PBS NewsHour - Segments

Attorney Ben Crump on Trayvon Martin, racial hypocrisy and signs of progress

Since 2012, the families of several unarmed young American black men shot to death by police in high-profile incidents have turned to civil rights attorney Ben Crump in pursuit of justice. Crump has now written a book arguing these killings are the consequences of a flawed and racist criminal justice system. Yamiche Alcindor talks to Crump about "Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People."

What Gordon Sondland and Kurt Volker said about U.S. aid to Ukraine

Transcripts were released Tuesday of testimonies from two central figures in the impeachment inquiry: Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and former Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker. Both men were on the July call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy. Meanwhile, more White House officials declined to appear for interviews. Lisa Desjardins reports.

How Trump is reacting to newly released testimony from Sondland and Volker

On Tuesday, transcripts of impeachment inquiry testimony from Ambassador Gordon Sondland and former Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker were released. Nick Schifrin and Lisa Desjardins break down the details of the newly released transcripts, including how Sondland revised some of his original answers, and Yamiche Alcindor joins William Brangham to discuss how President Trump is reacting.

News Wrap: 9 Americans killed in brutal Mexican ambush

In our news wrap Tuesday, nine Americans, including six children, were brutally killed in an ambush in northern Mexico, about 75 miles south of the U.S. border. Mexican officials are investigating whether the attack was a case of mistaken identity. Also, Iran has announced it will start injecting uranium gas into centrifuges at its Fordo nuclear facility -- turning it into an active atomic site.

What U.S. withdrawal from Paris climate deal means for a warming planet

President Trump announced Monday that in a year, the U.S. will formally withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. The global accord was signed in 2015 by nearly 200 nations pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions to slow the planet's warming. Brookings Institution's Todd Stern, who was chief climate negotiator during the Obama administration, joins William Brangham to discuss the fallout.

Oklahoma's governor on 2nd chances and reducing mass incarceration

In Oklahoma, 462 people left prison Monday in the largest single-day commutation in U.S. history. Republican Governor Kevin Stitt had signed off on their release based on the recommendation of the state's Pardon and Parole Board. Oklahoma has the nation's highest incarceration rate, and its officials are now considering other criminal justice reforms. Gov. Stitt joins William Brangham to discuss.

Why colleges are reconsidering their reliance on standardized tests for admission

A college admissions scandal involving several celebrities has cast an ugly spotlight on how entry into higher education can be gamed. Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT are a key point in the saga, and they now face renewed scrutiny over their value -- and their correlation to economic background. John Yang reports and talks to Jeff Selingo, author of several books on higher education.

Derek Black grew up as a white nationalist. Here's how he changed his mind

According to the FBI, hate crimes are on the rise in the U.S. Studies also suggest white nationalist and white supremacist ideologies are spreading. Derek Black was raised in a household that espoused such beliefs, but during college, his views gradually evolved. Special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault talks with Black about his journey and the best way to help others find a similar path.

Why Edward Norton fought to deliver his new film, 'Motherless Brooklyn'

Actor Edward Norton has starred in a wide range of movies, from cult hit "Fight Club" to commercial blockbuster "The Incredible Hulk." But recently he's been very selective about his projects. "Motherless Brooklyn," which he both acts in and directs, made the cut. Jeffrey Brown spoke with Norton at the Toronto International Film Festival about the film's "emotional intimacy" and current relevance.

Key insights from transcripts of depositions with Amb. Yovanovitch, Michael McKinley

Monday marked a milestone in the House impeachment inquiry, as almost 500 pages' worth of transcripts from two of the investigation's closed-door witness depositions were publicly released. Lisa Desjardins, Nick Schifrin and Yamiche Alcindor join Amna Nawaz to discuss new details revealed by the testimonies of former Amb. Marie Yovanovitch and former State Department official Michael McKinley.

Deposition transcripts will come out daily this week, says Raskin

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., sits on the House Judiciary Committee, which has a central role in the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. On Monday, House investigators released nearly 500 pages of testimony from the depositions to date. Raskin joins Amna Nawaz to discuss the "explosive" details in those transcripts and why he and his colleagues are releasing them on a staggered basis.

News Wrap: Trump must turn over tax returns to NY, says appeals court

In our news wrap Monday, a New York federal appeals court ruled President Trump's 2011 tax returns must be turned over to state prosecutors, as part of an investigation into payments to two women claiming affairs with Trump. Also, Iran has announced another violation of the 2015 nuclear deal Trump renounced a year ago. Its government said it is running twice as many advanced centrifuges as before.

Why pro-Trump Kentucky is facing such a competitive governor's race

The Kentucky governor's race is one of three gubernatorial contests that will serve as key tests of Republican strength ahead of the 2020 presidential election. President Trump is campaigning there Monday for the incumbent, Matt Bevin, who's facing a very tight race on Tuesday against Democrat Andy Beshear, the state's attorney general. William Brangham reports from the Bluegrass State.

Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on what's at stake for Trump in 3 key governor's races

NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including the release of transcripts from the impeachment inquiry, what three upcoming gubernatorial races say about President Trump's support, early polling in key 2020 battleground states and the waning distinction between local and national politics.

How Ukraine's involvement in U.S. politics could affect its long war

Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula was the largest European land grab since World War II. No shots were fired there, but in eastern Ukraine, a brutal war ensued, dragging on for nearly six years so far and killing 13,000. The conflict drew relatively little U.S. attention until the impeachment crisis surrounding President Trump. Special correspondent Simon Ostrovsky reports.

Enriching the lives of Nashville seniors, one song at a time

In Nashville, the nonprofit Music for Seniors connects the city's musicians with its older residents in an effort to build community and improve seniors' quality of life. Now, the organization is teaming up with researchers at Vanderbilt University to see if the effects of its work can be measured -- and potentially leveraged to help patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. John Yang reports.

Seattle candidates find funding through public financing

Seattle is trying to combat the influence of moneyed interests in its elections with a new program called "Democracy Vouchers." Eligible voters there receive $25 taxpayer-funded vouchers that they can donate to city council candidates of their choosing with the aim of broadening the base of campaign contributors and getting candidates to engage directly with constituents. Ivette Feliciano reports.

Next phase of impeachment begins as process goes public

The next phase of the impeachment inquiry begins this week with televised hearings after the U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday along sharply divided party lines to approve the proceedings. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent Jeff Greenfield joins Megan Thompson to discuss what to look for in the week ahead.

Globally, people are taking their discontent to the streets

While mass demonstrations against the government have rocked Hong Kong for months, protests in Iraq and Lebanon have unseated respective governments. People in Barcelona, Haiti and Chile have also taken to the streets with their demands. Vali Nasr, a former State Department advisor and professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies joins Hari Sreenivasan for more.

Massachusetts jails men to provide drug addiction treatment

Massachusetts is among several states using involuntary commitment to force someone into addiction treatment if they have an alcohol or substance abuse problem and pose a risk of serious harm. But it's the only state to provide that treatment in a correctional facility, and critics say that's no place for those battling addiction who haven't been criminally charged. Hari Sreenivasan reports.

Writer called county 'worst place to live,' then moved there

In 2015, Washington Post reporter Christopher Ingraham wrote about a government ranking of counties on things like scenery and climate. Dead last was Red Lake County, Minnesota, which Ingraham called the "worst place to live." The next year, he moved his family there. He spoke recently to NewsHour Weekend's Megan Thompson about his new book, "If You Lived Here You'd Be Home By Now."

News Wrap: October jobs numbers exceed expectations, despite GM strike

In our news wrap Friday, the U.S. turned in better-than-expected October economic numbers. The Labor Department reports that employers added a net 128,000 jobs last month, and figures for August and September were revised upward. Also, former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke announced he is ending his bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, saying he lacks the resources to continue.

In California, nearly 9,000 acres scorched by fast-moving Ventura County brush fire

Although California's battle with wildfires eased a bit Friday, officials warn that the concern is far from over. Firefighters faced a fast-moving brush fire north of Los Angeles overnight, fueled in part by the flammable oil in the eucalyptus trees farmers often use as windbreaks. To the east, in San Bernardino, some evacuated families returned home to find nothing left. Stephanie Sy reports.

Watch our interview with Joe Biden

In his third bid for the presidency, former Vice President Joe Biden has long been considered a 2020 Democratic frontrunner. But recent polls show him losing ground to Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren -- especially in Iowa. Judy Woodruff joined Biden on the campaign trail to discuss the impeachment inquiry, primary poll numbers, his age, the U.S. economy, health care and more.

Ukraine is fighting a war -- and an internal battle against corruption

Ukraine, battling Russian-backed separatists, is the only European country at war. The conflict has killed 13,000 people, displaced millions and pushed tensions between Russia and the West close to Cold War levels. It has also strained a society and government already fighting corruption. Nick Schifrin talks to Ukrainian journalist Nastya Stanko about why Ukraine looks to the U.S. for support.

How this Nashville women's recovery home blends business with bonding

Nashville's Thistle Farms is no ordinary business -- it's a nonprofit staffed by women who have survived addiction, sexual abuse or trafficking. The organization's two-year program offers participants housing, free therapy and medical care, as well as opportunities to work on its line of home and body products or in its adjoining cafe. John Yang reports on this sisterhood-based community.

Ruth Marcus and Michael Gerson on impeachment inquiry, withdrawal of Beto O'Rourke

Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus and syndicated columnist Michael Gerson join Amna Nawaz to analyze the week's political news, including details emerging from witness depositions in the impeachment inquiry about President Trump's dealings with Ukraine, current public opinion on Trump and impeachment and 2020 campaign updates, including the withdrawal of Democrat Beto O'Rourke.

Why a new film about Harriet Tubman focuses on freedom

The Underground Railroad's most famous conductor, Harriet Tubman, is featured in a new film -- the first to share her story on the big screen. Director Kasi Lemmons and actress Cynthia Erivo, who stars as the title character in "Harriet," sit down with Amna Nawaz to discuss balancing biography and action, how they researched the project, the criticism they've received and the film's "female gaze."

After House approves impeachment procedures, what happens next?

The House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve rules governing the impeachment process. Every House Republican opposed the resolution, while all but two Democrats supported it. Lisa Desjardins reports and joins Yamiche Alcindor and Nick Schifrin to discuss procedural details, reaction from both sides of the aisle and the impeachment inquiry's latest witness.

Southern California endures new flames as PG&E prepares to restore power in the north

Southern California was yet again assaulted by wind-driven wildfires Thursday. Some 500 homes and 1,300 people were evacuated when fast-moving flames burned through a San Bernardino neighborhood. In the northern part of the state, most evacuations have been lifted as fire conditions improve, and Pacific Gas & Electric is moving to restore the power that has been off for days. Stephanie Sy reports.

News Wrap: Striking Chicago teachers to return to work after making a deal

In our news wrap Thursday, the Chicago Teachers Union will return to work after the city agreed to make up five of the 11 days missed due to the strike. Mayor Lori Lightfoot celebrated the outcome as "the right thing" for Chicago. Also, Iraq's president said the prime minister will resign if leaders agree on his replacement, but Baghdad protesters said they demand a "total change" in government.

Schiff says House GOP hasn't taken advantage of depositions

On Thursday, the House formalized procedures for the impeachment inquiry's next phase -- with no Republican support. California Rep. Adam Schiff chairs the House Intelligence Committee, which is central to the process. He talks to Nick Schifrin about how the process aligns with previous impeachments and why the president's conduct left "no choice" but to proceed with the impeachment inquiry.

No credible defense of Trump's Ukraine conduct, says GOP strategist

House Republicans unanimously opposed Thursday's vote to formalize impeachment rules, insisting the process to date has been flawed and opaque. Longtime GOP strategist Michael Steel, who previously served as press secretary for former Speaker of the House John Boehner, joins Nick Schifrin to discuss that argument and why "there isn't a case to be made" that the president is innocent of wrongdoing.

What Twitter's decision to ban political ads means for other tech giants

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's recent public defense of allowing political ads on his platform -- even those containing false claims -- drew substantial scrutiny. Now, the CEO of fellow social media giant Twitter says it will stop running political ads in November. John Yang talks to Politico's Nancy Scola about the reasoning, the reaction and the potential implications for other tech companies.

Deaths of 39 migrants in a British truck highlight the brutality of human smuggling

For these seniors, entrepreneurial ambition is far from retiring

Entrepreneurs are often imagined as twenty-something recent college dropouts. But in fact, people ages 45 to 64 start businesses at higher rates than do their younger peers -- and plenty of seniors are in startup mode, too. Economics correspondent Paul Solman visits a New York City center that helps older adults upgrade their technology skills and realize their entrepreneurial dreams.

With World Series title, Washington Nationals cement their comeback season

The Washington Nationals have Major League Baseball's oldest roster. Now, they also have a World Series title. The nation's capital celebrated as the underestimated team clinched a Game 7 victory late Thursday. The Washington Post's Jesse Dougherty joins Nick Schifrin to discuss the Nationals' pattern of successfully rallying from the brink of elimination and how they made history in Houston.

Extreme conditions drive Southern California's fire risk even higher

A new fire is burning Wednesday in California's Simi Valley. With winds gusting to 80 miles per hour, the National Weather Service issued a rarely used warning of extreme fire danger in the southern part of the state. In Northern California, meanwhile, both the Kincade Fire and the proactive power outages by PG&E continued, as residents strive to adapt to the disruptions. Stephanie Sy reports.

News Wrap: Fed cuts interest rates for 3rd time this year

In our news wrap Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates for the third time this year, in an expected bid to strengthen the economy. But Chair Jerome Powell signaled that further reductions are on hold amid an outlook for "moderate growth." Also, in the impeachment inquiry, reaction to the Tuesday testimony of Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman broke mostly along party lines.

Why Californians may have to choose between safe and reliable power

Fires are burning across several parts of California, and power is out for hundreds of thousands of residents there. As firefighters try to contain the blazes, frustration is mounting toward utility company PG&E for the prolonged blackouts it says are necessary to reduce fire risk. Stephanie Sy talks to Stanford University's Michael Wara about the roles of climate change and aging infrastructure.

Behind the record number of children detained at the U.S.-Mexico border this year

According to new data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, over 850,000 migrants were detained at the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal 2019. The figure is more than double the previous year's total, and it includes a record number of unaccompanied migrant children -- many more than previously understood. Amna Nawaz joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the "unsustainable" pattern and DHS leadership.

Castro calls on Democratic voters to push past 'safe choice' in 2020

Julián Castro was mayor of San Antonio when he delivered the keynote address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Under President Obama, he headed the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and today he's one of 17 contenders for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss his vision for immigration, health care, and helping all Americans prosper.

In Iraq and Lebanon, economic needs push protesters past sectarian divide

In Iraq and Lebanon, different events sparked current mass demonstrations, but protesters in both countries believe their governments are broken. Journalist Pesha Magid, reporting from Baghdad, and special correspondent Jane Ferguson, in Beirut, join Nick Schifrin to discuss economic and political instability in Iraq and Lebanon and how proximity to Iran is looming over both nations.

Why minority representation in medical research is a matter of life and death

U.S. racial and ethnic diversity is ever increasing, but the medical representation of minority groups is not. A recent review of government-funded cancer research studies found that participants were disproportionately white, and fewer than 2 percent of these clinical trials focused on minorities specifically. Special correspondent Cat Wise reports on the problem and efforts to correct it.

A conversation with 'We the Corporations' author Adam Winkler

Adam Winkler, author of our October pick for the NewsHour-New York Times book club, Now Read This, joins William Brangham to discuss "We the Corporations," and William announces the November book selection.