PBS News Hour - Politics

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By: PBS News

Listen to all of the PBS News Hour's coverage of U.S. politics, from Yamiche Alcindor's reports from the White House, to Lisa Desjardins on Capitol Hill, to our weekly analysis and discussions from David Brooks, Mark Shields, Amy Walter and Tamara Keith. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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Trump pushes back as AI leaders fuel calls to rein in rapidly advancing technology
Yesterday at 10:55 PM

President Trump rejected calls for greater oversight of artificial intelligence despite the dire warnings of some in the industry. The president's pushback comes after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay arguing for a slowdown across leading AI companies, warning rapid advances in the technology now pose an existential threat to society. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Stephen Witt. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


News Wrap: Kennedy Center warns of 'fiscal collapse' without Trump's name on building
Yesterday at 10:45 PM

In our news wrap Monday, officials at the Kennedy Center are warning of "certain fiscal collapse" unless President Trump's name is added to the exterior of the building, several state election officials tell the News Hour they are bracing for uncertainty over mail-in ballots ahead of the midterms and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte condemned Russia's attacks near Ukraine's border with Poland. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Houthi gains in Yemen, attack on Saudi pipeline compound pressure on oil markets
Yesterday at 10:40 PM

Yemen's Houthi rebels seized more islands in the strategically crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait and now control the west coast of the country. This comes as a crucial pipeline in Saudi Arabia will be out of commission for weeks. Ali Rogin discussed the latest with Michael Ratney, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Biden administration. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


EPA repeals limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants
Yesterday at 10:35 PM

The EPA announced it is repealing rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants. The move eliminates requirements that would have forced some power plants to sharply reduce their emissions, including through technologies such as carbon capture and storage. Geoff Bennett discussed what this rollback means with Vickie Patton of the Environmental Defense Fund. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Putin-tied Russian oligarch paid for Trump Jr.'s wedding celebrations
Yesterday at 10:30 PM

A ProPublica report says a Russian oligarch with ties to Vladimir Putin helped fund Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration in the Bahamas. According to the report, Umar Kremlev, a Russian businessman and president of the International Boxing Association, paid hundreds of thousands in wedding expenses. Liz Landers spoke with Justin Elliot, a ProPublica journalist investigating the story. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Washington's response to AI and data center concerns
Yesterday at 10:25 PM

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 how Washington is responding to AI and data center concerns, Mitch McConnell returning to the Senate and how midterm voters feel about affordability and political corruption. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores
Yesterday at 10:20 PM

As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to make headlines, comedian and writer Jenny Yang is taking a different approach in her nationwide stand-up tour to raise awareness of those difficulties. Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown caught up with her for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Americans remember the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago
Last Friday at 10:55 PM

Families, survivors, first responders and dignitaries marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with somber and poignant ceremonies. That included major gatherings in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks killed 2,977 people and set the country on a course that would define the next quarter-century. Geoff Bennett reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Iran-backed Houthis seize island at entrance to Red Sea, threatening Saudi oil exports
Last Friday at 10:50 PM

Houthi rebels in Yemen consolidated lightning gains across the country's western coast. The group, which recently resumed fighting with the Saudi-backed government, also extended its hold on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial chokepoint at the southern reaches of the Red Sea. Ali Rogin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


News Wrap: August inflation report shows consumer prices up 3.4%
Last Friday at 10:45 PM

In our news wrap Friday, the Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose 3.4% in August when compared to last year, the inflation report is fueling speculation that the Fed will raise interest rates, U.S. health officials declared an end to the cyclospora outbreak and a British official says more than half a million Russian troops have been killed since the start of the Ukraine invasion. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Trump remains focus of GOP's midterm campaign as convention wraps
Last Friday at 10:40 PM

With November's midterms closing in, Republicans wrapped an unprecedented two-day convention in Dallas aimed at firing up the party's base. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance headlined an event that also produced some striking and unexpected moments. Liz Landers spoke with some of the attendees. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Hillary Clinton reflects on the losses and lessons of 9/11
Last Friday at 10:35 PM

Twenty-five years ago, Hillary Clinton was the junior senator for the state of New York. This week, she is reflecting on what's been lost and what she has learned since. In her essay for The Atlantic, "What the Aftermath of 9/11 Taught Me," Clinton looks back at how leaders handled public health, national security and transparency after the attacks. She joined Amna Nawaz to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


9/11 changed Afghanistan, but now it's back where it started
Last Friday at 10:30 PM

Already scarred by decades of war, Afghanistan became the center of America's response to 9/11 after the Taliban harbored the men who planned the attacks. Over 20 years of what's known there as "The American War," hundreds of thousands, mostly civilians, died. Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen and videographer Eric O'Connor spoke with three men who fought in that war. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Brooks and Capehart on the GOP's midterm identity
Last Friday at 10:25 PM

David Brooks of The Atlantic and Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including the GOP's midterm convention and the identity of the party, if Democrats should be worried about campaign spending benefiting Republican candidates and how America has changed in the 25 years since 9/11. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Trump's vow of $5,000 payments to Americans faces bipartisan criticism
Last Thursday at 10:55 PM

Republicans are back in Dallas Thursday night as they wrap up their unprecedented midterm convention. Night one brought a claim from President Trump of $5,000 payments to Americans if Republicans keep control of Congress. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman also made a surprise video appearance. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


A look at the young conservative movement a year after Charlie Kirk's killing
Last Thursday at 10:50 PM

Charlie Kirk's influence is still deeply felt at the Republicans' midterm convention. His killing a year ago reshaped the young conservative movement he built and left his friends and political allies with the task of carrying it forward. To discuss the future of Turning Point USA, Geoff Bennett spoke with Robert Draper, a New York Times Magazine reporter who profiled Kirk before his death. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


News Wrap: Supreme Court again rejects GOP push for new congressional map in Missouri
Last Thursday at 10:45 PM

In our news wrap Thursday, the Supreme Court again rejected a Republican push for a new congressional map in Missouri that could have helped Republicans pick up a seat, climate scientists say August was the hottest month ever recorded globally and thousands of drones in New York recreated the Twin Towers as the city prepares to mark 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Iran-backed Houthis capture Red Sea port, putting more pressure on oil markets
Last Thursday at 10:40 PM

Yemen appears to be spiraling back to war after the Iran-backed Houthis seized a strategic port city from allies of the internationally recognized government. Mokha lies on the Bab el-Mandeb, a critical shipping chokepoint that is the gateway to the Red Sea. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Pentagon 9/11 survivor Kevin Shaeffer reflects on his escape: 'I had to fight'
Last Thursday at 10:35 PM

On 9/11, retired Navy Lt. Kevin Shaeffer was one of the few people in the Pentagon's Navy Command Center to survive the attack. Geoff Bennett spoke with Shaeffer about what he experienced on that day and the 25 years since. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


George Pataki on how New York responded to 9/11 and its lasting impact
Last Thursday at 10:30 PM

Twenty-five years ago, George Pataki was governor of New York when the Sept. 11 attacks transformed his state and the country. In the hours that followed, Pataki helped lead New York through an unimaginable crisis as the country confronted the enormity of what had happened. Pataki joined Geoff Bennett to discuss that response. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


AI researcher warns companies are ignoring catastrophic risks
Last Wednesday at 10:55 PM

Concerns about the risks of artificial intelligence, and whether the companies building it are doing enough to keep it safe, have erupted across the tech world. Jacob Coxon, who previously worked at Anthropic and OpenAI, wrote that the industry understands the potential risks but is moving ahead anyway. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Amrith Ramkumar of The Wall Street Journal. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


News Wrap: White House defends Trump's $45,000 gifts to Natalie Harp and other aides
Last Wednesday at 10:45 PM

In our news wrap Wednesday, the White House is defending President Trump's gift of $45,000 to his executive assistant Natalie Harp and others, the U.S. and Iran are trading more attacks in a fight to control the Strait of Hormuz and the trade war between the U.S. and Canada is escalating even further after the Trump administration announced a ban on certain Canadian imports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


What to expect from the GOP's first-ever midterm convention
Last Wednesday at 10:40 PM

Republicans are gathering in Dallas for an unusual two-day midterm convention, with President Trump set to address the party both nights. The event, part rally and part political showcase, is aimed at energizing Republican voters. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports from Dallas. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Missouri's election maps in chaos after conflicting rulings
Last Wednesday at 10:35 PM

With less than two months until Election Day, the fights over congressional maps are still raging. Republicans are not seeing as much gain as they may have liked from redistricting. In the last day, dueling and conflicting legal rulings have thrown Missouri's maps into limbo. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Netanyahu faces pressure after report alleges he brushed off warnings ahead of Oct. 7
Last Wednesday at 10:30 PM

New reporting in Israel reveals that Prime Minister Netanyahu was warned that Hamas was planning a major attack, but he did not order any kind of action to prevent the Oct. 7 attack that killed over 1000. Netanyahu denied the allegation and threatened to sue the journalists who broke the story. Ali Rogin discussed how the report is impacting the election campaign in Israel with David Makovsky. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Roy Cohn's continued influence on politics and Trump traced in 'American Scoundrel'
Last Wednesday at 10:25 PM

For decades, Roy Cohn operated at the center of American power, from his work with Sen. Joseph McCarthy to his role as a lawyer, political fixer and mentor to a young Donald Trump. Biographer Kai Bird traces Cohn's life and the influence he still exerts on American politics in "American Scoundrel." Jeffrey Brown spoke with Bird 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


The lasting psychological impact of 9/11 on America
Last Wednesday at 10:20 PM

Judy Woodruff recently visited the September 11 Memorial in New York for a look at how the attacks, 25 years ago, continue to shape our lives today. It's part of her series, Crossroads: America at 250. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


'Total chaos.' How PBS News crews filmed the Pentagon on 9/11
Last Wednesday at 10:15 PM

On Sept. 11, 2001, when a hijacked plane struck the Pentagon, two WETA camera men and a NewsHour with Jim Lehrer intern rushed to the scene. As the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks approaches, they reflect on what they captured, and how it stays with them. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods take effect, marking turning point in relations
09/08/2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will move quickly to reduce its economic reliance on the United States as retaliatory tariffs took effect on roughly $20 billion worth of American goods. The tariffs match duties President Trump imposed on Canadian imports and follows months of strained relations and unsuccessful trade negotiations between the two countries. Amna Nawaz reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


How the U.S.-Canada trade dispute is impacting the economy on both sides of the border
09/08/2026

To discuss the impact of the tariffs on the United States and Canada, Amna Nawaz spoke with Matthew Shoemaker. He is the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a Canadian city just across the border from its sister city, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Trump's trade war with Canada looms over key congressional races
09/08/2026

President Trump's tariff policies are shaping key races for control of Congress this fall. Geoff Bennett discussed the impact on the midterms with congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


News Wrap: NYC officials release documents showing city was aware of toxic air after 9/11
09/08/2026

Tuesday on the News hour, New York City officials released documents that raise new concerns about air quality following the Sept. 11 attacks, authorities in Miami say all five people killed by a plane crash this weekend were in a van used for cleaning crews that service planes and more than 600 flights were cancelled in the UK due to a problem with the country's air traffic control system. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Lonnie Bunch on his legacy and protecting the Smithsonian from political pressure
09/08/2026

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced that he is stepping down as the institution he leads faces an escalating battle with the Trump administration over how it tells the American story. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bunch about the political pressure, what's at stake for the Smithsonian and how he sees his legacy. It's for our Art in Action series exploring the intersection of art and democracy. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Fighter pilot reflects on order to sacrifice herself to stop Flight 93 on 9/11
09/08/2026

On 9/11, the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 stormed the cockpit, forcing the hijacked jet to crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. But before the world knew of their bravery, members of Washington, D.C.'s Air National Guard were prepared to make their own sacrifice. Nick Schifrin brings us the story of pilot Heather "Lucky" Penney. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Gavin Newsom on Democrats, Trump and 2028
09/08/2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom thinks Democrats took their eyes off the ball on state-level races. Now, he's campaigning across the South to drive turnout in states where Republicans have tried to redraw congressional maps. In this episode of "Settle In," recorded during a recent visit to South Carolina, Newsom talks to Amna Nawaz about what Democrats need to compete in rural America and what he's considering as he weighs a presidential campaign in 2028. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
09/07/2026

Germany's far-right AfD party won a major parliamentary election victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. The win marks a growing divide in German politics. The AfD party is anti-immigration and has been labelled as xenophobic and extremist by German intelligence. Liz Landers discussed the outcome with Liana Fix, author of "Germany Rearmed: The Return of War and the End of Illusions." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


News Wrap: Tropical Storm Marie brings dangerous surf to California coast
09/07/2026

In our news wrap Monday, Tropical Storm Marie is whipping up high surf along the California coast, the Kremlin is not ruling out future talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States following a weekend visit to Moscow by U.S. negotiators and Iran is warning that new U.S. strikes could trigger further retaliation, including against American energy interests in the Gulf. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Gavin Newsom on how to beat the GOP: 'Democrats need to grow a backbone'
09/07/2026

As California's governor, Gavin Newsom has become one of the Democratic Party's most vocal critics of President Trump. As speculation swirls around Newsom's own potential presidential bid, he's on the road and raising money to get more Democrats elected at the state level, where he says his party took its eye off the ball. Amna Nawaz caught up with Newsom in North and South Carolina. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on GOP's midterm challenges
09/07/2026

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 Gov. Gavin Newsom's apparent efforts to get a jump on the 2028 presidential race, the Republicans holding a midterm convention and how President Trump's low approval rating is impacting GOP campaigns. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


Inside southern Lebanon's villages where Israeli occupation has upended daily life
09/07/2026

As part of its occupation of southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces have systematically destroyed dozens of villages, many of them home to Shia Muslims. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn and videographer Adrian Hartrick traveled to two Christian villages and one Sunni village near Israel's occupation zone, demarcated by a so-called yellow line. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy