PBS News Hour

News and Public Affairs Series / 9 Seasons

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Watch: S2025 E72

57m 46s

Novel retells ‘Huckleberry Finn’ from Jim's point of view

7m 28s

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'' by Mark Twain is one of the cornerstones of American literature. "James," a new novel by Percival Everett, takes another look at the story and brings an unheard voice to the forefront. Jeffrey Brown sat down with Everett for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

New book explores evolving role of America's First Ladies

6m 23s

Part policy messenger, part campaign whisperer, part style icon. Expectations of America's First Lady shift with each administration. In her new book, "American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden," Katie Rogers explores how each wife has brought something unique to this ever-changing role. Laura Barrón-López sat down with Rogers to discuss more.

Florida Supreme Court clears way for 6-week abortion ban

5m 20s

The Florida Supreme Court paved the way for the state’s six-week abortion ban to take effect. But in a separate ruling, the justices said Florida voters will be able to decide on a constitutional amendment protecting abortion access in November. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Lynda Bell, president of Florida Right to Life, one of the state’s largest anti-abortion groups.

A look at the investigations surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs

5m 42s

Federal authorities are investigating allegations of sexual trafficking by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. The music mogul is already facing a series of civil lawsuits from several women, and at least one man, alleging he either assaulted, abused or trafficked them. Combs has denied all allegations. Amna Nawaz discussed the latest with Sidney Madden of NPR and co-host of its podcast "Louder Than A Riot."

Buttigieg on federal role in rebuilding Baltimore bridge

8m 23s

A massive operation is underway at the site of the deadly bridge collapse in Baltimore. Crews are undertaking painstaking tasks, removing sharp twisted steel and concrete debris from the port. No one knows yet how long it will take to clean up the wreckage and open the channel. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will play a key role in all of this and joined Geoff Bennett to discuss more.

Anera pauses Gaza aid after Israeli strike on WCK workers

6m 4s

American Near East Refugee Aid, or Anera, paused operations in Gaza after an Israeli strike killed seven members of the World Central Kitchen. For the last 6 months, Anera has been delivering medicine, water and food in Gaza, including some 150,000 meals a day. Sean Carroll, the group's president and CEO, joined Amna Nawaz to discuss his concerns.

Israeli strike killing 7 WCK aid workers sparks outrage

4m 15s

There have been few incidents in six months of war in Gaza that created the level of outrage that leaders across three continents expressed Tuesday. It comes after an Israeli strike killed seven members of Chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen aid organization, including one American-Canadian dual citizen. Israel called the killings unintended and vowed to investigate. Nick Schifrin reports.

State laws create disparities in access to food benefits

9m 17s

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is one of the nation’s largest welfare programs helping to feed more than 40 million low-income Americans. But for people in need, what that assistance looks like, and who can access it, varies greatly across the country. Laura Barrón-Lopez and producer Maea Lenei Buhre report for our series, America’s Safety Net.

Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on abortion motivating voters

9m 20s

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join Geoff Bennett to discuss the latest political news, including how abortion rights could help President Biden motivate voters, House Speaker Mike Johnson signals a vote on Ukraine aid will come next week and the Biden campaign courts disaffected Republicans.

Gov. Whitmer on efforts to protect reproductive rights

7m 40s

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court, Democratic leaders have worked to protect reproductive rights in their states. In Michigan, voters enshrined abortion rights in the state’s constitution. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pushed for several reproductive rights measures and signed new laws protecting IVF and decriminalizing surrogacy contracts. Whitmer joined Amna Nawaz to discuss more.

Attack on Iran consulate in Syria escalates Mideast conflict

3m 32s

There is an escalation of tension in the Middle East. On Monday, warplanes attacked a building inside Iran's consulate complex in Damascus, Syria. Some of the most senior members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard were killed. Iran blames Israel for the strikes. Now there are reports of new attacks on international ships in the Red Sea and a base in southern Israel. Nick Schifrin reports.

Artist fuses design, accessory to create art you can carry

5m 21s

One artist has taken popular designer handbags to a whole new level by transforming the accessories into artwork. Instead of his creations hanging on the wall, Kent Stetson decided to put them right in your hand. Pamela Watts of Rhode Island PBS Weekly reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

The challenging task crews face to clear collapsed bridge

4m 56s

Over the weekend, one of the largest floating cranes on the East Coast arrived in Baltimore to start clearing debris at the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. But before it can start removing steel and concrete, officials must remove a section of the bridge draped over the cargo ship. Geoff Bennett discussed the efforts with Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

'Havana syndrome' investigator on linking Russia to attacks

6m 4s

For the last decade, American diplomatic, law enforcement and intelligence personnel have suffered grievous injuries in the line of duty. Many say they felt attacked by debilitating waves of sound and pressure known as "Havana syndrome." Sunday, 60 Minutes reported more on this story, and assigned blame to Russia. Geoff Bennett discussed that report with retired Army Lt. Col. Gregory Edgreen.

A look at Georgia’s controversial Medicaid expansion program

10m 9s

Since Medicaid was created 60 years ago, it’s been expanded again and again. Now, it’s the U.S. government’s biggest public health insurance program. For our series “America’s Safety Net,” John Yang reports on efforts to expand it even further with a visit to Georgia, the only state with a work requirement for Medicaid coverage.

Why religion is losing influence in American public life

6m 26s

In a new survey released by the Pew Research Center, 80 percent of respondents said religion’s role in public life is shrinking in America. That’s the highest proportion in two decades of asking the question. John Yang speaks with Gregory Smith, Pew’s associate director of research who helps coordinate domestic polling on religion, to learn more about what the results say.

A Brief But Spectacular take on vanishing rural structures

3m 33s

For more than two decades, Vermont-based photographer Jim Westphalen has documented old farmhouses, barns, churches and homes that have fallen into disrepair — he calls it “finding beauty in decay.” His works are collected in a book and film, both titled “Vanish: Disappearing Icons of a Rural America.” Westphalen shares his Brief But Spectacular take on the vanishing structures of rural America.

Centenarian Bennie Fleming reflects on a life of service

5m 15s

For our “Hidden Histories” series as Women’s History Month draws to a close, Rhode Island PBS Weekly’s Michelle San Miguel introduces us to Bennie Fleming, a 100-year-old woman who embodies what it means to live a life of service — even when that service wasn’t always welcome.

Women shoulder burden of caregiving as U.S. population ages

8m 43s

Currently, 1 in 6 Americans is older than 65, a number that’s projected to rise to 1 in 4 by 2050. As older Americans’ needs for medical care and other support grow, women bear the biggest part of the burden of caring for them. Ali Rogin speaks with some women about their experiences and author Emily Kenway about the often unseen costs of caregiving.

What’s at stake for Americans at risk of losing Medicaid

6m 45s

Medicaid is the nation’s largest health insurance program, covering nearly 80 million people, or more than 1 in 5 Americans. For many people who have low incomes or a disability, or who are either very young or very old, it’s a vital government program. John Yang reports from Georgia for our series, “America’s Safety Net.”

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