1. PROTESTS IN L.A.

President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration-related protests, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The move bypasses normal protocol by placing the Guard under federal control, not state leadership. Trump used a law that allows federalization of the National Guard in emergencies but did not invoke the Insurrection Act, which is more commonly used to justify military involvement in domestic law enforcement. The Guard’s role is supposed to be limited to protecting federal agents, not engaging in policing. Critics argue this deployment could escalate tensions and raise legal questions about presidential power. Trump has hinted at broader military use to control unrest, continuing a pattern seen during past protests. Legal experts and California officials have expressed concern that this action may lead to more aggressive and potentially unconstitutional military involvement on U.S. soil. Write a short response explaining why the president’s decision to deploy the National Guard without a governor’s approval is controversial. Then, describe how this situation compares to past uses of the military during U.S. protests or emergencies, such as in the 1960s Civil Rights era or the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Use examples from the article to support your answer.

2. AID BOAT DIVERTED

Israel has announced it will stop an aid boat headed to Gaza, which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others. The group, sailing from Sicily aboard a ship called the Madleen, is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Their goal is to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where civilians are facing severe shortages after months of war. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused the activists of supporting Hamas and warned they would not be allowed to reach Gaza. The ship’s crew reported that their communications were being jammed as they approached the region. Israel and Egypt have enforced a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took power in 2007. The war, which began after Hamas attacked Israel in 2023, has led to tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. International aid groups have warned of famine if the blockade continues. Write a short response explaining why Israel is blocking the aid boat from reaching Gaza and what the activists hope to accomplish. Then, describe how this situation reflects larger tensions between humanitarian aid efforts and national security concerns in conflict zones. Use details from the article to support your explanation.

3. AT ODDS WITH THE I.C.C.

On June 5, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions were in response to the judges’ roles in investigations into U.S. military actions in Afghanistan and arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United States and Israel are not members of the ICC and have a history of opposing its authority. The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets the judges may have and bar Americans from doing business with them. Critics, including the ICC itself, say these sanctions threaten the court’s ability to hold people accountable for war crimes and undermine justice for victims of global conflicts. The ICC cannot enforce its rulings on its own and relies on its 125 member countries to arrest those accused of serious international crimes. Write a short response explaining why the United States and other countries might choose not to join the International Criminal Court. Then, consider both sides of the debate: why some people support the court’s efforts to prosecute war crimes and why others believe it threatens national sovereignty. Use information from the article to support your ideas.

4. TRUMP AND MUSK’S PUBLIC FEUD

A major public fight has erupted between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. The feud began when Musk harshly criticized a new Republican spending bill that Trump strongly supports, especially because it removed a tax credit for electric vehicles—something Musk’s company, Tesla, depends on. Trump hit back by threatening to cut off government contracts with Musk’s companies and accusing him of being ungrateful. Musk responded by posting online attacks, including calls for Trump’s impeachment and references to Trump’s past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. This marks a huge shift in their relationship, as Musk was once a top Trump supporter and adviser. Their argument highlights growing political tension at the highest levels of business and government. Write a short analysis of how political disagreements between powerful leaders, like President Trump and Elon Musk, can affect the public’s trust in government and business. Use examples from the article to support your explanation, and include your opinion on whether public feuds like this are harmful or helpful to democracy.

5. TRUMP ORDERS INVESTIGATION

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing an official investigation into former President Joe Biden and his staff. Trump claims that some of Biden’s actions while in office may have been illegal because they were supposedly carried out without Biden’s direct knowledge or approval. The investigation follows conspiracy theories—some pushed by Trump supporters—that question Biden’s mental capacity and even suggest he was replaced by a robotic clone. Trump denied believing those specific claims but still ordered a probe into whether the use of tools like an “autopen” (a device that signs documents for the president) could make Biden’s decisions invalid. Legal experts have already said the autopen is a legitimate tool presidents can use. Many see this investigation as part of Trump’s broader efforts to attack and discredit his political opponents. Write a short response analyzing why a sitting president might order an investigation into a former president. Discuss what impact this could have on public trust in government, and explain whether you believe this is a legitimate use of presidential power or a political tactic. Use evidence from the article to support your opinion.