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In 2023, we introduced you to a transgender girl named Leah. She was living in Texas with her parents, John and Mary. We concealed their identities because families like theirs faced growing threats. Since then, lawmakers have taken steps to further restrict the rights of transgender people. William Brangham recently caught up with Leah and her family as they wrestled with their next steps. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he will not call for a vote on extending enhanced subsidies for people buying insurance through the Affordable Care Act. That effectively guarantees the subsidies will expire at the end of the month and premiums will spike substantially for some 20 million Americans who get their coverage this way. William Brangham reports on the subsidies and alternative ideas. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
We are in the middle of that fraught period when high school students are finding out what colleges they’ve been accepted to, with about 60 percent of them going through this process right now. But not all of them will find the right fit. Jeff Selingo, who writes about higher education and has a new book “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You,” joins William Brangham for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
President Trump announced a $12 billion relief plan for American farmers on Monday. It’s aimed at supporting an industry hit by lower sales, higher expenses and the president’s tariff policy. Patrick Thomas of The Wall Street Journal, joins William Brangham to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
The federal vaccine advisory panel, all appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted to drop the universal recommendation that children should get vaccinated for hepatitis B at birth. William Brangham discussed this and other changes under consideration for vaccines with pediatrician Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
The federal vaccine advisory panel, all appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted to drop the universal recommendation that children should get vaccinated for hepatitis B at birth. William Brangham discussed this and other changes under consideration for vaccines with pediatrician Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Communities across the globe commemorated World AIDS Day, reaffirming a commitment to end an epidemic that has killed more than 44 million. But this year, for the first time in decades, the U.S. government decided not to mark the occasion, and the Trump Administration has reportedly barred agencies from commemorating or participating. William Brangham discussed more with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Communities across the globe commemorated World AIDS Day, reaffirming a commitment to end an epidemic that has killed more than 44 million. But this year, for the first time in decades, the U.S. government decided not to mark the occasion, and the Trump administration has reportedly barred agencies from commemorating or participating. William Brangham discussed more with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Communities across the globe commemorated World AIDS Day, reaffirming a commitment to end an epidemic that has killed more than 44 million. But this year, for the first time in decades, the U.S. government decided not to mark the occasion, and the Trump administration has reportedly barred agencies from commemorating or participating. William Brangham discussed more with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
As the holiday season begins, food banks across the nation are still struggling to keep up with the need. That's partly fueled by the disruption in SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, but there will also be more restrictions and cutbacks coming. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Since President Trump reentered the White House, his administration has moved to restrict rights for transgender people. Those restrictions range from transition-related medical care for youth to sports participation to identity markers on passports. William Brangham has an update on these actions, the legal challenges to them and what may come next. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
This week, the CDC changed its website to suggest that vaccines may cause autism, even though there's no scientific evidence to prove such a link. It’s the latest change to vaccine guidance under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In response, some Democratic-led states have taken steps aimed at protecting access to vaccines and pushing back on misinformation. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
This week, the CDC changed its website to suggest that vaccines may cause autism, even though there's no scientific evidence to prove such a link. It’s the latest change to vaccine guidance under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In response, some Democratic-led states have taken steps aimed at protecting access to vaccines and pushing back on misinformation. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
The United Nations climate summit, known as COP30, will wrap up later this week, and its achievements will likely be more muted this year. Delegates from nearly 200 countries are meeting near the Amazon rainforest, but the Trump administration decided not to send anyone. As part of our Tipping Point series, William Brangham discussed more with former Secretary of State John Kerry. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Charlotte is the latest city to be targeted by the Trump administration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration. At least 130 people were arrested this weekend as part of the crackdown. William Brangham discussed how local officials are responding to Border Patrol agents on the city’s streets with George Dunlap, a commissioner for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
So-called forever chemicals are both harmful to our health and are everywhere. Studies have found them in women's breast milk and even in rain falling in Tibet. A new book tells the story of how these extremely durable chemicals became so ubiquitous through the eyes of a small community that decided to fight for some measure of justice. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
So-called forever chemicals are both harmful to our health and are everywhere. Studies have found them in women's breast milk and even in rain falling in Tibet. A new book tells the story of how these extremely durable chemicals became so ubiquitous through the eyes of a small community that decided to fight for some measure of justice. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
So-called forever chemicals are both harmful to our health and are everywhere. Studies have found them in women's breast milk and even in rain falling in Tibet. A new book tells the story of how these extremely durable chemicals became so ubiquitous through the eyes of a small community that decided to fight for some measure of justice. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
This week marks 50 years since the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank while crossing Lake Superior. The shipwreck, which killed all 29 men aboard, became the most well-known wreck to ever occur on the Great Lakes. William Brangham recently spoke with the author of a new book that explores both the tragedy and the enduring legend it inspired. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
This week, a task force dedicated to fighting antisemitism reportedly decided to cut ties with the conservative Heritage Foundation. It comes after the think tank’s president, Kevin Roberts, defended Tucker Carlson’s interview with a far-right, antisemitic activist. The infighting has laid bare a growing schism within conservative circles over how to address antisemitism. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
This week, a task force dedicated to fighting antisemitism reportedly decided to cut ties with the conservative Heritage Foundation. It comes after the think tank’s president, Kevin Roberts, defended Tucker Carlson’s interview with a far-right, antisemitic activist. The infighting has laid bare a growing schism within conservative circles over how to address antisemitism. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Millions of Americans will soon have direct access to popular weight-loss drugs at far lower prices than they pay now. That’s due to a deal announced between President Trump and pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. William Brangham discussed the deal and its potential impact with Stacie Dusetzina of Vanderbilt University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Millions of Americans will soon have direct access to popular weight-loss drugs at far lower prices than they pay now. That’s due to a deal announced between President Trump and pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. William Brangham discussed the deal and its potential impact with Stacie Dusetzina of Vanderbilt University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger will be the first woman to serve as governor. The former three-term congresswoman is the projected winner in the race over Republican Winsome Earle-Sear. Liz Landers and William Brangham report on that race and more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi is the winner of Virginia's lieutenant governor's race, defeating former conservative talk radio host John Reid. Hashmi joined William Brangham to discuss the issues that fueled her victory and those that powered Democratic gains across the country. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi is the winner of Virginia's lieutenant governor's race, defeating former conservative talk radio host John Reid. Hashmi joined William Brangham to discuss the issues that fueled her victory and those that powered Democratic gains across the country. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger will be the first woman to serve as governor. The former three-term congresswoman is the projected winner in the race over Republican Winsome Earle-Sear. Liz Landers and William Brangham report on that race and more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
More than 730,000 New Yorkers have already cast ballots ahead of Tuesday's mayoral election. It’s a race with big stakes for the city and beyond. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has vaulted from a relatively unknown state legislator to the frontrunner to lead the largest city in the country. William Brangham reports on what his potential victory means for New York and the Democratic Party. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
More than 730,000 New Yorkers have already cast ballots ahead of Tuesday's mayoral election. It’s a race with big stakes for the city and beyond. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has vaulted from a relatively unknown state legislator to the frontrunner to lead the largest city in the country. William Brangham reports on what his potential victory means for New York and the Democratic Party. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC join William Brangham to discuss the week in politics, including the government shutdown barreling toward the date when funding begins to lapse on some government benefits, President Trump suggests sending federal troops to more cities and next week's key off-year elections. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Three of the four members of the so-called “commando team” allegedly behind the brazen heist at the Louvre are in custody. Thieves posing as construction workers broke through a balcony window at the museum, ransacked two cases of royal jewels and zipped off through the streets of Paris on motor scooters. William Brangham discussed more with art crime investigator Arthur Brand. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC join William Brangham to discuss the week in politics, including the government shutdown barreling toward the date when funding begins to lapse on some government benefits, President Trump suggests sending federal troops to more cities and next week's key off-year elections. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
As the government shutdown continues, several key programs are at risk. One of them is Head Start, the federal program that provides early childhood education, health and food support for low-income families. William Brangham discussed the potential impacts with Tommy Sheridan of the National Head Start Association, a nonprofit that advocates for Head Start funding and works with its programs. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Three of the four members of the so-called “commando team” allegedly behind the brazen heist at the Louvre are in custody. Thieves posing as construction workers broke through a balcony window at the museum, ransacked two cases of royal jewels and zipped off through the streets of Paris on motor scooters. William Brangham discussed more with art crime investigator Arthur Brand. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC join William Brangham to discuss the week in politics, including the government shutdown barreling toward the date when funding begins to lapse on some government benefits, President Trump suggests sending federal troops to more cities and next week's key off-year elections. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
As the government shutdown continues, several key programs are at risk. One of them is Head Start, the federal program that provides early childhood education, health and food support for low-income families. William Brangham discussed the potential impacts with Tommy Sheridan of the National Head Start Association, a nonprofit that advocates for Head Start funding and works with its programs. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Island nations in the Caribbean worked on rescue and recovery operations in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The storm tore through Jamaica, leveling some communities entirely. It also left a trail of destruction in Cuba and Haiti. At least 30 are reported dead so far. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Island nations in the Caribbean worked on rescue and recovery operations in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The storm tore through Jamaica, leveling some communities entirely. It also left a trail of destruction in Cuba and Haiti. At least 30 are reported dead so far. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Jamaica is suffering extensive damage from the devastating force of Hurricane Melissa. It's just the second Atlantic storm ever to make landfall with winds up to 185 mph. William Brangham reports and Geoff Bennett discusses the impact and rescue efforts with Antony Anderson, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Jamaica is suffering extensive damage from the devastating force of Hurricane Melissa. It's just the second Atlantic storm ever to make landfall with winds up to 185 mph. William Brangham reports and Geoff Bennett discusses the impact and rescue efforts with Antony Anderson, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
From Texas to North Carolina, from New England to the Midwest, communities are facing a growing threat from flash flooding. Many of those regions already lack enough affordable housing, a problem made worse by these storms. For our climate series, Tipping Point, William Brangham reports on how one community in Central Vermont is trying to find a new way to move to higher ground. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
The inflation report was delayed due to the government shutdown and the White House said there will likely be no report next month. But even before the shutdown, experts were sounding the alarm after President Trump fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, expressing anger about employment numbers. William Brangham reports on lessons from nations where trust in government data was lost. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
There are troubling questions for the NBA after the FBI arrested one of its players and a Hall of Fame head coach. They are among dozens charged in a federal investigation alleging illegal sports betting and rigged poker games organized by the Mafia. The cases are causing some to question the NBA's connections to the legalized gambling industry. William Brangham discussed more with Mike Vorkunov. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
In the last few years, video and other content created with artificial intelligence have begun to flood almost every part of the internet. It has appeared everywhere from Spotify to the Kindle Store. But on social media, it is almost unavoidable. William Brangham takes a deep dive into the world of "AI slop." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
New Jersey is one of only two off-year gubernatorial races this fall, and it’s seen as a bellwether ahead of next year's midterms. After President Trump made inroads with minority voters in the last election, they’ve continued to be a major focus for both candidates in this close race. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Wildflowers are blooming in the Atacama Desert, an inhospitable stretch of land west of the Andes Mountains that normally gets just 2 millimeters of rain every year. But this July and August, a rare alignment of conditions led to a beautiful, fleeting burst of color that has drawn tourists and scientists alike. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
This week, countries may approve a carbon tax on the global shipping industry. The International Maritime Organization is poised to approve new levies on ships for their emissions, but the Trump administration argues it's a harmful tax. William Brangham has a profile of Andrew Forrest, a key business player who's attracting attention for his efforts to make industry greener. 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
President Trump and his team are doubling down on efforts to bring the National Guard into Democrat-run cities and to ramp up ICE enforcement. The administration argues that episodes of violence against federal agents constitute a danger. Governors and mayors say local police can handle any issues and argue it's an unconstitutional power play by Trump. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Even as the Trump administration continues to insist that its immigration policies are just targeting the worst of the worst, many other immigrants in America are being detained as well. William Brangham spoke with Leslie Gonzales, whose husband was arrested by agents near Boston. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy