PBS News Hour - World

News Wrap: Authorities search Chesapeake Bay for missing Kennedys

In our news wrap Friday, authorities in Maryland are searching the Chesapeake Bay for a granddaughter and great-grandson of the late Robert F. Kennedy. The pair were in a canoe Thursday afternoon when strong winds developed and have been missing since. Also, singer-songwriter Bill Withers died from heart issues in Los Angeles. His string of soulful hits included "Lean on Me" and "Lovely Day."

In latest book, author Erik Larson looks back at another time of crisis: London's Blitz

In previous books like "The Devil in the White City" and "Isaac's Storm," bestselling author Erik Larson has used everyday people to chronicle historical events. But his latest offering, "The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance during the Blitz," explores Winston Churchill's turbulent first year as Britain's wartime prime minister. Larson joins John Yang to discuss.

U.S. facing 2-front war amid medical crisis and economic collapse

The coronavirus pandemic has infected at least 1 million people and killed over 50,000 worldwide. In the U.S., President Trump is taking new action to bolster medical supplies, and unemployment is surging. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy relieved the captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt amid conflict over his response to COVID-19. John Yang reports, and Nick Schifrin joins Judy Woodruff to discuss.

News Wrap: Iran denies it is planning to attack U.S. targets in Iraq

In our news wrap Thursday, Iran dismissed President Trump's claim it is planning an attack on U.S. targets in Iraq. On Twitter, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif wrote "Iran starts no wars, but teaches lessons to those who do." Also, a Pakistani court has rejected the murder conviction of the accused mastermind in the 2002 killing of Daniel Pearl. Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh has already served 18 years.

As New York's death toll approaches 2,000, Cuomo warns other states of what's to come

New York's death toll from COVID-19 is nearing 2,000, and experts warn it will continue to rise. But many other areas of the country are also seeing cases climb and taking steps to try to limit them. President Trump sounded a grave warning during a Tuesday Coronavirus Task Force briefing, saying the virus is projected to kill at least 100,000 Americans in the months to come. John Yang reports.

News Wrap: U.S. believes China vastly understated its COVID-19 death toll

In our news wrap Wednesday, U.S. intelligence believes that China vastly understated its own death toll in the COVID-19 pandemic. Two senior U.S. officials say the true number of dead in Wuhan, where the outbreak began, could be 10 times what was reported. Also, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the U.S. is missing a historic opportunity to ease tensions with sanctions relief.

Taiwan's aggressive efforts are paying off in fight against COVID-19

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads around the world, Taiwan seems to have it under control. The island is only 80 miles off the coast of mainland China and very near to where the virus originated; plus there were many daily flights to it from Wuhan. But Taiwan has only 329 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and only five people have died from it. Nick Schifrin reports on this COVID-19 success story.

News Wrap: Dow Jones concludes worst quarter since 1987

In our news wrap Tuesday, Wall Street ended a brutal first quarter with fresh losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 23 percent during the first three months of 2020 -- the largest percentage decline since 1987. Also, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell claimed that President Trump's impeachment trial earlier this year diverted government attention from the looming coronavirus crisis.

At Greek refugee camp, there are few defenses against COVID-19 threat

Human rights activists and medical nonprofits are calling on the Greek government to evacuate overcrowded refugee camps on islands in the Aegean Sea, where an outbreak of COVID-19 would likely cause humanitarian catastrophe. Concerns are especially grave regarding Moria camp on the island of Lesbos. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports.

News Wrap: Van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch museum

In our news wrap Monday, police in the Netherlands are searching for a Vincent van Gogh painting, "The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring (1884)." Investigators say thieves stole the artwork from the Singer Laren museum east of Amsterdam after breaking in by smashing a glass door. Also, Afghanistan began releasing some 10,000 prisoners; members of the Taliban were not among them.

News Wrap: Maduro slams Trump after being indicted on drug-trafficking charges

In our news wrap Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro lashed out at the Trump administration after he was indicted on U.S. drug-trafficking charges. In a televised address, Maduro called Trump a "racist cowboy" who was making "false accusations." Also, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has announced a team to negotiate with the Taliban, in a possible step toward peace talks.

UN secretary-general decries lack of global cooperation to beat pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has struck the globe during an era of massive refugee crises, confrontation among the world's great powers and armed conflicts in many countries. Under these circumstances, how do we coordinate an effective global response to an enemy we can't see? To answer that question and more, Judy Woodruff turns to Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations.

Americans stranded abroad try to escape border closures, overwhelmed health care systems

The State Department says it has brought back 15,000 Americans who were stranded in more than 30 countries across the globe. But some 30,000 are still stuck abroad, growing increasingly worried about border closures, food shortages and health care systems that are becoming overwhelmed. Nick Schifrin reports on the immense challenge of trying to return home amid a global pandemic.

News Wrap: DOJ announces indictment of Venezuela's Maduro

In our news wrap Thursday, the Justice Department announced indictments of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his top allies on charges of narco-terrorism. Attorney General William Barr said they conspired to flood the U.S. with cocaine. Also, Israel's year-long political deadlock may be ending, as lawmakers elected opposition figure Benny Gantz to be the new speaker of parliament.

Shutdown of U.S.-Mexico border leaves migrants in limbo and in danger

President Trump recently announced strict new border controls, citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Officials will now turn away most migrants entering the country from the U.S.-Mexico border -- including people coming legally and fleeing violence. Jean Guerrero of KPBS spoke to families stuck in limbo at the country's busiest land border crossing, just south of San Diego in Tijuana.

Much of the world stands still, but Congress pushes forward on aid deal

There are now over 60,000 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the United States, with more than 600 deaths. Much of the country is under orders to stay home. Meanwhile, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress are hailing a legislative victory with the largest economic stimulus package in American history. Amna Nawaz reports, and Lisa Desjardins joins Judy Woodruff to discuss.

As Russia shuts its borders, how widespread is COVID-19 there?

Russian cases of COVID-19 have been low until now, according to the country's government. But there are serious doubts about the veracity of those numbers, especially in Moscow -- Europe's largest city. For a population accustomed to packing tightly into churches, the concept of social distancing has not yet taken hold. Special correspondent Lucy Taylor reports.

News Wrap: Pompeo warns that Afghan political feud jeopardizes peace

In our news wrap Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that a political feud in Afghanistan is jeopardizing peace efforts. He met with President Ashraf Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah earlier this week but failed to break their impasse over forming a government. Also, in Kabul, at least 25 people died when Islamic State gunmen raided a Sikh temple in a siege that lasted for hours.

WHO warns U.S. may become coronavirus' new global epicenter, as India locks down

Confirmed U.S. cases of coronavirus have reached 50,000, with more than 600 deaths. But as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned of dire conditions in hospitals, Wall Street rallied and President Trump spoke of easing government restrictions soon in order to lessen the economic pain of the pandemic. Meanwhile, India has gone into lockdown. Amna Nawaz and special correspondent Neha Poonia report.

News Wrap: Afghan leaders trade blame for possible cut in U.S. aid

In our news wrap Tuesday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah traded blame for a possible $1 billion reduction of U.S. aid. Sec. of State Mike Pompeo made the threat after meeting with them in Kabul. Also, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal urged China not to expel journalists, saying the move would "deprive the world of critical information."

Italian doctors urge the U.S. to learn from their country's mistakes

With close to 7,000 deaths, Italy is the country hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic so far. Its health care system, one of Europe's best, is mustering all its resources to respond to the flood of patients infected with COVID-19. But doctors and nurses are near their breaking points, and they warn the U.S. to learn from the Italian government's mistakes. Nick Schifrin reports.

What drove the 'unprecedented' postponement of the Tokyo Olympics

Olympic history was made Tuesday when Japan and the International Olympic Committee decided to postpone this summer's games to 2021. John Yang reports and speaks with USA Today's Christine Brennan, who has covered every Olympic Games since 1984.

SpaceX and OneWeb face off in quest for internet domination

In what has already been a busy year in space, the London-based telecommunications company, OneWeb, on Friday launched a second round of satellites into orbit in a bid to expand global internet coverage. The launch followed the return of NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who broke a spaceflight record for female astronauts. The Verge science reporter Loren Grush joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss.

News Wrap: Impeachment witness Vindman removed from NSC post

In our news wrap Friday, a key impeachment witness has lost his White House job. An attorney for Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman says the aide was fired from the National Security Council and escorted from the building. Vindman had testified that President Trump improperly pressured Ukraine's president. Also, a federal appeals court killed a lawsuit alleging the president violated the Constitution's emoluments clause.

Death of Chinese doctor who tried to warn of new coronavirus sparks public outrage

Chinese officials are now struggling to contain a political revolt while also grappling with outbreak of novel coronavirus. The death of a young doctor who was punished for trying to warn about this new illness has triggered a wave of public anger and demands for accountability from the Chinese government. William Brangham reports.

Former Amb. Bill Taylor on Alexander Vindman, Mike Pompeo and Ukraine

Bill Taylor served as the top American diplomat in Ukraine following the dismissal of Amb. Marie Yovanovitch. The former ambassador was a key witness in the House impeachment inquiry and subsequently left his post. Taylor sits down with Nick Schifrin to discuss the firing of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, his view of Sec. of State Mike Pompeo and why Ukraine is a critical strategic ally of the U.S.

News Wrap: Middle East violence flares, leaving at least 3 dead

In our news wrap Thursday, violence in the Middle East continues in response to President Trump's peace plan. Deadly shootings took place in the West Bank and in Jerusalem, and a Palestinian injured 12 Israeli soldiers after ramming them with a car. Also, heavy rain is finally dousing Australia's wildfires, but brings with it the possibility of flooding.

China's ambassador to U.S. says his country is doing everything possible to stop outbreak

There's no indication yet that China's novel coronavirus outbreak is slowing. More than 50 million people live in cities essentially locked down to prevent the illness' spread, but fatalities and infections continue to rise. There are also many questions about how the Chinese government has handled the outbreak. Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the United States, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss.

Acclaimed documentary 'For Sama' finds love amid loss of Syrian war

A recent onslaught of violence in Syria's Idlib province, the last holdout of Syrians opposed to the regime of Bashar al-Assad, has prompted condemnation from the U.S. Hundreds of thousands have been driven from their homes. The offensive comes as two films about the Syrian war are nominated for best documentary in Sunday's Academy Awards. Nick Schifrin reports on the poignant story of "For Sama."

News Wrap: Buttigieg maintains Iowa lead in latest caucus results

In our news wrap Wednesday, delayed results from Monday's Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa are still trickling in -- and Pete Buttigieg appears to be keeping his lead. With 75 percent of precincts reporting, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has nearly 27 percent support. Also, China's death toll from an outbreak of novel coronavirus is nearing 490, with more than 24,000 infections.

Australian bushfires prompt conversation about land management practices

Bushfires are still burning in parts of Australia. So far this season, they have claimed the lives of more than 30 people and destroyed tens of millions of acres of land. The ensuing toll on forest and wildlife has prompted new conversations about how Australian land should be managed -- and whether a return to Aboriginal practices might be beneficial. Miles O'Brien reports from Australia.

News Wrap: Turkey warns Syria over Idlib offensive

In our news wrap Tuesday, Turkey warned it will intervene to stop a Syrian government offensive against rebels that's driving thousands of refugees in Idlib province toward the Turkish border. The word comes a day after clashes between Syrian and Turkish forces left 21 dead. Also, the U.S. nuclear arsenal has added its first new weapon in decades, a low-yield missile meant to deter adversaries.

How China's novel coronavirus outbreak is disrupting the global supply chain

The spread of novel coronavirus in China has focused great attention on public health in that country and around the world. But the outbreak is also having a major economic impact, with quarantines imposed, flights suspended and factories shuttered. William Brangham reports and talks to The Washington Post's David Lynch about the outbreak's implications for the global supply chain and more.

News Wrap: Turkish, Syrian forces clash in Syria's Idlib province

In our news wrap Monday, deadly fighting erupted between Turkish and Syrian forces in northwestern Syria. It started after Turkey sent a military convoy into Idlib province and Syria responded with shelling. Also, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is vowing action after an Islamic extremist who had been released early from prison wounded two people in a London stabbing attack on Sunday.

How U.S. health officials are responding to threat of novel coronavirus

With nearly 20,000 people in China infected by novel coronavirus, the country has essentially quarantined a population of 50 million. Countries including the United States have evacuated their citizens from China and restricted inbound travelers from there. Sec. of Health and Human Services Alex Azar joins William Brangham to discuss how U.S. health officials are handling the outbreak.

What Venezuela's opposition leader may achieve in U.S. visit

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó appeared Saturday at a Miami rally, telling supporters that democracy will return to Venezuela and he will replace socialist President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. and many other countries backed Guaidó after last year's disputed election. Cynthia Arnson, director of the Latin America program at the Woodrow Wilson Center, joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss.

Lebanon's refugees use technology to fight food insecurity

High poverty and unemployment rates among the world's 26 million refugees means that many are struggling with food security after fleeing their home countries. But in Lebanon, a U.N. pilot program is trying to use technology and digital innovations to provide food for hundreds of thousands of Syrians. Christopher Livesay reports as part of our "Future of Food" series with Pulitzer Center support.

WFP uses new tech to fight refugee food shortages in Jordan

Jordan is home to an estimated 3 million refugees, and the country's harsh terrain makes supplying food for them difficult. But to combat the food shortages, the U.N. World Food Program is using technologies like iris scans to track refugee spending habits and hydroponics to grow livestock feed. Christopher Livesay reports as part of our "Future of Food" series with Pulitzer Center support.

As Brexit sinks in, division remains in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom formally left the European Union over night as Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to bring the country together, more than three years after voters narrowly approved Brexit. But divisions remain, and trade negotiations between the U.K. and E.U. are just beginning. Frank Langfitt, NPR's London correspondent and author of "The Shanghai Free Taxi," joins Hari Sreenivasan with more.

News Wrap: United Kingdom officially exits European Union

In our news wrap Friday, the United Kingdom has officially left the European Union, after three and a half years of political wrangling. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Brexit's arrival in a televised speech. Also, the novel coronavirus outbreak has killed nearly 250 people and infected 11,000 in China. Several major U.S. airlines are halting flights to and from the country as a precaution.

Trump's new visa, green card restrictions are 'about bigotry,' says critic

On Friday, the Trump administration announced new restrictions on travel to the U.S. from six countries: Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Nigeria. It is also barring people from Sudan and Tanzania from participating in the U.S. Diversity Visa Program, which awards green cards to immigrants. Amna Nawaz reports and talks to Farhana Khera, president and executive director of Muslim Advocates.

News Wrap: WHO declares novel coronavirus a global health emergency

In our news wrap Thursday, the World Health Organization has declared China's outbreak of novel coronavirus a global health emergency. The illness is still spreading both within China, which has confirmed more than 7,800 cases and 212 deaths, and worldwide. Also, a woman who says President Trump raped her in the 1990s, E. Jean Carroll, is asking for a sample of his DNA to try to prove her claim.

Why 'sustained transmission' of novel coronavirus is what would concern U.S. officials

This week has seen the rapid spread of novel coronavirus both within China and internationally to at least 14 other countries. On Thursday, the World Health Organization declared it a global public health emergency. As the U.S. records its first confirmed person-to-person transmission, William Brangham talks to Dr. Anthony Fauci of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Author Malcolm Gladwell on how to talk to strangers

Malcolm Gladwell is an acclaimed journalist, author and host of the podcast "Revisionist History." In his latest book, "Talking to Strangers," he explores how humans tend to misjudge each other during their first encounters, often perceiving conflict and danger where none exist. Gladwell shares his Brief But Spectacular take on intimacy, judgment and how to talk to people we've never met before.

News Wrap: Trump signs USMCA in ceremony that excludes top Democrats

How China is responding to 'breakneck' spread of novel coronavirus

Chinese officials have now confirmed over 6,000 cases of novel coronavirus -- and the pathogen is nowhere near contained. On Thursday, the World Health Organization will determine whether to declare the outbreak a global health emergency. Yanzhong Huang of the Council on Foreign Relations and Southwestern Medical Center's Trish Perl join William Brangham to discuss China's response to the crisis.

Wildlife experts rush to rescue Australian animals after bushfire crisis

Australia's bushfires have devastated the country's wildlife and habitats. Experts say the very existence of some species whose populations were already at vulnerable levels may now hang in the balance. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports from Australia on the country's efforts to rescue animals, why it will take so long for their ecosystems to recover and the role of climate change.

News Wrap: U.S. steps up screenings for novel coronavirus

In our news wrap Tuesday, U.S. health officials have ramped up efforts to contain the spread of a deadly virus outbreak that started in China. Twenty airports and other sites will now monitor for sick travelers; Sec. of Health and Human Services Alex Azar is advising calm. Also, the U.S. military recovered the remains of the two crew members killed in a plane crash in Afghanistan Monday.

2 reactions to Trump's long-awaited Middle East peace plan

Bringing generations of conflict in the Middle East to an end has been an elusive goal for decades. Now President Trump has released his plan for doing just that, referring to his proposal as "the deal of the century." Nick Schifrin reports and speaks to U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Nour Odeh, a former spokesperson for the Palestinian authority, for their reactions to the plan.

Why the U.S. objects to Huawei's involvement in building 5G networks

The United Kingdom says it will allow Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei to build part of its new 5G cellular network. The U.S. government had warned against the move, arguing Huawei poses a national security threat, but British officials said the company's role will be limited to lower-risk parts of the process. William Brangham talks to Wired Magazine's Garrett Graff about the details.