PBS News Hour - Segments Highlights from PBS News Weekend as show goes off the air
Jan 11, 2026
As PBS News Weekend bids farewell, John Yang reflects on its impactful journey. He revisits major international stories like the Israel-Palestine tensions, and explores the program’s evolution and community-focused investigations. The podcast celebrates unique profiles, innovative reporting, and highlights from cultural figures like Rick Steves. It showcases young inventors and pertinent health discussions, while also expressing gratitude to the production team. The finale hints at new programming to come, leaving listeners with a sense of nostalgia and anticipation.
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Show Closing And Historical Reach
- John Yang announces PBS News Weekend is ending after federal funding losses forced cancellation.
- He frames the finale as a moment to reflect on the program's decade-plus history and reach across the country.
Memorable Reporting Moments
- John Yang recounts memorable reporting from global conflicts to local investigations that defined the show's coverage.
- He highlights varied segments from escalating Israel-Palestine tensions to hazardous chemical concerns at a fertilizer plant.
Human-Interest And Remote Stories
- John Yang shares lighter, human-interest work including remote interviews with Scottish brothers at sea.
- He emphasizes the program's range from intimate profiles to unusual reporting methods enabled by technology.