1. U.S. ATTACKS IRAN

President Trump recently ordered a surprise military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities after several days of mixed messages and confusion. At first, Trump acted like he was still deciding whether to join the conflict between Israel and Iran. But in reality, he had already made up his mind and used that time to help the military prepare. To keep Iran off guard, the U.S. even sent decoy planes in a different direction while the real bombers headed toward Iran. The attack involved stealth bombers, submarines, and cruise missiles, all aimed at damaging Iran’s ability to make nuclear weapons. Some people in Trump’s team didn’t want a full war, and they tried to make sure the attack didn’t turn into a longer, more dangerous conflict. In the end, Trump said the mission was a success and that he hoped Iran would give up its nuclear program. But some officials say Iran’s nuclear sites might not be completely destroyed, and it’s unclear if this one strike will actually stop future problems. Write a paragraph explaining how President Trump used misdirection to carry out the military strike on Iran. Then, describe how different people in the government and media influenced his decision, using at least two examples from the article. Finish by explaining whether you think the strike will help prevent more conflict or make things worse, and why.

2. CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS

Scientists are warning that the planet will get hotter if a major clean energy law, the Inflation Reduction Act, is canceled. This law was designed to help reduce pollution and slow down climate change by supporting clean energy like solar and wind power. But now, Republicans in Congress want to remove that support and instead spend money on other things like the military and tax cuts. Experts say this change would lead to more pollution, more dangerous heat, and extreme weather like hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. If the law is repealed, the U.S. will likely release more greenhouse gases into the air, making it harder to protect the planet from climate change. Write a paragraph explaining how the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act could affect the environment and the economy. Use evidence from the article to describe how it might change jobs, energy prices, and the Earth’s temperature. Then, share one thing you think the government or local communities could do to help protect the environment.

3. TECH TROUBLES

European leaders are becoming worried that former President Trump could use America’s powerful tech companies, like Microsoft, to pressure or punish countries—even close allies—if they disagree with U.S. policies. This concern grew after Microsoft blocked the email account of a top official from the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) because of a Trump executive order. The I.C.C. had been investigating Israel, and Trump’s order told U.S. companies to cut off services to the court’s prosecutor. This situation showed how much Europe depends on American technology, especially for important government and legal work. Some European leaders now want to rely more on their own tech companies so they won’t be caught in political conflicts. Countries like Germany and Denmark are already testing other options. European Union leaders are also planning to build more of their own computer systems, so they don’t always have to use American services like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google. This issue is part of a bigger argument between the U.S. and Europe over how to control powerful tech companies. European leaders say they should be able to set their own rules without worrying about U.S. politics interfering. Many now believe it’s time for Europe to become more independent in the digital world. Pretend you are a member of the European Parliament who just learned about Microsoft suspending the prosecutor’s email account. Write a short speech to your fellow lawmakers explaining why this event matters and what actions you think Europe should take to protect its digital independence. Be sure to include details from the article about what happened, why people are concerned, and what steps some countries are already taking.

4. CHURCH AND STATE

Texas has passed a new law that requires every public school classroom in the state to display the Ten Commandments. Governor Greg Abbott signed the law, making Texas the largest state to take this step. The law says schools must post a specific version of the Ten Commandments on a 16-by-20-inch poster or framed copy. Supporters argue that the Ten Commandments are a key part of the country’s history and legal system. However, critics—including some religious leaders—say the law could violate the U.S. Constitution because it may mix religion and government in a way that isn’t fair to students of different beliefs. Other states like Louisiana and Arkansas have tried similar laws, but courts have ruled them unconstitutional. Think about what it means to keep religion and government separate in public spaces like schools. Write a short paragraph explaining whether you agree or disagree with the new Texas law that requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in public school classrooms. Use reasons from the article to support your opinion. For example, you can mention how supporters believe the Ten Commandments are part of U.S. history or how critics think it may be unfair to students with different religious beliefs.

5. BUDGET DEBATE CONTINUES

Republicans in the Senate tried to cut federal food aid as part of a large bill that includes tax cuts and changes to other government programs. But a Senate official, called the parliamentarian, ruled that the cuts to food aid — including to the SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps) — didn’t meet Senate rules. Because of that, those parts must be removed from the bill. Now, Republicans have to find other ways to reduce the bill’s cost. The proposed cuts would have made states pay more for food assistance, saving the federal government money. Some Republican senators were already worried this would hurt their states. Democrats cheered the ruling, saying it protects families who rely on food aid. This is just one of several parts of the bill being reviewed by the parliamentarian, who is also deciding if other controversial ideas — like blocking states from regulating artificial intelligence — can stay in the bill. Write a short paragraph explaining what you think is more important: reducing government spending or making sure programs like food aid are protected. Use facts from the article to support your point of view. Then, suggest one way Congress could balance both goals.