On today’s NOTICE News: The government shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that had been floating high above our country, and it was all caught on camera. What does this mean for our country’s relationship with China? Plus: How one mom is making Super Bowl history. Here’s a transcript of today’s show.
Discussion Questions
- What was sensitive about the timing of the Chinese spy balloon being spotted in the past week?
- Why did the government shoot down the balloon? Why would they wait until it was off the coast?
- For what purpose is it thought that the spy balloon was up in its location over Montana?
- Why is Donna Kelce’s Superbowl situation so unique and rare?
- In response to the question, “Who are you rooting for?” Donna Kelce responded, “The offense. Anytime someone has the ball.” Why was this a clever answer?
Writing Prompts
- While the Chinese government claims that the balloon was just doing weather research and veered off course, that doesn’t stop assumptions and hype. Explain why such a thing could elevate the tension in a relationship that is already strained. Why would the American and Chinese governments want modes of communication to stay open?
- The Michigan boy who ordered one thousand dollars of fast food off Grubhub was supposedly using his dad’s phone before bed. Children’s access to technology and what age they should have access to smartphones is a common issue that parents must face. In your opinion, what is an appropriate age to start having access to a smartphone, and why? What could be both some conveniences and drawbacks to someone that age having access to such technology?
Further Reading
- Our top story: U.S. Shoots Down Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon off South Carolina Coast (Reuters)
- Why did China do it? Experts Say China’s Balloon Over The U.S. Was Bold But Clumsy Espionage Tactic (Reuters)
- Analysis: China Has Reasons To Keep Cool After U.S. Downs Suspected Spy Balloon (Reuters)
- The World Has Forgotten About the Conflict in South Sudan. Enter Pope Francis (TIME)
- Donna Kelce, first mom to have two sons in Super Bowl, has perfect answer for who she’s cheering for (NBC Local)