Current events are the news and developments that shape public perception and opinion. They can directly impact political outcomes or policies and are often the focus of political polling. The information that is considered “current” may change from day to day depending on the occurrence of major political or economic developments. The ability to understand how current events affect public opinion allows people to make better informed decisions about their candidates or policy choices.

The 1929 Wall Street stock market crash triggers the Great Depression. President Franklin D Roosevelt launches his New Deal recovery programme. World War II breaks out after Japan attacks Pearl Harbour, and the US enlists in the conflict. The USA Patriot Act is passed as a central pillar of the government’s fight against terrorism, sparking concern over civil liberties.

In 1991, the US takes a lead role in bombing Iraq as a response to Iraqi aggression. The US forces drive Saddam Hussein’s regime from power, but hundreds of thousands of civilians are killed.

A terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England kills 22 people. A massive fire ravages Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Supreme Court of the United States determines that same-sex marriage is constitutional. The Rosetta spacecraft lands on a comet.

This scaffold is designed to help students analyze a news source. It is adapted from a rubric created by Joyce Valenza, an assistant professor of teaching at Rutgers University School of Information and Communication. It is shared with the permission of Joyce Valenza, a technology writer, speaker, blogger and learner.