PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

Leading cultural and architectural preservation organizations asked a federal court to stop the Trump administration from proceeding with its Kennedy Center reconstruction project. It's the latest development in a fight over the look and architecture of the nation's capital, and the power of the presidency. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In the 1990s, a remarkable wave of Black sitcoms and sketch comedy reshaped American television. Shows like "In Living Color" and "Living Single" reflected a wide range of Black life and helped broaden how millions of viewers understood Black experiences. That moment, and the long history that helped make it possible, are at the core of Geoff Bennett's new book, "Black Out Loud." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

What sparked the explosion of Black sitcoms in the 1990s, and why didn't it last? Those are some of the questions PBS News Hour co-anchor Geoff Bennett explores in his new book, "Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms." He joins Amna Nawaz for a special episode of Settle In. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has ignited protests nationwide. It has also galvanized grassroots artists and community organizations. Jeffrey Brown reports from Chicago, where artists have been at the center of the movement, using their skills and resources as part of organized dissent. It's part of our series, Art in Action, as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Edgar Ramirez is an LA-based artist who transforms street signs. Inspired by the industrial landscape where he grew up, he turns the signs into striking pieces of art that highlight the realities of his community. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on the signs of exploitation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Neon signs aren't as ubiquitous as they once were, but the artistry has been receiving renewed appreciation. Wil Kirkman was well-known for his ability to make and repair intricate and fragile glass lights. Kirkman died of cancer last year, but Marcia Franklin of Idaho Public Television got the chance to see him at work before his passing and reports 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

Dealing with grief and trauma can look different for everyone, and a group in Miami has found an unconventional way of helping people cope. Alessandro de Palma of Student Reporting Labs, the PBS News journalism training program, has the story. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The new documentary "Immutable" follows students in the Washington Urban Debate League over two years as they face challenges in their own lives and on the debate stage. In the program, students learn how to think critically, challenge their own opinions and find their voices through debate. Geoff Bennett spoke with the people connected to the film for a closer look. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

On Thursday, the markets had their worst day since the U.S. war in Iran began, and oil prices saw another big jump. Amna Nawaz discussed the broader economic concerns with Lloyd Blankfein, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and author of "Streetwise: Getting to and Through Goldman Sachs." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

When the World Cup kicks off in June, billions will turn their attention to games spread across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It's an experience Roger Bennett likens to a solar eclipse, except the Earth is completely engulfed not in darkness, but by soccer. Geoff Bennett spoke with him about his new book, "We Are the World (Cup): A Personal History of the World's Greatest Sporting Event." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

"Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler, made Academy Awards history recently when it garnered a record 16 Oscar nominations. One, for Best Supporting Actor, went to Delroy Lindo, a 73-year-old now receiving his first nomination. Jeffrey Brown met Lindo in New York 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

Known for roles in both drama and comedy, Rose Byrne has already won a Golden Globe for Best Actress this award season for her role in the psychological drama "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You." She's been acting professionally for more than 30 years, and now she's up for her first Oscar. Jeffrey Brown joined her recently in New York 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

This month marks 100 years since Americans first held the celebration that would eventually become Black History Month. On our video podcast "Settle In," Geoff Bennett commemorated this anniversary with the award-winning journalist and writer Michael Harriot. His most recent book, "Black AF History," frames Black history not as a counter-narrative, but as the narrative of American history. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Julian Shapiro-Barnum is the creator and host of "Recess Therapy," an online series where he talks with kids about everything from friendship to the meaning of life. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on what adults can learn from the clarity and compassion of children. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

America's 250-year history features prominent men who built and shaped the nation. But less is known about the women whose contributions were just as important. In "We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America," Norah O'Donnell writes about 35 remarkable women and their pivotal roles in influencing the country we live in today. Amna Nawaz sat down with O'Donnell to discuss the new book. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The iconic photographs of the Winter Games will last and help shape the way we think about these Olympics. We spoke with several photographers who captured the athletic feats and emotional moments. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Lucinda Williams has been making music for decades. With her new album, she's speaking and singing to this moment, calling it a battle cry and finding grit and grace in a world on edge. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown sat down with Williams for our series, Art in Action, as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Ethan Hawke has been acting since he was a teenager. Now at 55, he has his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role in "Blue Moon." Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown sat down with Hawke 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

In her new book, award-winning novelist Namwali Serpell takes on Toni Morrison, one of the towering figures in American literature. Serpell guides readers through Morrison's extraordinary body of work, offering close readings that illuminate the depth of Morrison's imagination, innovation and craft. Geoff Bennett sat down with Serpell to discuss "On Morrison." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

One of Hollywood's most memorable legends, Robert Duvall, has died. The Academy Award winner enjoyed a long and storied career, carving out a lane as both an unorthodox leading man and a supporting player in some of the greatest films in movie history. Amna Nawaz reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Often overlooked in America's history of World War II are the 27 Tuskegee Airmen who disappeared in combat. Geoff Bennett recently sat down with Cheryl W. Thompson, whose father was also an airman. She chronicles the lives of the missing men and the racism they endured while serving their country in her new book, "Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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

After singing on the world's top opera stages for more than 40 years, acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves took a final bow last month and is pivoting to teaching the next generation. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown joined Graves in the days leading up to her farewell 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

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has just launched a 20-city U.S. tour under its new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack. She's a renowned former Ailey dancer herself and an educator who is now fusing those roles to lead the modern dance troupe which started in 1958. Mack joins Geoff Bennett in the studio 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

It's a celebration as well as a reckoning: After seven years, the Studio Museum in Harlem reopened this fall in a new building that showcases its history of highlighting Black artists. It's a history and project credited with helping change and diversify the art world. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown visited the museum 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

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of one of its comedy greats. Catherine O'Hara died Friday at the age of 71. She leaves behind a body of work that ranges from cult classics, to blockbuster films, and some small-screen gems. Geoff Bennett reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A painting can't heal all that's ailing the healthcare system, but it might help the healers themselves and, in turn, the people they care for. That is Alice Walton's goal for a new medical school seeking to transform medical education and the broader healthcare system. Jeffrey Brown has the story for our look at the intersection of art and health 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

At the beginning of the Cold War in 1949, Jackie Robinson appeared before the House Un-American Activities Committee to disavow the comments of another prominent Black American, actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson. That testimony is the subject of "Kings and Pawns" by Howard Bryant. Amna Nawaz sat down with Bryant to unpack the forces that ultimately pitted the men against each other. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In 1984, a shooting on a New York City subway thrust Bernie Goetz into the center of the national spotlight. After opening fire on four Black teenagers he said were trying to rob him, Goetz was hailed by some as a vigilante hero and condemned by others as a symbol of racial violence. Geoff Bennett spoke with Eliot Williams, who revisits the shooting in his new book, "Five Bullets." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

"It Was Just an Accident" from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi is nominated for the Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay Oscars. Jeffrey Brown met with Panahi to talk about his film, his country in distress, and the work of a social filmmaker. It's for our series Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The art of sports, and sports as art. Two worlds collide and complement each other in an exhibition now traveling the country as the Winter Olympics are set to start soon. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown had a chance to take it in 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

A few years ago, a small, private school in an underprivileged Black community in Louisiana made national headlines for propelling student after student into elite universities like Harvard and Yale. But according to the new book "Miracle Children," the school's success was built on lies and threats. Amna Nawaz spoke with the writers, Katie Benner and Erica Green. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

3D scanning technology is being used to examine and replicate classic works of art. It's raising some ethical questions about what it means to preserve authenticity and democratize access in an age when the line between originals and copies grows ever thinner. Paul Solman reports 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

According to a recent study, reading for pleasure has fallen by 40% in the last 20 years, continuing a long-running downward trend. By many measures, reading skills for both students and adults continue to fall. Jeffrey Brown spoke with Elizabeth Alexander of the Mellon Foundation about a new effort to boost the world of words. It's part of 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

It's been one year since the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires tore through Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes and killing more than 30 people. In his new book, journalist Jacob Soboroff offers a deeply reported account of the catastrophe, told through the voices of firefighters, political leaders and residents. Soboroff joined Geoff Bennett to discuss "Firestorm." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

HBO's medical drama "The Pitt" is back for season two, fresh off five Emmy wins. Its unflinching look at a single emergency room shift struck a deep chord with frontline healthcare workers. Geoff Bennett visited the actual "Pitt," the real Pittsburgh hospital that doubles as a key location in the show, for our ongoing series on the intersection of arts and health, part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Tailyr Irvine is a photojournalist from the Flathead Reservation in Montana, whose work focuses on nuanced portrayals of life in Native communities. Her recent project examines the U.S. government–imposed system that defines Native identity through fractional measures of ancestry. She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on questions of belonging. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the saying goes, we are what we eat. That age-old wisdom is behind the emergence of a new field in medicine. Ali Rogin brings us this report for our ongoing coverage of the intersection of arts and health, part of our CANVAS series. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

First, a takeover of leadership, then a renaming. Now, the Trump-Kennedy Center is facing canceled performances and a drop in overall ticket sales. Jeffrey Brown reports on the turmoil at one of the nation's preeminent arts centers. It's for our series Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The newly-renamed Trump-Kennedy Center is facing canceled performances and plummeting ticket sales. Amna Nawaz discussed the turmoil with Richard Grenell, the man President Trump handpicked to lead the institution. Grenell also served in Trump's first term, including as ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the holiday season comes to a close and parts of the country face frigid temperatures this New Year's, we explore a concept of comfort, warmth and joy that began in Scandinavian countries and has recently spread to America. Deema Zein reports on the art of hygge. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

We are taking our annual look back at some of the year's biggest images. We hear from four photojournalists who documented life on the frontlines in Ukraine, major changes in immigration enforcement in the U.S., the historic election of a new pope and more. It's part of 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