September 30, 2024 - PBS News Hour full episode

The devastating toll from Hurricane Helene keeps growing. At least 121 people have died in six states and officials fear that number could grow much larger. Many remain missing and unaccounted for since phone lines and cell towers have been down for days. Some places in Florida are trying to recover from their third big hit in less than two years. Special Correspondent Christopher Booker reports.

In North Carolina, communities are in crisis with roads closed, slowing the delivery of food, water and other desperately needed aid. The city of Asheville, in particular, has been devastated with flooded roads and loss of power essentially cutting the city off from any outside assistance. Amna Nawaz discussed the situation there with Gerard Albert III of Blue Ridge Public Radio.

Israel appears to be starting its invasion of southern Lebanon, but on what U.S. officials believe will be a more limited basis. Israel continues to launch punishing air strikes across Lebanon, with some that have targeted leaders of militant groups in addition to Hezbollah. Nick Schifrin reports from Tel Aviv tonight.

GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance attended a town hall organized by Christian nationalist leaders. The event’s host, Lance Wallnau, is a leading figure in a far-right movement that wants to erase the separation between church and state. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Matthew Taylor of the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies and author of "The Violent Take It By Force."

Hurricane Helene recovery is now a focus on the campaign trail after former President Trump criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris’ response to the storm. Lisa Desjardins reports on that and other controversies the Trump campaign is facing.

The cost of housing has risen steeply in recent years, including for college students. Living in a dorm or renting an off-campus apartment can be the single largest expense a student faces, even more than tuition. Laura Barrón-López reports on how students are coping with the high cost of living and how some universities are responding. It’s the first part of our fall series, Rethinking College.

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including deadly disasters collide with the closing month of the campaign season and the vice presidential nominees prepare for their first debate.