Weekly Update

Weekly Current Events Assignment

Overview

Each week, you will research and report on current events to stay informed about significant developments in our community, nation, and world. This assignment will help you develop critical thinking, source evaluation, and an understanding of global and local issues.

Instructions

1. Event Selection
   Choose one current event from each of the following categories:

   • Community (Local): Events happening within your town, county, or state.

   • Nation (Domestic): Events affecting the United States as a whole.

   • World (International): Events occurring outside the United States.

2. Research and Sources
   Find credible sources for each event.

   • Use at least two different sources per event to provide a comprehensive perspective.

   • List all sources in MLA format.

3. Summary and Analysis
   For each event, write a brief summary and analysis that includes:

   • Who is involved.

   • What is happening.

   • When it occurred.

   • Where it took place.

   • Why it matters (its significance or impact).

   • How it relates to broader issues (e.g., trends, policies, conflicts, or culture).

4. Bias Evaluation
   For each source, evaluate potential bias by addressing:
   Author/Source Background: Who is the author or organization? Are they known for a specific perspective?

   • Language: Does the article use neutral or emotionally charged language?

   • Omissions: Is there any information that seems to be missing or downplayed from either source?

   • Perspective: Compare how each source reports the same event. Do they align or differ in key points? Does one portray it as a good thing while the other portrays is as a negative thing?

By completing this assignment weekly, you will develop stronger critical thinking skills, grow more informed about the world around you, and learn to approach media with an analytical mindset.