December 31, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

Wednesday on the News Hour, why European leaders say Russian President Putin invented an assassination plot and what it means for any Ukraine peace deal. We join a scientific expedition in the icy seas around Antarctica to understand a massive, melting glacier. Plus, how a U.S.-backed road and rail project in an unstable region could unlock trade with Central Asia. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Tuesday on the News Hour, the U.S. increases pressure on the Maduro regime with a strike inside Venezuela. Federal agents intensify investigations of alleged fraud of taxpayer money in Minnesota. Plus, the U.S. announces a new way to deliver humanitarian aid around the world. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. has pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the United Nations, as part of a deal that will also overhaul how the U.S. funds foreign aid work going forward. The move comes after the U.S. paused nearly all of its contributions earlier this year, leaving the UN and other aid organizations scrambling. William Brangham discussed more with Jeremy Konyndyk of Refugees International. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun first came to the U.S. as a child after growing up in Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. After stints in finance, he found himself leading restaurant chain P.F Chang's and last year was appointed CEO of Red Lobster just as it emerged from bankruptcy. In this episode of "Settle In," Geoff Bennett speaks to Adamolekun about his journey from being an immigrant to a CEO, the expectations that come with being a young Black executive and how he's leading Red Lobster out of bankruptcy. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Monday on the News Hour, President Trump announces a first ground attack on Venezuela and endorses Israel's position in Gaza. How artificial intelligence grew exponentially in 2025, and whether the boom could become a bubble. Plus, arts programs that help give hope to wounded warriors. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Sunday on PBS News Weekend, Trump and Zelenskyy meet in Florida to try to find an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. As Zohran Mamdani prepares to become mayor of New York this week, we meet the photographer who documented his improbable rise to national prominence. Plus, a look back at some of the best songs and albums of 2025 and the controversial rise of AI-generated music. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Saturday on PBS News Weekend, a deadly wave of Russian strikes hit Ukraine's capital as Zelenskyy heads to Florida for talks with Trump. How a company in landlocked Nebraska is connected to efforts to combat plastic pollution in oceans. Plus, scientists in Yellowstone National Park use artificial intelligence to try to decode the language of wolves. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Friday on the News Hour, the Trump administration conducts strikes in Nigeria against alleged terrorists, who they claim were killing Christians. A federal judge blocks the detention of a British social media activist who tracks online hate and disinformation. Plus, the White House pushes to dismantle a leading climate and weather center — with serious implications for accurate forecasts. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Thursday on the News Hour, torrential rains inundate California, causing destructive floods and mudslides. Author Irin Carmon joins the News Hour's podcast to talk about her new book on how women are navigating post-Roe America. Plus, as children open presents from that special visitor from the North Pole, we look at how Santa Claus has evolved over the centuries. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Wednesday on the News Hour, Ukraine proposes demilitarized zones in Russian-occupied areas, the latest plan for ending the nearly four-year invasion. Judy Woodruff reports from a small New Hampshire town on how the answer to nationwide political divisions may begin within our own communities. Plus, Palestinian Christians make the journey to Bethlehem, navigating Israeli checkpoints along the way. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy