1. GREEN CARD RULES AND FREE SPEECH

The U.S. government has introduced new rules that could affect who is allowed to receive a green card, which lets someone live and work in the country permanently. Under the new guidance, immigration officers may look at a person’s political views, including things they say online or protests they attend. For example, criticism of Israel or participation in certain demonstrations could be seen as negative factors when deciding an application. Government officials say the goal is to protect national security and American values, while critics argue the policy could limit free speech and unfairly punish people for their opinions. The changes have also led to fewer green cards being approved in recent months. Imagine you are leading a class discussion about this issue. Write 5–7 sentences explaining two different viewpoints on the policy and one question you would ask your classmates to help them think more deeply about the balance between safety and freedom of expression.

2. CONGRESS WORKS THROUGH THE NIGHT

Members of Congress have been staying up very late, sometimes working through the night to debate and vote on important laws. These overnight sessions, often called “vote-a-ramas,” can last for hours and leave lawmakers exhausted. Leaders sometimes schedule votes late at night to push decisions forward more quickly, but many members say it leads to confusion and poor communication. Important issues like government funding and national security have recently been decided during these late sessions, which some people believe should happen during normal daytime hours so the public can follow along more easily. Create a “decision report card” for Congress working late at night. Choose three categories, such as public transparency, lawmaker focus, fairness to both parties, or the quality of debate. For each category, give late-night voting a grade and explain your reasoning using details from the story. Finish by deciding whether you think major national decisions should usually be made after midnight.

3. MAINE AND DATA CENTERS

The governor of Maine recently rejected a bill that would have paused the building of new data centers, which are large buildings filled with computers that store and process information. Supporters of the bill wanted time to study how these centers might affect the environment and energy use. However, the governor said the bill did not make an exception for a project in a struggling town that needs jobs and economic growth. This decision shows how leaders sometimes have to balance protecting the environment with supporting local communities. Pretend you are advising Maine’s governor before she makes her decision. Write a recommendation that weighs the needs of the town of Jay against the concerns about electricity use, water use, the environment, and future data center rules. Your recommendation should explain whether you would pause all new data centers, allow the Jay project as an exception, or choose another compromise.

4. A GIANT CLIMATE IDEA

Scientists are studying a bold idea to help fight climate change: building a huge dam across the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia. The goal would be to help control ocean currents that play a major role in Earth’s climate. These currents help move warm and cold water around the planet, and changes to them could affect weather in many places. While the idea might help in some situations, experts say it could also cause new problems and would be very difficult to undo once built. Imagine you are part of a science team reviewing this idea. Write 5–7 sentences explaining one possible benefit, one possible risk, and why scientists need to be careful before trying large-scale solutions like this.

5. ATHLETES BECOME CAREGIVERS

Japan is facing a shortage of workers in nursing homes, so some care centers are hiring athletes like bodybuilders, wrestlers, and mixed martial arts fighters to help take care of elderly residents. These workers use their strength to help lift and move patients, but they also provide emotional support and companionship. The program has helped change how people think about caregiving, showing that it can be both physically demanding and deeply caring work. Many residents enjoy the energy and kindness the athletes bring. Write a short profile of one athlete-caregiver in Japan. Show how their athletic training helps them with one physical part of the job and how they also need patience, kindness, and emotional awareness to care for older residents. Include one moment that shows the resident is not just being helped, but is also building a relationship with the caregiver.