PBS News Hour - Segments
PBS NewsHour
Don't have time for a full news hour? Listen to the PBS News Hour, segment by segment. Our full coverage of politics, science, arts, health, national and international news is included in this feed in easy-to-digest 5 to 10 minute segments. Segments are published each night by 9 p.m. Is this not what you're looking for? Don't miss our other podcasts for our full show, Brooks and Capehart, Politics Monday, Brief but Spectacular, and more. Find them in iTunes or in your favorite podcasting app. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 11, 2026 • 2min
News Wrap: Iran threatens retaliation if U.S. intervenes in protest crackdown
Tensions escalate as Tehran issues a stark warning to the U.S. against intervening in the ongoing anti-government protests. Reports reveal alarming casualty and detention figures amid a communications blackout. In a somber moment, the podcast pays tribute to Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead co-founder, who recently passed away at the age of 78. The mix of current events and remembrance makes for a compelling news wrap.
Jan 11, 2026 • 5min
Investigation raises concerns about lack of FDA quality testing for generic drugs
Investigative reporter Debbie Cenziper from ProPublica delves into the critical issue of FDA quality testing for generic drugs, revealing alarming gaps in routine inspections. She discusses the widespread reliance on generics, which may not always meet the quality promised by the FDA. Doctors and patients alike voice concerns over variations in effectiveness. Cenziper also introduces the Rx Inspector tool, empowering consumers to check drug manufacturing records and promoting informed decisions about their medications.
Jan 11, 2026 • 7min
How social media lures migrants into undertaking treacherous journeys
Sana Da Silva, an amateur soccer player and migrant from Senegal, shares his firsthand account of a dangerous Atlantic crossing. He discusses how social media lured him with enticing videos from the Canary Islands, masking the grim realities of such journeys. Da Silva describes the harrowing conditions aboard an overcrowded boat, revealing the severe sickness experienced at sea. He warns potential migrants about the treacherous path, despite their desperate motivations, and highlights the crucial role social platforms play in shaping migration narratives.
Jan 11, 2026 • 5min
Scientists use new technology to track individual monarch butterfly migrations
Dan Fagin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and NYU professor, dives into the fascinating world of monarch butterflies and their epic migrations. He explains how new miniaturized radio tags are revolutionizing tracking, revealing unexpected overwintering sites and how weather influences their journeys. Fagin also highlights the threats these beautiful insects face, particularly from climate change, which impacts their habitats and food sources. Join him for a captivating exploration of resilience within nature.
Jan 11, 2026 • 7min
Highlights from PBS News Weekend as show goes off the air
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.
Jan 10, 2026 • 6min
ICE shootings spark outrage, protests across the country demanding accountability
Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen and advocate for government accountability, shares insights on the nationwide protests ignited by recent shootings by federal agents. She discusses the rapid organization of peaceful vigils and why these events have resonated so deeply with the public. Gilbert emphasizes the need for accountability and humanization of victims while warning that escalating federal presence will only heighten tensions. She also raises concerns about potential authoritarian moves under the current administration.
Jan 10, 2026 • 3min
News Wrap: Iran threatens death penalty for protesters as tensions escalate
Protests in Iran intensify as authorities warn of the death penalty for demonstrators, resulting in numerous casualties and detentions. Meanwhile, the U.S. military launches significant strikes against ISIS in Syria following an ambush. Tensions rise as Trump enacts measures to funnel Venezuelan oil revenues to U.S. accounts amid plans for a massive investment in the country's oil sector. On a more hopeful note, rescue teams in the Philippines continue to search for survivors after a massive garbage avalanche.
Jan 10, 2026 • 10min
Critics call Myanmar's first elections since military coup a sham as civil war rages on
Myanmar's first elections since the military takeover are shaping up to be controversial. With major opposition parties banned and civil war raging, the process is widely seen as a sham. Reports of military airstrikes killing civilians add to the tension. As the military regime pushes forward with elections, a pro-democracy movement in exile continues to provide essential services for their communities. The stifling of dissent and calls for international sanctions underscore the grim reality facing Myanmar.
Jan 10, 2026 • 6min
New book offers glimpse inside world of controversial tech firm Palantir and its CEO
Michael Steinberger, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of The Philosopher in the Valley, dives into the complex world of Palantir Technologies and its enigmatic CEO, Alex Karp. He discusses the controversial impact of surveillance technology on society, highlighting Palantir's efficiency versus its divisive use by governmental agencies. Steinberger reveals Karp's unique non-technical background and his shifting political views, as well as the company’s privacy claims and the contentious contracts with ICE.
Jan 9, 2026 • 7min
The mounting economic challenges weakening the job market
Paul Solman, the Economics correspondent for PBS NewsHour, dives into the troubling state of the U.S. job market. The segment reveals a mere 50,000 jobs were added in December, marking the weakest annual growth since the pandemic. Solman highlights sectors like health care and hospitality that saw some job gains, while also addressing the concerning racial disparities in unemployment rates. As young workers face a spike in joblessness and fewer postings, the discussion wraps with insights on how these trends could influence Federal Reserve policy.
