PBS News Hour

December 30, 2023 - PBS News Weekend full episode

Saturday on PBS News Weekend, a federal judge blocks an Iowa law that would ban some library books and forbid many teachers from raising LGBTQ+ issues. Then, from sold-out tours to the rise of new artists, we look back at the booming year in music. Plus, the story of a former police officer who saw the chaos on Jan. 6, but found peace and direction rescuing horses.

What to know about Iowa’s school book ban halted by a judge

5m 58s

A federal judge in Iowa has temporarily blocked key parts of a state law that would ban books from school libraries if they depicted a “sex act.” The law also bars teachers from discussing gender identity and sexuality before seventh grade. Lisa Desjardins speaks with University of South Carolina law professor Derek Black and The Gazette’s Des Moines bureau chief Erin Murphy to learn more.

Previews + Extras

  • Critics look back at 2023’s epic year in music: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Critics look back at 2023’s epic year in music

    S2023 E375 - 8m 39s

    2023 had it all when it came to music: record-breaking tours, unique songwriting and new artists on the rise. The Root’s senior writer Candace McDuffie and freelance music writer and critic Maura Johnston join Stephanie Sy to discuss the music that made 2023.

  • How a former police officer found direction rescuing horses: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How a former police officer found direction rescuing horses

    S2023 E375 - 6m 7s

    For more than two decades, Mark Kirwan served the people of Washington, D.C. as a police officer. But a few years ago, feeling lost amid the COVID pandemic and after the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, he made an unusual choice — moving from fighting crime to rescuing horses. With a mix of purpose and poetry, he shares his story.

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