1. REPORTERS WALK OUT OF PENTAGON

On October 15, 2025, dozens of reporters packed up their desks and walked out of the Pentagon — the headquarters of the U.S. military — because they didn’t agree with new rules about how they could do their jobs. The new rules came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and were supported by President Trump. These rules would make it harder for journalists to report on important issues without government approval. Under the new policy, journalists could be kicked out for reporting anything the government didn’t officially release — even if it wasn’t secret information. News outlets across the political spectrum, including The New York Times, Fox News, and NPR, refused to agree to the rules and chose to leave instead. Some journalists had been working at the Pentagon for years, and leaving was emotional. Many said it was important to stick together to protect the freedom of the press. Reporters like Nancy Youssef and Heather Mongilio said they will continue covering military news, even if it’s from outside the Pentagon. Critics of the rules say they are meant to control the story instead of allowing reporters to ask hard questions or dig deeper. Supporters say the rules help keep peace and protect important information. Still, many journalists believe that these changes are harmful because the press plays a key role in informing the public. With a partner or small group, pretend you are at a Pentagon press conference. One person will act as a government official, like the Defense Secretary, and the others will be reporters. The reporters should each write 2–3 questions to ask about the new rules for journalists. The government official should prepare answers that explain or defend the rules mentioned in the article. Take turns acting out your press conference, with reporters asking questions and the official answering them. After the role-play, each student should write a short paragraph (about 5–6 sentences) explaining what they learned about the relationship between journalists and the government.

2. MILLIONS TURN OUT FOR “NO KINGS” PROTESTS

On Saturday, people across the United States came together for “No Kings” rallies to protest actions taken by President Trump during his second term. Demonstrators gathered in both big cities and small towns, carrying signs, chanting, and wearing costumes. Many were upset about things like immigration raids, government layoffs, changes to voting rights, and a bill called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The protests were mostly peaceful and had a fun, family-friendly feeling, with people of all ages taking part. The protests were meant to send a strong message that America should not have leaders who act like kings. In cities like Chicago and New York, tens of thousands joined the marches. Some carried signs that said, “No Kings” or “We the People.” There were even similar protests in other countries to show support. While President Trump’s team didn’t seem concerned, many Americans said it was important to stand up and speak out. They believed protesting was one way to make their voices heard. Write a short letter (5–7 sentences) to a friend explaining what the “No Kings” rallies were about and why people joined them. Then, include your own opinion: Do you think protests are a good way for people to express their views? Why or why not? Be sure to give at least one reason to support your opinion.

3. SANTOS’ SENTENCE COMMUTED

George Santos, a former member of Congress from New York, went to prison after pleading guilty to serious crimes like stealing money and lying. He was supposed to serve over seven years, but after spending just under three months in prison, President Trump decided to let him out early. This decision is called a “commutation,” which means the person is still guilty, but they don’t have to serve the full sentence. Santos had been asking for help for months—writing letters, posting online, and getting support from his friends in politics. He even wrote articles from prison asking to be released. Eventually, his loyalty to President Trump and help from politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene convinced the president to free him. After being released, Santos said he wants to change and help fix the prison system. He also quickly returned to social media and started making videos again. Imagine you are a journalist writing a short editorial. In 6–8 sentences, explain whether you think it was fair for George Santos to be released early. Use information from the article to support your opinion, and explain what message you think it sends to other people about crime, punishment, and second chances.

4. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FORGES AHEAD ON FOSSIL FUELS

The U.S. government is currently shut down, which means more than 700,000 federal workers are not being paid. However, some government employees are still working — especially those helping oil, gas, coal, and mining companies. These workers are giving out permits to drill, mine, and pollute, even though other departments have stopped working. President Trump’s team says this is important to keep the country’s energy supply strong. But environmental groups say it’s unfair that fossil fuel projects are allowed to keep going while clean energy projects like wind and solar are being paused. They believe the government is helping big companies more than regular people or the environment. Some experts also say there’s no real “energy emergency” like the president claims, and that the country already has plenty of oil and gas. In 5–7 sentences, explain whether you think it’s fair for fossil fuel projects to continue during a government shutdown while clean energy projects are stopped. Use one or two examples from the article to support your opinion. Then, share one thing you think the government should focus on to help both people and the planet.

5. “OBAMALISK” UNDER WAY

The Obama Presidential Center is being built in Chicago’s Jackson Park and will be the most expensive presidential center in U.S. history. The main building is tall and shaped like a chunky obelisk, which some people are calling the “Obamalisk.” Former President Barack Obama says the center is not just a museum—it’s a place meant to bring people together, support the local community, and inspire young people. The center will include parks, a library, classrooms, a basketball court, and even gardens. Only the museum part will charge admission. Obama hopes it will be a space where people feel connected and can learn, play, and grow. But not everyone is happy. Some people worry the center is changing the neighborhood too much, raising rents, and pushing out longtime residents. Others are excited about the jobs, tourism, and pride it may bring to the South Side. Obama believes it will help the area more than hurt it, especially for the younger generation. In 6–8 sentences, describe what you think makes the Obama Presidential Center different from other museums or historical buildings. Then explain whether you think it will help or hurt the South Side of Chicago, using one or two examples from the article. Finally, describe a feature you would add to a community center if you could build one in your own neighborhood.