April 11, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode

The Biden administration is issuing a rule designed to close a gap that allows gun buyers to avoid background checks. The move will end the so-called "gun show loophole” and require checks when dealers sell guns at gun shows, flea markets, social media or other places outside of brick-and-mortar stores. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Kris Brown.

In our news wrap Thursday, the White House said it warned Iran not to use a suspected Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria as a 'pretext to escalate' tensions in the region, Ukraine's parliament passed a new mobilization law to boost its military ranks amid recent Russian advances and federal authorities in California charged Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter with bank fraud.

O.J. Simpson, whose murder trial captivated international attention for months, died Wednesday of cancer. His case dominated headlines during the 90s and was a prime example of people's fascination with celebrities and crime. But the trial also exposed another stark racial fissure in America. William Brangham discussed more with Dave Zirin.

President Biden hosted the leaders of Japan and the Philippines on Thursday, sending a strong message of unity to Beijing. The administration says the network of alliances and partnerships in Asia is expanding in direct response to actions by China. Nick Schifirin discussed the developments with Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

GOP infighting continues on Capitol Hill as Speaker Mike Johnson tries to rally his conference into passing a controversial intelligence provision before the weekend. A faction of House Republicans broke rank and failed to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a federal law that allows intelligence officials to spy on communications of foreign nationals. Lisa Desjardins reports.

Is a revolution in commercial shipping to take place? Eighty percent of all international trade is carried by sea, producing substantial carbon emissions. Following the successful operation of two giant wind-assisted vessels, a British company predicts that by 2026, half of all new ships will have high-tech sails. Malcolm Brabant reports.

A hot debate over the ownership of a spicy Asian condiment has sent social media into a frenzy over food, culture, heritage and business. Momofuku founder David Chang is spearheading a trademark battle to protect its chili crunch brand. But the backlash against him has been swift. Stephanie Sy reports.