December 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

In Providence, Rhode Island, public schools have long faced scrutiny over low test scores, crumbling buildings and persistent challenges communicating with bilingual families. But one city elementary school is pushing back against that narrative, thanks to a team of young journalists. Ben Berke of Ocean State Media reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

"Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” is an exhibition celebrating the contributions of Black contemporary artists, spanning 20th-century icons to today’s emerging talent. Geoff Bennett spoke with the musical power couple behind the exhibition about the meaning behind this expansive collection. It’s part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

The day before Thanksgiving was the real celebration for an American family living in the occupied West Bank. Mohammed Ibrahim was released after nearly 10 months in an Israeli prison. The 16-year-old was arrested in February for allegedly throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. His family was unable to speak with or see him for his entire detention. Amna Nawaz spoke with Mohammed and his father.

In our news wrap Tuesday, the Trump administration is preparing an immigration enforcement operation that would primarily target hundreds of undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota, Michael Dell pledged a $6.25 billion donation to the Trump administration with the funds designated for investment accounts for children and Pope Leo completed his first trip abroad as pontiff.

The first attack in the Trump administration’s campaign in the Caribbean has become the most contentious. A U.S. official tells PBS News the military struck an alleged drug boat four times on September 2. President Trump and Pete Hegseth defended the attack, but also distanced themselves from the follow-on strike that targeted people who weren’t killed by the first strike. Nick Schifrin reports.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Tuesday. They were there for the latest round of negotiations on a plan to end Russia's war with Ukraine. Nick Schifrin reports.

About one in four college students is both first-generation and from low-income backgrounds, making the path to a college degree especially challenging. At Boston College’s Messina College, a new, two-year, fully residential associates degree program, a wide range of support is helping change that. John Yang visited the campus to learn more as part of our ongoing series, Rethinking College.