PBS News Hour

News and Public Affairs Series / 8 Seasons

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Watch Latest: S2024 E323

26m 45s

What happened in the courtroom as Trump's trial begins

6m 16s

Opening statements began Monday in the first criminal trial of Donald Trump. Prosecutors accused Trump and his associates of falsifying business records during his 2016 campaign to conceal an alleged extramarital affair. But the former president’s attorney said he was not involved in the payments, which they argue weren’t illegal, and did not commit a crime. William Brangham reports.

What’s at stake in SCOTUS case on laws limiting homelessness

6m 18s

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Monday on whether laws limiting homelessness are unconstitutional because they punish people for being unhoused. The case is about laws in a small city in Oregon, but the outcome could reshape policies nationwide for years to come. John Yang speaks with Charley Willison, who teaches public health at Cornell University, to learn more.

Montana city grapples with rise of people living in vehicles

6m 33s

In some cities with growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness, the issue goes beyond encampments in public places — they’re also coping with more people living in cars and RVs parked on city streets. City leaders in Bozeman, Montana, are dealing with the tensions brought on by this more visible display of homelessness. Joe Lesar of Montana PBS reports.

NATO head Stoltenberg on impact of U.S. aid to Ukraine

7m 51s

Among the Western leaders welcoming Saturday’s House approval of Ukraine aid was NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who called it a move that “makes us all safer, in Europe and North America.” Earlier, John Yang spoke with Stoltenberg from NATO headquarters in Brussels, and discussed how the aid will affect Ukraine’s war against Russia.

Why the unionization of Tennessee auto workers is a big deal

5m 10s

Employees at Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers union. It’s the first time workers at a foreign car maker’s plant in the American South have unionized, giving UAW a foothold in the least-unionized region of the country. John Yang speaks with New York Times reporter Noam Scheiber to learn more.

What can be done to protect journalists in Israel-Hamas war

5m 45s

The Israel-Hamas war is inflicting a devastating toll on civilians. The Committee to Protect Journalists says it’s also the deadliest conflict for reporters, photographers and camera operators since the group began tracking casualties in 1992. Ali Rogin speaks with CPJ head Jodie Ginsberg about what’s driving the mounting death toll and what can be done to better protect these journalists.

What’s at stake as India begins voting in 6-week election

9m 10s

In India, voting in the world’s largest election is underway for the next six weeks. Prime Minister Modi is heavily favored to win a third term, but his consolidation of power and crackdown on dissent have raised questions about his commitment to democratic values. Irfan Nooruddin, professor of Indian politics at Georgetown University, joins John Yang to discuss what issues are on voters’ minds.

Israeli, Iranian officials downplay apparent strike in Iran

9m 24s

There is an uneasy calm across the Middle East after both Israeli and Iranian officials had muted responses to Israel's apparent retaliatory strike in central Iran. The region had been on edge since an unprecedented Iranian attack and Israeli vows of revenge. Nick Schifrin discussed the latest with Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution.

House leaders work to push Ukraine aid over key hurdle

7m 23s

On Friday, Capitol Hill saw one of the most significant votes of the year. In the House, the leaders of both parties worked together to oppose the most fiery voices in their caucuses, pushing aid for Ukraine and other allies over a key hurdle. Lisa Desjardins reports.

Brooks and Capehart on Democrats saving Speaker Johnson

13m 8s

New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join William Brangham to discuss the week in politics, including Democrats helping Speaker Johnson get a foreign aid package through the House as he faces backlash from far-right members of his caucus and President Biden's role in easing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Title IX adds protections against harassment, discrimination

6m 19s

The Biden administration put out new Title IX rules that will increase protections for LGBTQ+ students and change how schools handle cases of campus sexual assault. It reverses several moves made by the Trump administration. William Brangham discussed the changes with Laura Meckler of The Washington Post.

Recovery community helps Kentucky town rebound from decline

8m 33s

For years, the stories coming out of Appalachian coal country have been grim: addiction, black lung disease and economic decline. But a new story is now emerging, one where people in recovery are helping their communities rebound. Jeffrey Brown reports from Hazard, Kentucky.

More companies explore 4-day workweek for employees

7m 59s

Nearly one-third of large U.S. firms are exploring new schedules like the four-day workweek. Economics correspondent Paul Solman takes a look at what happened at some companies that tried out a four-day, 32-hour week at the same pay.

Ethiopia conflict eases, but starvation risk remains

6m 25s

As Ethiopia continues to face one of the worst droughts in recent history, millions of its people are suffering from acute hunger. The United States resumed shipments in December after suspending aid due to theft allegations. But starvation is still prevalent. Special correspondent Jack Hewson reports from the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia.

Trump trial closer to opening after 12 jurors selected

4m 38s

A full jury has been seated in Donald Trump’s criminal trial, but jury selection had a rocky start with two previously selected jurors dismissed. One was excused after she said her personal information had been made public. The other was dismissed after prosecutors raised concerns that he may have not been honest in a questionnaire. William Brangham discussed more with Jessica Roth.

U.S. hits Iran with sanctions, urges Israel against attack

7m 6s

On Thursday, President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s top national security aides talked about Israel's potential response to the Iranian drone attack. U.S. officials think Israel shouldn't respond militarily and are trying to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran to help make their case. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Dennis Ross and Khaled Elgindy.

Record ocean heat triggers massive coral reef bleaching

6m

Scientists issued a warning due to record-breaking temperatures in 2023 which accelerated the speed of the second-largest mass coral bleaching event across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Nearly a quarter of all ocean species rely on the reefs. William Brangham discussed the global situation and what’s at stake with Julia Baum, a marine ecologist and coral reefs researcher.

Melinda French Gates on economic empowerment for women

8m 15s

The United Nations estimates that closing the gender pay gap and giving women more access to loans and capital could give the global economy a $7 trillion bump. These issues are top of mind as leaders gather in Washington for meetings hosted by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. William Brangham spoke with Melinda French Gates about increasing economic empowerment for women.

Iraqi PM on regional turmoil, partnership with U.S.

14m 11s

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is in Washington this week on the heels of tension in the Middle East. On the agenda was the future of U.S.-Iraq security cooperation, improving Iraqi economic and political integration with the region and the U.S. helping Iraq develop its oil resources. Geoff Bennett sat down with Al-Sudani to discuss those issues and more.

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