Looking for new ideas and lessons to integrate real time events into the curriculum

I work for Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as their educational director. One of my responsibilities is to develop curriculum aligned to standards that integrates the race into the classroom. I'm looking for new ideas as to how some of you integrate real time events (ANY EVENT!) into your units. Even though the race is my primary topic (along with Alaska--- all things Alaska) I know I can learn a lot from how others are using real events--- Olympics, sports events in your own communities, political events, whatever!

I look forward to hearing ideas you have on any topic that lends itself to using technology as a tool in real time event --- adventure learning projects.