Timestamp: Watch start of video to 1m:35s for the government shutdown story.

SUMMARY

It was a swirl of news at the Capitol Wednesday where the top four leaders in Congress agreed on a deal to avert a government shutdown for at least a week. That came after GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell announced he will step down from leadership this fall. House Republicans also made headlines by questioning Hunter Biden behind closed doors.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Read this article to learn more about the current efforts to avert a government shutdown:

Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-house-approves-another-short-term-extension-to-avoid-a-shutdown-senators-are-up-next-to-vote

WARM UP QUESTIONS

1. Who is involved in deciding if a government shutdown happens or is avoided?
2. What is in the spending deal?
3. When is the new spending deal deadline?
4. How does Congress decide whether or not to fund the government?
5. Why did lawmakers choose to make six different spending bills?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

How has a sharpened partisan divide in Congress affected lawmakers' ability to get things done? In what ways does a government shutdown affect the lives of everyday Americans?

Media literacy: There were a few topics discussed in this story. How do they relate to one another? What additional questions do you have about these current efforts to prevent another government shutdown?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Take a look at this lesson plan, Shutting down government shutdowns, by Ryan Werenka, social studies teacher in Troy, Michigan and this daily news lesson from Jan. 2024 when the last government shutdown was averted.

You may want to watch the America at a Crossroads series in the "Warm up" section or the video in the "Main activity" section. Discuss the following questions with a classmate or family member: "What are some reasons suggested in this story for the increase in tensions in the U.S.?

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each week.