PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

Ben Folds’ piano-powered pop music earned him a cult following and made him one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. He also held an influential role in classical music as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra. Folds resigned after President Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center. Amna Nawaz spoke with him 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 his new book, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl offers a behind-the-scenes look at key moments on the 2024 campaign trail that ended one party's hold on the White House and brought another back to power. Geoff Bennett sat down with Karl to discuss "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Sudan’s civil war has become a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering scale, marked by famine, ethnic cleansing and sexual violence. Over three years, an estimated 150,000 people have been killed, and nearly 13 million have been forced from their homes. But the destruction of Sudan’s cultural heritage has drawn far less attention. Jeffrey Brown reports for our art and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Rev. Jesse Jackson is a towering figure in the civil rights movement, but his political legacy is less often remembered. The issues he championed in the 1980s still echo in today’s politics, and his influence is the subject of Abby Phillip’s new book, "A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power." Geoff Bennett sat down with Phillip to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The News Hour has been marking our own milestone this week, the 50th anniversary of this program. Stephanie Sy has a look at the program's beginnings, its evolution over the years and how our journalism has both grown and stayed consistent with the original ideas behind the broadcast. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A new book tells the story of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of many victims of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year. Her posthumous memoir explores her resilience while also revealing new details about the abuse she suffered at the hands of powerful figures. Amna Nawaz has that story. And a warning, this report includes accounts of sexual abuse and suicide. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Nicholas Sparks, author of "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember," has built a career writing love stories that explore the resilience of the human heart. His latest novel, "Remain," was co-written with filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan and blends Sparks’s trademark romance with Shyamalan’s sense of mystery and the supernatural. Geoff Bennett sat down with Sparks to discuss the collaboration. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Karine Jean-Pierre has spent most of her career as a Democrat, working on four presidential campaigns and serving in the Obama and Biden administrations. But her days as a member of the Democratic Party are over and that’s the focus of her new book, “Independent." Amna Nawaz sat down with Jean-Pierre to discuss the book and why she left the party. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A public art initiative marking the 80th anniversary of the U.N. is inviting artists to examine the state of democracy and social justice. The first featured artist is Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei, whose blend of art and activism has long focused on human rights. Jeffrey Brown reports 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

Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy served on the nation’s highest court for three decades. He was often described as the swing vote in landmark decisions from marriage equality to campaign finance. It’s a label he’s long resisted, even years after his 2018 retirement. He explained why when he sat down with Geoff Bennett to discuss his new memoir, "Life, Law & Liberty." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

George Orwell's writings warning of the dangers of totalitarian and authoritarian states gave the English language the term "Orwellian." A new documentary called "Orwell: 2+2=5” argues that Orwell's greatest fears are coming true. William Brangham talked with director Raoul Peck about his new film, which is in theaters nationwide. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Mitch Albom is a sports writer turned author turned benefactor who puts love and hope at the center of nearly everything he does. For our Weekend Spotlight series, John Yang meets up with Albom to talk about his latest book, his writing process and giving back. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

It's a classic of theater that continues to be taken on by top actors and still resonates with audiences. “Waiting for Godot” mixes despair and comedy to raise questions about the meaning of life. Now, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, two actors who are great friends, are doing their waiting on Broadway. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has the story 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 remarkable literary discovery has thrilled readers of the late, great British writer Virginia Woolf. More than 80 years after her death, a new book has been published this week. It's a collection of three comic stories written eight years before her first novel appeared. Malcolm Brabant reports from England 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

Imagine the impact of climate change is irreversible, and decades of flooding, famine, pandemics and war have upended life on earth. That world is explored in Ian McEwan's new novel, “What We Can Know.” Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown sat down with the Booker Prize-winning novelist 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

PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

According to a new report from PEN America, public schools across the U.S. saw more than 6,800 book bans in the 2024-25 school year. A new documentary, “The Librarians,” examines the experiences of school librarians who’ve found themselves on the front lines of a battle against censorship. Film director Kim Snyder and librarian Audrey Wilson-Youngblood join John Yang to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Global superstar and Grammy-winning singer Bad Bunny has been getting hotter and hotter lately. His celebrity reaches beyond the music industry, spanning generations and encompassing politics, Caribbean culture and Puerto Rican and Latin pride. John Yang speaks with Yale professor Albert Sergio Laguna about what makes Bad Bunny such a phenomenon. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the Great Salt Lake in Utah continues to dry up, the arts community has mobilized to lay bare the major ecological, economic and health stakes if the decline continues. The public art project, Wake the Great Salt Lake, aims to educate and inspire residents and visitors alike. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown 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

Rock legend Bruce Springsteen publicly blasted President Trump and his policies, saying “we’re living through particularly dangerous times." As Trump increasingly targets the arts, artists are faced with the question of whether to speak out or keep their heads down. Jeffrey Brown reports 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

In Jahri's World, quirky costumes and silly songs are designed to create a sensory oasis for neurodivergent children. The videos on TikTok have gone viral, racking up millions of views. John Yang speaks with the man behind the music, Jerry Turner, for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Scarlett Johansson is known the world over for major roles in close to 40 films over the past three decades and is the highest-grossing lead actor in Hollywood. Johansson is now taking on a new role as director. Her debut film, “Eleanor the Great,” is now in theaters. Amna Nawaz sat down with the filmmaker to discuss this latest chapter in her career. It's 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 Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. It's a public-private trust that has long operated at arm's length from the White House, but now finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny from the Trump administration. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night less than a week after ABC suspended his show following his comments on the killing of Charlie Kirk. But two of the largest station ownership groups, Sinclair and Nexstar, say they won’t carry the program on their ABC affiliates. Kimmel’s suspension sparked protests and concerns about free speech. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Dylan Byers of Puck. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the end of summer nears, we visit a public garden in Michigan that evolves with the seasons, thanks to its meticulous design and an army of volunteer gardeners. John Yang reports from Detroit 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 music industry, for all the glamour and excitement, can be grueling with tragic consequences. A 2024 MusiCares survey revealed that over 8% of respondents within the industry had serious thoughts of suicide, notably higher than the 5% rate among the general population. Jeffrey Brown reports on a festival focused on mental health in the music industry 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

Colleen Shogan made history when she became the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States in 2023. In February, President Trump fired her with no reason given. On Constitution Day, Shogan launched a national bipartisan effort called "More Perfect" to work on strengthening democracy. Amna Nawaz reports for our series, Art in Action, and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Robert Redford, a screen legend, filmmaker, environmentalist and tireless champion of independent voices in cinema, died Tuesday at 89. Revered for his magnetic presence on screen in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting" and "All the President’s Men," Redford’s legacy is as much about art as it is about integrity. Jeffrey Brown has this remembrance. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is perhaps best known for its work helping America’s youth. Lisa Lawson, the president and CEO, has done extensive research into the development of teenagers. She joined Geoff Bennett to discuss her new book, "Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives in 2023 alone, according to the latest CDC data. One organization has found an unconventional tool to combat those grim numbers: laughter. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Brad Bonar Jr., founder of the 1 Degree of Separation suicide prevention program, 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 chameleon of rock, David Bowie, left behind a profound and colorful legacy. We zoom to London, virtually, to visit the new home for the British star’s archive that just opened this weekend. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

“Downton Abbey,” the beloved historical drama of charm and wit, is coming to an end. At its peak, it drew more than 13 million viewers — the most-watched drama in PBS history. It’s going out with some flair, with the movie “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” out in theaters now. Stephanie Sy speaks with show creator Julian Fellowes 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 66 years old, Kent Broussard has proven it’s never too late to chase a dream. After retiring from a long career in accounting, he enrolled at Louisiana State University as a full-time student with one goal in mind: to finally earn his place in the famed Tiger Marching Band. Geoff Bennett speaks with Broussard about his journey 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

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are already reshaping the world around us. But how are age-old inequalities showing up in this new digital frontier? In “The New Age of Sexism,” author and feminist activist Laura Bates explores the biases now being replicated everywhere from ChatGPT to the Metaverse. Amna Nawaz sat down with Bates to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Mysteries and codes, religious rites and scientific formulas. That’s the world of Dan Brown’s thrillers, most famously "The Da Vinci Code," and his latest, "The Secret of Secrets." Secrets and codes are also part of Brown’s own life. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown discovered that during a visit to the author’s home in New Hampshire. It's 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 today’s pop music, vocals reign supreme. The charts are dominated by singers and rappers, but there’s an increasingly popular genre focused on more instrumental music. William Brangham catches up with Khruangbin, a Grammy-nominated Texas trio and one of the bands at the forefront of this movement. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The world of fashion has lost one of its greats. Italian designer Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91. He is credited with elevating a quintessentially Italian aesthetic in his clothes and making red carpet affairs cultural moments. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Robin Givhan, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic and former senior critic-at-large at The Washington Post. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

He’s a little guy with a huge following online. Tiny Chef, the Instagram sensation who also happens to be animated, has gained millions of fans of all ages while whipping up vegetarian meals with a side of heart. Stephanie Sy 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

Since the nation’s founding, pets have played an essential role in the lives of many U.S. presidents. A new exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston tells the story of the pets that called the White House home. Special correspondent Jared Bowen 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

David Duchovny is known to audiences for his iconic roles in "Californication" and "The X-Files." He's now turning his attention to something more intimate: poems that wrestle with love, loss, memory and the passing of time. It’s a meditation on what it means to grow older, to look back and to wonder what still lies ahead. Geoff Bennett sat down with Duchovny to discuss his book, “About Time.” PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Cuts to the arts at the federal level have been in the news, but some states are also slashing their funding. In New Hampshire, the cultural sector generated some $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023, but arts groups there now face a potential double hit. Jeffrey Brown reports for the series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The benefits of music education for children are well-documented. It can boost mental health, enhance creativity and improve cognitive functioning. A summer camp program in South Dakota and Minnesota aims to bring all that and more to Indigenous girls and gender-diverse kids — with a little rock star treatment thrown in. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy