws. Critics argue this move goes against the idea of local control over schools and could hurt students. The American Federation of Teachers, a major teachers’ union, is suing, saying the government shouldn’t be allowed to take money away without a fair process. Some people also say the new rules are confusing, and schools aren’t sure what is allowed and what isn’t. The debate over DEI and fairness in education is becoming a bigger issue across the country. Imagine you are a student at a school that just received this new letter from the federal government. Write a short letter to your school principal explaining how you feel about the rule that could take away money from your school if it uses certain DEI programs. Do you think it’s fair? Why or why not? Be sure to explain how losing funding might affect students, teachers, or programs at your school. Then, share your ideas about how schools can make sure everyone feels included and respected without breaking any laws. Use what you learned in the article to support your points.

4. HEAVY RAINS BRING DANGEROUS FLOODS

Heavy rainstorms are becoming more common because of climate change, and they can be very dangerous. Flooding, falling trees, and power outages are some of the risks. To stay safe, experts say people should prepare ahead of time by checking their home’s safety, clearing gutters, and making sure they have food, water, and medical supplies. If a big storm is coming, it’s important to listen to emergency alerts and evacuate if officials say to. Never drive through flooded roads—they can be much deeper and stronger than they look. During a flood, people should move to the highest safe place in their home unless there’s also a tornado threat, which could make being up high dangerous. Staying informed and being prepared can help keep people safe. Think about your home and school, and make a list of five things you could do to help prepare for a big storm with heavy rain or flooding. Then, write a short paragraph explaining which one you think is the most important and why. After that, create a “storm safety checklist” that could be used by kids your age. Include tips for before, during, and after the storm. Be sure to use clear, simple language that would help someone your age understand what to do in an emergency.

5. PRESIDENT REMOVED

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office by the country’s Constitutional Court after he declared martial law without a real emergency. The court said this violated the constitution and hurt the country. Yoon had sent soldiers to stop lawmakers from voting against his orders, which reminded people of South Korea’s past under military rule. Now, the country will hold a new election, and there’s a lot of disagreement between people who supported Yoon and those who didn’t. Yoon could also face criminal charges because he’s no longer protected by presidential immunity. Write a paragraph explaining why it is important for national leaders to follow constitutional laws. Include a brief explanation of what martial law is and why the court ruled that President Yoon’s use of it was unconstitutional. Use details from the article to support your response. Finally, share your opinion on whether removing Yoon from office was the right decision, and explain your reasoning using evidence from the article. Be thoughtful in your response and focus on the relationship between leadership and the rule of law.