PBS News Hour

News and Public Affairs Series / 9 Seasons

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Watch: S2025 E90

57m 46s

How opioid settlement money led to a legal battle in Ohio

10m 2s

In Ohio, a state with one of the highest overdose death rates in the nation, a private foundation has been set up to distribute opioid settlement funds over several years. But as special correspondent Cat Wise and producer Mike Fritz report for our ongoing series, “America Addicted,” some have raised concerns that the public will be left out of the process.

UN food chief Cindy McCain on the need for more aid

7m 42s

South Sudan may look very lush right now, but flooding there has disrupted life and caused hunger on an “enormous” scale, says Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Programme. McCain, on the ground in Juba, South Sudan, talks with Amna Nawaz about the need for greater food aid around the world, and how the end of the Ukraine grain deal is hurting those most in need.

States debate how best to use new opioid settlement money

9m 58s

More than $50 billion in settlement funds from pharmaceutical companies that made and sold opioid painkillers will be paid out over the next 18 years to state and local governments across the country. But the debate around how this money should be spent is just beginning. Special correspondent Cat Wise and producer Mike Fritz report from North Carolina for our ongoing series, “America Addicted.”

GOP challengers struggle in polls despite Trump’s legal woes

7m 49s

The latest polling shows former President Trump’s legal troubles do not appear to be putting a dent in his support among Republican voters, and there’s scant evidence any of his challengers will be able to loosen his grip on the party’s nomination, even as he faces criminal charges. Republican pollster Whit Ayres joins Geoff Bennett to discuss the latest developments in the Republican primary.

How ‘Try That In A Small Town’ became a cultural flashpoint

6m 59s

One of the most popular country music hits of the summer is Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town." But the song has ignited controversy and faced backlash from fans who say the lyrics encourage racism and violence. The Tennessean’s country music reporter Marcus K. Dowling joins Jeffrey Brown to discuss for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

Analyzing the military’s changes to handling sexual assault

9m 31s

After years of protest and advocacy, a new executive order from the Biden administration seeks to bolster the military’s ability to deal with sexual assault in the ranks. But how far-reaching are these changes and will they make a difference? Retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham and Army veteran Lindsey Knapp join Laura Barrón-López to discuss.

The historical context of recent UFO whistleblower claims

7m 8s

Are we alone in the universe? Former Pentagon employee David Grusch told Congress last week that UFOs are real and the U.S. government has been withholding knowledge of non-human life on Earth for nearly a century. Meanwhile, NASA is set to release its own report on UFOs in the next few weeks. Journalist and author Garrett Graff joins Geoff Bennett to help separate fact from science fiction.

Katie Ledecky makes swimming history at world championships

5m 7s

Katie Ledecky is already considered the greatest swimmer of this decade. This weekend, she made her claim for the greatest of all time, notching two new records at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and surpassing Michael Phelps for the most individual titles in swimming history. USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan joins Amna Nawaz to discuss.

Haitians ‘live in misery’ as country spirals in chaos

8m 20s

The situation in Haiti seems to be progressively worsening, as gangs control half the country's territory and most of its capital. We hear from Haitians affected by the violence, and John Yang speaks with Garry Pierre-Pierre, founder and publisher of The Haitian Times, for the latest on the crisis and international response.

Tips for combating climate anxiety in a warming world

8m 42s

This summer, millions of Americans are experiencing firsthand the effects of climate change, from triple-digit temperatures to wildfire smoke to bleached coral reefs in warming oceans. For some, growing concern about climate change can become an overwhelming sense of despair that psychologists call climate anxiety. Climate psychology therapist Leslie Davenport joins John Yang to discuss.

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.

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