What In the World?

In more than half the world’s countries, banning, confiscation and censorship of publications are everyday occurrences. Even today, nearly two billion men and women live under governments which restrict their right to know the truth. More than 1 billion of those people live in China.

How does Chinese censorship work?

A Mountain By Any Other Name...

 

President Donald J. Trump’s plan to return Denali, the Alaska Native name for North America’s tallest peak, to its earlier name, Mount McKinley, has run into opposition from Alaska lawmakers.

Shortly after taking the oath of office on Monday, Mr. Trump surprised many in the state when he announced “we will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley, to Mount McKinley where it should be and where it belongs.”

But Alaska’s two senators, Lisa Murkowsi and Dan Sullivan, both Republicans, said they wanted to keep Denali National Park and Preserve as is, calling Denali the rightful name of the awe-inspiring white peaks, 20,310 feet above sea level in the home of the Koyukon people and other Alaska Native groups.

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1) Why does President Trump want to make the change?

2) Why are the Alaska's Senators opposed?

3) Who ultimately gets to make the decision?

4) Which name do you prefer?  Why?

5) What geographic landmark (river, ocean, mountain) would you name for yourself? Why?

Executive Order

President Trump promised a record number of executive orders on his first day in office. As of Monday, he has already signed several executive orders and issued several pardons.

For a closer look at the power of these orders and their limits, watch the following story and then answer these questions:

1) What is an 'Executive Order?'

2) How does it work?

3) How is it different than a 'Bill?'

4) Which of Trump's executive orders do you most agree with? Least?

5) If you were President what 'executive orders' would you sign on the first day?

Year In Review

1) What were the BIG headlines in 2024 (name at least 3)?

2) What made these events Headlines?

3) What similarities or differences did these events share?

4) Which do you think is the most important? Least? Why?

5) What predictions can you make up about the events we will study this year?