Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
05/29/2017
Republican wins election after being charged with attacking reporter
Republican Greg Gianforte has won a seat in the House of Representatives, despite an assault allegation the night before Montana's special election. Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault after he was accused of body slamming a reporter who was asking about how many people would lose insurance under the GOP health care bill. Many Montana voters had cast early ballots before the alleged assault.
■Class discussion: Montana usually votes for Republicans. Does it surprise you that Gianforte would win after being charged with assault? Are you more likely to believe a reporter or a politician? Why? What has been happening to news reporters around the world? Why do authoritarian leaders often round up and jail journalists? What happens to a country when journalists are silenced? Can democracy exist without reporters informing the public?