1. UNIVERSITY OVERSIGHT

The Trump administration is considering a legal move that would allow a federal judge to oversee Columbia University’s actions for years to come. This would happen through a consent decree, a formal agreement that becomes legally enforceable once approved by a judge. The idea follows the administration’s decision to cancel $400 million in funding to Columbia, claiming the university failed to stop antisemitic harassment on campus. Negotiations between the school and the White House are ongoing, and a consent decree would require one side to file a lawsuit so a judge could get involved. If approved, it could allow the federal government to influence Columbia’s internal decisions long-term, including how it handles protests, security, and academic programs. This move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to monitor how universities handle antisemitism and may become a model for dealing with other schools. Do you think the federal government should be allowed to oversee how a university runs its campus if there are serious concerns like discrimination or harassment? In a paragraph, explain your opinion. Use the example of Columbia University and the Trump administration’s possible use of a consent decree. Include at least one reason why government oversight could be helpful and one reason it could be a problem. Then share your final opinion: Should the government be allowed to stay involved for years, or should the university fix the issue on its own?

2. THE NATION’S PLAYLIST

The Library of Congress recently added 25 new recordings to the National Recording Registry, which preserves audio works that are considered culturally, historically, or artistically significant. This year’s selections span over a century of sound, from the 1913 Hawaiian recording “Aloha ‘Oe” to the 2015 original Broadway cast album of Hamilton. Other additions include iconic albums by Tracy Chapman, Mary J. Blige, and Elton John, as well as unexpected choices like the Windows 95 startup chime. More than 2,600 public nominations were considered, and officials say the registry reflects the “nation’s playlist” — a sonic record of American life, identity, and innovation. The inclusion of works across different genres and time periods shows how music and sound continue to shape how we remember our past and express who we are. Imagine you were asked to nominate one sound, song, or spoken recording to be added to the National Recording Registry. What would you choose and why? Write a paragraph explaining your choice and how it represents something meaningful about American culture, history, or identity. Consider whether your selection reflects a major cultural moment, a personal or shared memory, or a shift in how we use sound in everyday life. Use specific details to support your reasoning, just like the Library of Congress does when choosing what to preserve.

3. PROTECTIONS ENDING

The Trump administration announced that it will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 10,000 migrants from Afghanistan and Cameroon, starting in May and June. TPS allows people from countries facing war or natural disasters to live and work legally in the U.S. without fear of being deported. Many of the Afghans were admitted after the U.S. military left Afghanistan in 2021 and would now face being returned to a country controlled by the Taliban. Critics argue that ending TPS for these groups is dangerous and inhumane, especially for women and children who face serious threats. The Biden administration had extended these protections, citing ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, but Homeland Security officials under Trump say the countries no longer meet the criteria. Immigration advocates say the move will likely face legal challenges and could overwhelm the already backlogged asylum system. Write a paragraph explaining what Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is and why it is being taken away from people from Afghanistan and Cameroon. Then, describe one possible consequence of this decision for the people affected or for the U.S. immigration system. Do you agree or disagree with the administration’s decision to end TPS for these groups? Use facts from the summary to support your answer and explain your reasoning clearly.

4. TARIFF TUSSLE

The Trump administration has announced that it will exclude smartphones, laptops, and other popular electronics from new tariffs, especially those made in China. This decision affects major tech companies like Apple, Samsung, and Nvidia, and is expected to help keep prices down for consumers. The administration had previously imposed high tariffs on goods from China to encourage companies like Apple to move manufacturing to the U.S., but experts say that goal is unrealistic due to the complexity and cost of building new factories. The tariff rollback comes after a sharp drop in tech stock values, and many believe the exemption will lead to a market rebound. Critics say the decision shows how trade policies can create economic instability, while supporters argue it protects American consumers and the tech industry. Write a paragraph explaining why the Trump administration decided to exempt electronics like smartphones and laptops from the latest round of tariffs. Then, describe one possible consequence this decision could have on the U.S. economy or consumers. Use information from the article to support your answer, and be sure to include your opinion on whether this was the right choice. Should the government protect consumers and businesses from price hikes, or should it push harder to bring tech manufacturing to the U.S.?

5. S.C.O.T.U.S. WEIGHS IN

The Trump administration is facing backlash after it accidentally deported Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a legally residing man from Maryland, to a prison in El Salvador—despite a court order saying he could stay in the U.S. Federal Judge Paula Xinis ordered the government to explain how it planned to bring him back, but the administration refused to provide details, even after the Supreme Court also demanded action. The judge called the administration’s behavior “extremely troubling” and insisted on daily updates. This clash between the White House and the courts highlights a growing tension over immigration enforcement and the limits of executive power. While the government admits it made a mistake, it has so far avoided taking responsibility or meaningful action to correct it, raising legal and ethical concerns about its treatment of immigrants and compliance with court rulings. Write a paragraph explaining why the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is causing conflict between the Trump administration and federal judges. What does this situation show about how power is divided between the executive branch and the courts? In your opinion, should the White House be required to follow the court’s orders more quickly in cases like this? Why or why not? Use examples from the summary to support your opinion.