1. U.S. ON THE OFFENSIVE

In June 2025, President Trump ordered a major military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities following Israel’s initial attacks. Although Trump publicly claimed he was still deciding whether to act, he had already approved the mission behind the scenes. The operation involved elaborate deception, including false public statements and decoy bombers sent west to confuse Iran while the actual strike force approached from the east. The U.S. military used stealth bombers, cruise missiles, and fighter jets to target nuclear sites like Fordo and Natanz. While Trump and his administration celebrated the mission as a success, some officials warned that Iran’s nuclear capabilities might not be fully destroyed. The strike also reignited concerns about the potential for escalation and whether Trump’s actions signal a shift toward long-term involvement in the region or even regime change. Write a short essay analyzing how political strategy and military deception were used in President Trump’s decision to strike Iran. Use at least two specific examples from the article that show how public messaging differed from the actual military plan. Then, evaluate the potential consequences of this approach—both in terms of international relations and domestic politics. Do you think this strategy helped or hurt U.S. credibility? Explain your reasoning.

A student at the University of Florida’s law school, Preston Damsky, wrote a class paper arguing that the U.S. Constitution only applies to white people. Despite its racist content, the paper won an academic award from a federal judge teaching the course. This sparked controversy and concern among students and faculty, especially after Damsky later posted hateful messages online, including calls for violence against Jewish people. The university suspended him and is reviewing whether to expel him. Some argue that his free speech should be protected, while others say promoting hate should not be rewarded. The situation has raised important questions about free speech, racism, and how schools should respond when extremist views enter academic spaces. Write a one-page opinion piece explaining whether you believe schools should give academic awards to students who write controversial or offensive essays if they follow the assignment instructions. Support your argument with examples, and explain how you think schools should balance free speech and student safety.

3. INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES AFFECTED BY U.S. TRAVEL BANS

The U.S. denied visas to several members of Senegal’s women’s national basketball team, along with staff and government officials, forcing the team to cancel a training camp that was scheduled to take place in the U.S. The camp was meant to prepare the team for the upcoming Women’s AfroBasket tournament, which they have historically dominated. This decision comes after the Trump administration introduced a new travel ban affecting 12 countries and considered expanding it to more, possibly including Senegal. While the ban includes exceptions for large sports events like the Olympics or World Cup, it’s unclear if this training camp qualified. In response, Senegal’s Prime Minister canceled the trip and thanked China for stepping up with support for Senegalese athletes. The situation has raised concerns about the U.S.’s relationship with African nations and how new travel policies may affect international sports. Imagine you are a sports journalist covering international basketball. Write a short news article on the U.S. visa denial that led Senegal’s women’s national basketball team to cancel their training camp. Be sure to include key facts: when the camp was supposed to happen, who was denied entry, what event the team was preparing for, and how Senegal’s government responded. End your article with a quote (realistic but fictional) from either a player, coach, or official reacting to the situation.

4. DODGERS STEP UP FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking action to support immigrant families affected by recent immigration raids ordered by President Trump. After denying federal agents access to their stadium’s parking lots, the team announced a $1 million donation to help families with food, essentials, and mental health services. Community leaders and activists had urged the Dodgers to speak out and support those impacted by the raids. Many praised the team for taking a stand, while some criticized them for not doing enough earlier. Players, fans, and organizations like PICO California have emphasized the importance of protecting immigrant families, saying the Dodgers have a responsibility as a major part of the Los Angeles community. This moment is being seen as a test of the team’s values and its connection to a diverse city. Write a paragraph explaining why the Dodgers’ response to the immigration raids matters to people in Los Angeles. Include details from the article about what the team did, how the community reacted, and what people are asking the team to stand for. Then, reflect on whether you think sports teams should get involved in social or political issues and explain your reasoning.

5. WHAT’S LEFT OF U.S.A.I.D.?

In 2025, the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) faced massive cuts under President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and others. Nearly 90% of its global aid programs were terminated, including efforts to provide emergency food, fight diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, and support disaster relief. Although some programs were quietly reinstated due to political pressure and public outcry, the aid landscape now looks drastically different, with fewer than 900 programs remaining. Many programs that were kept are large and expensive, while smaller, often life-saving ones were cut. The process was disorganized and driven by politics rather than effectiveness or cost. Aid workers and global leaders warn that the cuts have weakened America’s global influence and could lead to serious humanitarian consequences. Write a short response explaining what happened to U.S.A.I.D. and why so many of its programs were cut. Then, choose one example from the article—like the HIV/AIDS program in Rwanda or the World Food Program in Kenya—and explain how losing or keeping that program might affect people in that region. Finally, share your opinion: Do you think the U.S. should continue to fund foreign aid programs? Why or why not?