December 1, 2021 - PBS NewsHour full episode

The future of abortion rights took center stage at the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday as justices heard arguments over a Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Recognizing one of the most consequential cases about the issue in decades, dozens of protesters on both sides gathered en masse outside the court building. Judy Woodruff reports.

In our news wrap Wednesday, a fourth student died of wounds from Tuesday's school shooting in Michigan. The suspect — 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley — was charged with murder and terrorism. Published reports said former President Trump tested positive for COVID three days before his first debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden. Russia ordered a number of U.S. diplomats to leave the country by Jan. 31.

OMICRON DIS

The trajectory of omicron infections is being watched closely in India, where the official death toll from COVID-19 is approaching half a million. The true toll is likely much higher. Memories are still fresh of the devastation caused by the delta variant last spring. Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on efforts to combat the new variant.

Even as Americans are trying to prepare for omicron, many parts of the country are still reeling from the delta variant. More Americans died of COVID this year than in 2020, despite the wide availability of free vaccines. The pandemic's lingering, deadly grip has left many frustrated. We hear from viewers about how the continued spread of the virus has impacted them.

For the first time Wednesday, the recently elected Iranian government is negotiating its nuclear program with the world powers who signed the nuclear deal back in 2015. Iran wants relief from economic sanctions. The U.S. and Europe want Iran to roll back nuclear advancements. Nick Schifrin is covering the talks and joins Judy Woodruff with more.

James Ian’s new song called "Spaces" is made by, and for, the disabled community. While the song highlights a disease known as spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, it also celebrates the talent of the much broader disability community. This report is part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.