1. BLACK MARKET WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

A powerful weight-loss drug called retatrutide is still awaiting F.D.A. approval, but some people are already buying substances labeled as retatrutide through online sellers, encrypted chats, and overseas suppliers. The market reflects huge demand for new obesity and diabetes treatments, but it also exposes serious health risks. Buyers may not know whether the vials contain the real drug, the correct dose, or dangerous contaminants. Supporters of faster access may argue that people with serious health needs should not have to wait, while regulators and doctors warn that bypassing safety checks can cause severe harm. The story highlights a growing tension between medical innovation, consumer demand, online drug markets, and public health oversight. Draft a policy memo advising the F.D.A. on how to respond to the black market for experimental weight-loss drugs. In one paragraph, explain how the agency should balance patient demand, online enforcement, public education, and the need to preserve a careful approval process.

2. A CONTROVERSIAL CANDIDATE IN ARIZONA

JoAnna Mendoza, a retired Marine and Democrat running for a competitive House seat in Arizona, is making her difficult life story central to her campaign. She has spoken publicly about growing up in rural poverty, surviving sexual assault, struggling with alcohol, and rebuilding her life through faith, sobriety, and military service. Her opponent, Republican Representative Juan Ciscomani, also has a personal story rooted in immigration and economic hardship, but Democrats argue Mendoza may connect strongly with a district that includes many Hispanic voters and veterans. The race matters nationally because control of the House could depend on close districts like this one. It also raises questions about how much voters value biography, policy positions, party loyalty, and accessibility in a candidate. Analyze the role of personal narrative in political campaigns. Write a paragraph explaining how Mendoza’s biography could strengthen her appeal, how opponents might try to use parts of it against her, and why voters should still compare candidates’ records and policy positions.

3. DISABILITY RIGHTS GROUPS’ CONCERNS

Disability-rights advocates are criticizing the Trump administration’s decision to shift special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Their concern is not only administrative; they worry the move could frame disabled students mainly as medical cases rather than as students with legal rights to an education. Kennedy’s past comments about autism have deepened distrust among advocates, who argue that students with disabilities need support, inclusion, and high expectations in classrooms. Administration officials say the change will improve coordination and preserve legal protections. The dispute reflects a larger debate over whether dismantling parts of the Education Department will make government more efficient or create confusion for families and schools. The debate over special education often centers on how disability should be understood. Some people emphasize medical services and treatment, while others emphasize civil rights, inclusion, and equal access to education. Write a short analysis (8–10 sentences) comparing these two perspectives. Explain one potential benefit supporters see in moving special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services and one concern raised by disability-rights advocates. Then evaluate which priorities should guide government policy for students with disabilities and justify your reasoning with evidence from the story.

4. U.S.-MEXICO BORDER MISSION

About 9,000 active-duty U.S. troops have been deployed along the southern border for more than a year, even after illegal crossings dropped sharply. Supporters say the mission helps deter smugglers and cartels, tests new surveillance technology, and gives troops real-world experience. Critics question whether immigration-related border patrols are an appropriate use of active-duty forces, especially when the mission costs large sums and may reduce training for other global threats. The operation has also expanded military authority in narrow border zones where migrants can be temporarily detained before Border Patrol arrives. The debate centers on security, readiness, civil authority, cost, and the proper role of the military inside the United States. Write a national-security assessment of the border deployment. Evaluate one argument for continuing the mission, one argument for limiting it, and one unanswered question Congress should investigate before funding is extended.

5. BLOCKBUSTER PROFITS

The low-budget horror film Obsession has become a major hit, earning more than $300 million worldwide after being made for about $750,000. Its success sparked debate after art director Sally Choi said she earned less than $7,000 after taxes for weeks of demanding work and was living paycheck to paycheck. Some people argue that investors and producers deserve the biggest rewards because they take the financial risk. Others say crew members also take risks when they accept low pay to help independent films get made. The controversy points to a larger question in entertainment: whether workers below the line should receive profit-sharing when small projects become huge successes. Design a fair-pay model for low-budget films. In a paragraph, propose how wages, union protections, and possible profit-sharing could work if a movie becomes unexpectedly profitable, while still allowing independent filmmakers to make risky creative projects.