Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Sept. 21, 2022, 3:32 p.m.

Calls for reform in Puerto Rico as Hurricane Fiona leaves entire island without power

Summary

Parts of the northern Caribbean washed away as heavy rains and winds from Hurricane Fiona bombarded islands. Puerto Rico saw some of the worst as homes, roads and businesses were still underwater after days of rain. William Brangham reports. For a transcript of this story, click here .

Five Facts

  • Where has Hurricane Fiona struck?
  • What are some of the ways Fiona has impacted Puerto Rico?
  • When did Puerto Rico last experience a devastating hurricane?
  • Why are some calling for reform after this latest hurricane?
  • How might these reforms address system-wide problems in Puerto Rico?

Focus Questions

What is the major reform being called for after the latest storm? Why do you think Puerto Rico's infrastructure is not equipped to recover after major disasters? Who should take responsibility? Media literacy: What interests do you think Puerto Rico's Resiliency Law Center represents? How can you find out?

For More

What students can do: Follow this link to read about how to help Puerto Rico following the storm. To better understand some of the challenges to reform in Puerto Rico, watch the following video from 2020 as the island prepared to vote on new leadership and a referendum to become a U.S. state.

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

cuba

Daily News Lesson

Cuban official on Trump's threats as tensions with U.S. rise

Discuss the sanctions in Cuba and how poverty in the nation has worsened

widerwar-1024x732

Daily News Lesson

Understanding the escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has turned to the U.S. for support, but, so far, President Trump has not answered a call for American airstrikes.

laughingintheaisles

Daily News Lesson

Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores

Learn why comedian Jenny Yang is doing stand-up in an unlikely venue

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