These articles have been analyzed by experienced, national-circuit Extempers to allow our Extemp audience a glimpse into how we might answer questions about these topics. Each analysis includes an Extemp question over the article’s topic and a mock Extemp flow answering the question with three points. You can find our full list of Extemp questions, released weekly, here.
-
How Henry Nowak’s Murder Tore Britain Apart
Just last Monday, six months after eighteen-year-old Henry Nowak’s passing, Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum requirement of 21 years served. This sentencing has brought renewed attention to Nowak’s murder in Britain.
-
Japan’s Pacifist Protests Clash With Takaichi’s Military Agenda
A pacifist sentiment has been intensifying across Japan, with thousands of protestors holding posters with the words “No War” on them. Demonstrations have extended far beyond Tokyo, reaching Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and other major cities as public participation continues to…
-
EU Migration Pact to be Enforced
Learn about the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. It will be enforced on June 12, 2026, after a two year long implementation period. The pact is a set of ten interrelated EU laws which span the whole range…
-
Colombia’s Runoff Becomes a Fight Over Fear and the Future
Colombia’s heated presidential election headed to a runoff on Sunday, preliminary official results displayed. On June 21, Right-wing lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella will face left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda.
-
Ebola Spreads Faster Than The Congo Can Respond
The Ebola outbreak has deeply impacted the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Bundibugyo strain, a fatal virus with no approved treatment, continues to rapidly spread.
-
Electricity Costs Continue to Rise for U.S. Consumers, Here’s Why
As electricity costs increase and American households struggle to keep up, policymakers have explored multiple reforms to address global conflicts, local policies, and the structure of energy corporations.
-
Russia Begins New Wave of Attacks with Fatal Strikes on Ukrainian Cities
The Russo-Ukrainian War has driven global tensions and created a humanitarian crisis. Russia now occupies 20% of Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin has escalated the war by launching one of his most dangerous offenses yet.
-
Iran Deal Nears as Global Stakes Rise
Negotiations between the United States and Iran appear closer to a breakthrough than at any point since the war began. Officials from Washington and Tehran have both signaled progress while warning that diplomacy remains fragile.
-
Trump’s Summer Surge: National Guard to Bolster D.C. Presence
The President has ordered troops to major cities around the nation in his attempt to “crack down on crime.” One of the cities that has received the most attention in this regard is the President’s own backyard: Washington, D.C.
-
Why Did the UAE Leave OPEC?
On April 28, the UAE announced that it would be leaving OPEC after 59 years in the group. OPEC will be left weakened, losing 15% of its oil exporting capacity and the world’s 8th largest oil producer.
-
Japan Alters Its Arms Export Rules
Japan scrapped decades of pacifist restrictions on April 21, allowing it to export lethal weapons for the first time since World War II. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approved new guidelines that scrap the five-category restriction limiting exports.
-
Supreme Court Weakens Voting Rights Act in Landmark Decision
The Court struck down Louisiana’s Congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The case concerned Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a monumental piece of legislation signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.
-
Iran’s Foreign Minister Lands in Russia
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, landed in St. Petersburg, Russia, on April 27 for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes after US-Iran ceasefire talks have stalled dramatically, with less and less progress coming by the day.
-
Virginia’s Redistricting Vote and What It Means for the 2026 Midterms
In a special election, the people of Virginia very narrowly voted to approve a measure that will amend the state’s constitution to allow for Congressional redistricting. This is likely to give Democrats four new representatives in Congress.
-
Appeals Courts and Asylum Rights: A Thorn in Trump’s Immigration Agenda
A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that immigration laws give people the right to apply for asylum at the border. The president cannot circumvent that.
-
I’m Dan Osborn: The Race to Win Nebraska
The emergence of industrial mechanic and independent candidate Dan Osborn in 2024 sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Characterized by his populist message and unpolished delivery, Osborn didn’t fit any party-political box.
-
The Sahel Conflict Where Everyone is in the Wrong
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been in a devastating war with Islamist insurgents. Currently, two groups drive a majority of the violence, one being an al-Qaeda affiliate.
-
A Fractured Future: California’s Governor’s Race
For months, Democrats in California fretted about the possibility of a two-Republican governor’s runoff; just one look at the recent Governor’s debate stage explains why. In a crowded field of nearly a dozen candidates, nearly all were Democrats.
-
Israel’s Controversial New Death Penalty Policy
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed a bill in a 62-47 decision that made the death penalty the default for Palestinian attacks on Israel and Israeli citizens. Now, many human rights groups are speaking out against its discriminatory nature.
-
The Iran War’s Effect on Bonds
President Trump assured the public that the war would only last “4 to 6 weeks.” It has now been 5, and the markets are reacting. After the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has responded fiercely.
-
A Look at President Trump’s War Rhetoric
Democratic politicians and experts on presidential communications warn that President Trump’s recent threats against Iran are a dangerous escalation of rhetoric that could undermine global American credibility and domestic support for the war.
