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Articles by Sam Weber
What we know about Tennessee's botched execution of Christa Pike
Tennessee officials failed to carry out the lethal injection of death row inmate Christa Pike on Wednesday. Her attorneys say she is alive and in critical condition after being given two separate doses of pentobarbital meant to kill her. Pike was sentenced to death for the gruesome murder of her classmate in 1995. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Deborah Denno, a professor at Fordham School of Law.
In a warming climate, should air conditioning be a right?
Sep 24, 2026 6:30 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Fall temperatures are finally cooling off much of the United States, but this past summer was yet another reminder that the climate is changing. Stephanie Sy reports on how some cities are considering whether residents should have a right to air conditioning. It’s part of our series, Tipping Point.
What makes Christian McBride the hardest-working man in jazz
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: As a bass player extraordinaire, band leader, composer, and educator, Christian McBride has been called one of the hardest-working men in jazz. And he’s as comfortable performing with jazz icons as he is with pop artists, like Sting and Billie Eilish.
What makes Christian McBride the hardest-working man in jazz
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio As a bass extraordinaire, bandleader, composer and educator, Christian McBride has been called one of the hardest-working men in jazz. He’s as comfortable performing with jazz icons as he is with artists like Sting and Billie Eilish. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown recently met McBride at his hometown jazz festival for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores
Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to make headlines, comedian and writer Jenny Yang is taking a different approach… Bob Mackie, fashion designer who dressed the stars and defined '70s glamour, dies at 87 Bob Mackie, the fashion designer whose visually provocative Hollywood style defined glamour for the 1970s died Monday at 87.
Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to make headlines, comedian and writer Jenny Yang is taking a different approach in her nationwide stand-up tour to raise awareness of those difficulties. Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown caught up with her for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Roy Cohn's continued influence on politics and Trump traced in 'American Scoundrel'
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: For decades, Roy Cohn operated at the at the center of American power, from his work with Senator Joseph McCarthy to his role as a lawyer, political fixer, and mentor to a young Donald Trump. Now a leading biographer traces Cohn’s life and the influence he still exerts on American politics 40 years after his death.
Roy Cohn's continued influence on politics and Trump traced in 'American Scoundrel'
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio For decades, Roy Cohn operated at the center of American power, from his work with Sen. Joseph McCarthy to his role as a lawyer, political fixer and mentor to a young Donald Trump. Biographer Kai Bird traces Cohn’s life and the influence he still exerts on American politics in “American Scoundrel." Jeffrey Brown spoke with Bird for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Contentious Michigan Senate primary divides Democrats over direction of party
Aug 3, 2026 6:25 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In Michigan, Democrats will make a decision about the shape of their party. The contentious Senate primary is a match between different wings and candidates with very different styles. Lisa Desjardins traveled to Michigan and reports on the contest between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
Andrew Lloyd Webber on the creative process behind his acclaimed musicals
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: Well, one of the biggest hits on Broadway right now is a new version of “Cats,” the legendary musical based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry about a tribe of felines called Jellicles. It’s an imaginary name, now reimagined in “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” and critical acclaim has followed. The musical received nine Tony Award nominations and won three.
Andrew Lloyd Webber on the creative process behind his acclaimed musicals
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio One of the biggest hits on Broadway right now is a reimagined version of “Cats,” the legendary musical about a tribe of felines. “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” has received acclaim and won three Tony Awards. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown took in the show and talked to composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Jun 18, 2026
Bruce Springsteen on 'critical patriotism' and the power of protest music
Remembering revolutionary painter David Hockney and his artistic legacy British artist and painter David Hockney, one of the most celebrated art icons of the 20th and 21st centuries, died… Bruce Springsteen on 'critical patriotism' and the power of protest music The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University features exhibits dedicated to one of New Jersey’s most famous… Taylor Swift becomes the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36 Taylor...
Bruce Springsteen on 'critical patriotism' and the power of protest music
Jun 12, 2026 6:25 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University features exhibits dedicated to one of New Jersey’s most famous sons while also exploring the broader story of American music. Geoff Bennett met with "The Boss" to discuss the center, his musical legacy, and how the outspoken artist is approaching this moment in civic life. It’s part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Ohio volunteers locate and honor graves of Revolutionary War veterans
May 25, 2026 6:30 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Memorial Day was first established in the aftermath of the Civil War, but has become a day to mark all those who died serving in the military. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Judy Woodruff reports on a local project to mark our revolutionary origins and the final resting places of some of the nation’s first veterans. It’s part of her series, America at a Crossroads.
Carbon credit program pays small landowners to keep forests standing
May 22, 2026 6:30 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Markets to offset carbon emissions are now worth about $2 billion annually, and supporters say they're a key tool to address climate change. But carbon credits have also been criticized for being opaque and not reducing emissions nearly enough. Stephanie Sy reports on an effort to boost the integrity of carbon markets and open them up to small landowners. It’s part of our series, Tipping Point.
Bellevue Literary Review celebrates 25 years of stories on illness and recovery
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: Three doctors, two poets and a fiction writer walk into a windowless hospital conference room, not the start of a joke, but of a prestigious journal, “Bellevue Literary Review,” now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Our senior arts correspondent, Jeffrey Brown, reports for our ongoing coverage of the intersection of health and arts, part of our Canvas series.
Bellevue Literary Review celebrates 25 years of stories on illness and recovery
Three doctors, two poets and a fiction writer walk into a windowless hospital conference room. Not the start of a joke, but of a prestigious journal, “Bellevue Literary Review”, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our ongoing coverage of the intersection of health and arts, part of our CANVAS series. Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.
The local communities hoping America's 250th birthday will help bridge divides
Apr 29, 2026 6:25 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio This summer, many of the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday will be grand in scope. But in communities across the country, smaller celebrations are also taking place, hoping to use some of the year’s patriotic energy to engage neighbors and transcend political divisions that can overshadow so much of civic life today. Judy Woodruff reports as part of her series, America at a Crossroads.
Monitoring human-shark interactions in one of the world’s largest marine reserves
Conflicts between humans and top predators, such as sharks, present a significant conservation challenge globally, particularly where they threaten human lives, livelihoods, and wellbeing. While it is often claimed that such conflicts are increasing, in practice, they are very difficult to monitor, especially in the marine environment.
Lena Dunham and Amna Nawaz explore public stress and trauma on 'Settle In'
Illustrator R.W. Alley on how he brings Paddington Bear to life The origin of Paddington is one worth noting on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Lena Dunham and Amna Nawaz explore public stress and trauma on 'Settle In'
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio More than a decade ago, Lena Dunham rose to fame as the comedic force behind HBO's hit series, "Girls." In her new memoir, "Famesick," Dunham candidly, hilariously, and sometimes painfully, explores how she balanced her sudden celebrity with chronic illness, addiction and trauma. Amna Nawaz spoke with Dunham on our PBS news podcast, "Settle In."
People in recovery find a fresh start by crafting Troublesome Creek instruments
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In eastern Kentucky, the heritage of folk and traditional music, rooted in instruments like guitars, mandolins and dulcimers, is deeply seated. There's an effort to capitalize on this rich culture while providing a fresh start for people in addiction recovery. Jeffrey Brown has the story for our look at the intersection of art and health for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
David Hill and Geoff Bennett discuss the business of sports betting on 'Settle In'
Mar 20, 2026 6:25 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio March Madness is in full swing, and it’s that time of the year when even those of us not inclined to gamble might just toss a few dollars into the office pool, hoping to pick just the right upset and land a big payout. On our "Settle In" podcast, Geoff Bennett spoke with journalist and author David Hill. He's covered sports betting for Rolling Stone and in his upcoming book.
How a small law change could have a huge impact on the U.S. hemp industry
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Tucked into the legislation that ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history was a provision to change the definition of hemp. It was a small tweak involving minute measurements, but one that could have a huge impact on the booming market for hemp products. Jeffrey Brown reports from Kentucky. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Jan 14, 2026
Damola Adamolekun joins Geoff Bennett for our 'Settle In' podcast
In the latest episode of our video podcast, “Settle In,” Geoff Bennett sat down with the Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun. They discuss how the young executive is trying to build on the legacy of Red Lobster while turning the seafood chain around after bankruptcy.
Oldest woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail reflects on her journey
Each year, only about one out of every four hikers who set out to complete the Appalachian Trail reaches that goal. A thru-hike means traversing nearly 2,200 miles, across 14 states, in a single 12-month period. It's a monumental feat of physical and emotional endurance. Betty Kellenberger, an 80-year-old retired school teacher from Michigan, shares her story of completing the hike.
How UCLA is navigating unprecedented demands from the Trump administration
Nov 11, 2025 6:40 PM EST Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The Trump Administration has tried to reshape higher education by cutting off funding and issuing executive orders on a variety of issues, including diversity, trans rights and antisemitism. While some universities reached settlements, others are navigating a new school year in the federal government’s crosshairs. That includes UCLA, where Stephanie Sy reports for our series, Rethinking College.
How a Mamdani win could change New York City and the Democratic Party
Nov 3, 2025 6:30 PM EST Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio More than 730,000 New Yorkers have already cast ballots ahead of Tuesday's mayoral election. It’s a race with big stakes for the city and beyond. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has vaulted from a relatively unknown state legislator to the frontrunner to lead the largest city in the country. William Brangham reports on what his potential victory means for New York and the Democratic Party.
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: ‘The science world is ending’
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio A poll from the journal Nature found that 75% of researchers in the U.S. are considering leaving the country. That includes a man who’s been dubbed the "Mozart of Math." Stephanie Sy examines what’s behind a potential scientific brain drain.
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: ‘The science world is ending’
These 13 Historical People Had WILD Sex Lives, And Their Stories Are Seriously Gonna Have You Clutching Your Pearls James Joyce's obsessive fart letters are truly something to behold. We all know about the usual culprits: King Edward VII and his sex chair, King Henry VIII and his plethora of wives, and Catherine the Great and her X-rated furniture. But it turns out there were a lot of other historical figures who …
A look at the New Jersey governor’s race and its national implications
Oct 21, 2025 6:35 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio New Jersey is one of only two off-year gubernatorial races this fall, and it’s seen as a bellwether ahead of next year's midterms. After President Trump made inroads with minority voters in the last election, they’ve continued to be a major focus for both candidates in this close race. William Brangham reports.
Ai Weiwei’s ‘Camouflage’ art installation reflects on FDR’s Four Freedoms
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: A new public art initiative marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, inviting artists to examine the state of democracy and social justice. The very first featured artist is renowned Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei, whose powerful blend of art and activism has long focused on global human rights.
Ai Weiwei’s ‘Camouflage’ art installation reflects on FDR’s Four Freedoms
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio A public art initiative marking the 80th anniversary of the U.N. is inviting artists to examine the state of democracy and social justice. The first featured artist is Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei, whose blend of art and activism has long focused on human rights. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Florida’s climate-focused tech sector faces uncertainty after federal cuts
Aug 20, 2025 6:30 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio South Florida is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Start-ups, local governments and researchers are working to make the area more resilient, but federal funding cuts may hinder those efforts. William Brangham traveled to the region and reports for our series, Tipping Point.
How Trump’s immigration policies are affecting caregivers and nursing homes
More than one million immigrants work in healthcare and make up an increasing share of caregivers for elderly and disabled Americans. That includes not only medical professionals, but also workers who keep facilities running. The industry already faces labor shortages, and the Trump administration’s immigration policies could make it more difficult to find workers. William Brangham reports.
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ actor and composer on the musical that’s captivating Broadway
'Maybe Happy Ending' actor and composer on the musical that's captivating Broadway The title of the musical “Maybe Happy Ending” might leave you guessing about the storyline, but there’s no doubt the… Rhode Island distillery blends local flavors to create unique spirits Some 100 years after prohibition, a distillery in Providence is serving up local liquor.
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ actor and composer on the musical that’s captivating Broadway
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The title of the musical “Maybe Happy Ending” might leave you guessing about the storyline, but there’s no doubt the show itself is getting its due. It recently won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on the inspiration for ‘Purpose,’ his Tony-winning family drama
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio It’s been a successful few months for 40-year-old writer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and his play, “Purpose,” which won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown spoke with him recently at Broadway’s Hayes Theater for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Site of America’s worst nuclear accident gets new chance to become energy hub
May 28, 2025 6:35 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio After World War II, nuclear power was heralded as the future of energy. Then the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979 marked a turning point and solidified opposition. In two decades, a dozen U.S. reactors have closed and only three have come online. But the site of America’s worst nuclear accident may now be the site of its rebirth. William Brangham reports for our series, Tipping Point.
Ohio students face changes on campus as new state law rolls back diversity initiatives
May 13, 2025 6:35 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has targeted diversity, equity and inclusion efforts nationwide, including on college campuses. In Ohio, a new state law is also challenging DEI programs, leaving students and faculty on both sides of the issue bracing for change. William Brangham reports for our series, Rethinking College.
Angelo Carusone on tracking Project 2025 and right-wing media
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Project 2025, the conservative policy project, became a flashpoint during the presidential campaign. Angelo Carusone of Media Matters studied the 900-page document and spoke with Geoff Bennett for our series, On Democracy, where we hear a range of perspectives on how government should function, what led to this moment in American history and where the country goes next.
How Trump’s funding freeze is affecting American farmers
Mar 24, 2025 6:20 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has moved to cancel or freeze trillions in federal funding. That includes billions in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. William Brangham reports on how the funding freeze is affecting farmers.
Analyzing Trump’s speech, support for his policies and what comes next
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio President Trump touted his accomplishments during his first six weeks in office during his address on Tuesday to Congress, in a speech that also highlighted the glaring political divide among Americans. Tiffany Smiley, a former U.S. Senate candidate in Washington state, and Jamelle Bouie, a columnist for The New York Times, join Amna Nawaz for some perspective.
How the courts may serve as a check on Trump’s presidency
Feb 10, 2025 7:25 PM EST Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The start of President Trump's second administration has brought dramatic proposals and unprecedented changes to the government, including pushing the legal boundaries of executive authority. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Georgetown law professor Steven Vladeck for our series looking at big questions about the changing laws, institutions and norms, On Democracy.
Shallow seamounts are “oases” and activity hubs for pelagic predators in a large-scale marine reserve
Citation: Weber SB, Richardson AJ, Thompson CDH, Brown J, Campanella F, Godley BJ, et al. (2025) Shallow seamounts are “oases” and activity hubs for pelagic predators in a large-scale marine reserve. PLoS Biol 23(2): e3003016. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3003016 Academic Editor: Steven D. Gaines, University of California, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Received: September 27, 2024; Accepted: January 13, 2025; Published: February 4, 2025 Copyright: © 2025 Weber et al.
How the Trump administration is setting the groundwork for mass deportations
Jan 21, 2025 6:50 PM EST Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio President Trump signed executive orders to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented parents and declare cartels terrorist organizations. White House Correspondent Laura Barrón-López reports on the latest.
Colorado dairy farms face calls to keep workers safe as bird flu spreads among cows
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Arizona farmers forced to adapt as main water source dries up
Yuma County, Arizona, is known as the "Winter Salad Bowl Capital." From lettuce to cilantro to broccoli, the region produces almost all the leafy green vegetables consumed in the U.S. during winter months. Farmers there rely on the nearby Colorado River and as the West contends with drought and a changing climate, they've had to adapt. Stephanie Sy reports.
Colorado community braces for possible mass deportations under Trump
President-elect Trump said he is willing to enlist the military to deport migrants and is open to new detention camps to facilitate those deportations. The comments are the latest on his key campaign pledge, mounting the largest deportation operation in American history. Stephanie Sy reports from Colorado, a state that found itself at the center of the immigration debate during the campaign.
State education funding needs a boost, not vouchers
Commentary By Sam Weber, on November 27, 2024 State education funding needs a boost, not vouchers
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