I just rediscovered this newspaper-based activity I put together in November. We were studying reading graphs and charts, analyzing data and finding the mean, median, mode and range of a set of numbers. I found some interesting graphs, an ad and a local weather map (which you can't really read at all) and used them as a jumping off point for several questions.
Most newspaper activities I use are designed to be used with any issue of the paper, as they draw on regular features and sections. This type of activities doesn't require having any newspapers in the classroom, as you pick and choose what makes sense to share with your students.
Thanks to the Boston Globe; all of the graphs and charts come from papers I received via the Newspapers in Education program earlier this year. I doubt you will be able to use this particular activity as-is, but you can certainly adapt the idea for your needs. If you have any similar ideas, leave them in the comments.