1. ILLEGAL DEPORTATION

A federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to return a man it wrongly deported to El Salvador, despite a court order that had allowed him to stay in the country. The man, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, has a wife and children who are U.S. citizens. His case has become a symbol of the legal and moral challenges tied to the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation tactics. Immigration officials claimed Mr. Abrego Garcia was part of the gang MS-13 but offered little evidence. The judge, Paula Xinis, called the deportation illegal and gave the government until Monday night to bring him back. El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, mocked the situation online, highlighting tensions between the two countries. The case has drawn attention to the use of a rarely invoked wartime law and the broader issue of deporting individuals without due process. Mr. Abrego Garcia’s family and legal team are hopeful his case can set a precedent for others in similar situations. Write a short response exploring why due process is a key part of the U.S. legal system, especially in immigration cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Consider the risks of deporting someone without solid evidence or a fair hearing. Use the judge’s remarks in the case to support your response, and reflect on how the use of outdated or extreme laws—like the Alien Enemies Act—can affect modern legal decisions. Then, explain whether you think the government should be required to return someone it wrongly deported and why. Be sure to back up your opinion with examples from the case or other real-world situations.

2. A.I. FORECAST

A new report called AI 2027 from the AI Futures Project in California predicts that by the end of 2027, artificial intelligence systems may become smarter than humans—and that could be dangerous. The report was created by Daniel Kokotajlo, a former OpenAI researcher, and Eli Lifland, an expert in forecasting future events. They used a combination of research and storytelling to imagine what might happen if A.I. develops rapidly. Their fictional scenario describes a company building smarter and smarter A.I. models that eventually become autonomous and hard to control. Some experts have criticized the report as unrealistic and fear-mongering, while others believe it’s important to take such warnings seriously. The report is part of a broader debate in the tech world: Will A.I. help humanity, or could it pose a serious threat if it develops too quickly and without oversight? After reading about the AI 2027 report, write a short essay discussing whether you think we should be worried about A.I. becoming smarter than humans in the near future. Do you agree with the authors of the report that we need to prepare for possible dangers, or do you think the predictions sound more like science fiction? Use evidence from the article to support your opinion, and explain how you think A.I. could impact our lives—for better or worse—in the next 5 to 10 years. Be sure to consider both the risks and the benefits of fast-moving A.I. technology.

3. RECORD-BREAKING SPEECH

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey made history by delivering the longest speech ever on the U.S. Senate floor—25 hours and 5 minutes straight. He gave the speech to protest President Trump’s policies and upcoming Republican tax cuts. While the speech wasn’t technically a filibuster (since it wasn’t meant to block a vote), it was a symbolic and physically grueling act. Booker fasted beforehand and avoided water to keep from needing a bathroom break, staying on his feet the entire time with support from colleagues. In doing so, he broke the previous Senate speech record held by Strom Thurmond, who had spoken for over 24 hours in 1957 to oppose civil rights legislation. Booker said he was well aware of Thurmond’s segregationist legacy and felt it was time for someone very different to hold the record. He called the speech a way to elevate the voices of everyday Americans affected by the Trump administration. Booker’s effort highlighted both his endurance and the power of public protest in politics. Reflect on the significance of Senator Booker breaking Strom Thurmond’s Senate speech record. Consider the historical contrast between the two senators—Booker, a Black Democrat speaking out against injustice, and Thurmond, who once used his record-setting speech to fight against civil rights. Write a short essay explaining why this moment matters, not just because of its length, but because of what it represents symbolically. Include your thoughts on how protest, symbolism, and endurance play a role in political leadership and whether Booker’s speech could inspire future action or change. Use examples from history or your own observations to support your ideas.

4. CANDIDATE BARRED

Marine Le Pen, the far-right French political leader and a top contender in the 2027 presidential election, has been barred from running for office after a Paris court found her guilty of embezzlement. The court determined that Le Pen played a key role in a scheme that misused millions of euros in European Union funds by paying party staff with money meant for European Parliament aides. As a result, Le Pen received a four-year prison sentence (two suspended), a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from public office. The ruling has triggered political shockwaves in France, especially since Le Pen was leading in early polls. She denies wrongdoing and claims the ruling is a politically motivated attempt to silence her and her supporters. The verdict adds new uncertainty to France’s already unstable political climate and raises questions about the future of the National Rally party she leads. Le Pen plans to appeal, but unless she wins, her presidential hopes are effectively over. Reflect on the balance between law and democracy. In a short essay, consider whether it’s ever acceptable for a democratic country to ban a popular political figure from running for office due to criminal charges.

Do you think the court’s decision was fair, or do you believe it silences the will of the people? Research similar cases from other countries if you’d like, and think about how criminal accountability should work for politicians. Then, consider what this situation might mean for the 2027 election in France. If you were a political strategist, how would you advise Le Pen’s party to move forward without its top candidate?

5. TARIFFS’ GLOBAL IMPACT

President Trump’s new wave of tariffs is having a major global impact, hitting dozens of U.S. trading partners with steep new taxes on their exports. Countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Nicaragua, which heavily depend on selling goods like electronics, clothing, and auto parts to the United States, are among the hardest hit — facing new tariffs as high as 49%. Even close U.S. allies like Japan, South Korea, and members of the European Union weren’t spared, and now face growing economic pressure. China, already locked in a trade battle with the U.S., now faces a combined 54% tariff on most of its exports. The tariffs are designed to protect American industries but have created fear of a global economic slowdown. Experts warn that even countries not hit with the highest rates could suffer due to disrupted supply chains, increased prices, and falling investment. While Canada and Mexico were exempted, the rest of the world is bracing for a turbulent economic future. Choose one country mentioned in the report and research how much of its economy depends on exports to the United States. In a short essay or presentation, explain how the new tariffs might affect that country’s workers, businesses, and relationship with the U.S. Then, consider the bigger picture: Do you think these tariffs will help or hurt the global economy overall? Use information from the article and your own research to support your opinion. Finally, imagine you’re an economic adviser to the president — what alternative strategy would you recommend to protect U.S. industries without risking harm to global trade relationships?