PBS News Hour - Segments

After four years of war in Ukraine, it may seem like there is little space for art or fun. But in the eastern city of Kharkiv, there is a small corner where children can learn the grace, discipline and joy of theater. Special correspondent Jack Hewson takes us there 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

Airspace over El Paso was temporarily shut down on Wednesday. The Trump administration blamed the issue on drug cartels flying drones, but multiple reports say the closure was triggered by the Pentagon testing a new anti-drone defense system without giving the FAA enough time to assess its danger to commercial flights. William Brangham discussed more with Juliette Kayyem. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. economy opened 2026 on better footing, with the latest jobs report showing employers added 130,000 jobs in January. But the data also had revised figures that paint an even weaker picture of last year's performance. It comes as some corporations like Amazon and UPS are announcing layoffs. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Harry Holzer, a former chief economist for the Department of Labor. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Wednesday, Canadian police said the mass shooting suspect who killed eight people was an 18-year-old with a history of mental health issues, investigators in Arizona are widening their search for Nancy Guthrie after releasing a man they had detained for questioning and "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek has died after a battle with cancer. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a hastily arranged meeting to discuss renewed talks with Iran over its nuclear program. This week, Trump is emphasizing diplomacy with Iran, and that's worrying Israel. Stephanie Sy examines Israel's demands for the talks and why aggressive Israeli action against Palestinians in the West Bank may cause a rift between the leaders. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For perspective on President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Geoff Bennett spoke with two people with extensive experience dealing with Israel and Iran. Dennis Ross played leading roles in the Middle East peace process for both Democratic and Republican administrations, and Alan Eyre had a four-decade career in the U.S. foreign service focusing on the Middle East. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

On Capitol Hill, Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of questions on the handling of the Epstein files and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by federal officers. Bondi repeatedly sparred with lawmakers, at times engaging in shouting matches and leaving many questions unanswered. The exchanges unfolded with Epstein survivors seated just behind her. Ali Rogin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A federal grand jury put a halt to the Trump administration's efforts to prosecute Democratic lawmakers under an anti-insubordination law. In November, six lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds published a message urging members of their former communities to disobey illegal orders. Amna Nawaz spoke with one of those members, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, a former Army Ranger. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The New England Patriots' Super Bowl defeat was a disappointment for fans, but the team's return to the national stage also served as a reminder of the role the Greater Boston Area played in the country's founding. Judy Woodruff explores that history, as well as some recent turmoil, to ask what it tells us about the country today. It's part of her series, America at a Crossroads. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Questions continue to emerge over the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. One Democratic congressman went to the House floor to read the names of six "wealthy, powerful men" whose identities were shielded in the public release. Rep. Ro Khanna co-sponsored the Epstein Transparency Act and reviewed some of the unredacted files. He joined Geoff Bennett to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy