PBS News Hour - Full Show December 30, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Dec 31, 2025
Miles O'Brien, a science correspondent focusing on the private space economy, shares insights from New Zealand on Rocket Lab's latest Electron and Neutron rockets, revealing the exciting growth of commercial space ventures. Jeremy Konyndyk, former USAID official and president of Refugees International, critiques the U.S. $2 billion humanitarian pledge, dissecting its implications for global aid and highlighting potential oversights in addressing crises in Yemen and Afghanistan.
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U.S. Escalation Targets Maduro's Revenues
- The U.S. publicly acknowledged a covert strike inside Venezuela, signaling an unprecedented escalation.
- Experts warn the campaign targets Maduro's revenue streams to pressure his removal but risks regional instability.
COVID Relief Fraud Sparks Broad Federal Probe
- Fraud tied to COVID-era relief in Minnesota expanded across programs, prompting a federal probe into billions.
- Local Somali communities faced heightened scrutiny and social harm despite uncertain evidence of widespread fraud.
Demand Clarity Before Allocating Aid
- Clarify whether the $2 billion pledge is a single payment or an initial tranche before planning aid programs.
- Humanitarians should avoid reallocating resources until the administration states its larger funding plans.