1. MASCOT CHALLENGED

The Trump administration has launched a civil rights investigation into whether New York State can withhold funding from Massapequa High School because the school refused to change its Native American mascot, the “Chiefs.” A state rule requires all schools to eliminate mascots that use Native American imagery, but Massapequa and some other districts have resisted. President Trump publicly supported Massapequa’s fight to keep the mascot, saying removing it would erase history. The Department of Education claims New York’s actions may violate civil rights, while New York officials argue the federal government is interfering unfairly. The case is part of a larger national debate over diversity, equity, inclusion, and the use of Native American symbols. Imagine you are a reporter writing a short news article about the Massapequa mascot controversy. In 5–7 sentences, explain what happened, who is involved, and why it matters, using a neutral and factual tone. Make sure your article includes: (1) the main issue, (2) key people or groups, and (3) why it is important to the community. After you finish, reread your article and underline any parts that sound like opinions instead of facts, and revise them to stay neutral.

2. SLEEP STUDIES

Getting enough sleep is really important for keeping your brain healthy. Scientists say two types of sleep — deep sleep and REM sleep (the part where you dream) — are especially important. During deep sleep, your brain “cleans” itself by clearing out waste. During REM sleep, it processes your memories and emotions. If you don’t get good sleep, it can raise your risk of diseases like dementia later in life. Experts recommend getting about seven hours of sleep a night, keeping a regular sleep schedule, learning new things during the day, exercising, and managing stress to help your brain rest and stay strong. Make a “Healthy Sleep Plan” for yourself. Write down 3 things you can do each day to help your brain get the best deep sleep and REM sleep — like setting a regular bedtime, learning something new, or doing a fun exercise. Explain why each step is helpful.

3. SURPRISE SHOW SHUT DOWN

Singer Lorde invited fans to a surprise concert in New York City’s Washington Square Park to celebrate her new song, but there was a big problem: she didn’t have a permit. Hundreds of fans showed up early, creating a lively scene, but the police and Parks Department shut the event down before it could begin. Even after Lorde announced on social media that the concert was canceled, many fans stayed to hang out, dance, and hope she would still appear. Later, Lorde surprised everyone by returning and dancing to her new song, turning the night into an unexpected party. This event reminded people of other unpermitted gatherings that turned chaotic, but in Lorde’s case, things stayed mostly peaceful. Think about why the city might not allow a surprise concert like the one Lorde planned. Write a short paragraph (5–7 sentences) explaining at least two reasons why city officials, the police, or the parks department might need events like concerts to have a permit ahead of time. Think about problems that could happen with crowds, safety, traffic, or noise. End your paragraph by answering this question: Do you think Lorde should have handled the concert differently? Why or why not?

4. SECURITY CHIEF’S PURSE STOLEN

Kristi Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, had her purse stolen while eating at a restaurant in Washington, D.C., even though her security team was nearby. The thief took important items, including Noem’s government badge, passport, apartment keys, and $3,000 in cash. Many people were surprised that someone with such an important job could be robbed so easily. Some questioned why she was carrying so much cash, and how her security missed the theft. The Secret Service is investigating, and the situation has raised concerns about how public officials protect themselves in everyday places. Even though the event was embarrassing, experts say it’s not unusual for officials to want privacy when spending time with family, making it harder for security to watch everything. Write a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) from the perspective of one of the people at Capital Burger when the theft happened — you can choose to be a diner, a security agent, or even the thief. Describe what you saw or experienced using details from the article. After writing, share your paragraph with a partner or the class and discuss how different points of view can change the way a story is told.

5. STUDENT VISA REVERSAL

The Trump administration announced that it would temporarily restore the legal status of thousands of international students studying in the United States. Recently, immigration officials had begun canceling student visas without clear explanations, causing a lot of confusion and fear. Some students even left the country to avoid deportation. Now, the government says students’ records will be put back into the system — but they warned that students could still lose their visas later. Many students have filed lawsuits to fight the cancellations, and some judges have blocked the government’s actions. Even though the records are being restored for now, new legal battles may happen if the government tries to cancel visas again in the future. Imagine you are an international student whose visa was suddenly canceled without a clear reason. Write a letter (about 8–10 sentences) to a government official explaining how losing your legal status would affect your life, your education, and your future plans. Be sure to explain why students deserve fair treatment and clear communication about their rights. At the end of your letter, suggest one or two ideas for how the government could better handle situations like this.