1. JUDGE ARRESTED FOR SHIELDING IMMIGRANT

Federal agents arrested Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, accusing her of obstructing immigration enforcement by helping an undocumented immigrant leave her courtroom through a nonpublic exit to avoid arrest. According to the F.B.I., Judge Dugan directed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who faced domestic violence charges, out a side door even after being informed of an immigration warrant. She now faces charges of obstructing a federal proceeding and concealing an individual from federal agents. Her defense team says she will fight the charges and maintains she acted according to the principles of due process. The Trump administration has been pressuring local authorities to cooperate more fully with immigration enforcement, and the arrest reflects growing tensions between federal agents and local judges. Critics argue that the arrest threatens judicial independence, while supporters say no one should be above the law. Write a short essay (about 10–12 sentences) comparing the case of Judge Hannah Dugan to the earlier Massachusetts case involving Judge Shelley Joseph. Using research online or in your newspaper, explain what both judges were accused of doing, how their actions involved immigration agents, and how the government responded in each situation. Be sure to mention how the outcomes of the cases were different so far.

2. HEALTHY BRAINS NEED QUALITY SLEEP

Research shows that not just the amount of sleep, but the quality of sleep — especially deep sleep and REM sleep — plays a major role in brain health. During deep sleep, the brain clears out harmful waste and regulates important processes, while REM sleep helps store memories and manage emotions. Poor sleep in early adulthood has been linked to higher risks of cognitive decline and dementia decades later. Although it’s hard to change individual sleep stages, improving overall sleep hygiene — like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, exercising, learning new skills, and managing stress — can support better deep and REM sleep, protecting long-term brain function. Create an informational flyer or social media post aimed at teenagers explaining why deep sleep and REM sleep are important for brain health. Include at least three quick tips for improving sleep quality based on the article. Make sure your design is clear, persuasive, and easy for other teens to understand.

3. JOURNALS ACCUSED OF BIAS

The New England Journal of Medicine and other top medical journals have received letters from a federal prosecutor, Edward Martin Jr., questioning whether they are biased and influenced by outside groups. The letters, described as “vaguely threatening,” suggest that the journals might be unfairly rejecting scientific papers that go against the government’s views. Experts say this raises serious First Amendment concerns because medical journals, like newspapers, have strong protections for free speech. Critics argue the letters are an attempt to pressure journals into publishing low-quality or politically motivated research. Meanwhile, officials in the Trump administration, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have accused some journals of spreading misinformation. Journal editors say they are committed to publishing reliable science, and some, like The Lancet, have strongly defended the right of journals to stay independent. First, write a paragraph explaining how the First Amendment protects scientific journals like The New England Journal of Medicine from government pressure. Use details from this story and research online or in your newspaper to support your explanation. Then, brainstorm three possible risks that could happen if political leaders were allowed to control what scientific journals publish. Write your own ideas of how scientific journals and/or the government could address these risks.

4. CHILD DEPORATION SCANDAL

A federal judge in Louisiana raised serious concerns that the Trump administration illegally deported a 2-year-old U.S. citizen, identified as V.M.L., to Honduras along with her mother. The child’s father had filed an emergency petition asking the court to stop the deportation, but officials proceeded anyway. The judge, Terry A. Doughty, said it seemed the child was deported “with no meaningful process,” which would be unconstitutional. Although the government argued that the mother wanted her daughter to come with her, the court said it was not clear if that was true. The case adds to growing legal challenges against the administration’s aggressive immigration policies. A hearing is set for May 16 to further investigate what happened and whether the child’s rights were violated. Read versions of this story from at least 3 different sources. Then, using the information you’ve learned from each, write your own article that explains what happened when the 2-year-old U.S. citizen, V.M.L., was deported. In your report, describe why the judge is concerned, what the child’s father tried to do, how immigration officials explained their actions, and what the judge plans to do next.

5. KENNEDY CENTER CANCELS PRIDE WEEK

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. canceled its “Tapestry of Pride” events, which were supposed to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights during this summer’s World Pride festival. Organizers said the events were canceled after major leadership changes at the Kennedy Center, when President Trump replaced much of its board with loyalists and was made chairman. Artists and groups like the Capital Pride Alliance were disappointed, saying the cancellations show a shift in priorities. Some events, like concerts and drag story times, have been moved to other venues. Many in the LGBTQ+ community say they no longer see the Kennedy Center as a safe or welcoming place unless leadership clearly supports inclusivity. Write a short reflection answering this question: Why do you think public cultural spaces like museums and performance centers are important for minority communities, and what could be the consequences when those spaces no longer feel welcoming? Use examples from the story or research online or in your newspaper to support your answers.