PBS News Hour

News and Public Affairs Series / 9 Seasons

Millions of Americans turn to PBS for the solid, reliable reporting that has made PBS News Hour one of the most trusted news programs in television.

Watch: S2025 E2

57m 46s

The bald eagle was never officially named the national bird

4m 17s

Despite centuries on the national seal and widespread assumption, the bald eagle has never officially been designated as the national bird. John Yang reports on the effort to change that and why it matters.

Why Biden is pushing for more U.S. investment in Africa

8m 19s

President Biden is returning from the first presidential trip to Africa in more than a decade. Biden visited Angola to further U.S. investments on the continent. The Americans are playing a game of catchup with the Chinese who have spent decades, and billions, investing, extracting and, some say, exploiting developing countries. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Mvemba Phezo Dizolele.

Federal Reserve official on latest efforts to tame inflation

7m 21s

The Federal Reserve may cut interest rates later this month as officials weigh inflation and the broader economy. Inflation has been running above the Fed’s targeted rate and other economic indicators have remained strong, leaving some worried progress on reining in prices has stalled. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Mary Daly, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

Syrians describe living in crossfire of brutal civil war

7m 23s

Since Syria's “Arab Spring,” protests devolved into a decade-plus bloodletting. Fleeing civilians have been caught in the crossfire between the Assad regime, its Russian and Iranian allies and the various opposition groups that have fought against them. As the conflict reignites, special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen reports on the victims of this war and its survivors.

Bank of America CEO on economy and Trump's second term

9m 28s

The U.S. economy continues to perform well by many measures. Retail spending was up notably around Black Friday, markets are at or near record levels and unemployment remains low. And yet, most Americans have long felt the economy is not doing well for them. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan.

Why so many Americans are dissatisfied with a solid economy

7m 33s

There is a disconnect between seemingly solid economic numbers and the way people feel about this economy. Voters clearly were upset about the cost of living and that helped elect Donald Trump to a second term. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports from Ohio on how Americans see this in the wake of the election.

South Korea in political chaos with martial law attempt

7m 43s

For the first time since South Korea became a democracy some 40 years ago, a president declared martial law. But hours later, the opposition and members of his own party in parliament rejected the order. Nick Schifrin discussed what led to this undemocratic move by President Yoon Suk Yeol and what's next for South Korea with Frank Jannuzi.

What Trump’s return to power will mean for Jan. 6 rioters

6m 19s

A federal judge formally dismissed the case against Hunter Biden following his father's sweeping pardon. Some legal analysts have expressed concerns that President Biden's pardon of his son gives President-elect Trump a road map to protect his political allies. Trump hinted on social media yesterday he’d do so. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Kyle Cheney of Politico.

Gun violence memorial filled with mementos of those lost

5m 34s

Over 125 people are killed by guns every day in the United States. To address that epidemic through art, the Gun Violence Memorial Project shares intimate details of some of those lost. Special correspondent Jared Bowen of GBH Boston reports for our Arts and Culture series, CANVAS.

The precedent Biden's pardon of his son could set

8m 3s

President Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter, who was just days away from a possible prison sentence in two federal felony cases against him. It raises new questions about Biden's legacy as he closes out his final chapters in the White House. Geoff Bennett discussed the precedent this pardon could set with Margaret Love.

Trump's defense pick under spotlight amid fresh concerns

6m 18s

Former Fox News host and defense secretary-delegate Pete Hegseth visited lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss his future in the next Trump administration. It comes as new reporting raises fresh concerns about his past. Amna Nawaz discussed the latest with Jane Mayer, a reporter with The New Yorker who investigated allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety and personal misconduct.

What's next for Middle East as Syrian civil war is reignited

10m 20s

Russian and Syrian warplanes targeted civilian areas held by opposition fighters in Syria. It comes days after rebels swept into parts of northwestern Syria that the regime had controlled for years. Nick Schifrin discussed the reignition of the civil war and its implications with Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute.

Tamara Keith and Leigh Ann Caldwell on Biden's pardon of son

10m 3s

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Leigh Ann Caldwell of The Washington Post join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, and President-elect Trump names more of his Cabinet picks.

How to navigate political divisions at holiday gatherings

6m 12s

The presidential election laid bare political fault lines across the country, stark divisions that can be even more intense when they involve loved ones. William Brangham speaks with Jamil Zaki, a professor of psychology at Stanford University and author of “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness,” for ways to handle post-election stress and find a little holiday season hope.

Trump taps ‘deep state’ conspiracy theorist to lead the FBI

6m 56s

As he continues stocking his new administration with staunch loyalists, President-elect Trump on Saturday nominated Kash Patel to be FBI director. Patel claims that the FBI is part of what he calls the “deep state” conspiracy against Trump and his allies. NBC News reporter Ryan Reilly, who authored the book “Sedition Hunters: How January 6th Broke the Justice System,” joins John Yang to discuss.

Texas food bank provides relief from high grocery prices

4m 5s

Stubbornly high food prices are compounding the problems of hunger and food scarcity across America, as people face tough choices in order to stretch their budgets to cover basic necessities like housing and child care. In one Texas community, residents are stepping up to help neighbors in need. Austin PBS’ Blair Waltman-Alexin and Austin Vida’s Isadora Day report.

Why Black women are more likely to get unneeded C-sections

5m 30s

Cesarean sections to deliver babies are among the most common surgical procedures in U.S. hospitals. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Black women are almost 25 percent more likely than white women to have unnecessary C-sections, putting them at risk of surgical complications. John Yang speaks with New York Times investigative reporter Sarah Kliff to learn more.

Holiday shoppers still feel inflation’s squeeze this year

7m 35s

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, beginning with Black Friday. Some retailers have been offering discounts throughout November in hopes of encouraging shoppers squeezed by inflation to open their wallets. We hear from people about their shopping plans this year, and John Yang speaks with retail analyst Dana Telsey for more.

One woman’s mission to feed hungry children around the world

5m 6s

As armed conflicts and climate change fuel a global hunger crisis, tens of millions of children under the age of 5 are malnourished. One woman is on a mission to change that. Pamela Watts of Rhode Island PBS Weekly reports.

Thousands protest in Georgia after government kills EU bid

5m 39s

The ruling party of the country of Georgia has suspended talks to join the European Union, a decision that the opposition calls the culmination of a pro-Russian effort to rig recent parliamentary elections and turn the former Soviet Republic back toward Moscow. Nick Schifrin reports on the future of a country that plays a pivotal role in U.S. influence across the region.

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