Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Oct. 28, 2022, 4:37 p.m.

Federal support nears $1.3 billion after Hurricane Ian — how should communities rebuild during a climate crisis?

Summary

Hurricane Ian was one of the strongest Category 4 storms to ever make landfall in the U.S. More than 100 fatalities have been reported. In its aftermath, housing is an urgent problem, and hundreds of thousands of households have applied for federal assistance. But there are big challenges around rebuilding and questions about the wisdom of doing so along parts of the coast. William Brangham reports. For a transcript of this story, click here .

Five Facts

  • Who are some of the people interviewed in this story, and what are their backgrounds?
  • Where are some of the places Hurricane Ian struck?
  • How many households have applied for federal assistance due to the impact of Ian?
  • What are some reasons rebuilding is difficult after Hurricane Ian?
  • Why are some people considering not rebuilding after Ian?

Focus Questions

After watching this story, what do you think is the best way to help Floridians who are at risk of further damage from storms? Media literacy : Who else would you want to hear from to better understand how Floridians at risk should rebuild?

For More

What students can do: 1. Learn what the federal government (taxpayer money) does to help families in disaster situations like Hurricane Ian?.How much do you think voters take in account which lawmakers are more apt to support federal assistance, including disaster loans and flood insurance payments? Check out the list of what the money is going to by reading this press release, FEMA Provides $603 Million in Individual Assistance to Jumpstart Survivor Recovery as Overall Federal Support Surpasses $1.28 Billion . 2. Though we're many weeks past Hurricane Ian's landfall, families still need help. See this article on what nonprofits and other organizations are doing in Florida, and discuss which seem the most helpful a month after landfall.
Hurricane Ian aftermath, in Punta Gorda, Florida
An aerial view of a couple walking down a flooded street after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, in Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton"
An aerial view of a couple walking down a flooded street after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, in Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton"

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 morning.

Recent Daily News Lessons

survivorstories-e1790107633355-1

Daily News Lesson

Graphic novel shares stories of Hurricane Helene survivors

Learn about survivors and their experience with Hurricane Helene through a graphic novel

vote-2

Daily News Lesson

Monitoring the Midterms: How Trump's low approval rating may impact midterms

Discuss how the president's sinking popularity may determine control of the House and Senate

Ken Paxton James Talarico Texas primary

Daily News Lesson

Monitoring the Midterms: What's making the Texas Senate race so competitive

Data centers, gas prices and the economy are some of the issues on Texans' minds this election season

US President Donald J. Trump makes an announcement on healthcare in the Oval Office

Daily News Lesson

Trump says he's banning 3 outlets from White House in his latest attack on press freedom

Discuss the banning of news outlets and how that violates the First Amendment

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward