PBS News Hour

News and Public Affairs Series / 8 Seasons

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Watch Latest: S2024 E323

26m 45s

What it’s like living through Phoenix’s historic heat wave

3m 25s

Phoenix, Arizona has been hotter for longer than any other big U.S. city this summer, with a record 30 consecutive days of highs above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. We hear first-hand accounts from some of those sweltering in the heat, including some of our colleagues at PBS NewsHour West.

The potential and risks of fighting STIs with doxycycline

6m 3s

Doxycycline, a cheap and widely available antibiotic, is gaining attention as a promising new way to prevent the spread of some sexually transmitted infections. But some health officials are raising concerns that wider use of the preventative antibiotic could breed drug resistance. Washington Post journalist Fenit Nirappil joins Laura Barrón-López to discuss.

The 'cursed' life of 'Last Tango' star Maria Schneider

9m 31s

At 19, French actor Maria Schneider was launched into the spotlight for her role in the erotic drama “Last Tango in Paris.” The notorious film made her famous, but haunted the rest of her life. But she was more than that to her cousin Vanessa, whose memoir “My Cousin Maria Schneider” tells her story. John Yang speaks to Vanessa Schneider and actor, writer and translator Molly Ringwald for more.

A Brief But Spectacular take on the future from graduates

5m 28s

For recent graduates, every year of their high school career was touched by the pandemic. In spite of the challenges, they never lost their perseverance and creativity. Graduating seniors at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California share their Brief But Spectacular take on the future.

The legal pitfalls domestic violence victims face

8m 25s

More than two dozen states have self-defense laws that allow for the use of force when someone feels threatened in their home or other locations. But some women, especially women of color, who try to use self-defense laws don’t get the same protections, particularly in cases of domestic violence. William Brangham discussed a case in Alabama with Liz Flock, host of the podcast, "Blind Plea."

How prescription drug supply chain harms local pharmacies

8m 56s

The supply chain that brings pharmaceutical drugs from the factory to the pharmacy is long, complex and unclear. Congress and several state legislatures have proposed or enacted laws to bring more transparency and curb soaring drug prices. As special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports, many small or independent pharmacies complain the system also hurts them.

Activist describes how China targets critics in exile

7m 15s

For over 20 years, it was understood that Hong Kong was part of China, but it ran its own affairs. Hong Kong residents had many freedoms that mainland Chinese did not. That all started to change four years ago as Beijing cracked down on pro-democracy activists. China is now trying to extend the reach of its repression by targeting critics living in exile. John Yang discussed more with Elmer Yuen.

Breaking down Trump's new charges in documents case

5m 58s

Special counsel Jack Smith expanded his classified documents case against former President Donald Trump with three new felony charges, including claims Trump asked a Mar-a-Lago worker to delete security footage sought by the grand jury investigating the mishandling of the government records. Geoff Bennett discussed the latest with Chuck Rosenberg, a former U.S. Attorney and a senior FBI official.

Capehart and Abernathy on Trump’s latest legal troubles

12m 31s

Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart and Washington Post contributor Gary Abernathy join Geoff Bennett to discuss the week in politics, including the repercussions of Trump’s latest legal troubles, the rejection of Hunter Biden's plea deal and questions about the age and vulnerability of U.S. leadership.

Black-owned brewery breaking barriers and creating change

4m 57s

In California's wine country, a duo brewing craft beer is breaking barriers. Hella Coastal is the first Black-owned brewery in Oakland and one of the few nationwide. Laura Barrón-López reports on the mission to diversify the brewing industry and create change in the local community.

New exhibit explores what the American flag symbolizes

5m 59s

The American flag is one of the world's most recognizable symbols, but the responses it provokes are anything but uniform. A new museum exhibit in Arkansas explores how such a universal symbol can send so many different messages. Ali Rogin recently paid a visit for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

Syrian refugee elected mayor in German town

8m 43s

For eight years, the NewsHour has been running a series called Desperate Journey tracking major events in migration across the world. Much of the time, we're reporting on tragedies but occasionally there’s a glimpse of light. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports from southern Germany where a Syrian refugee just became a city's mayor at a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise.

County urges Florida to protect outdoor workers from heat

7m

People working outdoors are among the most likely to suffer the consequences during heat waves. President Biden announced the Department of Labor will develop an alert to signal to employers and employees when heat is dangerous. Florida is one state that requires no protections for outdoor workers, but one county is hoping to change that. William Brangham discussed more with Nikolas Rivero.

Urban heat islands make the impacts of excessive heat worse

6m 11s

Living in certain parts of a city can make the impacts of extreme heat worse. That’s because of a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. A recent report by the research group Climate Central showed that more than 40 million Americans live in these hot spots. William Brangham discussed what this means for those residents with Michael Mendez of the University of California, Irvine.

The charges Trump may face in potential indictment

4m 54s

Donald Trump’s legal team met with federal prosecutors Thursday as a grand jury continues to hear evidence about the former president's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. It comes days after Trump revealed the Department of Justice notified him he is a target of a criminal probe into the aftermath of the election and Jan. 6 attack. William Brangham discussed more with Carrie Johnson of NPR.

Coup in Niger puts efforts to thwart terrorism at risk

7m 6s

An apparent military takeover has occurred in the African nation of Niger. It's a country struggling with grinding poverty and fighting back an Islamist insurgency. The U.S. denounced the coup and has long counted Niger as a partner in the fight against insurgents. Stephanie Sy discussed the latest developments with Kamissa Camara, a senior advisor for Africa in the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Lobstermen say regulations to save whales will kill business

7m 33s

Right whales are a majestic sight to behold off the eastern coast of North America, but they are endangered and their numbers are shrinking. Many conservationists say fishing gear that causes entanglements is a big part of the problem. But lobster harvesters fear they may be driven out of business by pressure to change their practices even further. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports.

Russian veto at UN halts aid to rebel-held areas of Syria

5m 31s

This month, a Russian veto at the U.N. Security Council suspended humanitarian aid delivery to rebel-held northwest Syria. The Syrian regime declared all aid deliveries to rebel-held territories must now be coordinated through Damascus and not the U.N. As John Yang reports, more than four million Syrians, most of whom are internally displaced, have lost access to crucial humanitarian aid.

Pattern of racist violence following progress examined in ne

7m 30s

In the new book "American Whitelash," Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery examines the pattern of racist violence that follows racial progress in our country, including the recent white supremacist violence that surged following Barack Obama's presidency. Wesley sat down with Geoff Bennett to discuss his findings.

News Wrap: Irish singer Sinead O'Connor dies at 56

4m 53s

In our news wrap Wednesday, Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor has died at the age of 56, interest rates are headed higher again as the Federal Reserve resumes its fight with inflation, a jury in London acquitted actor Kevin Spacey on multiple charges of sexual assault and seven major car companies announced plans to build electric vehicle charging stations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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