1. LANDMARK LEGISLATION

The British Parliament voted in favor of allowing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales under strict conditions. The bill, which passed 330 to 275, would let patients aged 18 or older, diagnosed with a terminal illness and given no more than six months to live, seek help ending their lives. Approval would require two doctors, a judge, and the drugs would have to be self-administered. The debate revealed deep divisions. Supporters argued it would prevent unnecessary suffering and give patients a compassionate choice. Opponents feared it might pressure vulnerable people, like the elderly or disabled, to choose death prematurely. Faith leaders and some politicians also expressed concerns about costs and the ethical impact on society. Though not yet final, this vote marks a significant step toward legalizing assisted dying in the UK, reflecting changing public attitudes. Further discussions and potential amendments will follow before it can become law. Assisted dying is a controversial topic with both strong support and opposition. Using research online or in your newspaper, create your own pro-con list on the topic to form your own opinion on the topic. Look for facts and reliable statistics as well as personal anecdotes from people who have been affected by the topic positively and negatively to inform your opinion.

2. TRANSITION DECISION

President-elect Donald Trump’s team has chosen not to sign a key agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA), which typically helps fund and organize presidential transitions. By skipping the agreement, the team is relying on private donations instead of the $7.2 million in government funding they could have received. They’ve promised to disclose their donors and reject foreign donations, but they’re not legally required to follow through since they opted out of the GSA deal. The GSA would have also provided secure communication lines and office space for transition planning, but Trump’s team says their decision saves taxpayer money. However, they haven’t said when or how they’ll release donor information, or if they’ll follow previous limits on donation amounts. Trump’s team has started formal transition briefings with the White House but hasn’t signed an agreement with the Justice Department, which prevents the FBI from running security checks on transition staff. This limits access to classified information for some team members. The team also released an ethics plan, but critics say it doesn’t address potential conflicts of interest for Trump himself, which could violate the Presidential Transition Act. Despite these issues, the transition is moving forward, with Trump’s nominees preparing to take over key government roles. Using your newspaper or research online, look up what the typical transition process is between U.S. presidents. Then, write an article that summarizes that process and how President-elect Donald Trump has changed the norm with his previous term and heading into his next one.

3. PRISON PROBLEMS

A federal judge may appoint a third-party administrator, known as a receiver, to take control of New York City’s failing jail system, including Rikers Island, after years of issues like violence and deaths. This “last resort” move has been used before in other states to fix prison problems but has had mixed results. A receiver would have broad powers to address the issues, including changing staffing and budgets, but there are concerns about whether these fixes will last once control is handed back to city officials. The decision could be appealed, and the receiver’s ability to make lasting change will depend on their expertise and the city’s cooperation. Advocates for closing Rikers hope the receiver will prioritize that goal, but it’s unclear how this will affect the city’s plans to close the facility. If you were writing an article about this story, who would you want to interview, what would you ask them, and what sources would you look to for information? Write a summary of your potential interview subjects and questions as well as what other information you would seek out in order to tell a complete story.

4. END OF AN ERA

Two of London’s oldest and most iconic markets, Billingsgate (fish) and Smithfield (meat), are closing after nearly 1,000 years of operation. These historic markets have been central to London’s culture since medieval times, but rising costs have led to their shutdown. The City of London Corporation, which oversees the markets, decided against relocating them to a new site due to construction costs reaching $1.25 billion. The markets will stay open until at least 2028, giving traders time to relocate their businesses independently. Billingsgate’s current site might be redeveloped into housing, while Smithfield is set to become a cultural center and home to the new London Museum. Smithfield and Billingsgate were more than just places to buy fish and meat—they were hubs of tradition. Smithfield traders worked through the night, and nearby pubs catered to their early schedules. Over centuries, the markets evolved from chaotic medieval centers into modern spaces, but their closures mark the end of a significant chapter in London’s history. While new uses are planned for the sites, the move signals a shift away from these deep-rooted traditions. Brainstorm ideas for how these markets could be repurposed in a way that keeps their history alive while also meeting the modern needs of their community. Then, discuss your ideas in small groups or as a class and consider the potential challenges and benefits of your suggestions.

5. HONORING A RACING LEGEND

Mary McGee, a trailblazing figure in racing, passed away at 87 on November 27, 2024, just one day before the release of a documentary about her life, Motorcycle Mary. McGee was a pioneering female racer, known for being the first person, man or woman, to complete the Baja 500 off-road race solo in 1975. She broke barriers in both auto and motorcycle racing, becoming the first woman to race motorcycles in the U.S. and compete internationally in motocross. Her family remembered her as a historic athlete who inspired many, embodying resilience and optimism. McGee’s story was shared in the new short film, executive produced by seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton. McGee also mentored other women in racing and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018. Her legacy as a motorsport pioneer and role model continues to inspire. Research the history of women in motorsports and how they’ve been represented in racing. How does their representation in the sport today compare to 1975 when Mary McGee completed the Baja 500? Write an article summarizing your findings and how McGee affected motorsports for the women who followed in her footsteps.