How Officials and ‘Everyday Heroes’ are Supporting Recovery Efforts in Kentucky
Ask students: What was some of the damage inflicted by tornadoes in Kentucky? How have local, state and federal officials responded to the devastation?
Summary
The death toll has reached 74 in Kentucky, three nights after a swarm of tornadoes struck. For a closer look at how officials in the state are dealing with all of this, Judy Woodruff speaks to Jacqueline Coleman, the state’s lieutenant governor.
Terms
Lieutenant governor: An elected official position in most states that carries out the duties of a governor when the state’s elected governor is away from the state or incapacitated, and is next in line if the governor dies or leaves office.
Five Facts
- Who is interviewed in this piece and what is her background?
- What was some of the damage inflicted by tornadoes in Kentucky on Saturday and Sunday?
- How have local, state and federal officials responded to the devastation?
- How have private citizens helped respond to the devastation?
- Why is the lieutenant governor not yet thinking about policy changes in response to the tornadoes, according to this piece?
Focus Questions
What are some things that private citizens can do to help in an emergency or disaster that government officials can’t do as well?
Media literacy
In a story framed as praising the efforts of private citizens, why do you think we only hear from a public official?
Additional Resources
- For more from the victims of the tornado and its impact, see this story.
- How can you help victims of the tornado? Read this piece to find out.
- View more resources in SML's Disaster Recovery collection.
Republished with Permission from PBS NewsHour Extra.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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