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Table of Contents
All of last week's biggest stories from one of America's most trusted news sources.
March 5, 2023
Sunday on PBS News Weekend, the United Nations reached a historic global deal to protect marine life on the high seas. Then, patients and doctors are concerned that an insurance change for a type of breast reconstruction surgery will affect future access. Plus, we hear the story of the first Hispanic woman in space.
Historic deal to protect ocean biodiversity reached at UN conference
Delegates at the United Nations have agreed on a historic international treaty to protect biodiversity on the high seas, a deal years in the making. The agreement is critical to reaching another U.N. goal: protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. John Yang reports.
News Wrap: Biden pushes for voting rights during visit to Selma
In our news wrap Sunday, President Biden marked the 58th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he will not run for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, a fire at a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh has left thousands homeless, and disability rights advocate Judy Heumann died at the age of 75.
Insurance change raises access concerns about a type of breast reconstruction
Health insurance companies are changing the way they reimburse doctors who perform a complex type of breast reconstruction surgery. Doctors and patients fear the changes will make the procedure inaccessible to those who can’t afford it. Dr. Elisabeth Potter, plastic surgeon and co-founder of the Community Breast Reconstruction Alliance, joins Ali Rogin to discuss.
The story of Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space
This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting stories of women whose accomplishments have often not received widespread attention. Today, we learn about NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa, who became the first Hispanic woman to go to space in 1993.
March 6, 2023
Monday on the NewsHour, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky discusses what we’ve learned after three years of COVID. Then, a look at how the shifting nature of work during the pandemic led to an unexpected rise in birth rates with implications for the economy. Plus, Iran’s future on the world stage becomes increasingly uncertain amid continuing protests and advancements in nuclear enrichment.
News Wrap: California residents reeling as another winter storm approaches
In our news wrap Monday, California residents are recovering from winter storms with more snow expected, the UN warns of funding shortages after earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Ukraine holds out against a Russian attack, more than 20 people in Atlanta face domestic terrorism charges, and a Transportation Department feature shows airlines that allow families to sit together at no cost.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky discusses how the agency is addressing COVID shortfalls
Three years ago this month the U.S. began shutting down due to the explosive spread of COVID. But as the country enters its fourth year with the virus, many people believe the pandemic is over. This as the CDC reports nearly 2,300 deaths tied to COVID in the last week and an average of more than 3,000 people hospitalized each day. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky joins Geoff Bennett to discuss.
COVID disruptions at work lead to baby boom
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its fourth year, one unexpected results has been a rise in birth rates. It’s the first major reversal in declining U.S. fertility rates since 2007. Special correspondent and Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell reports on the surprise pandemic baby bump.
Iran's future on the world stage uncertain amid continuing protests, nuclear enrichment
Iran’s supreme leader on Monday called still-unexplained cases of sickness among Iranian girls “an unforgivable crime,” after more than 1,000 girls recently fell ill in schools across Iran. The incidents occurred as the regime cracked down on national protests and as Iran accelerated its nuclear program. Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins Nick Schifrin to discuss.
GOP divisions become clearer as field of candidates for White House begins to take shape
Presidential primary voters will cast their first ballots in less than a year. As the field begins to take shape and pressure mounts, divisions within the GOP are becoming clearer. Doug Heye, former communications director to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and the RNC, and David Avella, chair of GOPAC, a Republican Super PAC that trains and assists candidates, join Amna Nawaz to discuss.
New project spotlights work of modern Indigenous American artists
Once overlooked, but no more. Art by modern Indigenous American artists is getting more attention these days. And one new project has found a way to push the movement further forward. Jeffrey Brown has the first report in a series on contemporary Native arts for our arts and culture series, “CANVAS.”
Remembering Judy Heumann's lasting contributions to disability rights
Judy Heumann, who has been called the “mother of the disability rights movement, has died at 75. Heumann, who lost her ability to walk at age 2 after contracting polio, lobbied for legislation that led to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
March 7, 2023
Tuesday on the NewsHour, we speak to a current and former governor about the direction of the GOP. Then, Fox News uses selective clips of Capitol security footage supplied by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to spread misinformation on Jan. 6. Plus, a Texas judge’s ruling on birth control threatens a nationwide program that provides contraception to minors without requiring their parents’ permission.
News Wrap: Fed indicates robust economy, inflation could drive more rate hikes
In our news wrap Tuesday, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said high inflation and a robust economy may mean more interest rate hikes, Mexican officials confirmed two kidnapped Americans have been found dead, President Biden proposed raising taxes on those making more than $400,000, Israeli troops killed six Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and workers in France staged a massive strike.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Trump and the Republican Party's future
Gov. Chris Sununu from the purple state of New Hampshire is considering a run for the GOP’s presidential nomination. He joins Geoff Bennett to discuss the presidential race and the future of the Republican Party.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on the battle for the GOP's 'heart and soul'
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ruled out a presidential bid earlier this week saying he fears a large Republican field could help former President Trump win the nomination. He joins Amna Nawaz to discuss Trump’s candidacy and the current Republican field.
Fox News uses selective U.S. Capitol security footage to spread misinformation on Jan. 6
Fox personality Tucker Carlson this week is releasing security video from the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol, using footage provided exclusively to him by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, to falsely portray the riot as a peaceful gathering. James Sasso, who served as senior investigative counsel for the Jan. 6 committee, joins Geoff Bennett to discuss.
Renowned architect receiving prestigious Pritzker Prize questions his industry's impact
David Chipperfield is one of the world’s most prolific architects, with buildings all around the world. The British architect on Tuesday was awarded his profession’s most distinguished honor: the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Jeffrey Brown spoke with Chipperfield about his life and work for our arts and culture series, “CANVAS.”
Salton Sea lithium deposits could help EV transition, support economically devastated area
The demand for electric vehicles is surging in the U.S., sparked in part by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and the subsidies it offers. But a looming supply shortage of lithium threatens to stall the EV transition. Stephanie Sy traveled to California’s Salton Sea where lithium deposits could help meet the country’s energy needs and support an economically devastated region.
An Iraqi-American photojournalist's Brief But Spectacular take on refugees
When he was a child, artist and photographer Wesaam Al-Badry’s family fled his home country of Iraq at the onset of the Gulf War. That experience has sculpted much of his work, which focuses on capturing human struggle with dignity and love. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on how refugees are beautiful.
March 8, 2023
Wednesday on the NewsHour, the Justice Department issues a scathing rebuke of Louisville police for repeated civil rights violations brought to light after the killing of Breonna Taylor. Then, lawmakers question health and intelligence officials about the origins of COVID. Plus, we continue our series on the deepening divide in America with an examination of how politics became personal identity.
DOJ rebukes Louisville police for pattern of civil rights abuses
The U.S. Justice Department issued a damning review of the Louisville Police Department in Kentucky on Wednesday in the wake of Breonna Taylor’s fatal shooting nearly three years ago. The findings lay out a pattern of abuses against Black citizens and routine violations of their rights. Kristen Clarke, an assistant attorney general for civil rights at the DOJ, joins Geoff Bennett to discuss.
News Wrap: Russian mercenaries claim control of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine
In our news wrap Wednesday, Russian mercenaries claimed they have gained control of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, President Biden will propose slowing the growth of federal deficits by $3 trillion, worker strikes in France paralyzed parts of the country, tens of thousands in Greece protested a train disaster that killed dozens, and the world marked International Women’s Day.
Lawmakers question intelligence officials about origins of COVID-19
The country’s top intelligence officials testified in the Senate Wednesday, assessing Russia’s plans in Ukraine, the threat of TikTok and the origins of COVID, which was also the subject of its own hearing in the House. Nick Schifrin reports.
Senate moves to override controversial crime law in nation's capital
A U.S. Senate vote on Wednesday means, for the first time in 30 years, Congress and the president will use their power to block a Washington, D.C. local law. The bill would overhaul the city’s criminal code as city leaders brace for more potential challenges. Lisa Desjardins explains the policy and politics at play.
Examining how U.S. politics became intertwined with personal identity
America’s divisions often go beyond disputes over policy, regularly spilling into clashes over identity and culture and pitting friends and family against one another. Judy Woodruff explores how that came to be and what it means for our shared future in her latest installment of “America at a Crossroads.”
'Stranger at the Gate' explores how a potential tragedy became a powerful act of kindness
Among the slate of films that could win an Oscar on Sunday, one new documentary looks at how a potentially deadly encounter led to a surprising and inspiring ending. Amna Nawaz spoke with the duo behind the film, “Stranger at the Gate,” as part of our arts and culture series, “CANVAS.”
Museum works to repatriate artifacts looted from West Africa
As a debate over how and when to repatriate art continues to roil, one clear-cut case of looting in the 19th century has art leaders taking strong stands now. Jeffrey Brown went to look at a museum that is confronting the controversial origins of its collection. It’s part of our arts and culture series, “CANVAS.”
Aurora borealis puts on a dazzling display in unusual places
Thanks to some unusual sun spot activity, the northern lights are putting on a show much farther south than usual, giving more people chances to catch a glimpse. From Norway to Scotland to Alaska, we look at some spectacular sights captured recently in the night skies.
March 9, 2023
Thursday on the NewsHour, President Biden works to sell his newly unveiled budget to the American people and a divided Congress. Then, The CEO of Norfolk Southern faces congressional scrutiny over the toxic aftermath from the major train derailment in Ohio. Plus, the families of several Americans detained in Iran press for their release as a possible prisoner swap is negotiated.
Unpacking Biden's budget plan and its chances of becoming law with a divided Congress
Lawmakers are making political and financial calculations Thursday after President Biden released his $6.9 trillion budget plan for 2024. The White House proposal calls for raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans to invest in the working class. NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith joins Amna Nawaz to breakdown the highlights and make sense of it all.
News Wrap: Russia launches large-scale attack across Ukraine
In our news wrap Thursday, Russia launched its biggest barrage in a month across Ukraine, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized in Washington after a fall, the Senate confirmed President Biden’s pick to lead the IRS, the FBI is investigating whether hackers accessed Congress members’ data, and General Motors will offer buyouts to most of its white-collar workers in the U.S.
Norfolk Southern CEO faces Senate scrutiny for toxic Ohio train derailment
Norfolk Southern’s CEO faced intense questioning from senators in the wake of last month’s toxic train derailment in Ohio amid scrutiny of the company’s safety practices. It’s prompted broader questions on railroad safety regulations and preventing future environmental disasters. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, joins Geoff Bennett to discuss the investigation.
Families of Americans detained in Iran press for their release
American Siamak Namaz, who has been detained in Iran since 2015, gave an unprecedented interview via phone from inside the notorious Evin Prison with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. Namazi is currently being held with two other Americans, environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, and businessman Emad Shargi. Shargi’s sister, Neda Sharghi, and daughter, Hannah Shargi, join Amna Nawaz for an exclusive interview.
White House makes push to eradicate hepatitis C
Part of President Biden’s budget focuses on attacking hepatitis C, a disease that’s almost completely curable with drugs. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic illness and even death. But roughly 2.4 million Americans still live with it amid barriers over cost and access. Dr. Francis Collins, former National Institutes of Health director and now an adviser to Biden, joins Amna Nawaz to discuss.
How to be a smarter shopper amid rising grocery bills
It’s hard to miss that consumers are having to eat the cost of higher food bills. While overall inflation is down after hitting record highs last year, grocery prices were still 11.3 percent higher this January than in early 2022. NewsHour’s Casey Kuhn put together some tips as well as a quiz to help shoppers make the most of their food budget. She joins Amna Nawaz to discuss what she learned.
March 10, 2023
Friday on the NewsHour, another strong jobs report complicates the prospects for more interest rate hikes aimed at stopping rising prices. Then, a new storm brings the potential for life-threatening floods and mudslides in parts of California already hard hit by heavy rain and snow. Plus, Ukraine’s heavy use of ammunition in its fight against Russia is causing challenges for arms manufacturers.
Another strong jobs report raises more questions about inflation and interest rate hikes
The U.S. economy created 311,000 jobs in February, more than expected, as the unemployment rate rose to 3.6 percent. But that came as the labor force participation rate improved and more than 400,000 workers jumped back into the workforce, something noted by President Biden Friday after the report was released. Economist Julia Coronado of MacroPolicy Perspectives joins Geoff Bennett to discuss.
Atmospheric river hits portions of California, compounding weather woes
California took another hit from inclement weather as a so-called “atmospheric river” brought torrents of rain and more snow. Stephanie Sy reports on how the weather is adding to the state’s weather woes after a series of extreme storms.
News Wrap: Trump faces possible indictment for alleged hush money payments
In our news wrap Friday, former President Trump faces a possible indictment as he decides whether to testify before a grand jury in New York over his alleged role in hush money payments, China’s President Xi Jinping was awarded a third term, police in Germany searched for a motive in a deadly shooting in Hamburg, and reports of sexual assaults shot up last year at U.S. military academies.
Arms manufacturers struggle to supply Ukraine with enough ammunition
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the U.S. and its allies have supplied Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars of weapons systems and ammunition. But keeping the material flowing for this bruising war is proving a challenge for arms manufacturers. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante joins Nick Schifrin to discuss.
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson discusses his potential White House bid
The 2024 Republican presidential primary is already heating up in early voting states. Prospective candidate Ron Desantis traveled to Iowa Friday, and declared candidate Nikki Haley also met with voters there this week. Among those considering bids for the White House is former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who joins Amna Nawaz to discuss a potential candidacy.
Doctor creates program to expand medical care in rural and underserved areas
Millions of Americans live in rural or underserved areas where there are fewer medical care facilities and doctors with specialized expertise. One doctor in New Mexico is trying to help change that with his vision dubbed “Project ECHO.” Fred de Sam Lazaro reports in a partnership with the Under-Told Stories Project at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
March 11, 2023
Saturday on PBS News Weekend, how millions of Medicaid enrollees could lose coverage now that special pandemic rules are ending. Then, ahead of Sunday’s Academy Awards, why representation on and off-screen matters, and where Hollywood is still falling behind. Plus, we look at a fading icon of American culture — the shopping mall — through a photographer’s lens.
News Wrap: Heavy rains wreak havoc in California, with more on the way
In our news wrap Saturday, California’s deadly storm season continues to trigger flooding and evacuations, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic three years ago today, three American women are missing in Mexico, Indonesia’s most active volcano erupted, and U.S. skier Mikaela Shiffrin broke a World Cup record with her 87th victory in Sweden.
Pandemic rules for Medicaid enrollment are ending soon. Here’s what that means
The nation’s uninsured rate reached an all-time low during the pandemic, largely because Congress temporarily blocked states from kicking people off Medicaid even if they were no longer eligible. But starting at the end of March, as many as 15 million of the program’s 84 million enrollees could eventually lose coverage. Kaiser Health News correspondent Rachana Pradhan joins John Yang to discuss.
Why Hollywood is still falling short in representation of women in film
In some ways, Sunday’s Academy Awards mark big advances in diversity. Last year, more top movies starred women of color than in the previous 16 years. But there are still notable gaps, particularly for women behind the camera. Rebecca Sun, senior editor of diversity and inclusivity at the Hollywood Reporter, joins Jeff Brown to discuss.
Capturing America’s fading shopping malls through a photographer’s lens
Empty fountains. Quiet corridors. Shuttered storefronts. Once the bustling centers of a community’s social scene, malls aren’t the fixtures of everyday life they used to be. Ideastream Public Media in Cleveland brings us the story of how one photographer is documenting these once-grand structures.
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
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