NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

During the past three years, Judy Woodruff has spoken with people across the country whose stories have helped us understand this moment in America. Now, she checks back in with some of them as part of her series, "America at a Crossroads."

View the transcript of the story.

News 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.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are some of the individuals Judy Woodruff goes back to interview?
2. Where are the people interviewed for this America at a Crossroads segment from?
3. What are the concerns most on Rev. Victor Long's mind these days?
4. How many newspapers have closed in the U.S. over the past two decades?
5. Why does the issue of affordable housing give Alexis Uscanga hope that younger generations from different backgrounds could come together more?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• What are some examples of political divisions in the country? What about in your own community? What is one way these divisions could be healed?
• In the midst of increasing political divisions across the U.S., what gives you hope?

Media literacy: Why do you think America at a Crossroads producers decided to do a story that checks in with people they interviewed over the last few years? What are some ways you could find out updated information of a news story you watched in the past?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Choose one of the following two America at a Crossroads segments that News Hour Classroom made into a Daily News Lesson or take a look at the full list of segments here and choose the story that most interests you. Complete questions or jot down a short summary and share with your class as to what points you agreed with and what points you disagreed with and why.

Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2023/08/tulsa-faces-reckoning-over-historical-racism-as-state-law-restricts-how-history-is-taught

Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2023/08/how-the-loss-of-local-newspapers-fueled-political-divisions-in-the-us

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