PBS News Hour

News and Public Affairs Series / 8 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: S2024 E323

26m 45s

How presidential contenders can break through in the debate

5m 3s

The first GOP presidential debate will play out in primetime as Donald Trump, the leading contender for the nomination, plans to be a no-show. How do you debate a frontrunner who doesn't show up? That's the question for the eight candidates taking the stage Wednesday in Milwaukee. Lisa Desjardins discussed more with Republican strategist Gail Gitcho, who's worked on many presidential campaigns.

Prachi Gupta takes on the model minority myth in new memoir

8m 3s

Prachi Gupta's new memoir, “They Called Us Exceptional and Other Lies That Raised Us,” explores the model minority myth and its harmful effects on her Indian American family. Gupta joined Amna Nawaz to discuss the book.

Artist examines legacy of Vietnam War and impact on his life

6m 24s

An exhibit at The New Museum in New York explores the legacy of the Vietnam War through the films and sculptures of an artist whose own life has been defined by that very legacy. Jeffrey Brown takes a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump skipping 1st GOP debate

8m 30s

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including the first Republican debate of the primary season and former President Donald Trump's decision to skip it as he leads in the polls and is set for processing in a Georgia jail.

States confront mental health crisis with coerced treatment

9m 45s

Across the country, states are trying to tackle the growing mental health crisis. Some are enacting laws and policies that would make it easier to hospitalize or detain the severely mentally ill against their will or through voluntary court-ordered treatment. California is taking steps toward compelling more mentally ill patients into care. Stephanie Sy reports from San Diego.

Costly weight loss drug may also cut risks of heart attacks

7m 5s

The nation’s obesity epidemic is growing. Nearly 42 percent of all American adults are considered obese. Now, new findings about the FDA-approved weight-loss drug Wegovy may lead to even more demand for a medication that can be both life-changing and expensive. William Brangham reports.

Anti-corruption outsider triumphs in Guatemala election

7m 49s

This weekend the results of two Latin American elections seem to reflect a desire for democratic change. In Ecuador, a millennial entrepreneur will face the establishment leftist candidate in a runoff and Guatemalans elected an anti-corruption politician who overcame establishment assaults on democracy. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Will Freeman.

Questions and anger emerge over Maui wildfire response

6m 28s

Local officials and residents are still assessing the scope of loss from the Maui wildfires. Troubling questions and anger have emerged as well about the role of Hawaii's biggest power utility, the response by local and state government and a lack of critical communication when residents most needed it. Geoff Bennett discussed that perspective with Marina Riker of Honolulu Civil Beat.

California cleaning up after first tropical storm in decades

2m 54s

Southern California has been battered by historic rainfall, floods and mudslides in the latest in a string of disasters wreaking havoc across the country. So far, there are no reports of major damage or injuries linked to Tropical Storm Hilary. As the system barrels north, some 17 million people are under flood and high-wind advisories, watches and warnings. Geoff Bennett reports.

Ukrainian nonprofit helps amputees get artificial limbs

5m 38s

As the war in Ukraine rages on, a critical need has emerged, with some 20,000 to 50,000 Ukrainians forced to amputate one or more limbs. The Ukrainian nonprofit Superhuman Center is helping survivors move forward, offering reconstructive surgery and physical and psychological support. Co-founder Andrey Stavnitser joined Nick Schifrin to discuss.

What Spain’s win means for the future of women’s soccer

6m 21s

Spain won its first Women's World Cup with its defeat over England Sunday. Five years ago, the team lacked jerseys designed for women, high-quality facilities and enough physical trainers. Spain's historic win, and what they went through to achieve it, symbolizes both the progress and challenges still facing women's soccer. Meg Linehan, a senior writer for The Athletic, joined John Yang.

Travel writer Rick Steves' advice on post-pandemic travel

5m 52s

Americans are traveling overseas in record numbers this summer; it’s the first full summer without pandemic restrictions since 2019. For many that will mean long lines, crowded tourist sites and some travel headaches. John Yang spoke with travel writer Rick Steves for tips on navigating this new era of travel.

How officials can improve disaster responses

6m 30s

The head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency resigned this week amid criticism for not activating warning sirens during the wildfire that killed more than 100 people. It has put a spotlight on how communities respond to emergencies. Tricia Wachtendorf, the director of the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, joined John Yang to discuss.

What a new Montana law means for transgender children

6m 5s

Families and medical providers in Montana are preparing for a new law set to take effect in October that bans certain medical treatments for minors with gender dysphoria. Proponents of the bill say the law protects children from making medical decisions they may later regret, while others call it dangerous and unethical. Montana PBS's Joe Lesar reports.

How the ongoing writers' strike impacts reality TV

5m 50s

Writers and actors are still on strike as broadcast TV networks head into the fall season, meaning there will be no new episodes of scripted dramas and comedies. Networks are now filling their prime time schedules with 38 hours of reality and competition shows. Ali Rogin looks at what the writers' strike means for reality and unscripted TV with The Hollywood Reporter’s Ryan Gajewski.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka on her journey to the stage

7m 33s

Turning her interesting, sometimes tumultuous, life story into comedy comes naturally for Atsuko Okatsuka. Amna Nawaz sat down with her recently to see how that humor lands with an ever-growing audience and helps her sort out that life story. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

Brooks and Marcus on Trump's Georgia indictment, GOP debate

8m 16s

New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor and columnist Ruth Marcus join Geoff Bennett to discuss Donald Trump's Georgia indictment, the upcoming GOP debate and Democrats calling for a primary challenge to President Biden.

Trump conspiracies inspire threats against civil servants

7m 19s

Threats of violence have escalated after the fourth criminal indictment of former President Trump. In Georgia, grand jurors’ names, addresses and images were released online by Trump allies and a racist death threat against the judge presiding over the federal Jan. 6 case led to an arrest. Laura Barrón-López discussed the alarming trend and its impact on civil servants with Tammy Patrick.

Israeli minister on possible Saudi Arabia diplomatic deal

7m 35s

A top-level Israeli delegation is in Washington to discuss the broad outlines of a once-unthinkable agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize diplomatic relations. It comes amid an unprecedented civil upheaval in Israel as Netanyahu's government looks to restrain the country's Supreme Court. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.

Japan, South Korea agree to strengthen military coordination

6m 59s

President Biden met with the leaders of Japan and South Korea at Camp David on Friday. The two nations have long had antagonistic relations, but the meeting is a new starting point as they committed to improving military coordination. Geoff Bennett discussed the significance of the agreements with Mike Mochizuki of the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University.

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