PBS News Hour - Full Show January 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Jan 13, 2026
The investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell raises alarms over the independence of monetary policy. Iran sees heightened protests amid increasing casualties as the regime intensifies its crackdown. A significant nurses' strike in NYC highlights labor disputes over safety and staffing. The podcast also examines how the Trump administration borrows extremist rhetoric to support its policies, prompting concerns about normalization of dangerous narratives. In lighter news, a $50 million literary fund aims to rekindle a love for reading.
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Attack On Fed Undermines Independence
- The DOJ's criminal probe into the Fed is widely seen as political pressure to control monetary policy.
- Janet Yellen warns that undermining Fed independence risks inflation and intimidates officials from doing their jobs.
Use Vindictiveness Motions When Politicized
- Defendants can seek dismissal motions claiming vindictiveness when prosecutions follow political pressure.
- Mary McCord says grand jury and unanimous jury standards still protect defendants legally.
Aggressive Enforcement Prompts Backlash
- The administration is deploying federal agents aggressively in cities and abroad while facing legal and political pushback.
- Local leaders and some Republicans criticize tactics as jeopardizing public safety and overreach.
