PBS NewsHour
Learn more about your world through in-depth analysis and on-the-ground reports. (Updated periodically)
Inside the U.S.-China battle to lead the AI revolution
President Trump wants artificial intelligence companies to police themselves, all in the name of winning the race with China. Are the U.S. and China on a path of unstoppable AI competition? Or should the world's AI leaders collaborate? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Dmitri Alperovitch, Chris McGuire, Samm Sacks and Melanie Sisson. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: New York AG appointed as special prosecutor in Cornell rape case
In our news wrap Friday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed the state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take over the Cornell University rape case, the U.S. is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East as President Trump weighs further action against Iran and this year's Kennedy Center Honors will take place at Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
A look at how overseas ballots are verified and counted in the midterms
Defense Secretary Hegseth directed military commanders to have a one-day "stand down" this month so service members have time to vote in the midterms. In King County, Washington, ballots are already being processed from service members and Americans living abroad. Some arrive by mail. Some by email. Liz Landers takes a look at how those ballots are verified and counted and how secure they are. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
How the West is preparing for a drier future as water supplies hit lows
Mandatory cuts from the federal government on water from the Colorado River will soon take effect in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Now, some water managers in the region are spending billions to prepare for a drier future. Special correspondent Ben Tracy with Climate Central reports for our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Martina Navratilova on Chris Evert, their rivalry and beating cancer
Martina Navratilova was a high-profile force on the tennis court in the 1970s and 80s with 59 Grand Slam titles. She has remained a big presence in the tennis world, commentating and mentoring, and is using her platform to weigh in on issues off the court as well. Amna Nawaz sat down with Navratilova for our culture of sport coverage, part of our CANVAS series. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Investigators search for motive after alleged attack by FlyDubai co-pilot
Investigators across the Middle East are hunting for answers after a co-pilot stabbed his captain and allegedly attempted to crash a FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel. President Trump claimed the attack could be linked to Iran, but did not provide evidence. Geoff Bennett discussed what we do and don't know with Juliette Kayyem, a former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Supreme Court to review mandatory detention policy for migrants
In our news wrap Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed to review the Trump administration's mandatory detention policy for migrants, UK police arrested a British-Iranian citizen on suspicion of planning a terror attack following a security incident at an air base and a Russian drone slammed into a school in Kyiv as the capital endured yet another day of aerial attacks. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
On the ground with UN peacekeepers as Lebanon-Israel mission nears its end
After 48 years, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon is nearing the end of its mandate. Its planned withdrawal comes at a time when the Israeli military occupies around 6% of Lebanese territory. Special Correspondent Simona Foltyn and videographer Adrian Hartrick gained rare access with the peacekeepers, traveling south of Israel's "yellow line." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Passengers describe stopping pilot's alleged attempt to crash Israel-bound flight
About 170 people aboard a terrifying flight to Tel Aviv are safe and on the ground after one pilot stabbed the other in an apparent attempt to crash it. Israeli officials say passengers and crew sprang into action and prevented a disaster. The attacker has been arrested in Saudi Arabia. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Watchdog finds no criminal activity by Powell related to Fed renovation
In our news wrap Wednesday, the Federal Reserve's Inspector General found no criminal activity by former Chair Jerome Powell related to the renovation of the central bank's headquarters, Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon will cut the number of its generals and admirals by roughly 20% and Ukraine officials say Russian strikes killed at least seven people, including a child. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Former diplomats assess U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and region's future
U.S. forces formally withdrew from Iraq today, marking the end of a long and turbulent military presence. The withdrawal brought celebrations in the capital -- but also concern about what comes next. For insight and analysis, Geoff Bennett spoke with James Jeffrey and Feisal Istrabadi. Jeffrey was ambassador to Iraq under President Obama, and Istrabadi served as Iraq's ambassador to the UN. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Evan Gershkovich reflects on arrest in Russia and reclaiming his life after release
In 2024, Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich was freed from detention in Russia, as part of a complex prisoner swap that included 16 people from seven countries. Gershkovich sat down with Amna Nawaz to discuss his arrest, his time in prison and his new book, "This Cursed Beautiful Land." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Self-regulation 'not enough' for AI safety, Gary Marcus says
Top tech executives met with President Trump on Tuesday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence amid growing concerns over AI models losing control. Researchers and lawmakers are calling for stronger safeguards, but Trump said the technology is transforming the economy and that the U.S. cannot afford to lose its lead over China. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Gary Marcus. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Supreme Court allows Trump's deportations to third countries, for now
In our news wrap Tuesday, the Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to continue deporting migrants to countries other than their own for now, federal prosecutors charged a Venezuelan delivery driver who was shot by an ICE officer with assaulting a federal officer and Dutch police arrested a suspected member of the ShinyHunters group that claims it hacked the FBI's jobs database. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Poland braces for potential confrontation as Russia tests NATO defenses
Estonia formally accused Russia of an arson attack on a robotics company this past August that it said was part of a wave of Russian sabotage across Europe. In Poland, leaders are warning that Russia is planning a major attack to test NATO. Malcolm Brabant reports from Poland's border with Russia's Baltic enclave, Kaliningrad. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
What Trump's rollback of fuel economy standards means for drivers
The Trump administration is rolling back federal fuel economy standards for new vehicles. The move reverses policies meant to increase fuel efficiency to encourage greater use of electric vehicles. The boost for gasoline-powered vehicles comes as the war in Iran continues to drive up oil prices. Amna Nawaz discussed the changes with David Shepardson of Reuters. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Powerful nor'easter batters parts of East Coast
Cleanup efforts are underway after a powerful nor'easter battered parts of the East Coast, bringing dangerous waves, flooding and damaging winds from New England to New Jersey. The storm also knocked out power for many. Jeffrey Brown reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: UK police investigating possible plot targeting U.S. base
In our news wrap Monday, UK police are investigating five British nationals in connection with a possible plot at an American airbase, prosecutors in New York say they are reopening a criminal investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024 and officials in Ukraine say at least seven people were killed and more than 80 were wounded in Russian strikes. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
WFP official on addressing global hunger in face of wars and climate disasters
The United Nations recently announced a new executive director for the World Food Programme. Luke Lindberg was a Trump administration Agriculture Department official and inherits one of the UN's toughest jobs. Hundreds of millions around the world go hungry every day, and reaching as many as possible is a monumental task. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Carl Skau, the acting director of the WFP. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Russia tests NATO with increasingly aggressive tactics in Europe
Key European leaders are sounding the alarm over Russian aggression, warning that Vladimir Putin is planning attacks aimed at testing NATO's security alliance. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses those concerns with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and two former U.S. ambassadors to NATO, Julianne Smith and Kurt Volker. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Xi wraps up 3-day state visit with Trump
In our news wrap Friday, Chinese President Xi wrapped up a three-day state visit with President Trump that was heavy on pageantry and light on policy announcements, tens of millions of people along the East Coast could see flooding, rough surf and high winds due to a powerful nor'easter and New Jersey's lieutenant governor stepped down amid accusations of sexual harassment and ethics violations. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Mexico's foreign secretary on Trump, cartel violence and U.S. trade talks
President Trump struck the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in his first term, but threw out that trade agreement after retaking office last year. He imposed steep tariffs on both neighbors and even started a trade war with Canada. To discuss trade talks between the countries, Amna Nawaz spoke with Mexico's foreign secretary, Roberto Velasco Álvarez. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Wrongfully detained Iranian American journalist remains jailed in Iran after 2 years
This week marks two years that Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh has been detained in Iran. For a decade, he worked for Radio Farda — an independent, but U.S.-funded Farsi-language news service. During a trip to Iran to visit family, Valizadeh was arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison for "collaborating with a hostile government." Amna Nawaz spoke with his attorney, Ryan Fayhee. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Syrian dancer reflects on escaping ISIS and finding freedom through ballet
Ahmad Joudeh is a ballet dancer of unusual grace and grit. He was born stateless in a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, Syria. He has traveled far on the power of his dreams and the elegance of his dance. He survived a traumatic childhood, much of Syria's civil war and constant threats of execution by ISIS. We met Joudeh in his new home in San Diego. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Netanyahu calls allegations of genocide in Gaza 'the biggest lie'
In our news wrap Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech at the U.N. General Assembly and dismissed allegations of genocide in Gaza, eight people were killed in the latest barrage of Russian drones and missiles in Ukraine and Texas election officials are scrambling to clear a backlog of voter registration applications caused by an error at the state level. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
'We want more guardrails,' Kalshi CEO says as calls grow for prediction market regulation
As prediction markets continue to expand, they are drawing attention in Washington and states across the country. Companies like Kalshi and Polymarket allow people to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of real-world events, including elections. Liz Landers discussed the growing calls for more regulation with Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
At UN General Assembly, Iran's president responds to Trump's 'annihilation' threat
The president of Iran told the United Nations General Assembly his country won't bend to U.S. intimidation. Masoud Pezeshkian spoke one day after President Trump threatened to escalate the war from the same stage. On the sidelines, U.S. and Iranian officials signaled no breakthroughs in mediated talks. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Xi arrives for state visit amid U.S.-China trade tensions and AI concerns
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington Wednesday evening for his first state visit in more than a decade. At the same time, a federal judge heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenging President Trump's ban on the outlets from the White House. Liz Landers reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: FBI investigating hacking group's claim it breached jobs website
In our news wrap Wednesday, the FBI says it's investigating a claim by a criminal hacking group that it stole "very sensitive data" from the bureau's job website, Hurricane Polo off Mexico's western coast has strengthened into one of the most powerful storms in decades and a federal court temporarily blocked the deportation of a Venezuelan delivery driver who was shot by an ICE agent in Austin. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Moldova's PM on confronting Russian threats and backing Ukraine
Moldova is an Eastern European nation of almost three million people nestled between NATO member Romania and Ukraine. It has become a stage for Russian interference and drone incursions. Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan spoke with Nick Schifrin about Russia's attempts to sway the former Soviet republic back into its orbit, and the government's current efforts to move closer to the West. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Trump defends Iran war and threatens annihilation at UN General Assembly
President Trump took his "America First" foreign policy to the world stage, using his address to the UN General Assembly to defend the war with Iran and issue a stark warning to Iran's leadership. Trump said a deal could come after the midterm elections and that the alternative was to "annihilate the Islamic Republic." Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Grand jury declines to bring charges in death of Nolan Wells
In our news wrap Tuesday, a grand jury declined to bring charges in the death of Nolan Wells, a coroner found that actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl and Republican Sen. John Curtis is calling for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate Donald Trump Jr. after news that a Russian businessman partially bankrolled his wedding party. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
What the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger settlement means for Hollywood
A day after Paramount Skydance and a group of state attorneys general announced a settlement clearing the way for its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, questions remain about whether the deal does enough to protect consumers and competition. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Oliver Darcy of Status. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Researchers explore new uses for abortion-related drugs
For years, mifepristone and similar drugs have been used to treat uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Now researchers are exploring whether these drugs could have other uses in women's health, including preventing some cancers. But the politics and restrictions surrounding these drugs could affect the research. Special correspondent Sarah Varney reports for our series, Beyond Abortion. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
2 years after the storm, graphic novel shares stories of Hurricane Helene survivors
Two years after Hurricane Helene ripped through much of the Southeast, many of the communities affected by that storm are still recovering. A new project has chronicled their journey, using what might seem like an unlikely medium: a graphic novel. William Brangham discussed "Islands in the Sky: A People's History of Hurricane Helene" with Andrew Aydin. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: FAA issues ground stops at major East Coast airports due to equipment failure
In our news wrap Monday, the FAA issued ground stops at a handful of major airports on the East Coast due to an equipment failure, Paramount settled antitrust concerns with a dozen states over its buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery and a Venezuelan man who was shot by an ICE officer in Austin is being held at a detention center with a bullet still lodged in his back. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
War correspondent Scott Anderson on the shifting landscape in the Middle East
Ten years ago, Scott Anderson's New York Times Magazine project, Fractured Lands, traced the lives of six people across the Middle East as war, dictatorship and the Arab Spring transformed the region. His latest book, "King of Kings," examines the fall of Iran's last Shah in 1978 and the Islamic Revolution that followed and still shapes Iran today. Anderson joined Geoff Bennett to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
American Israeli held hostage by Hamas performs songs of survival and hope
Recently, the small Israeli town of Nir Oz, devastated by the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, held a unique concert. The singer was not a professional musician, but an American Israeli man who was kidnapped by Hamas and held in Gaza for nearly 500 days. Producer Karl Bostic and Nick Schifrin report. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
These copper vests are helping injured penguins heal faster
An innovative treatment is helping injured penguins get back on their feet in Chile. Stephanie Sy reports on these special suits. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Inside Iran: A reporter's account of living through war and economic strangulation
In Iran, prices are soaring, gas lines are growing and leaders are becoming harder-line. Reza Sayah is the PBS News Hour's special correspondent in Tehran and sat down with Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin to discuss what it has been like to live through months of war and economic strangulation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
What's in the Greenland agreement between U.S. and Denmark
On Friday, President Trump declared a deal has been struck with Denmark over its oversight of Greenland. Trump has long coveted the mineral-rich island, which Denmark has controlled since the 1700s. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Newsom signs order for AI safety in California
In our news wrap Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that aims to speed up safety measures for AI, including a possible 'kill switch' for advanced models, President Trump announced that all 50 states will participate in a new Medicaid drug pricing program and Russians are voting in the country's first parliamentary elections since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
U.S.-Saudi nuclear power deal faces pushback over potential weapons risks
This week, Democratic representatives introduced a resolution to block the Trump administration's new civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. The deal paves the way for the U.S. to help Saudi Arabia build a nuclear power program for peaceful purposes. But critics fear it doesn't have sufficient safeguards and could allow Saudi Arabia to pursue nuclear weapons. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
'The Last Free Women' follows 4 Afghans rebuilding their lives after escaping the Taliban
When the Taliban swept back into Kabul in 2021, millions of Afghans suddenly faced an uncertain and dangerous future. Among them were two young sisters whose ambitions to study medicine and law were threatened. Their escape and the lives they built afterward are at the heart of the new book, "The Last Free Women." Geoff Bennett sat down with the authors, Rebecca Blumenstein and Diana Kapp. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
As AI behavior raises concerns, ex-researcher Jacob Coxon warns what may lie ahead
OpenAI announced it had discovered six new instances of "concerning or unexpected" behavior by its artificial intelligence models. It follows repeated warnings about how rapid advances in AI threaten to outpace the ability to develop the tech safely. One of those warnings came from Jacob Coxon, a former researcher at Anthropic and OpenAI. Coxon joined Geoff Bennett to discuss his concerns. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Judge says Kennedy Center must provide notice before making changes to building
In our news wrap Thursday, a federal judge ordered that Kennedy Center officials provide a 30-day notice before making any significant physical changes to the building, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is welcoming a proposal that could see his country join the European Union as the bloc's first associate member and NASA discovered a massive, new crater on the Moon. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Qatari spokesman on regional war and the path back to U.S.-Iran talks
Violence has spread across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel launched the war in Iran. Qatar has spent months mediating between Iran and the U.S. while also being targeted by Iranian strikes. Nick Schifrin sat down with Dr. Majed al-Ansari, adviser to Qatar's prime minister, to discuss regional tensions and whether there is a way back to negotiations. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Jon Ronson and Geoff Bennett discuss modern masculinity on 'Settle In'
Jon Ronson's new book, "The Castle," asks questions about what young men are being taught about what it means to be a man. Ronson joined Geoff Bennett on our PBS News podcast "Settle In" and discussed why certain visions of masculinity are proving so powerful right now. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
How nearly 7 months of war have changed daily life in Iran
For the third time, the House of Representatives voted to end the war with Iran. That war powers resolution would stop President Trump from continuing military action against Iran without congressional approval, but it still needs to pass the Senate. The push comes more than six months into a conflict Trump said would last weeks. Amna Nawaz discussed more with special correspondent Reza Sayah. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
News Wrap: Johnson recesses House early
In our news wrap Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson says the U.S. House will head to recess a day early amid an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, fencing has gone up around the Kennedy Center a day after President Trump's hand-picked board voted to close it for repairs and a news helicopter crash in Los Angeles killed three people. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
