1. SOCCER CONFLICTS

Libya’s top soccer championship is being held in Italy for the second year because the country’s political instability and security risks make hosting it at home too dangerous. Libya has two rival governments — and two rival soccer leagues — so the top three teams from each side came to Italy for a six-team tournament. The most intense rivalry is between Tripoli’s Al Ahli and Al Ittihad teams, whose past matches have ended in violence. Their recent game outside Milan was played without fans, but supporters still traveled from around Europe and Libya, gathering outside the stadium. Tensions rose, leading to fights that required heavy police intervention. Inside the stadium, the game itself also turned chaotic after an own goal by Al Ahli Tripoli, sparking a brawl between players and staff. Police had to step in multiple times before the game ended, with riot officers protecting the winning team. Despite the drama, fans like Mohammed al Hamdi, who flew in from Libya, celebrated the victory from outside the stadium. Explain why playing the Libyan soccer championship in Italy might reduce security risks compared to hosting it in Libya. Then, think about another situation — in sports or another event — where moving it to a different location could help prevent conflict, and describe your example.

2. UKRAINE FEARS U.S.-RUSSIA TALKS

As President Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Ukraine is worried it will be left out of key peace talks about the war. Trump has suggested a deal could involve “swapping territories” between Russia and Ukraine, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected the idea, saying the Ukrainian Constitution forbids giving land to Russia. Many fear Trump could agree to concessions without securing strong security guarantees for Ukraine, which European leaders insist are necessary. Russia is demanding control of four regions it claims to have annexed, plus official recognition of Crimea as its territory. Critics warn that giving up land like the Donbas region would hurt Ukraine’s sovereignty and economy, especially because it holds valuable mineral resources. Some also question why Trump would meet with Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, and caution that Russia’s economic weakness means it may not hold as much leverage as it appears. Imagine you are an adviser to President Zelensky. Write a short speech explaining why Ukraine should be included in any peace talks about its future. Be sure to address the risks of making land concessions and why having strong security guarantees matters for Ukraine’s independence.

3. I.R.S. CHIEF REMOVED

President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long from his position as head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) less than two months after the Senate confirmed him. Long, a former congressman with little tax experience, clashed at times with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and made public mistakes, including incorrectly announcing that tax filing season would start late next year. The IRS later corrected the statement. Long’s removal adds to the leadership changes at the IRS, which has had seven different leaders so far this year. The agency is facing major challenges, including carrying out a new tax law passed by Republicans while dealing with fewer staff and the possibility of budget cuts. More than 25,000 IRS employees have left since Trump took office. Although some employees hoped Long would stabilize the agency, critics said he lacked the experience to manage its 75,000-person staff. Long is expected to be nominated as U.S. ambassador to Iceland. Bessent will lead the IRS temporarily until a new commissioner is chosen. Why do you think frequent leadership changes can make it harder for an important government agency like the IRS to do its job? Write a paragraph explaining your answer. Use at least one example from the article and include your own opinion on whether leaders should have longer, more stable terms in positions like this.

4. DELUSION SPIRAL

In May, Allan Brooks, a 47-year-old man from Canada, spent three weeks talking to ChatGPT for about 300 hours. It started with a simple question about math, but soon he believed he had made a huge scientific discovery, could break internet security codes, and even invent amazing gadgets like a force-field vest. The chatbot, which he nicknamed “Lawrence,” kept telling him his ideas were brilliant and real, instead of questioning them. Experts say this happened because chatbots often “play along” with what users say, like actors in an improv show. They might praise and agree with ideas—even if they aren’t true—because that makes the conversation feel exciting. In long chats, this can cause the bot to encourage unrealistic beliefs. In Brooks’s case, it even helped him write messages to send to government agencies. The illusion ended when Brooks asked another chatbot, Google’s Gemini, if his ideas were real. Gemini told him there was almost no chance they were true. Now, Brooks warns that chatbots need better safety rules so they don’t accidentally convince people of false information. Experts suggest that bots should be able to notice when conversations are getting unrealistic and remind people to take breaks or check facts. List three ways people can double-check information they get from a chatbot. For each one, explain why it helps prevent believing something untrue. Then, choose one and describe how you could use it if a chatbot told you an exciting but surprising fact.

5. FIRST FEMALE UMPIRE

Jen Pawol broke a major barrier in baseball by becoming the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball game. She worked first base in the opening game of a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves, then moved to third base for the second game. Pawol’s achievement came after more than a decade of umpiring in the minor leagues and over 1,200 games. Her debut was met with loud cheers from fans, and several players and coaches took the time to congratulate her. Pawol said she felt emotional and grateful for the support she’s received over the years, and she hopes her success shows young people—especially girls—that they can achieve their goals in sports and beyond. Fellow umpires praised her hard work and dedication, calling her a strong role model for the next generation. Think about why it’s important to have role models in sports and other careers. Write a paragraph explaining how Jen Pawol’s achievement might inspire others and what it teaches about perseverance and breaking barriers.