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NewsBank Hot Topics
February 2021
Current Events
HEALTH: Worldwide – Covid-19 Vaccines Roll Out
TOPIC: As the world surpasses 100 million cases of coronavirus, several nations have produced vaccines against Covid-19 and many of them have been approved for general use. The question for governments is how to the vaccines amongst their populations. Are there any similarities among the various plans? Are there any major differences, and if so, what are they? How effective are the various vaccines?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines
HEALTH: Worldwide – Vaccines vs. Variants
TOPIC: Covid-19 has evolved. New variants of the disease have sprung up in Great Britain, South Africa, and elsewhere and have spread to other countries. The South African variant is thought to be especially infectious, but all of them seem to be more infectious than the original virus. Are currently approved vaccines effective against these variants? Have any vaccine makers begun work on tailoring their vaccines to meet these new viruses?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines AND variants
ECONOMICS: Worldwide – Economic Recovery Predicted
TOPIC: The International Monetary Fund has released its forecast of an economic recovery powered by widespread vaccine use, saying the world’s growth will be 5.5% over the coming year. Economic growth was only 3.5% in 2020, the worst year since 1945. What are some of the conditions the IMF says need to be met to help fuel this recovery? How does this forecast compare to one given last October? What does the IMF see ahead for some of the world’s largest economies?
SEARCH TERMS: (“International Monetary Fund” OR IMF) AND “economic recovery”
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE: Worldwide – 2020 Was a Hot One
TOPIC: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared 2020 to be third hottest year ever and the decade that just ended was the hottest ever. Six of the world’s hottest years have occurred since 2015. From whom does the WMO get its data and how are the datasets developed and analyzed? What is the impact of the weather events La Nina and El Nino on climate?
SEARCH TERMS: (“World Meteorological Organization” OR WMO) AND 2020
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Myanmar – Coup d’états
TOPIC: After Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the national League for Democracy, won 83% of the seats in the legislature, but before it could convene and ratify the election, the military claiming electoral fraud seized power in Myanmar, formerly Burma. It has detained Ms. Suu Kyi and other leaders of the party, shut down TV and radio stations, forced banks to close, and stationed troops in the streets. It claims this will be a one year state of emergency. Is there any proof of electoral fraud? Who is leading the country now? What has the role of the armed forces been in Myanmar’s government? What has been the reactions from around the world?
SEARCH TERMS: Myanmar AND “Aung San Suu Kyi” AND coup
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Biden Presidential Transition
TOPIC: Following an unconventional transition of presidential power, Inauguration Day proceedings for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took place outside of the U.S. Capitol building without incident on Wednesday, January 20. What proceedings, events and traditions typically commemorate outgoing and ingoing administrations, and how did the Trump-Biden transition differ? Why were there heightened safety concerns on Inauguration Day, and what measures were taken to protect the health and safety of those in attendance?
SEARCH TERMS: president* AND transition AND power AND inauguration AND Biden AND Trump
Business and Economics
BUSINESS: Super Bowl Ad Rollback
TOPIC: Brands that have traditionally been advertised during the Super Bowl such as Budweiser, Coke and Pepsi are either declining to run ads or steeply cutting back on what they advertise this year. How has COVID-19 spurred these decisions? What are some of the most memorable Super Bowl ads and how effective has Super Bowl advertising been in impacting product sales in the past?
SEARCH TERMS: “Super Bowl” AND (ad OR ads OR advertising) AND (Budweiser OR Coke OR Pepsi OR Coca-Cola)
BUSINESS: Reddit Users Manipulate the Stock Market
TOPIC: Members of a Reddit forum called WallStreetBets have shown such force in inflating the stock of video game retailer GameStop that they had a strong negative impact on hedge funds who were shorting the stock. What is “shorting” a stock and why do investors do it? What did the impact of Reddit users on the stock market reveal about systemic vulnerabilities of the market structure in the technological age we live in and what was the extent of the damage? How have the economists and politicians responded?
SEARCH TERMS: Reddit AND GameStop AND stock* AND trad*
BUSINESS: Dominion Sues Giuliani
TOPIC: Dominion Voting Systems Corporation has filed a lawsuit against ex-President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani claiming he made false claims against them as well as encouraged defamatory rumors that have damaged their business. What are some of the claims that have been made against Dominion and has any validity been found in them? What are the arguments for the prosecution and defense in Dominion’s lawsuit?
SEARCH TERMS: “Dominion Voting” AND defamation AND Giuliani
BUSINESS: Worldwide – Chip Shortage Stymies Auto Industry
TOPIC: A shortage in semiconductor chips has forced automakers around the world to close plants or limit production schedules. Chip makers have been focusing on chips for post-pandemic consumer items like smart phones. How long do experts think these shortages will last? How else has the pandemic impacted the automobile industry?
SEARCH TERMS: “automobile industry” AND semiconductors
ECONOMICS: Worldwide – Economic Recovery Predicted
TOPIC: The International Monetary Fund has released its forecast of an economic recovery powered by widespread vaccine use, saying the world’s growth will be 5.5% over the coming year. Economic growth was only 3.5% in 2020, the worst year since 1945. What are some of the conditions the IMF says need to be met to help fuel this recovery? How does this forecast compare to one given last October? What does the IMF see ahead for some of the world’s largest economies?
SEARCH TERMS: (“International Monetary Fund” OR IMF) AND “economic recovery”
ECONOMICS: Janet Yellen
TOPIC: Janet Yellen is President Biden’s Secretary of the Treasury and the first woman in U.S. history to hold that position. What is her history at the Federal Reserve and how can that experience be useful in her new role? What are her first tasks as Treasury Secretary?
SEARCH TERMS: “Janet Yellen” AND Treasury AND Secretary
FINANCE: Minimum Wage
TOPIC: President Biden and others in Congress are pushing to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. What are the most persuasive arguments for and against making this change? What is the federal minimum wage now, what kind of jobs pay minimum wage, and why is this rate of pay considered to be unreasonable? What industries are seeing workers taking the most active stance on this issue?
SEARCH TERMS: “minimum wage” AND $15
Civics, Government and Politics
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Myanmar – Coup d’états
TOPIC: After Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the national League for Democracy, won 83% of the seats in the legislature, but before it could convene and ratify the election, the military claiming electoral fraud seized power in Myanmar, formerly Burma. It has detained Ms. Suu Kyi and other leaders of the party, shut down TV and radio stations, forced banks to close, and stationed troops in the streets. It claims this will be a one year state of emergency. Is there any proof of electoral fraud? Who is leading the country now? What has the role of the armed forces been in Myanmar’s government? What has been the reactions from around the world?
SEARCH TERMS: Myanmar AND “Aung San Suu Kyi” AND coup
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Biden Presidential Transition
TOPIC: Following an unconventional transition of presidential power, Inauguration Day proceedings for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took place outside of the U.S. Capitol building without incident on Wednesday, January 20. What proceedings, events and traditions typically commemorate outgoing and ingoing administrations, and how did the Trump-Biden transition differ? Why were there heightened safety concerns on Inauguration Day, and what measures were taken to protect the health and safety of those in attendance?
SEARCH TERMS: president* AND transition AND power AND inauguration AND Biden AND Trump
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Balance of Political Power
TOPIC: The 2020 presidential and congressional election have brought a shift in political power with the Democrats voted in to control of both the House and the U.S. Senate. Who is the tie-breaking vote that gives the Democrats Senate control with each party making up half of the Senate? What Senate power-sharing agreement has been made between the two parties and why?
SEARCH TERMS: Republicans AND Democrats AND Senate AND “power-sharing”
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Investigation of Insurgent Attack on the U.S. Capitol
TOPIC: The process of the U.S. Senate certification of the delegate votes by the states was interrupted by a violent insurrection by supporters of President Trump demanding Vice President Mike Pence force the federal government to overturn the state delegate votes and give Trump a second term. How was this invasion organized and encouraged and how was it quelled? What are some of the most violent threats made on government officials and what was the number of fatalities and serious injuries? Who are some of the most prominent insurgents that have been arrested and what has been discovered about internal insurgent organizations, their funding and motives in the ongoing investigations? What beliefs fuel a lot of these insurgents and where do they find support in advancing their theories? What is being done in the aftermath to protect government offices and the public from this group and its affiliates around the country?
SEARCH TERMS: (attack OR insurgents OR insurgency) AND (capitol OR senate) AND Trump AND (investig* OR evidence)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Trump Faces Second Impeachment
TOPIC: On January 13, Donald Trump became the only president in U.S. history to be impeached twice when the House of Representatives charged him with “incitement of insurrection.” Which Republicans voted for impeachment, and what backlash have they faced? What are the next steps in the impeachment process, and how many votes are necessary for a conviction?
SEARCH TERMS: "Donald Trump" AND impeach* AND (insurrection OR incit*)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: West Bank/Gaza Strip – Palestinian Authority Elections Announced
TOPIC: Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has announced parliamentary and presidential elections will be held later this year. It would be the first election since 2006, when Hamas won control of the Gaza Strip. How long has Abbas led the PA? What evidence is there that Hamas committed to these elections? How did Israel react to this announcement?
SEARCH TERMS: “Palestinian Authority” AND elections
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: South Africa – Jacob Zuma Compelled to Testify
TOPIC: The Constitutional Court has ordered former President Jacob Zuma to testify at the Zondo Commission investigating what is referred to as state capture. The commission has been taking testimony for a few years. Why did it take this long to compel Zuma to testify? What is state capture and how is Zuma connected to it? What other allegations have been made about Zuma?
SEARCH TERMS: “Jacob Zuma” AND “Zondo Commission”
HISTORY: Mexico – Conquest of Aztec Mexico Anniversary
TOPIC: This year is the 500th anniversary of the conquest of Aztec Mexico by Hernan Cortes and his Spanish troops and indigenous allies. Details of archeological research in the town of Tecoaque reveal the remains of a massacre of its citizens by Spanish troops. What prompted this attack? What were some of the other noteworthy events of Cortes’ invasion and conquest? How is Mexico commemorating this event?
SEARCH TERMS: "Hernan Cortes" AND Aztecs AND anniversary
HISTORY: Harriet Tubman
TOPIC: There is a current effort to replace the face of President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with that of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Why remove Jackson’s face from the bill? What was the Underground Railroad and what was Harriet Tubman’s role in it? What was her involvement with John Brown and how was she involved with the Union during the U.S. Civil War?
SEARCH TERMS: “Harriet Tubman” AND (“Underground Railroad” OR “Civil War”)
Social Issues
CRIME AND LAW: Italy -- ’Ndrangheta on Trial
TOPIC: Italy prepares to open the second largest trial in its history as it seeks to put the criminal gang, the ’Ndrangheta, behind bars. The ’Ndrangheta is based in Calabria, and is a world-wide organization. How is the ’Ndrangheta structured and what implications does that structure have for this trial? What crimes from the 1970s fueled their growth? How did they expand around the world? How long is the trial expected to last and how many defendants are there? How has the presence of the ‘Ndrangheta impacted Italian society?
SEARCH TERMS: ’Ndrangheta AND trial
CRIME AND LAW: Australia – Prison Populations
TOPIC: Although the number of adult prisoners being held in Australia has fallen, the number of those incarcerated who are indigenous has continued to rise according to the most recent figures. Why have the rates of imprisoned indigenous peoples risen? How does the rate of prosecution compare for indigenous people prosecuted for minor crimes to non-indigenous?
SEARCH TERMS: Australia AND prisoners AND (“indigenous people” OR Aboriginals) and rates
CRIME AND LAW: Justice Department Watchdog Investigation
TOPIC: An internal U.S. Justice Department investigation has been launched to see if any members of the department were complicit in trying to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election. What report spurred this investigation and how did it cause concern? What were some other efforts to overturn the results of the recent presidential election?
SEARCH TERMS: (“Justice Department” OR “Department of Justice”) AND watchdog AND overturn AND election AND investing*
EDUCATION: 1776 Commission Rescinded
TOPIC: An executive order by President Biden has rescinded President Trump’s 1776 Commission that intended to offer what President Trump referred to as a “patriotic education” in response to the 1619 Project by the New York Times. What was the 1619 Project and how did it seek to influence education? What are the details of the 1776 Commission’s work and how did it try to impact public education?
SEARCH TERMS: "patriotic education" AND Trump AND "1776 commission"
RELIGION: Virtual Inaugural Prayer Event
TOPIC: On the morning of their first full day on the job, President Biden, Vice President Harris and others took part in a virtual prayer event as the last part of their inaugural ceremony. How was this virtual event organized as a COVID-safe replacement to the traditional inaugural prayer event? What religious denominations were represented and what were the different messages in the prayers?
SEARCH TERMS: "inaugural prayer service"
SOCIAL RELATIONS: Ireland – Mother and Baby Homes Investigation
TOPIC: The Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation has released its report on the conditions inside these institutions where unwed mothers were sent. They could be separated from their children, who were sent to other homes. What did the commission find about the treatment of children and babies? How many died while in these institutions? What were conditions like in these homes?
SEARCH TERMS: “Mother and Baby Homes”
SOCIAL RELATIONS: Zero-Tolerance Immigration Lifted
TOPIC: The U.S. Department of Justice has rescinded President Trump’s “zero tolerance” migrant policy for the U.S.-Mexican border. What was the policy, how was it enforced and how well did it work? Why was it rescinded?
SEARCH TERMS: Trump AND “zero tolerance” AND (immigr* OR border) AND (Mexico OR Mexican)
Science, Technology and Health
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE: XL Keystone Pipeline Halted
TOPIC: President Biden has revoked the permit for work on the XL Keystone pipeline which will effectively halt work on it. What were the environmental concerns that spurred him to revoke the permit? How many American jobs will this impact and what kind of jobs were they? What was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to President Biden’s halt of the pipeline and what kind of impact might this have on US-Canada relations?
SEARCH TERMS: XL AND Keystone AND pipeline AND Biden
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE: Worldwide – 2020 Was a Hot One
TOPIC: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared 2020 to be third hottest year ever and the decade that just ended was the hottest ever. Six of the world’s hottest years have occurred since 2015. From whom does the WMO get its data and how are the datasets developed and analyzed? What is the impact of the weather events La Nina and El Nino on climate?
SEARCH TERMS: (“World Meteorological Organization” OR WMO) AND 2020
HEALTH: Worldwide – Covid-19 Vaccines Roll Out
TOPIC: As the world surpasses 100 million cases of coronavirus, several nations have produced vaccines against Covid-19 and many of them have been approved for general use. The question for governments is how to the vaccines amongst their populations. Are there any similarities among the various plans? Are there any major differences, and if so, what are they? How effective are the various vaccines?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines
HEALTH: Worldwide – Vaccines vs. Variants
TOPIC: Covid-19 has evolved. New variants of the disease have sprung up in Great Britain, South Africa, and elsewhere and have spread to other countries. The South African variant is thought to be especially infectious, but all of them seem to be more infectious than the original virus. Are currently approved vaccines effective against these variants? Have any vaccine makers begun work on tailoring their vaccines to meet these new viruses?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines AND variants
HEALTH: Vaccine Administration
TOPIC: President Biden has set a goal of administering 100 million COVID-19 vaccines in his first 100 days. What are the logistics for achieving this goal? What are some of the biggest challenges in getting these vaccines distributed?
SEARCH TERMS: (COVID-19 OR coronavirus OR pandemic) AND states AND (vaccine OR vaccines OR vaccination) AND Biden AND (administer OR distrib*)
HEALTH: China – Coffee’s Health Impact
TOPIC: Drinking coffee has been found to lower the risk of dying from advanced prostate cancer according to research from the China Medical University. Coffee has anti-inflammability properties which may be responsible for these results. How did the researchers conduct their studies? How much does each cup of coffee reduce the risk of dying? How prevalent is prostate cancer?
SEARCH TERMS: coffee AND “prostate cancer”
SCIENCE: U.S. Space Command Relocates
TOPIC: The U.S. Air Force announced that Huntsville, Alabama, will become the permanent location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters, relocating operations from its temporary site in Colorado Springs, Colorado. What is the function of the U.S. Space Command? What other locations were considered for the site, and why was Huntsville ultimately selected? Why are some lawmakers and military leaders frustrated by the decision to move the facility?
SEARCH TERMS: "space command" AND headquarters AND (relocat* OR move) AND (Alabama OR Huntsville OR Colorado)
SCIENCE: Indonesia – Oldest Painting of Animal Discovered
TOPIC: Researchers have discovered a cave painting of a pig, which has two hand prints above it and seems to be facing the remains of paintings of two other pigs, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The dating of the calcite on top of the painting gives it a date of 45,500 years old. Why do Sulawesi and the other islands near it have an important role in human prehistory and migration? Though this is the earliest figurative painting to be found, what is the earliest artwork found and where was it found? What do interpreters say about the image portrayed? What are some messages that the artist was conveying?
SEARCH TERMS: Sulawesi AND “cave painting”
TECHNOLOGY: China – Electric Car Agreement Announced
TOPIC: China’s Geely Holding Group will partner with the Internet company Baidu.com Inc. to make electric cars. Their cars will be intelligent and connected. No further details were available. Geely makes other electric cars and Baidu has been working on automated driving technology. What do industry analysts think that Baidu in particular is attempting to do? What other car makers are focusing on electric vehicles around the world? What other tech companies are exploring autonomous driving vehicles? How might autonomous driving vehicles both assist and hinder car travel safety?
SEARCH TERMS: Geely AND Baidu
TECHNOLOGY: SpaceX and Amazon Satellite Battle
TOPIC: SpaceX and Amazon are competing for satellite space, each seeking to use satellites to provide better Internet service. What kind of satellite constellation does SpaceX currently have with its Starlink system and how is it seeking to expand its license with the U.S. federal government? What are Amazon’s satellite plans with its Kuiper System and why is Amazon objecting to Starlink’s effort to expand the terms of its license? How do satellites work to help with Internet services?
SEARCH TERMS: SpaceX AND Amazon AND satellite* AND Starlink AND Kuiper
Sports
SPORTS: College Football Championship
TOPIC: The University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide has beaten Ohio State’s Buckeyes to win the national championship for the NCAA’s division 1 football teams. What were the most impressive plays of the game? What are the major strengths and weaknesses for each team?
SEARCH TERMS: (Alabama OR Crimson) AND (“Ohio State” OR Buckeyes) AND Championship
SPORTS: Super Bowl
TOPIC: The Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face each other for the Super Bowl. What are the key strengths and weaknesses for each of these teams? How do their strengths and weaknesses match up and what team to you predict will win?
SEARCH TERMS: (Bucs OR Buccaneers OR “Tampa Bay”) AND (Chiefs OR “Kansas City”) AND “Super Bowl”
SPORTS: Jockey of the Year
TOPIC: Frankie Dettori has been named Jockey of the Year for the third straight year. This is based on his performances in the top 100 rated Group One and Grade One races held around the world. What great horses did Dettori ride this year and which races did he win? What was his career like before he began this three-year streak?
SEARCH TERMS: “Frankie Dettori”
SPORTS: New Zealand – America’s Cup
TOPIC: The Challengers for the right to race New Zealand in the America’s Cup have themselves down in a series of round robin races. The best teams will meet in the Prada Cup in February. Who has made it through to the Prada Cup? Which two teams will be racing a seven-race series to meet the top seed? Which team is the top seed in the Prada Cup? How many races will be run to determine the right to go forward and meet Team New Zealand?
SEARCH TERMS: “America’s Cup” OR “Prada Cup”
SPORTS: DeVonta Smith
TOPIC: DeVonta Smith of the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide is the first wide receiver to win a Heisman Trophy. What are the main strengths of his football skills and how did they show themselves in this year’s football season? What receiving records does he hold for the U. of Alabama?
SEARCH TERMS: “DeVonta Smith” AND (Alabama OR Crimson) AND Heisman
Arts and Literature
FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE: Michaela Goade
TOPIC: Illustrator Michaela Goade is the first Native American to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children’s story: We Are Water Protectors. What qualities of the illustrations in this book impressed the critics and what other work has she done? What are the major influences in her work?
SEARCH TERMS: “Michaela Goade” AND “We Are Water Protectors”
FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE: Spain – Prado Museum Changing Its Displays
TOPIC: Madrid’s Prado Museum has announced that, while it is shutdown, it is going to review its displays of its permanent collection with an eye towards featuring more women artists and foreign artists. Its permanent collection was based on the Spanish Royal Collection. What are some of the great works of art that it houses? What Spanish artists are in its holdings? What women Spanish artists that are well-known would one expect to be featured in the Prado? What is the reasoning behind changing up its galleries?
SEARCH TERMS: (“Museo del Prado” OR “Prado Museum”) AND (collections OR artists)
LITERATURE: Great Britain – Costa Prize Announced
TOPIC: The Costa prize is given to books annually in five categories – novel, first novel, biography, poetry and children’s book – each year one of these is chosen as the book of the year. One of the qualifications for the prize is readers’ enjoyment of the work. The book of the year this year is Monique Roffey’s The Mermaid of Black Conch. What books won the other categories? Why was Ms. Roffey’s work chosen?
SEARCH TERMS: “Monique Roffey” AND “Costa Prize”
LITERATURE: Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman
TOPIC: Reciting her poem, The Hill We Climb, 22-year-old, Los Angeles-based writer and former National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, gained worldwide attention as the youngest poet laurate in Inauguration Day history. When and why did she write the poem, and what was its message? What was unique about her reading of her poem? What has been the public’s reaction to her poem and performance, and how has it impacted her career? Which administration introduced poet laurates as an Inauguration Day tradition, what presidents preserved the tradition, and who has performed?
SEARCH TERMS: “Amanda Gorman” AND inauguration AND (poet* OR poem*)
MOVIES AND TELEVISION: Bridgerton
TOPIC: Bridgerton is a unique and creative period drama series on Netflix that is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series of novels. When and where is this series supposed to take place and in what ways does this series take license to dramatically change what life in that time and place was like? What has been the public and critical reaction to this series and why?
SEARCH TERMS: Bridgerton AND Netflix
MOVIES AND TELEVISION: France – Cannes Film Festival Delayed
TOPIC: It was announced that the Cannes Film Festival, normally held in May and June, would be postponed until July. Last year’s edition of the festival was cancelled. The hope is that this year’s festival will be an in-person event. Have any of the films that might be shown at this event been announced? How are other film festivals reacting to the pandemic?
SEARCH TERMS: “Cannes Film Festival” OR “film festivals”
MUSIC: Great Britain/Europe – Brexit Hits Touring Musicians
TOPIC: The terms of Brexit mean British citizens can only spend 90 days out of 180 in the EU countries. This impacts musicians’ ability to create long tours of the continent and thus increases their costs. What other logistics involved in crossing the borders around Europe will be impacted? What are some of the other aspects of musical touring that will be impacted?
SEARCH TERMS: Brexit AND (musicians or “music industry”)
MUSIC: Phil Spector
TOPIC: Phil Spector was a musician and composer but mostly known as a music producer known for a style of arranging and producing music that became known as the “Wall of Sound”. What defined the style and production of the “Wall of Sound” and what are some examples of popular songs he produced using this method? What has been his influence on production in popular music and what are some examples of music produced by others that shows his influence?
SEARCH TERMS: "Phil Spector” AND “Wall of Sound”
PERFORMING ARTS: Prototype Festival
TOPIC: The annual opera and theater Prototype Festival is moving mostly online this year to be safe during COVID-19. What is Prototype and how and why was it founded? What two theater companies co-produce Prototype and what are their backgrounds?
SEARCH TERMS: ("Prototype festival" OR "Prototype festivals") AND (opera OR theater)
People
PEOPLE: Canada – The Governor General Resigns
TOPIC: Julie Payette, a former astronaut who became Canada’s Governor General, has resigned after allegations that she created a toxic workplace. What is the role of the Governor General in Canadian political life? How long had Payette been in office and who appointed her? What are the allegations against her?
SEARCH TERMS: “Julie Payette”
PEOPLE: Russia – Return of the Activist
TOPIC: Alexei Navalny, recovered from the poison administered to him last year, returned to Russia, where he was promptly arrested. Navalny is the most prominent critic of the current Russian leader, Vladimir Putin and has tried to get onto the ballot against him. Where did Navalny recuperate from the poisoning and why did he return to Russia? What are the charges against him that caused his arrest? How have Russian authorities dealt with the protests that have sprung up challenging his arrest? What has a video released online by his supporters alleged about Putin’s lifestyle?
SEARCH TERMS: “Alexei Navalny”
PEOPLE: Hank Aaron
TOPIC: Hank Aaron was a professional baseball player who was famous for breaking Babe Ruth’s longstanding career home run record, a record that Aaron himself held for 33 years. What team did he play for, what position and what were his strengths in the position he played? What difficulties did he have after breaking Babe Ruth’s record and how did these difficulties spur massive public support for him?
SEARCH TERMS: "Hank Aaron” AND baseball
PEOPLE: Cicely Tyson
TOPIC: Cicely Tyson was a film, television and stage actress who achieved respect and fame for her dignified portrayal of strong Black women. What role first made her famous and why? What are some other celebrated roles she had in film and TV?
SEARCH TERMS: " Cicely Tyson” AND (actor OR actress)
PEOPLE: Larry King
TOPIC: Larry King was an award-winning television and radio talk show host, famous for his folksy-personality and long interviews with famous people, notably U.S. Presidents and other powerful people. What are the television shows that he hosted and what are some of the most historic moments on those shows? What media work did he do after leaving CNN?
SEARCH TERMS: "Larry King Live” OR “The Larry King Show” OR “Larry King Now”
PEOPLE: Dr. Rachel Levine
TOPIC: Dr. Rachel Levine has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health and will be the first openly transgender federal official. What job did Dr. Levine hold when she was nominated for Assistant Secretary of Health and how did she fare in that job? What work in dealing with COVID did she do in Pennsylvania?
SEARCH TERMS: “Rachel Levine" AND (“secretary of health” OR “health secretary”)
PEOPLE: Cloris Leachman
TOPIC: Cloris Leachman was a successful comedienne and actress, most famous for her television role as Mary Tyler Moore’s friend Phyllis on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. She also had a successful spin-off show called Phyllis. What films was she most celebrated for and why? How many Emmy Awards did she win and what for? How long was her acting career?
SEARCH TERMS: "Cloris Leachman”
PEOPLE: Jamaica – Gordon Stewart
TOPIC: Gordon Stewart had already made a fortune by selling appliances on the Caribbean island when he came up with the idea of all-inclusive resorts, where meals and drinks were included in the prices of the stay. Initially Sandals Resorts catered to couples, but he started another chain called Beaches that attracted families. What did Stewart do before he started importing appliances to Jamaica? What became controversial about Sandals couples only policy? What other industries was he involved in and what honors did he win?
SEARCH TERMS: “Gordon Stewart” AND Sandals
PEOPLE: Sheldon Adelson
TOPIC: Sheldon Adelson was a successful businessman in the Las Vegas hotel industry, a philanthropist and a political donor. Before getting into the hotel industry what trade show did he help create for the computer industry? What is his legacy in the hotel industry? What philanthropic causes has he given to?
SEARCH TERMS: "Sheldon Adelson" AND hotel*
Reading Beyond Book Lists
Books chosen by the American Library Association & Children’s Book Council Joint Committee to provide guidance to parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians, and others interested in discovering books for children who read at an advanced level and are seeking more challenging, but still age-appropriate, books.
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Handout_K-1.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Handout_2-3.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Handout_4-5.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Booklet.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ReadingBeyond2019-_Pamphlet-Final2.pdf
All In Illinois
On April 2, Governor JB Pritzker introduced All In Illinois to unite residents across the state to continue to stay home and stay safe. Now more than ever, we all need to do our part to support our communities. We can slow the spread if we do it together. Our strongest weapon against COVID-19 is you. Join us and take the pledge to being 'All In' — for our neighbors and grandparents, our health care professionals and first responders, our grocery store workers and so many more.
Thank you for committing to being All in Illinois by staying safe and staying home. Together, we are #AllinIllinois
https://iot-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/allinillinois-kit-TZO-040320.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD0QqGWMY8M1XghICspTIU57ked6g05Rs
February 2021
Current Events
HEALTH: Worldwide – Covid-19 Vaccines Roll Out
TOPIC: As the world surpasses 100 million cases of coronavirus, several nations have produced vaccines against Covid-19 and many of them have been approved for general use. The question for governments is how to the vaccines amongst their populations. Are there any similarities among the various plans? Are there any major differences, and if so, what are they? How effective are the various vaccines?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines
HEALTH: Worldwide – Vaccines vs. Variants
TOPIC: Covid-19 has evolved. New variants of the disease have sprung up in Great Britain, South Africa, and elsewhere and have spread to other countries. The South African variant is thought to be especially infectious, but all of them seem to be more infectious than the original virus. Are currently approved vaccines effective against these variants? Have any vaccine makers begun work on tailoring their vaccines to meet these new viruses?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines AND variants
ECONOMICS: Worldwide – Economic Recovery Predicted
TOPIC: The International Monetary Fund has released its forecast of an economic recovery powered by widespread vaccine use, saying the world’s growth will be 5.5% over the coming year. Economic growth was only 3.5% in 2020, the worst year since 1945. What are some of the conditions the IMF says need to be met to help fuel this recovery? How does this forecast compare to one given last October? What does the IMF see ahead for some of the world’s largest economies?
SEARCH TERMS: (“International Monetary Fund” OR IMF) AND “economic recovery”
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE: Worldwide – 2020 Was a Hot One
TOPIC: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared 2020 to be third hottest year ever and the decade that just ended was the hottest ever. Six of the world’s hottest years have occurred since 2015. From whom does the WMO get its data and how are the datasets developed and analyzed? What is the impact of the weather events La Nina and El Nino on climate?
SEARCH TERMS: (“World Meteorological Organization” OR WMO) AND 2020
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Myanmar – Coup d’états
TOPIC: After Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the national League for Democracy, won 83% of the seats in the legislature, but before it could convene and ratify the election, the military claiming electoral fraud seized power in Myanmar, formerly Burma. It has detained Ms. Suu Kyi and other leaders of the party, shut down TV and radio stations, forced banks to close, and stationed troops in the streets. It claims this will be a one year state of emergency. Is there any proof of electoral fraud? Who is leading the country now? What has the role of the armed forces been in Myanmar’s government? What has been the reactions from around the world?
SEARCH TERMS: Myanmar AND “Aung San Suu Kyi” AND coup
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Biden Presidential Transition
TOPIC: Following an unconventional transition of presidential power, Inauguration Day proceedings for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took place outside of the U.S. Capitol building without incident on Wednesday, January 20. What proceedings, events and traditions typically commemorate outgoing and ingoing administrations, and how did the Trump-Biden transition differ? Why were there heightened safety concerns on Inauguration Day, and what measures were taken to protect the health and safety of those in attendance?
SEARCH TERMS: president* AND transition AND power AND inauguration AND Biden AND Trump
Business and Economics
BUSINESS: Super Bowl Ad Rollback
TOPIC: Brands that have traditionally been advertised during the Super Bowl such as Budweiser, Coke and Pepsi are either declining to run ads or steeply cutting back on what they advertise this year. How has COVID-19 spurred these decisions? What are some of the most memorable Super Bowl ads and how effective has Super Bowl advertising been in impacting product sales in the past?
SEARCH TERMS: “Super Bowl” AND (ad OR ads OR advertising) AND (Budweiser OR Coke OR Pepsi OR Coca-Cola)
BUSINESS: Reddit Users Manipulate the Stock Market
TOPIC: Members of a Reddit forum called WallStreetBets have shown such force in inflating the stock of video game retailer GameStop that they had a strong negative impact on hedge funds who were shorting the stock. What is “shorting” a stock and why do investors do it? What did the impact of Reddit users on the stock market reveal about systemic vulnerabilities of the market structure in the technological age we live in and what was the extent of the damage? How have the economists and politicians responded?
SEARCH TERMS: Reddit AND GameStop AND stock* AND trad*
BUSINESS: Dominion Sues Giuliani
TOPIC: Dominion Voting Systems Corporation has filed a lawsuit against ex-President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani claiming he made false claims against them as well as encouraged defamatory rumors that have damaged their business. What are some of the claims that have been made against Dominion and has any validity been found in them? What are the arguments for the prosecution and defense in Dominion’s lawsuit?
SEARCH TERMS: “Dominion Voting” AND defamation AND Giuliani
BUSINESS: Worldwide – Chip Shortage Stymies Auto Industry
TOPIC: A shortage in semiconductor chips has forced automakers around the world to close plants or limit production schedules. Chip makers have been focusing on chips for post-pandemic consumer items like smart phones. How long do experts think these shortages will last? How else has the pandemic impacted the automobile industry?
SEARCH TERMS: “automobile industry” AND semiconductors
ECONOMICS: Worldwide – Economic Recovery Predicted
TOPIC: The International Monetary Fund has released its forecast of an economic recovery powered by widespread vaccine use, saying the world’s growth will be 5.5% over the coming year. Economic growth was only 3.5% in 2020, the worst year since 1945. What are some of the conditions the IMF says need to be met to help fuel this recovery? How does this forecast compare to one given last October? What does the IMF see ahead for some of the world’s largest economies?
SEARCH TERMS: (“International Monetary Fund” OR IMF) AND “economic recovery”
ECONOMICS: Janet Yellen
TOPIC: Janet Yellen is President Biden’s Secretary of the Treasury and the first woman in U.S. history to hold that position. What is her history at the Federal Reserve and how can that experience be useful in her new role? What are her first tasks as Treasury Secretary?
SEARCH TERMS: “Janet Yellen” AND Treasury AND Secretary
FINANCE: Minimum Wage
TOPIC: President Biden and others in Congress are pushing to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. What are the most persuasive arguments for and against making this change? What is the federal minimum wage now, what kind of jobs pay minimum wage, and why is this rate of pay considered to be unreasonable? What industries are seeing workers taking the most active stance on this issue?
SEARCH TERMS: “minimum wage” AND $15
Civics, Government and Politics
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Myanmar – Coup d’états
TOPIC: After Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the national League for Democracy, won 83% of the seats in the legislature, but before it could convene and ratify the election, the military claiming electoral fraud seized power in Myanmar, formerly Burma. It has detained Ms. Suu Kyi and other leaders of the party, shut down TV and radio stations, forced banks to close, and stationed troops in the streets. It claims this will be a one year state of emergency. Is there any proof of electoral fraud? Who is leading the country now? What has the role of the armed forces been in Myanmar’s government? What has been the reactions from around the world?
SEARCH TERMS: Myanmar AND “Aung San Suu Kyi” AND coup
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Biden Presidential Transition
TOPIC: Following an unconventional transition of presidential power, Inauguration Day proceedings for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took place outside of the U.S. Capitol building without incident on Wednesday, January 20. What proceedings, events and traditions typically commemorate outgoing and ingoing administrations, and how did the Trump-Biden transition differ? Why were there heightened safety concerns on Inauguration Day, and what measures were taken to protect the health and safety of those in attendance?
SEARCH TERMS: president* AND transition AND power AND inauguration AND Biden AND Trump
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Balance of Political Power
TOPIC: The 2020 presidential and congressional election have brought a shift in political power with the Democrats voted in to control of both the House and the U.S. Senate. Who is the tie-breaking vote that gives the Democrats Senate control with each party making up half of the Senate? What Senate power-sharing agreement has been made between the two parties and why?
SEARCH TERMS: Republicans AND Democrats AND Senate AND “power-sharing”
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Investigation of Insurgent Attack on the U.S. Capitol
TOPIC: The process of the U.S. Senate certification of the delegate votes by the states was interrupted by a violent insurrection by supporters of President Trump demanding Vice President Mike Pence force the federal government to overturn the state delegate votes and give Trump a second term. How was this invasion organized and encouraged and how was it quelled? What are some of the most violent threats made on government officials and what was the number of fatalities and serious injuries? Who are some of the most prominent insurgents that have been arrested and what has been discovered about internal insurgent organizations, their funding and motives in the ongoing investigations? What beliefs fuel a lot of these insurgents and where do they find support in advancing their theories? What is being done in the aftermath to protect government offices and the public from this group and its affiliates around the country?
SEARCH TERMS: (attack OR insurgents OR insurgency) AND (capitol OR senate) AND Trump AND (investig* OR evidence)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Trump Faces Second Impeachment
TOPIC: On January 13, Donald Trump became the only president in U.S. history to be impeached twice when the House of Representatives charged him with “incitement of insurrection.” Which Republicans voted for impeachment, and what backlash have they faced? What are the next steps in the impeachment process, and how many votes are necessary for a conviction?
SEARCH TERMS: "Donald Trump" AND impeach* AND (insurrection OR incit*)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: West Bank/Gaza Strip – Palestinian Authority Elections Announced
TOPIC: Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has announced parliamentary and presidential elections will be held later this year. It would be the first election since 2006, when Hamas won control of the Gaza Strip. How long has Abbas led the PA? What evidence is there that Hamas committed to these elections? How did Israel react to this announcement?
SEARCH TERMS: “Palestinian Authority” AND elections
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: South Africa – Jacob Zuma Compelled to Testify
TOPIC: The Constitutional Court has ordered former President Jacob Zuma to testify at the Zondo Commission investigating what is referred to as state capture. The commission has been taking testimony for a few years. Why did it take this long to compel Zuma to testify? What is state capture and how is Zuma connected to it? What other allegations have been made about Zuma?
SEARCH TERMS: “Jacob Zuma” AND “Zondo Commission”
HISTORY: Mexico – Conquest of Aztec Mexico Anniversary
TOPIC: This year is the 500th anniversary of the conquest of Aztec Mexico by Hernan Cortes and his Spanish troops and indigenous allies. Details of archeological research in the town of Tecoaque reveal the remains of a massacre of its citizens by Spanish troops. What prompted this attack? What were some of the other noteworthy events of Cortes’ invasion and conquest? How is Mexico commemorating this event?
SEARCH TERMS: "Hernan Cortes" AND Aztecs AND anniversary
HISTORY: Harriet Tubman
TOPIC: There is a current effort to replace the face of President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with that of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Why remove Jackson’s face from the bill? What was the Underground Railroad and what was Harriet Tubman’s role in it? What was her involvement with John Brown and how was she involved with the Union during the U.S. Civil War?
SEARCH TERMS: “Harriet Tubman” AND (“Underground Railroad” OR “Civil War”)
Social Issues
CRIME AND LAW: Italy -- ’Ndrangheta on Trial
TOPIC: Italy prepares to open the second largest trial in its history as it seeks to put the criminal gang, the ’Ndrangheta, behind bars. The ’Ndrangheta is based in Calabria, and is a world-wide organization. How is the ’Ndrangheta structured and what implications does that structure have for this trial? What crimes from the 1970s fueled their growth? How did they expand around the world? How long is the trial expected to last and how many defendants are there? How has the presence of the ‘Ndrangheta impacted Italian society?
SEARCH TERMS: ’Ndrangheta AND trial
CRIME AND LAW: Australia – Prison Populations
TOPIC: Although the number of adult prisoners being held in Australia has fallen, the number of those incarcerated who are indigenous has continued to rise according to the most recent figures. Why have the rates of imprisoned indigenous peoples risen? How does the rate of prosecution compare for indigenous people prosecuted for minor crimes to non-indigenous?
SEARCH TERMS: Australia AND prisoners AND (“indigenous people” OR Aboriginals) and rates
CRIME AND LAW: Justice Department Watchdog Investigation
TOPIC: An internal U.S. Justice Department investigation has been launched to see if any members of the department were complicit in trying to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election. What report spurred this investigation and how did it cause concern? What were some other efforts to overturn the results of the recent presidential election?
SEARCH TERMS: (“Justice Department” OR “Department of Justice”) AND watchdog AND overturn AND election AND investing*
EDUCATION: 1776 Commission Rescinded
TOPIC: An executive order by President Biden has rescinded President Trump’s 1776 Commission that intended to offer what President Trump referred to as a “patriotic education” in response to the 1619 Project by the New York Times. What was the 1619 Project and how did it seek to influence education? What are the details of the 1776 Commission’s work and how did it try to impact public education?
SEARCH TERMS: "patriotic education" AND Trump AND "1776 commission"
RELIGION: Virtual Inaugural Prayer Event
TOPIC: On the morning of their first full day on the job, President Biden, Vice President Harris and others took part in a virtual prayer event as the last part of their inaugural ceremony. How was this virtual event organized as a COVID-safe replacement to the traditional inaugural prayer event? What religious denominations were represented and what were the different messages in the prayers?
SEARCH TERMS: "inaugural prayer service"
SOCIAL RELATIONS: Ireland – Mother and Baby Homes Investigation
TOPIC: The Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation has released its report on the conditions inside these institutions where unwed mothers were sent. They could be separated from their children, who were sent to other homes. What did the commission find about the treatment of children and babies? How many died while in these institutions? What were conditions like in these homes?
SEARCH TERMS: “Mother and Baby Homes”
SOCIAL RELATIONS: Zero-Tolerance Immigration Lifted
TOPIC: The U.S. Department of Justice has rescinded President Trump’s “zero tolerance” migrant policy for the U.S.-Mexican border. What was the policy, how was it enforced and how well did it work? Why was it rescinded?
SEARCH TERMS: Trump AND “zero tolerance” AND (immigr* OR border) AND (Mexico OR Mexican)
Science, Technology and Health
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE: XL Keystone Pipeline Halted
TOPIC: President Biden has revoked the permit for work on the XL Keystone pipeline which will effectively halt work on it. What were the environmental concerns that spurred him to revoke the permit? How many American jobs will this impact and what kind of jobs were they? What was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to President Biden’s halt of the pipeline and what kind of impact might this have on US-Canada relations?
SEARCH TERMS: XL AND Keystone AND pipeline AND Biden
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE: Worldwide – 2020 Was a Hot One
TOPIC: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared 2020 to be third hottest year ever and the decade that just ended was the hottest ever. Six of the world’s hottest years have occurred since 2015. From whom does the WMO get its data and how are the datasets developed and analyzed? What is the impact of the weather events La Nina and El Nino on climate?
SEARCH TERMS: (“World Meteorological Organization” OR WMO) AND 2020
HEALTH: Worldwide – Covid-19 Vaccines Roll Out
TOPIC: As the world surpasses 100 million cases of coronavirus, several nations have produced vaccines against Covid-19 and many of them have been approved for general use. The question for governments is how to the vaccines amongst their populations. Are there any similarities among the various plans? Are there any major differences, and if so, what are they? How effective are the various vaccines?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines
HEALTH: Worldwide – Vaccines vs. Variants
TOPIC: Covid-19 has evolved. New variants of the disease have sprung up in Great Britain, South Africa, and elsewhere and have spread to other countries. The South African variant is thought to be especially infectious, but all of them seem to be more infectious than the original virus. Are currently approved vaccines effective against these variants? Have any vaccine makers begun work on tailoring their vaccines to meet these new viruses?
SEARCH TERMS: (coronavirus OR Covid-19) AND vaccines AND variants
HEALTH: Vaccine Administration
TOPIC: President Biden has set a goal of administering 100 million COVID-19 vaccines in his first 100 days. What are the logistics for achieving this goal? What are some of the biggest challenges in getting these vaccines distributed?
SEARCH TERMS: (COVID-19 OR coronavirus OR pandemic) AND states AND (vaccine OR vaccines OR vaccination) AND Biden AND (administer OR distrib*)
HEALTH: China – Coffee’s Health Impact
TOPIC: Drinking coffee has been found to lower the risk of dying from advanced prostate cancer according to research from the China Medical University. Coffee has anti-inflammability properties which may be responsible for these results. How did the researchers conduct their studies? How much does each cup of coffee reduce the risk of dying? How prevalent is prostate cancer?
SEARCH TERMS: coffee AND “prostate cancer”
SCIENCE: U.S. Space Command Relocates
TOPIC: The U.S. Air Force announced that Huntsville, Alabama, will become the permanent location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters, relocating operations from its temporary site in Colorado Springs, Colorado. What is the function of the U.S. Space Command? What other locations were considered for the site, and why was Huntsville ultimately selected? Why are some lawmakers and military leaders frustrated by the decision to move the facility?
SEARCH TERMS: "space command" AND headquarters AND (relocat* OR move) AND (Alabama OR Huntsville OR Colorado)
SCIENCE: Indonesia – Oldest Painting of Animal Discovered
TOPIC: Researchers have discovered a cave painting of a pig, which has two hand prints above it and seems to be facing the remains of paintings of two other pigs, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The dating of the calcite on top of the painting gives it a date of 45,500 years old. Why do Sulawesi and the other islands near it have an important role in human prehistory and migration? Though this is the earliest figurative painting to be found, what is the earliest artwork found and where was it found? What do interpreters say about the image portrayed? What are some messages that the artist was conveying?
SEARCH TERMS: Sulawesi AND “cave painting”
TECHNOLOGY: China – Electric Car Agreement Announced
TOPIC: China’s Geely Holding Group will partner with the Internet company Baidu.com Inc. to make electric cars. Their cars will be intelligent and connected. No further details were available. Geely makes other electric cars and Baidu has been working on automated driving technology. What do industry analysts think that Baidu in particular is attempting to do? What other car makers are focusing on electric vehicles around the world? What other tech companies are exploring autonomous driving vehicles? How might autonomous driving vehicles both assist and hinder car travel safety?
SEARCH TERMS: Geely AND Baidu
TECHNOLOGY: SpaceX and Amazon Satellite Battle
TOPIC: SpaceX and Amazon are competing for satellite space, each seeking to use satellites to provide better Internet service. What kind of satellite constellation does SpaceX currently have with its Starlink system and how is it seeking to expand its license with the U.S. federal government? What are Amazon’s satellite plans with its Kuiper System and why is Amazon objecting to Starlink’s effort to expand the terms of its license? How do satellites work to help with Internet services?
SEARCH TERMS: SpaceX AND Amazon AND satellite* AND Starlink AND Kuiper
Sports
SPORTS: College Football Championship
TOPIC: The University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide has beaten Ohio State’s Buckeyes to win the national championship for the NCAA’s division 1 football teams. What were the most impressive plays of the game? What are the major strengths and weaknesses for each team?
SEARCH TERMS: (Alabama OR Crimson) AND (“Ohio State” OR Buckeyes) AND Championship
SPORTS: Super Bowl
TOPIC: The Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face each other for the Super Bowl. What are the key strengths and weaknesses for each of these teams? How do their strengths and weaknesses match up and what team to you predict will win?
SEARCH TERMS: (Bucs OR Buccaneers OR “Tampa Bay”) AND (Chiefs OR “Kansas City”) AND “Super Bowl”
SPORTS: Jockey of the Year
TOPIC: Frankie Dettori has been named Jockey of the Year for the third straight year. This is based on his performances in the top 100 rated Group One and Grade One races held around the world. What great horses did Dettori ride this year and which races did he win? What was his career like before he began this three-year streak?
SEARCH TERMS: “Frankie Dettori”
SPORTS: New Zealand – America’s Cup
TOPIC: The Challengers for the right to race New Zealand in the America’s Cup have themselves down in a series of round robin races. The best teams will meet in the Prada Cup in February. Who has made it through to the Prada Cup? Which two teams will be racing a seven-race series to meet the top seed? Which team is the top seed in the Prada Cup? How many races will be run to determine the right to go forward and meet Team New Zealand?
SEARCH TERMS: “America’s Cup” OR “Prada Cup”
SPORTS: DeVonta Smith
TOPIC: DeVonta Smith of the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide is the first wide receiver to win a Heisman Trophy. What are the main strengths of his football skills and how did they show themselves in this year’s football season? What receiving records does he hold for the U. of Alabama?
SEARCH TERMS: “DeVonta Smith” AND (Alabama OR Crimson) AND Heisman
Arts and Literature
FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE: Michaela Goade
TOPIC: Illustrator Michaela Goade is the first Native American to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children’s story: We Are Water Protectors. What qualities of the illustrations in this book impressed the critics and what other work has she done? What are the major influences in her work?
SEARCH TERMS: “Michaela Goade” AND “We Are Water Protectors”
FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE: Spain – Prado Museum Changing Its Displays
TOPIC: Madrid’s Prado Museum has announced that, while it is shutdown, it is going to review its displays of its permanent collection with an eye towards featuring more women artists and foreign artists. Its permanent collection was based on the Spanish Royal Collection. What are some of the great works of art that it houses? What Spanish artists are in its holdings? What women Spanish artists that are well-known would one expect to be featured in the Prado? What is the reasoning behind changing up its galleries?
SEARCH TERMS: (“Museo del Prado” OR “Prado Museum”) AND (collections OR artists)
LITERATURE: Great Britain – Costa Prize Announced
TOPIC: The Costa prize is given to books annually in five categories – novel, first novel, biography, poetry and children’s book – each year one of these is chosen as the book of the year. One of the qualifications for the prize is readers’ enjoyment of the work. The book of the year this year is Monique Roffey’s The Mermaid of Black Conch. What books won the other categories? Why was Ms. Roffey’s work chosen?
SEARCH TERMS: “Monique Roffey” AND “Costa Prize”
LITERATURE: Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman
TOPIC: Reciting her poem, The Hill We Climb, 22-year-old, Los Angeles-based writer and former National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, gained worldwide attention as the youngest poet laurate in Inauguration Day history. When and why did she write the poem, and what was its message? What was unique about her reading of her poem? What has been the public’s reaction to her poem and performance, and how has it impacted her career? Which administration introduced poet laurates as an Inauguration Day tradition, what presidents preserved the tradition, and who has performed?
SEARCH TERMS: “Amanda Gorman” AND inauguration AND (poet* OR poem*)
MOVIES AND TELEVISION: Bridgerton
TOPIC: Bridgerton is a unique and creative period drama series on Netflix that is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series of novels. When and where is this series supposed to take place and in what ways does this series take license to dramatically change what life in that time and place was like? What has been the public and critical reaction to this series and why?
SEARCH TERMS: Bridgerton AND Netflix
MOVIES AND TELEVISION: France – Cannes Film Festival Delayed
TOPIC: It was announced that the Cannes Film Festival, normally held in May and June, would be postponed until July. Last year’s edition of the festival was cancelled. The hope is that this year’s festival will be an in-person event. Have any of the films that might be shown at this event been announced? How are other film festivals reacting to the pandemic?
SEARCH TERMS: “Cannes Film Festival” OR “film festivals”
MUSIC: Great Britain/Europe – Brexit Hits Touring Musicians
TOPIC: The terms of Brexit mean British citizens can only spend 90 days out of 180 in the EU countries. This impacts musicians’ ability to create long tours of the continent and thus increases their costs. What other logistics involved in crossing the borders around Europe will be impacted? What are some of the other aspects of musical touring that will be impacted?
SEARCH TERMS: Brexit AND (musicians or “music industry”)
MUSIC: Phil Spector
TOPIC: Phil Spector was a musician and composer but mostly known as a music producer known for a style of arranging and producing music that became known as the “Wall of Sound”. What defined the style and production of the “Wall of Sound” and what are some examples of popular songs he produced using this method? What has been his influence on production in popular music and what are some examples of music produced by others that shows his influence?
SEARCH TERMS: "Phil Spector” AND “Wall of Sound”
PERFORMING ARTS: Prototype Festival
TOPIC: The annual opera and theater Prototype Festival is moving mostly online this year to be safe during COVID-19. What is Prototype and how and why was it founded? What two theater companies co-produce Prototype and what are their backgrounds?
SEARCH TERMS: ("Prototype festival" OR "Prototype festivals") AND (opera OR theater)
People
PEOPLE: Canada – The Governor General Resigns
TOPIC: Julie Payette, a former astronaut who became Canada’s Governor General, has resigned after allegations that she created a toxic workplace. What is the role of the Governor General in Canadian political life? How long had Payette been in office and who appointed her? What are the allegations against her?
SEARCH TERMS: “Julie Payette”
PEOPLE: Russia – Return of the Activist
TOPIC: Alexei Navalny, recovered from the poison administered to him last year, returned to Russia, where he was promptly arrested. Navalny is the most prominent critic of the current Russian leader, Vladimir Putin and has tried to get onto the ballot against him. Where did Navalny recuperate from the poisoning and why did he return to Russia? What are the charges against him that caused his arrest? How have Russian authorities dealt with the protests that have sprung up challenging his arrest? What has a video released online by his supporters alleged about Putin’s lifestyle?
SEARCH TERMS: “Alexei Navalny”
PEOPLE: Hank Aaron
TOPIC: Hank Aaron was a professional baseball player who was famous for breaking Babe Ruth’s longstanding career home run record, a record that Aaron himself held for 33 years. What team did he play for, what position and what were his strengths in the position he played? What difficulties did he have after breaking Babe Ruth’s record and how did these difficulties spur massive public support for him?
SEARCH TERMS: "Hank Aaron” AND baseball
PEOPLE: Cicely Tyson
TOPIC: Cicely Tyson was a film, television and stage actress who achieved respect and fame for her dignified portrayal of strong Black women. What role first made her famous and why? What are some other celebrated roles she had in film and TV?
SEARCH TERMS: " Cicely Tyson” AND (actor OR actress)
PEOPLE: Larry King
TOPIC: Larry King was an award-winning television and radio talk show host, famous for his folksy-personality and long interviews with famous people, notably U.S. Presidents and other powerful people. What are the television shows that he hosted and what are some of the most historic moments on those shows? What media work did he do after leaving CNN?
SEARCH TERMS: "Larry King Live” OR “The Larry King Show” OR “Larry King Now”
PEOPLE: Dr. Rachel Levine
TOPIC: Dr. Rachel Levine has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health and will be the first openly transgender federal official. What job did Dr. Levine hold when she was nominated for Assistant Secretary of Health and how did she fare in that job? What work in dealing with COVID did she do in Pennsylvania?
SEARCH TERMS: “Rachel Levine" AND (“secretary of health” OR “health secretary”)
PEOPLE: Cloris Leachman
TOPIC: Cloris Leachman was a successful comedienne and actress, most famous for her television role as Mary Tyler Moore’s friend Phyllis on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. She also had a successful spin-off show called Phyllis. What films was she most celebrated for and why? How many Emmy Awards did she win and what for? How long was her acting career?
SEARCH TERMS: "Cloris Leachman”
PEOPLE: Jamaica – Gordon Stewart
TOPIC: Gordon Stewart had already made a fortune by selling appliances on the Caribbean island when he came up with the idea of all-inclusive resorts, where meals and drinks were included in the prices of the stay. Initially Sandals Resorts catered to couples, but he started another chain called Beaches that attracted families. What did Stewart do before he started importing appliances to Jamaica? What became controversial about Sandals couples only policy? What other industries was he involved in and what honors did he win?
SEARCH TERMS: “Gordon Stewart” AND Sandals
PEOPLE: Sheldon Adelson
TOPIC: Sheldon Adelson was a successful businessman in the Las Vegas hotel industry, a philanthropist and a political donor. Before getting into the hotel industry what trade show did he help create for the computer industry? What is his legacy in the hotel industry? What philanthropic causes has he given to?
SEARCH TERMS: "Sheldon Adelson" AND hotel*
Reading Beyond Book Lists
Books chosen by the American Library Association & Children’s Book Council Joint Committee to provide guidance to parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians, and others interested in discovering books for children who read at an advanced level and are seeking more challenging, but still age-appropriate, books.
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Handout_K-1.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Handout_2-3.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Handout_4-5.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020_ReadingBeyond_Booklet.pdf
https://www.cbcbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ReadingBeyond2019-_Pamphlet-Final2.pdf
All In Illinois
On April 2, Governor JB Pritzker introduced All In Illinois to unite residents across the state to continue to stay home and stay safe. Now more than ever, we all need to do our part to support our communities. We can slow the spread if we do it together. Our strongest weapon against COVID-19 is you. Join us and take the pledge to being 'All In' — for our neighbors and grandparents, our health care professionals and first responders, our grocery store workers and so many more.
Thank you for committing to being All in Illinois by staying safe and staying home. Together, we are #AllinIllinois
https://iot-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/allinillinois-kit-TZO-040320.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD0QqGWMY8M1XghICspTIU57ked6g05Rs