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Aug. 21, 2023, 1:38 p.m.

America at a Crossroads: Home-grown extremism 28 years after Oklahoma City bombing

Overview

In April, we marked 28 years since the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, which remains the largest act of home-grown terrorism in U.S. history. Judy Woodruff reports on how that act of political violence is remembered now, and on the shockwaves of extremism still being felt today.

We are sharing this lesson with you now, because of its relevance in American history and believe students will benefit from knowing more about the Oklahoma City bombing and its effects.

For a transcript of this story, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

5 Fact-Based Questions

  1. Why is it important we remember such tragedies?
  2. How many people died in the OKC bombing?
  3. When was the OKC bombing?
  4. What is a takeaway from the 28th anniversary of the bombing?
  5. Where does Kari Watkins work?

Focus Question & Media Literacy

What impact did the Oklahoma City bombing have on American society?

News analysis: How can news outlets be respectful when reporting about a tragedy?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

What Students Can Do

What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — in what ways do the events of the Oklahoma City bombing continue to influence our society today?

STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (June 6, 2023)

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