PBS NewsHour - World
2,692 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 19 hours ago - ★★★★ - 79 ratingsLearn more about your world through in-depth analysis and on-the-ground reports. (Updated periodically) PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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Episodes
Why Madrid climate change talks failed to deliver
December 16, 2019 23:45Climate talks in Madrid ended Sunday with little agreement on addressing what many say is the single greatest challenge facing humanity. At the annual gathering, known as COP, the world's largest polluters were unable to agree on stronger plans to curb their emissions. William Brangham talks to Helen Mountford of the World Resources Institute about why the talks failed to achieve their goals.
In India, Modi's citizenship proposal for non-Muslim refugees prompts outrage
December 16, 2019 23:35Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently approved a new law granting preferential treatment to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring states Afghanistan, Parkistan and Bangladesh. Modi says the measure protects religious minorities fleeing Muslim nations -- but opponents say it discriminates against Muslims. Nick Schifrin talks to Milan Vaishnav of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Veterans receive hero's welcome at commemoration of Battle of the Bulge
December 16, 2019 23:20Monday marks 75 years since the beginning of one of World War II's most savage battles. In December 1944, the Nazi army surprised U.S. and Allied forces in the frozen forests of Belgium. Badly outnumbered, the U.S. lost 10,000 soldiers amid frigid conditions in the war's deadliest conflict. John Yang reports on the commemoration of what became known as the Battle of the Bulge.
Riace was once a beacon for immigrants, now it's a ghost town
December 15, 2019 21:47The southern Italian town of Riace was once a beacon for immigrants from around the world, but three years after NewsHour Weekend first reported on how it had welcomed immigrants, a political shift has turned it into a relative ghost town. The change took place when a political party known for its anti-immigration stance swept into power. Special correspondent Christopher Livesay reports.
Taliban seeks to share power in Afghanistan's government, but will ethnic groups approve?
December 14, 2019 22:28As the Trump administration considers withdrawing the last remaining U.S. troops from Afghanistan, President Trump this month restarted peace talks with the Taliban. But while the White House tries to get the Taliban to share power in Afghanistan's government, securing a peace deal's approval from the country's multitude of ethnic groups will be another challenge. Jane Ferguson reports.
News Wrap: After resounding victory, UK's Boris Johnson calls for unity
December 13, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for unity after winning a resounding new mandate to carry out Brexit. His Conservatives captured a commanding majority in Parliament in Thursday's election. Also, in Algeria, a former prime minister was elected president, despite a boycott by pro-democracy forces. Thousands turned out to protest in Algiers and other cities as a result.
Why U.S. and China are still 'very far away' from ending trade war
December 13, 2019 23:45On Friday, the Trump administration and China announced the first phase of a deal to de-escalate the trade war between the world's two largest economies. But the agreement, positioned by the White House as a major victory, has prompted many questions, as well as bipartisan criticism. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Mary Lovely of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
Are social media giants doing enough to prevent the spread of misinformation?
December 13, 2019 23:35Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate -- and certainly not all for the better. In his new book, "Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation," Andrew Marantz explores how digital platforms full of unforeseen vulnerabilities have been exploited by racists and vandals. William Brangham sits down with Marantz to discuss.
News Wrap: Israel will hold year's 3rd election in March
December 12, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Thursday, Israel is officially headed for its third election in less than a year. Lawmakers set a date after both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rival Benny Gantz failed to form a governing coalition. Also, search crews in Chile have found the remains of a military transport plane that disappeared Monday on its way to Antarctica. It's believed all 38 people on board died.
With overwhelming Conservative win, Boris Johnson can deliver Brexit
December 12, 2019 23:45The United Kingdom has voted in its third parliamentary election since 2015. The country is sharply divided, and the outcome will result in fundamental changes to British policy for generations to come. Nick Schifrin reports on what appears to be a decisive Conservative victory, according to exit polls, and talks to Chatham House's Robin Niblett and CSIS's Heather Conley about what it means.
News Wrap: House opens debate on bill to lower prescription drug costs
December 11, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Wednesday, the House opened debate on a Democratic bill to lower prescription drug costs through government negotiations. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appealed for bipartisan support, but Sen. Mitch McConnell said he won't bring the bill up for a vote. Also, the Justice Department is appealing a federal judge's ruling against spending Pentagon funds on a U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Why is a Nobel-winning human rights activist defending Myanmar on Rohingya atrocities?
December 11, 2019 23:35In 2017, the Myanmar military unleashed a reign of terror on Rohingya Muslims. According to the U.N., soldiers tortured, raped and killed civilians, driving hundreds of thousands to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. Now the International Court of Justice is trying Myanmar for genocide -- as a human rights advocate defends its actions. Nick Schifrin talks to John Dale of George Mason University.
Ahead of election, British voters grapple with Brexit, division and distrust
December 11, 2019 23:30The United Kingdom goes to the polls Thursday in what is being considered the most significant election since the end of World War II. Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson needs a clear majority in Parliament to force through a deal for a January Brexit. But as special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports, British voters have trust issues with both Johnson and Labour rival Jeremy Corbyn.
How the USMCA trade deal differs from NAFTA -- and how it doesn't
December 10, 2019 23:50After months of discussion, congressional Democrats have struck a deal with the Trump administration over trade with Mexico and Canada. If passed by Congress, the USMCA will be the United States' largest single trade agreement, with trillions of dollars in goods flowing both ways. Amna Nawaz reports and talks to The Wilson Center's Christopher Wilson about what changed from NAFTA--and what didn't.
News Wrap: Despite IG report, Barr says Russia probe based on 'bogus narrative'
December 10, 2019 23:45In our news wrap Tuesday, Attorney General William Barr blasted the FBI's probe into links between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. The Justice Department's internal watchdog found that the investigation was flawed but not motivated by political bias. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he warned Russia not to interfere in the 2020 elections, calling such action "unacceptable."
During Afghan war, lack of U.S. knowledge yielded a flawed strategy
December 10, 2019 23:40For nearly two decades, the United States' military engagement in Afghanistan has been plagued by strategic missteps, according to The Washington Post's bombshell report. The investigation examined thousands of pages of previously unpublished notes and interviews from the U.S. government's Lessons Learned project analyzing the war. Nick Schifrin talks to retired Army Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute.
What a 'sobering' report on Arctic ice loss means for global sea levels
December 10, 2019 23:35Tuesday marked the release of yet another stark report detailing how the increased warming of our atmosphere is transforming the planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's annual Arctic Report Card includes some grim news for wildlife, native communities and global sea-level rise. William Brangham talks to Dartmouth College's Erich Osterberg about the impact of melting ice.
News Wrap: Putin and Zelensky have 1st one-on-one meeting
December 09, 2019 23:45In our news wrap Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held their first one-on-one meeting. It came in Paris, after the two met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel for broader talks at a peace summit. Also, North Korea fired hostile new words at President Trump, calling him "a heedless and erratic old man."
Explosive investigative report says U.S. government misled public on war in Afghanistan
December 09, 2019 23:40In a blockbuster story representing the culmination of several years of investigation and pursuit of government documents, The Washington Post reports that U.S. officials have been misleading the American public about the war in Afghanistan for the past 18 years. John Yang talks to The Washington Post's Craig Whitlock, lead reporter on the story, about what the classified document trove revealed.
Ukraine, Russia prepare for peace talks after years of war
December 08, 2019 23:03After nearly six years of war, the Ukrainian and Russian presidents are preparing to meet this week for the first time. The historic peace talks come as impeachment hearings continue in the U.S. Simon Ostrovsky reports from the frontlines of eastern Ukraine with a look ahead at the negotiations that could change the fate of those living in conflict. This report is supported by the Pulitzer Center.
Scotland is a key battleground in Brexit-dominated election
December 07, 2019 22:14Britain will go to the polls on Thursday in what's being viewed as a historic election. The country voted in 2016 to leave the E.U., but Brexit opponents in Parliament have thwarted successive Conservative governments from achieving that aim. As Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries again to advance Brexit, Scotland will play a key role in deciding its fate. Malcolm Brabant reports.
News Wrap: Gunman who killed 3 at Fla. air station was member of Saudi Air Force
December 06, 2019 23:55In our news wrap Friday, Florida officials confirmed that a gunman who killed three people at Naval Air Station Pensacola was a member of the Saudi Air Force. The attack happened in a classroom where the suspect was undergoing aviation training. Also, U.S. unemployment fell to a 50-year low as November hiring picked up steam. Employers added 266,000 new jobs -- the biggest increase in 10 months.
Why French protests over pensions could threaten Macron's international agenda
December 06, 2019 23:50Protesters have shut down Paris and much of France in angry response to proposed pension reforms. The changes, which would unify the current system and increase workers' ability to change sectors, represent the delivery of a campaign promise from President Emmanuel Macron. But French labor unions and other critics fear they will affect retirement age or scope of benefits. Nick Schifrin reports.
News Wrap: U.S. official says Iran may have killed 1,000 in protest crackdown
December 05, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Thursday, a U.S. official said Iran may have killed more than a thousand people in a crackdown on mass protests. Brian Hook, U.S. special representative for Iran, cited reports from intelligence analysis and inside the country; President Trump called the situation "horrible." Also, Trump appealed to the Supreme Court to shield his financial records from congressional oversight.
News Wrap: More doubts about potential U.S.-China trade deal
December 04, 2019 23:45In our news wrap Wednesday, Beijing sharply criticized Congress over a bill blasting China's detention of ethnic Muslims. China's foreign ministry warned the reprimand could affect ongoing trade negotiations. Also, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani again claimed the U.S. helped foment mass protests over gas price hikes but said that some people who had been jailed in the crackdown were innocent.
Trump leaves NATO summit after drama-filled visit
December 04, 2019 23:40London's NATO summit was intended to celebrate a critical military alliance -- but ended up highlighting divisions among member nations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was caught on camera appearing to mock President Trump to other leaders, while Trump openly questioned whether NATO should defend countries that don't pay their share on defense. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote reports.
News Wrap: Trump says he might delay China trade deal until after 2020 election
December 03, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Tuesday, President Trump suggested he'd rather delay a trade agreement with China until after the 2020 election. New tariffs on Chinese imports could take effect December 15th, but Trump said he wasn't in a rush. Also, a federal appeals court in New York directed Deutsche Bank and Capital One to comply with subpoenas from House committees investigating Trump's business dealings.
As NATO's 70th anniversary summit kicks off, member countries squabble
December 03, 2019 23:45President Trump arrived in London Monday night for a NATO summit meant to celebrate the alliance's 70th anniversary. But the meeting's first day was marred by acrimony among at least three member countries, as Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron traded barbs and Macron lamented Turkey's purchase of Russian weapons and invasion of northern Syria. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote reports.
News Wrap: China bars U.S. military from Hong Kong
December 02, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Monday, China has indefinitely suspended U.S. military ships and aircraft from visiting Hong Kong, after President Trump signed legislation supporting anti-government protests in the Chinese territory. Also, demonstrations continued in Iraq, despite the prime minister's resignation. Protesters in Basra and Baghdad demanded the entire government be dismissed.
Leaked docs give inside view of China's mass detention camps
December 01, 2019 22:28Last month, hundreds of documents obtained by The New York Times gave an inside view of China's growing indoctrination camps. In the country's northwestern region, Uighurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained for ideological transformation, isolated from the outside world. Austin Ramzy, a reporter with the New York Times, spoke with Hari Sreenivasan about the findings.
Iraqi prime minister to resign after months of bloody protest
November 29, 2019 23:55The growing protest movement in Iraq has claimed dozens more casualties. Acceding to public demands, Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said he will resign. But in the streets, the killing goes on, with security forces shooting down scores more of the protesters rallying against 15 years of failed governance, unemployment and corruption. Nick Schifrin reports on the "unprecedented" situation.
News Wrap: Stabbing attacks jolt London, the Netherlands
November 29, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Friday, stabbing attacks in London and the Netherlands have jolted both countries at the start of the holiday season. In the first incident, a man killed two people near London Bridge before he was shot and killed by police. Also, in Afghanistan, thousands of people protested alleged fraud in a recount of September's presidential election. So far, no results have been announced.
As Taliban peace talks resume, what's at stake for Afghan women?
November 29, 2019 23:45During his surprise Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan, President Trump announced he had restarted talks with the Taliban. The ability of the conflict-wracked nation to achieve peace is at stake -- but so is progress for women, who could not work, study or even leave home unescorted under Taliban rule. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on the outlook for women's health and education there.
During surprise trip to Afghanistan, Trump says he's restarted talks with Taliban
November 28, 2019 23:55President Trump spent part of this Thanksgiving in Afghanistan, making a surprise visit to Bagram Airfield north of Kabul, where he shared a traditional holiday dinner with U.S. troops and met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Trump also said he restarted peace talks with the Taliban, which he had previously cut off in early September. John Yang joins Amna Nawaz to discuss that unexpected news.
News Wrap: Dozens more protesters killed in Iraqi violence
November 28, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Thursday, violence surged higher in Iraq, with security forces killing at least 40 people in a day. Crowds joined funeral processions as protesters denounced government corruption and economic mismanagement. Also, fires are still burning at a chemical plant in East Texas, forcing more than 50,000 people from their homes. Two explosions rocked the site at Port Neches on Wednesday.
News Wrap: DOJ report finds political bias did not affect FBI's Russia probe
November 22, 2019 23:55In our news wrap Friday, an internal Justice Department report concludes political bias did not affect the FBI's probe of links between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia. It also found an FBI lawyer may have altered a document about surveillance of an adviser. Also, four more protesters were killed in a second day of fighting near a key bridge in Baghdad. In all, 14 people have died in 24 hours.
After months of protest, Hong Kong's interest in local elections soars
November 22, 2019 23:35Hong Kong will face its first electoral test since anti-government protests began in June. The district council elections are usually focused on local community issues and will not change Hong Kong's political system. But more than half of Hong Kong's population has registered to vote in what is seen as a timely referendum on support for the movement. Special correspondent Divya Gopalan reports.
News Wrap: At least 8 protesters killed in Baghdad protests
November 21, 2019 23:45In our news wrap Thursday, security forces in Iraq killed at least eight more people in anti-government protests in Baghdad. Medical workers said the victims were hit by live fire or tear gas canisters aimed at the head. Also, China demanded that President Trump veto two bills aimed at human rights abuses in Hong Kong. They mandate sanctions on Chinese officials who violate protesters' rights.
Amid corruption charges, is Israel's era of Netanyahu over?
November 21, 2019 23:40On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became his country's first sitting leader to be indicted. The announcement came just a day after opposition leader Benny Gantz lost his mandate to form a unity government. As a result, Israel is entering a new phase of political uncertainty. William Brangham reports and talks to David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
News Wrap: Israel likely to face 3rd election after Gantz fails to secure majority
November 20, 2019 23:40In our news wrap Wednesday, Israel will likely have an unprecedented third election this year, after center-right leader Benny Gantz announced he could not secure a ruling majority in parliament. Also, in neighboring Syria, Israeli airstrikes struck dozens of sites used by Iranian forces to support the Syrian regime. An activist group reported 23 people were killed, including two civilians.
News Wrap: House approves temporary federal spending bill to avert shutdown
November 19, 2019 23:40In our news wrap Tuesday, the House approved a short-term spending bill to prevent a government shutdown. The deal funds federal agencies through December 20th and is on track to be passed by the Senate. Also, Amnesty International says it has "credible reports" that more than 100 Iranians have been killed in a crackdown on protests over rising gas prices. An internet blackout remained in force.
How Beijing is likely to respond to escalating Hong Kong protest violence
November 18, 2019 23:55Police in Hong Kong have tightened their siege on the campus of the Polytechnic University, where hundreds of protesters are trapped inside. It's the latest bout of violence in nearly six months of demonstrations -- one China is warning it won't let go too far. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Kurt Tong, former U.S. consul general to Hong Kong, about the protesters' strategy and U.S. response.
News Wrap: Iran warns people protesting 50 percent hike in gas prices
November 18, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Monday, Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard warned protesters they will face "decisive" action if nationwide unrest does not stop. Angered by a 50 percent hike in gasoline prices, people occupied streets and set fire to cars and buildings this weekend. Also, in Iraq, anti-government protesters seized a major bridge in Baghdad, vowing to stay until a new government tackles reform.
Is the distinction between migrant and refugee meaningful?
November 18, 2019 23:20Under President Trump, American immigration policy has been in the spotlight. While Trump may talk the most about stopping illegal entry into the U.S., he is also taking action to reduce the volume of legal migrants the country accepts as refugees. But what makes one immigrant a refugee and another simply a migrant? Writer Dina Nayeri offers her humble opinion questioning that distinction.
Australia's efforts to bring koalas back from the brink of extinction
November 17, 2019 22:02The population of Australia's iconic koala has been rapidly declining in recent decades, and this year the Australian Koala Foundation declared the marsupials "functionally extinct." But one Queensland zoo is using proven breeding strategies to protect the animals, and starting a live genome bank to tackle some of the biggest threats to koalas. Special Correspondent Kirsty Johansen reports.
News Wrap: No motive found in California school shooting, say officials
November 15, 2019 23:40In our news wrap Friday, officials said a 16-year-old student clearly planned an attack on his Southern California high school but haven't yet determined a motive. The suspect remains in critical condition. Also, Iraqi security forces shot and killed three people in Baghdad, where thousands of protesters had gathered. Soldiers and police turned to tear gas and live fire to dispel the crowds.
In Hong Kong, public outrage toward police rises as violence spreads
November 15, 2019 23:35Unrest in Hong Kong is becoming increasingly violent. This week, a policeman shot a protester, a Beijing supporter was set on fire and an elderly man died after being hit by a brick. University campuses have become sites of clashes between riot police and protesters, exacerbating public anger toward police perceived as using excessive force. Special correspondent Divya Gopalan reports.
France united in grief over Notre Dame fire but divided in how to respond
November 15, 2019 23:20In April, the world watched in horror as flames engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral, the beloved Gothic symbol of Paris dating to the Middle Ages. Now, seven months later, a debate swirls over how to repair the structure, which lost its famous spire and roof in the fire. As Jeffrey Brown reports from Paris, questions about environmental hazards, stability and aesthetics are all sources of heated debate.
News Wrap: Gunman kills 2 at Southern California high school
November 14, 2019 23:50In our news wrap Thursday, a gunman opened fire on a Southern California high school, killing at least two students and wounding three others. The 16-year-old suspect shot himself and is in grave condition. Also, in the Middle East, a cease-fire ended two days of Israeli airstrikes and rocket attacks by Islamic Jihad, militants backed by Iran. In all, 34 Palestinians died during the fighting.
In Afghanistan, fighting the Taliban increasingly involves covert operations
November 14, 2019 23:40The U.S. has been fighting in Afghanistan since shortly after 9/11, ousting the Taliban and their harsh interpretation of Islam from power that fall. But the insurgent group as which it reformed has plagued Afghanistan with violence ever since. Now, the war's brutal tactics are shifting into the shadows. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on her recent meeting with members of the Taliban.