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Identifying what in the news should be talked about and why

Continue reading these Current Event articles and share them with your teens to encourage conversation

  • Airbnb: New Lease on Life [The Economist] – In a groundbreaking bit of legislation, San Francisco voted last week to legalize (with some regulation) short term letting of properties via sites such as Airbnb. This is the first in what is sure to be a series of landmark decisions that will decide the future of not only this rental platform, but the hotel industry and real estate market as well. This is a terrific example of the way technology outpaces legislation in our society and the trickle down effect that new e-commerce ventures can have on existing institutions and average citizens.
  • Movie Watchdog Group Gives Out Its First Seal of Approval [NY Times]  – There is a new sheriff in town when it comes to rating movies as “family friendly” or not. The family values group “Common Sense Media” has issued its first official seal of approval to a current release Disney film, and will be allowing its endorsement for use in promotional materials. The significance of this story lies in the fact that the group was founded totally separate from the movie industry and influence of the studios. The claim that they cannot be bought begs the question, do we need more independent review of major industries?

  • A Smuggled Girl’s Odyssey [NY Times]  – The recent wave of unaccompanied child immigrants is a major issue facing our country and the lives of these tens of thousands of young people. In fact, we published an article about this some time back that is worth revisiting. This is another worthy read, as it puts a face to the phenomenon and to help understand exactly what these children go through before, during and after their immigration.
  • Potato Chip Bags Double Up As A Flotation Device [DOGOnews] – Ever open up a big bag of chips only to find that barely a third of the container was actually filled with food? Students in South Korea demonstrated this incredible amount of air present in unopened snack bags by creating a flotation device out of them. Besides the science and “food for thought” as a consumer; this is a great story because it shows a group of young people forgoing their complaints about being sleighted and instead putting their finds to productive use.
  • Life Under ISIS Rule [Marketplace.org]  – (Parents Note: Please review before sharing with your children, not recommended for those under the age of 14) Our last share for the week is not an article, but an insightful audio clip. With the US and allies involved in combating ISIS in both Syria and Iraq, this uneasy subject can be both difficult to understand and to reconcile. We hope that older children will appreciate the context this clip provides, and aid them in understanding how young people like them are living on the other side of the world.
  • California Drought Has Families On The Brink of Waterlessness [LA Times]  – For the first time ever, the State Water Resources Control Board in California is tracking communities in imminent danger of being without any water. This punctuates just how serious this drought has become. Levels of desperation are reaching previously unheard of levels inside the US as this problem is both very real and very serious. We recommend this video as a means to better understand the issue.
  • Making Sense of the Ebola Virus [DOGOnews] – With so much being said about this growing international concern, it can be difficult to explain the significance to children in an appropriate way. We found this to be a great resource to explore what the disease is and how it works, as well as a great deal of other relevant information. All of it is presented in an easy to understand way that helps younger readers to get the facts without the fearful conjecture.
  • White House Intruder Got Farther Than First Reported [NYTimes]  – (Parents Note: Please review before sharing with your children, not recommended for those under the age of 14) The revelation that the man who hopped the White House fence got as far as the building’s Green Room has vast implications moving forward. The obvious embarrassment for the Secret Service is already showing repercussions, and the questions raised about the release of deceptive information will start a deeper, but related, series of debates.
  • Pro-Democracy Protesters Swarm Hong Kong [Time]  – A recent wave of protests in Hong Kong has young people at the center in a new movement known officially as “Occupy Central With Peace and Love.” Besides the heavy impact on Beijing and Hong Kong, who increasingly reflect powerful forces on the world stage, this movement is centered on democracy and free speech. It simultaneously highlights the similarities and the differences facing citizens, especially younger ones, in the US and other nations.
  • The State of Airline Flight Tracking [Skift.com] – Six months after the disappearance of MH370 the world still stands in uncertainty about both where the plane is and how it could have been lost in the first place. This article shares efforts and developments to ensure it never happens again and reminds us that even after a story fades from the prime slot on the nightly news, it is important to remember, discuss and explore.
  • Who’s on Warpath to Overtake Apple [LinkedIn.com]  – China’s Alibaba represents an incredible e-commerce force coupled with a variety of services and sales/market share previously unheard of. September’s massive IPO has solidified its stance as a force to be reckoned with and a company that will undoubtedly change how the world does business in the future. Learn more about the potential impact on our shared future.
  • Life at Age 11 [timeforkids.com] – An Australian filmmaker has just released a documentary entitled “I Am Eleven” featuring interviews with 11 year olds from 15 countries around the world. It highlights the unique perspective of the age group, as well as the differences and surprising similarities of children’s opinions on a variety of issues, no matter where they call home. The release is limited to NYC and LA for now, expanding to other cities soon.
  • China Creates Sidewalk for People Who Walk and Text [tweentribune.com] – We’ve all experienced the inevitable collisions that occur in pedestrian areas when people are walking while using their phones. This Chinese city’s unique action to quell the problem makes an interesting statement on the way technology affects our lives and causes us to take a look at our own actions.
  • Ukrainian President Makes Emotional Plea to U.S. Congress for Aid [mashable.com] – At a joint session of congress, Ukraine’s President made an appeal for increased military and economic aid for his country as it struggles to defend its sovereign status. While other areas of the world currently hold a higher media attention, it is important to remember all that is going on internationally,  and the broad spectrum of  incidents the US is involved in.
  • Will Scotland End Its 307-Year-Old Union With Britain? [dogonews.com] – Today marks the day that Scottish citizens as young as 16 go to the polls to vote on this historic issue. This is an important topic because it affects the international community at large, reflects a long and important history and affects actual teenagers across the ocean.
  •  Two New, Bigger iPhones – Plus a Watch! [tweentribune.com] – It’s hard to miss the discussion over these new Apple devices, but here are all the details in one place. This provides a chance to discuss advances in technology, as well as the notion of upgrades and fads: is having the latest and greatest really necessary?

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