August 29, 2024 - PBS News Hour full episode

The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments this week on whether a recently passed law, which allows former felons to vote, violates the state’s constitution. Nebraska is one of 26 states and the District of Columbia that have restored former felons’ right to vote. John Yang discussed the court case with Kassidy Arena of Nebraska Public Media.

The arrest of Telegram's CEO and founder has reignited concerns about the balance of free speech and responsibility that comes with running social platforms. Telegram has more than 900 million users, making it among the most popular messaging services in the world. The arrest of Pavel Durov has far-reaching implications for the industry at large. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Pranshu Verma.

Parts of New England are on high alert after health officials in New Hampshire confirmed the first death from the rare, mosquito-borne virus known as eastern equine encephalitis. Another illness transmitted by mosquitoes, West Nile Virus, paralyzed a teenager in Missouri and hospitalized Dr. Anthony Fauci. Geoff Bennett discussed the risks with Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine.

Israel and Hamas agreed to pause fighting in Gaza to allow hundreds of thousands of children to receive polio vaccinations over three days. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, at least 16 people have been killed in what the Israeli military calls counterterrorism raids. Amna Nawaz discussed the situation in the West Bank with Steven Erlanger of The New York Times.

Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz are campaigning for a second day in the South, holding a rally in Savannah, Georgia. Harris and Walz also sat down for a highly anticipated interview on CNN. Laura Barrón-López reports.

Former President Trump continues to face criticism for his visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Lisa Desjardins reports on the campaign’s tumultuous week.

In our news wrap Thursday, the Defense Department will provide the Secret Service with military support for presidential and vice presidential candidates, Russian missiles and drones rained down on Ukraine for a third time this week, two editors of a now-defunct news outlet in Hong Kong were convicted of sedition and a listeria outbreak connected to Boar's Head meats has killed nine people.