You choose the topic...

Today's class you are going to work together in pairs to learn about a Current Events of your choosing (well, from a list below).  

Step 1:  With your partner, decide what topic you want to explore more deeply. (keep scrolling for options)

Step 2:  Choose an article to read from the list and read. 

Step 3: Complete the Analysis sheet.  (Google doc template. a copy needs to be made and then shared with me)

Step 4: If you have time, choose a second article to read about either the same topic or choose a new topic to explore. (you do not need to complete an analysis sheet for the second article)

Topics to Consider

1. Minimum Wage (the story continues...)

Gap's Minimum Wage Move Adds Twist to Debate

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/02/23/gaps_minimum_wage_move_adds_twist_to_debate_121681.html 

Can you live on the Minimum Wage?

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/02/09/opinion/minimum-wage.html?_r=1 

2. Ukraine violence and political upheaval (this was THE story last week)

What is Happening in Ukraine? Understanding Recent Protests in Kiev with 9 Questions

http://www.bustle.com/articles/16105-what-is-happening-in-ukraine-understanding-recent-protests-in-kiev-with-9-questions

A New Day in Ukraine: Political Uncertainty Sweeps  Divided Nation

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/ukraine-protests/?hpt=hp_t1

3. What is happening in Venezuela (Not making as much news but there has been quite a bit of violence and political upheaval in this South American country over the past 2 weeks as well)

Venezuela: What's the Crisis About? 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-qa/ 

Seven Things To Know About Venezuela Crisis
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/seven-things-know-about-venezuela-crisis-n38556

4. Cuts in U.S. Military (Major budget cuts were announced yesterday by the Pentagon that will have major effects on the size and capacity of the U.S. military)

Get real, Hagel tells nation in proposing military cuts

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/24/hagel-cuts-would-reshape-military-after-longest-war/?hpt=hp_t2

Are Cuts to the Defence Budget Necessary?

http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/are-cuts-to-the-defense-budget-necessary

5. Arizona's Anti-Gay Law (Arizona's legislature just passed a bill that would make it legal to deny services to people based on religious beliefs. While it does not specifically name gay people as the target, the most frequently cited example is for a business to refuse selling products/services to a person because they are gay and that being against their religious beliefs....is it freedom of religion or denial of equal rights? -- Governor Jan Brewer must now decide whether she will veto this bill.

Arizona lawmakers pass controversial anti-gay bill
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/us/arizona-anti-gay-bill/ 

Arizona's Anti-Gay Bill is Shameful (note, this is an opinion piece written in USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/24/voices-column-on-arizona-anti-gay-bill/5775081/