1. HARVARD FIGHT CONTINUES

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that would have prevented international students from attending Harvard University. The Department of Homeland Security had moved to revoke Harvard’s certification to host international students, arguing the university had failed to meet certain demands, including turning over detailed records of student protests. Harvard responded by suing the administration, calling the move retaliation and a violation of the university’s rights. In issuing a temporary restraining order, the judge agreed that the action could cause “immediate and irreparable injury” to Harvard and its students. The case has drawn national attention, as it threatens to disrupt the education and legal status of thousands of international students. A full court hearing is scheduled for May 29. The dispute is part of a larger conflict between the Trump administration and elite universities over academic freedom, immigration, and political ideology. Write a short response discussing the role of international students in American universities. How do you think blocking international students from attending schools like Harvard might affect those institutions — academically, socially, and financially? Do you believe the federal government should have the power to restrict who universities can enroll? Why or why not? Use details from your newspaper or outside research to support your response.

2. CONCERN OVER MEDIA MATTERS

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an investigation into Media Matters, a liberal watchdog group, to see if it illegally worked with advertisers to hurt Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. This comes after Media Matters published research showing that ads on X appeared next to hateful content. Musk, who owns X and supports President Trump, previously sued the group, claiming it tried to damage his company’s business relationships. The FTC is now demanding financial records and documents from Media Matters, including its communications with advertisers and other watchdog groups. This investigation is part of a broader pattern under the Trump administration, where critics say the government is targeting organizations connected to the political left. President Trump has already ordered probes into other Democratic-linked groups like ActBlue and has tried to limit access for law firms that oppose him. Media Matters says this is a political move to intimidate them. The group has a long history of criticizing conservative media and has raised millions to support Democratic causes. Meanwhile, Musk has filed lawsuits against various groups and companies that he believes are trying to organize boycotts of X. The conflict highlights tensions over freedom of speech, the power of media watchdogs, and the growing influence of billionaires in politics. Write a one-paragraph response to this question: Do you think it’s fair for the government to investigate watchdog groups like Media Matters? Why or why not? In your response, use examples from the article to support your opinion. Then, discuss how this situation relates to freedom of speech and the role of media in a democracy.

3. ISRAEL TAKES OVER AID IN GAZA

A new humanitarian aid plan for Gaza is stirring controversy. Israel is replacing the United Nations and experienced aid groups with newly created private organizations run by foreign contractors. Though presented as a neutral, American-led effort, the plan was actually developed by Israeli officials and businesspeople as a strategy to weaken Hamas’s control over Gaza by taking over food distribution. The goal is to limit Hamas’s access to aid and bypass the U.N., which Israel distrusts. Critics, including U.N. officials, say the plan could worsen the humanitarian crisis by restricting where food can be accessed, possibly displacing civilians and forcing them to travel through military zones to get help. The project will be secured by Safe Reach Solutions, led by a former CIA officer, and financed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The plan is already in motion but faces questions about transparency, safety, and who’s really behind it. Write a short response analyzing the pros and cons of replacing international aid organizations like the U.N. with private contractors for distributing food in conflict zones like Gaza. What benefits might a privately run aid program offer? What risks or ethical concerns could it raise? Do you believe it’s possible for this kind of program to stay neutral in a war zone? Use examples from your newspaper or online research to support your opinion.

4. FLORIDA LAWMAKERS STAND WITH VENEZUELANS

A small group of Republican lawmakers from Florida is breaking with President Trump over his decision to end deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants. These lawmakers — María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Gimenez, and Mario Díaz-Balart — have personal ties to immigration, as their families fled Cuba after Fidel Castro took power. They are urging the Trump administration to reconsider removing protections under the Temporary Protected Status (T.P.S.) program, arguing that it is unsafe to send people back to Venezuela, a country facing economic collapse, political repression, and human rights abuses under President Nicolás Maduro. While the Supreme Court upheld the decision to cancel T.P.S., Salazar has introduced bills to protect Venezuelans and provide a path to permanent residency. Her colleagues have pushed for more careful, case-by-case reviews instead of mass deportations, highlighting a rare moment of Republican dissent from Trump’s strict immigration stance. Write a short response discussing whether you believe immigrants from unstable or dangerous countries like Venezuela should be allowed to stay in the United States under special protections like T.P.S. Use evidence from your newspaper or other research to support your opinion, such as the political conditions in Venezuela or the arguments made by lawmakers. Then, break into small groups to share your responses and compare viewpoints. As a group, create a pros-and-cons list about allowing long-term deportation protections for migrants and present your list to the class. This activity will help you think critically about immigration policy, political decision-making, and human rights.

5. HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER SHINES

A group of teenagers in Montauk, New York, has launched The Ditch Weekly, a print newspaper written and edited entirely by students aged 13 to 17. Founded by Billy Stern, Teddy Rattray, and Ellis Rattray when they were in eighth grade, the paper covers life in the Hamptons from the perspective of local teens. Instead of focusing on celebrity culture, The Ditch Weekly highlights everyday stories about their community—like pancake house reviews, surf shop interviews, and off-season business struggles. With growing staff and circulation, the teen journalists handle every aspect of production, from ad sales and writing to layout and distribution. Despite the challenges of balancing school, summer jobs, and deadlines, they’re committed to showcasing real journalism for and by young people. Their success shows that print media still has a place, especially when powered by passion, curiosity, and community connection. Write a short response exploring the impact of student-led journalism like The Ditch Weekly. What skills do you think these teens are learning through their work on the paper? How might this kind of experience influence their futures, personally or professionally? Reflect on whether you’d be interested in working on a student newspaper yourself and what kinds of stories you think are worth covering in your own community. Consider the role youth media can play in telling stories that adults might overlook.