1. TRUMP RE-ELECTED

Donald Trump won the 2024 election by making important gains among certain groups of voters while keeping his traditional support base. He stayed strong with older voters, white voters, and those without a college degree. But he also made progress with younger voters and Black and Hispanic men. For example, Trump won 46 percent of voters aged 18 to 29, up from 36 percent in 2020. Trump also did better with people without a college degree, winning 55 percent of this group. His support grew among non-white men and younger voters without a degree. Although Vice President Kamala Harris improved her support among college-educated voters, she couldn’t make up for the loss of voters without a degree. Trump’s main supporters were still white voters, but he made slight gains with Black and Latino voters, especially among young Black and Latino men. He also did well in rural areas, while Harris won in urban areas, but by smaller margins than in 2020. In the end, Trump’s traditional base and gains with specific groups helped him win despite some competition from Harris, especially among educated urban voters. Research statistics about voter demographics from the 2024 election compared to 2016 and/or 2020. Then, write a paragraph summarizing any interesting comparisons you find between Trump’s results in each election and his opponents’ and how those numbers changed.

2. NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles as his White House Chief of Staff for his upcoming second term. Wiles, a key political strategist who has worked with Trump for years, is known for her loyalty and experience handling his political campaigns, including during his first presidency. She will be the first woman to hold this role. Wiles has worked closely with Trump's family and understands his leadership style, which has been chaotic at times. The Chief of Staff position is crucial for managing the White House and helping drive the president's agenda. Wiles is expected to bring stability and continue the work she started during Trump's political campaigns. Using research online or in your newspaper, look up Susie Wiles’ background and career. Then, write a short summary of what you learned and a list of questions you would ask if you were interviewing her for a podcast or TV interview.

3. MONKEYS ON THE LOOSE

On November 6, 2024, 43 rhesus macaques escaped from a research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, after a caretaker accidentally left a door unlocked. The monkeys rushed out together, looking for freedom. While the monkeys aren’t considered dangerous, officials advised local residents to stay cautious and keep their doors and windows closed. The monkeys are young females who have not yet been tested on and experts say they aren’t a threat for carrying diseases. Traps with food have been set to help capture them, but as of now, they are still on the loose. This isn’t the first escape at the research center, but it's the largest group to break free. Look up the use of monkeys in research in the United States. Then write a summary of what you learned and how that relates to the recent escape in South Carolina.

4. GRAMMY NOMINATIONS ARRIVE

Beyoncé leads the 2025 Grammy nominations with 11, making her the most nominated artist ever with a total of 99 nominations. She’s up for several awards, including album and country album of the year. This is her first time nominated in country and Americana categories. If she wins album of the year, she’ll become the first Black woman to do so since 1999. Other artists like Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish also received multiple nominations. Post Malone earned his first nominations in the country music categories. Taylor Swift and newcomers Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan each got six nominations. The Grammy nominations reflect a wide range of music genres, with Beyoncé’s "Texas Hold ‘Em" competing for record of the year and song of the year. Some surprises include Shaboozey, who received his first nominations, and Dolly Parton, who earned her 55th nomination for an audiobook. However, there’s a noticeable lack of Latin and K-pop representation in the major categories. The Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on February 2, 2025. Choose a Grammy-nominated artist that you aren’t familiar with. Using research, write a short summary of your chosen artist’s background and approach to their music. Then, share your summary with your classmates.

5. AIR POLLUTION REACHES RECORD HIGH

In Lahore, Pakistan, dangerous levels of air pollution are causing serious health problems for many people. The city has been covered in thick, harmful smog that has pushed the Air Quality Index to record-breaking levels, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. This pollution has led to hundreds of people, including children, going to the hospital with breathing issues, and it’s especially hard on kids and the elderly. The government has taken strict steps to try to reduce pollution, like closing schools, asking half of the workforce to stay home, and advising people to wear masks. They’ve also banned certain polluting activities like cooking over open fires and driving motorized rickshaws. Some sources of pollution include crop burning, car exhaust, factories, and fires used for cooking. Using research, create a flyer or script for a video that teaches people the best ways to stay safe from dangerous smog.