👑 PAGEANT CURRENT EVENTS BRIEF

For Queens who speak powerfully, think globally, and lead with purpose.

Week of July 7, 2025

🌊 1. Deadly Flooding Devastates Central Texas

What Happened: Historic flash floods killed at least 120 people and caused widespread destruction in Texas Hill Country, leaving many missing and thousands displaced.
Why It Matters: This disaster highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure amid climate extremes.
Perspectives:

• Liberal: Emphasizes climate change as a driving factor and calls for aggressive environmental policies.

• Conservative: Focuses on improving local emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
  Practice Questions:

• How should cities invest to mitigate future disasters?

• What role does government have in balancing environmental and economic priorities?

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🏛️ 2. U.S. Senate Passes Historic Mental Health Reform Bill

What Happened: Bipartisan legislation expands access to mental health services, telehealth, and school counseling funding.
Why It Matters: It’s a significant step toward addressing the growing mental health crisis, especially among youth.
Perspectives:

• Liberal: Highlights the need for increased federal funding and expanding social programs.

• Conservative: Advocates for efficient use of funds with accountability and supports community-based solutions.
  Practice Questions:

• How can mental health stigma be effectively reduced?

• What balance should exist between federal and local roles in health care?

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🇫🇷 3. Far-Right Party Gains Strength in French Parliament

What Happened: Marine Le Pen’s National Rally increased its parliamentary seats, challenging France’s political status quo.
Why It Matters: The shift may reshape immigration policies and European Union relations.
Perspectives:

• Liberal: Warns against nationalism threatening human rights and democracy.

• Conservative: Sees it as a reflection of citizens demanding stronger national security and immigration control.
  Practice Questions:

• How can societies uphold democratic values amid rising populism?

• What compromises promote social cohesion?