April 18, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Nearly one-third of large U.S. firms are exploring new schedules like the four-day workweek. Economics correspondent Paul Solman takes a look at what happened at some companies that tried out a four-day, 32-hour week at the same pay.

As Ethiopia continues to face one of the worst droughts in recent history, millions of its people are suffering from acute hunger. The United States resumed shipments in December after suspending aid due to theft allegations. But starvation is still prevalent. Special correspondent Jack Hewson reports from the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia.

The United Nations estimates that closing the gender pay gap and giving women more access to loans and capital could give the global economy a $7 trillion bump. These issues are top of mind as leaders gather in Washington for meetings hosted by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. William Brangham spoke with Melinda French Gates about increasing economic empowerment for women.

A new report reveals a historic amount of turnover within local elections offices, but also the resiliency of that workforce. Stephanie Sy takes a closer look.

Scientists issued a warning due to record-breaking temperatures in 2023 which accelerated the speed of the second-largest mass coral bleaching event across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Nearly a quarter of all ocean species rely on the reefs. William Brangham discussed the global situation and what’s at stake with Julia Baum, a marine ecologist and coral reefs researcher.

In our news wrap Thursday, police in New York arrested several pro-Palestinian protesters who set up an encampment at Columbia University, President Biden picked up endorsements from members of the Kennedy family, House Speaker Johnson scrambled to get votes for his proposed foreign aid bills and German authorities arrested two German-Russian nationals for allegedly spying on behalf of Russia.

A full jury has been seated in Donald Trump’s criminal trial, but jury selection had a rocky start with two previously selected jurors dismissed. One was excused after she said her personal information had been made public. The other was dismissed after prosecutors raised concerns that he may have not been honest in a questionnaire. William Brangham discussed more with Jessica Roth.

On Thursday, President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s top national security aides talked about Israel's potential response to the Iranian drone attack. U.S. officials think Israel shouldn't respond militarily and are trying to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran to help make their case. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Dennis Ross and Khaled Elgindy.