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PBS News Hour - Politics

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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$17B Meta settlement puts focus on youth mental health crisis, Colorado AG says

Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion in a settlement, putting to rest a trial where dozens of states accused it of deliberately endangering children through their platforms. The company behind Facebook and Instagram agreed to implement digital guardrails for minors and is asking other social platforms to do the same. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. PBS News…

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News Wrap: States sue USPS, challenging Trump's order on mail-in voting

In our news wrap Wednesday, Democratic-controlled states filed a new lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service, challenging President Trump's executive order on mail-in voting, Iran says it would bar all military vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a potential agreement with Oman to reopen the waterway and the FDA approved a landmark new drug today for pancreatic cancer. PBS…

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How data centers became a major issue in the midterms

While there are many issues dividing voters this midterm season, one seems to be uniting them: opposition to AI data centers. Candidates who've taken notice are racing to shape policy around these centers, which could be a defining issue in some races. Lisa Desjardins discussed what it might mean for the midterms with Clara Ence Morse of The Washington Post. PBS News is supported by -…

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Canada retaliates with tariffs against U.S. as relations deteriorate

Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs against the United States as the two neighbors slide toward an all-out trade war. The tariffs will hit a range of U.S. products, from industrial goods to everyday items. At the same time, President Trump is threatening Canada with even steeper tariffs. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on…

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Canadian trade minister says reaching deal with U.S. in best interest for both countries

To discuss the trade war and deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Canada, Geoff Bennett spoke with Canadian trade representative Dominic LeBlanc, a central figure in negotiations with the United States. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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Constitutional law professor explains Supreme Court's ruling on mail-in voting

The Supreme Court on Monday issued an emergency order that allows the Trump administration to move forward, for now, with plans to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections in November. Opponents say it will bring chaos to the election process only days before ballots in some states are mailed out. Liz Landers discussed more with Steve Vladeck of the Georgetown University Law Center.…

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A look at the devastating impact of USAID cuts in rural Afghanistan

It's been 18 months since the Trump administration made cuts to foreign aid. One of the countries hardest-hit is Afghanistan. The five years since the U.S. withdrawal have been grim for the people there, and Refugees International attributes over 160 deaths during the last 18 months to cuts in aid. Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen and videographer Eric O'Connor report. PBS News is…

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Former FEMA chief on preparing for disaster with a changing climate

Craig Fugate led the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through record-breaking disaster years during the Obama administration. In the latest episode of "Settle In," he speaks with Amna Nawaz about how climate change has upended our models for disaster response, criticism that the agency has been politicized and how to prepare for hurricane season. PBS News is supported by -…

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The potential economic fallout of Trump's trade war with Canada

The trade war between the U.S. and Canada is intensifying after negotiations broke down over the weekend. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country had been preparing for a fundamental shift in its relationship with the U.S., which it no longer views as a reliable partner. Geoff Bennett discussed the economic fallout on both sides of the border with Peter Armstrong of the CBC. PBS News…

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A look at the new U.S. sanctions on Iran and threats against its trading partners

The U.S. launched what the Trump administration calls "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran. It includes threats to increase sanctions on Iran's trading partners. The pressure comes as the administration indicates it is trying to avoid returning to war, but cannot overcome Iran's stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Miad Maleki. PBS News is supported by -…

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From White House ballroom to IndyCar race, Trump's spectacles take center stage in D.C.

The Supreme Court temporarily cleared the way for construction of President Trump's White House ballroom to continue while the justices consider his administration's appeal. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports on the ballroom as well as the president's IndyCar race coming to the nation's capital this weekend. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted…

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Paramount's Warner Bros. bid and threat to leave California divide Hollywood

The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery hit a roadblock after California's attorney general and 11 other states sued to stop it. That move was followed by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison threatening to take his operations out of California if the deal is not approved. William Brangham discussed more with Matthew Belloni of Puck News. PBS News is supported…

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U.S. ambassador responds to rising tensions between Israel, Turkey and Syria

The Israeli military bombed an airbase in Syria, far from the Israeli border, sparking condemnation not only from Syria, but also Turkey and the Trump administration. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack accused Israel of an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." Nick Schifrin spoke with Barrack to discuss tension. PBS News is supported by -…

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Brooks and Capehart on how economic concerns defined the primaries

David Brooks of The Atlantic and Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including this week's midterm primary results, the economy taking center stage, President Trump lashing out at key allies and the controversy surrounding a Trump aide. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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Poorna Jagannathan and Amna Nawaz discuss representation in Hollywood on 'Settle In'

Award-winning actress Poorna Jagannathan is known for her roles in the Netflix coming-of-age series "Never Have I Ever" and the Hulu crime dramedy "Deli Boys." Jagannathan joined Amna Nawaz on our PBS News podcast "Settle In" and discussed Hollywood's ongoing struggle with diversity and representation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See…

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Why Treasury yields are at 20-year highs – and why it matters

A sustained sell-off in the bond market sent long-term Treasury yields to their highest levels in nearly 20 years this week, rattling both Wall Street and Washington. Higher yields, essentially the interest rate the government pays to borrow money, also mean higher borrowing costs throughout the economy, from mortgages to car loans. Amna Nawaz discussed more with The Washington Post's David Lynch.…

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War crimes are part of Russia's strategy in Ukraine, retired U.S. Army colonel says

Ukraine says Russia launched several missiles and an estimated 168 drones, killing at least 17 civilians and injuring more than 40 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on allies to replenish the country's stockpile of patriot interceptors. Geoff Bennett discussed more with retired Col. Robert Hamilton, who was in Kyiv during the attack. PBS News is supported by -…

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Why primary polls appear to be so inaccurate this year

Results in some high-profile races this primary season have differed greatly from public opinion polls. In the Michigan Senate Democratic primary, progressive Abdul El-Sayed had double-digit leads in polling but won over Haley Stevens by just one point. Lisa Desjardins and Courtney Kennedy of Ipsos discussed the recent results that were at odds with polling. PBS News is supported by -…

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What the Florida and Alaska primary results mean for November

An upset win by a progressive candidate leads a host of headlines from Tuesday's primaries. In the Senate primary, Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon trounced more moderate Democrat Alex Vindman, even though he spent far more money. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola was the top vote-getter in the non-partisan Senate primary. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by -…

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What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump's pick to lead the FDA

President Trump has tapped one of his top White House health policy aides, Dr. Heidi Overton, to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Overton has been a strong supporter of the president's health agenda, including efforts to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule, changes that have drawn sharp criticism from medical experts. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Lauren Gardner of Politico. PBS News…

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Trump's tough treatment of allies has a 'net positive,' Rebeccah Heinrichs says

On Wednesday, President Trump reiterated how good his relationship is with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The president also spoke again of his displeasure with joint military exercises the U.S. is conducting with South Korea, which Trump already ordered scaled back. Amna Nawaz discussed the president's relationships with U.S. allies with Rebeccah Heinrichs of the Hudson Institute. PBS News is…

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Historian's American road trip examines parallels between the Gilded Age and today

For her latest book, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Beverly Gage traveled across the country, exploring the people, places and turning points that have shaped America over its 250-year history. Judy Woodruff joined her for part of that journey, starting in Chicago. It's part of her series, Crossroads: America at 250. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted…

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ABC says FCC waging a retaliatory campaign violating free speech rights

ABC sued the FCC, arguing the agency is waging a retaliatory campaign of censorship against the broadcast network, violating its right to free speech. ABC says the commission has wielded its regulatory power to punish and pressure the company through investigations and threats to strip local stations of their broadcast licenses. Amna Nawaz discussed more with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez. PBS News…

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2020 election deniers on the ballot for key offices in battleground states

In several key battleground states, Republican candidates who have questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election are on the ballot. If elected to statewide offices like governor and secretary of state, these candidates could shape how elections are administered and certified in the years ahead. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports on election deniers running for office. PBS News is…

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The growing debate over big money influence in American politics

Voters in Alaska are considering a ballot measure that aims to reduce the influence of big-money donors in state and local elections. It's part of a wider conversation about money in politics, sparked by a Supreme Court decision that struck down limits on how much parties can spend in coordination with their candidates in national elections. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Daniel Weiner. PBS…

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South Korea relationship shift highlights Trump's transactional approach to allies

President Trump is straining one of America's closest alliances after scaling back joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited their cost, his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Seoul's refusal to join the Iran war. It's the latest example of Trump taking a transactional approach to alliances. Geoff Bennett discussed more with retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery. PBS…

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'The party is in charge of everything,' freed pastor says of China's crackdown on religion

China recently took a rare step by releasing a detainee at the United States' request. Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was picked up by Chinese authorities last October, one of dozens of Christians targeted by the Chinese Communist Party, which only allows authorized churches to serve China's estimated 80 million Christians. Nick Schifrin spoke with Pastor Jin and his daughter, Grace. PBS News is supported…

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Where the Iran war stands as 60-day window to reach peace deal expires

President Trump lashed out at U.S. allies on Monday as the deadline to reach a deal to end the war with Iran expires. Trump threatened to bomb Oman, which has been mediating negotiations, and called for military exercises with South Korea to be scaled back, in part for refusing to join the war. Amna Nawaz discussed where the war stands and what happens next with Alan Eyre and Reuel Marc Gerecht.…

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Trump lashes out at South Korea over its refusal to join Iran war

Exercises between the American and South Korean militaries began as scheduled on Monday, even after President Trump demanded they be scaled back. Trump said the war games were unnecessarily provocative, and a challenge to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite recent praise of South Korea by the administration. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by -…

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Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on primary races to watch in Florida and Alaska

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 the 2026 primary season entering the home stretch and a look at notable races in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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Luigi Mangione reveals motive for CEO's killing after pleading guilty in federal case

In a surprise turn, Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione admitted he stalked and shot Thompson in 2024 outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan. He potentially faces life in prison. The 28-year-old is also still facing state murder charges for Thompson's death in New York. Justice correspondent Ali Rogin reports. PBS News is supported by -…

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News Wrap: Record-breaking heat wave grips Europe

In our news wrap Friday, a heat wave is breaking records across Europe, record-breaking rainfall triggered flooding across several cities in Japan, Hawaii is preparing for significant rain and strong winds from Tropical Storm Lala and authorities in Italy recovered a trio of stolen artworks by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders.…

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