Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Sept. 28, 2022, 3:46 p.m.

Student Reporting Labs: How a young mother came to reject conspiracy theories

Summary

Like millions of Americans, Karen Robertson of Iuka, Mississippi, believed in conspiracy theories. But one day she had an experience that convinced her to challenge her beliefs. She spoke about that moment with student reporter Makenna Mead of Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Youth Media Project. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on misinformation, "Moments of Truth." For a transcript of this story, click here .

Five Facts

  • Who is profiled in this story, and what is her background?
  • What are some of the conspiracy theories that Karen Robertson believed?
  • Why did Robertson come to believe the conspiracy theories?
  • When did Robertson come to doubt the conspiracy theories she had believed in?
  • How does Robertson suggest others can avoid believing in such theories?

Focus Questions

What do you think is the most important lesson others can take from Robertson's experience? Media literacy: How is the impact of this story shaped by having a young reporter interview Robertson?

For More

What students can do: Do you have anyone in your life that believes in conspiracy theories? What do you think is the best way to talk with them about believing in such theories after watching this story?
  • Do you know how to avoid falling for misinformation online? Check out this Classroom lesson or just the accompanying video below for ideas:

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

alzheimer-1024x576

Daily News Lesson

How the Mayo Clinic is using improv and music to engage dementia patients

Explore the idea of "music as medicine" and the research behind it

Screenshot 2026-08-26 at 1.04.41 PM

Daily News Lesson

New study reveals widespread signs of brain trauma among former NFL players

"...this is absolutely not a rare disease in the NFL population." — Dr. Chris Nowinski

FILE PHOTO: Parton performs on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset, during the Glastonbury Festival

Daily News Lesson

Remembering Dolly Parton, whose artistry and generosity touched generations

Parton's seven-decade career brought her international acclaim and adoration from fans drawn to her music, charisma and trademark wit

outage

Daily News Lesson

Indiana residents frustrated by extended power outage

Discuss why residents of northwest Indiana are unable to re-establish power many days after being hit by a powerful storm

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