PBS News Hour: Full Episode - November 19, 2025

Legal Scrutiny and Epstein Files

• ⚖️ The Justice Department and the U.S. attorney handling the case against former FBI Director James Comey face heightened scrutiny over the indictment's handling.
• 🏛️ A surprise turn in the hearing revealed the full grand jury may not have seen the final indictment against Comey, raising questions about its validity.
• 📄 President Trump is expected to sign a bill requiring the Justice Department to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, though full transparency is uncertain due to ongoing investigations.
• 🤝 Larry Summers resigned from OpenAI's board following revelations of his close relationship with Epstein.

U.S.-Saudi Ventures and Global Relations

• 🤝 President Trump fostered public and private investment with Saudi Arabia, including a rare earths deal aimed at countering China's dominance.
• 💎 Saudi Arabia possesses significant rare earth deposits, and a partnership with U.S. company MP Materials aims to reduce Western reliance on China for processing these critical minerals.
• ⚛️ A civil nuclear cooperation agreement was finalized, focusing on building nuclear power plants for electricity generation, with assurances it's not for enrichment or weapons.
• 🇸🇩 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged President Trump to address the crisis in Sudan, specifically pushing for secondary sanctions on the UAE and designating the RSF a foreign terrorist organization.

Global News and Domestic Issues

• 🇷🇺 A massive Russian drone and missile barrage in Ukraine killed at least 25 people, including children.
• 🇺🇦 Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with Turkey's president to discuss a peaceful settlement to the war.
• 🇺🇸 Federal immigration agents expanded operations in North Carolina, leading to over 250 arrests in Charlotte.
• 📉 The U.S. trade deficit dropped sharply in August following the implementation of global tariffs by President Trump.

AI in Education and Fashion

• 🤖 Over half of U.S. students are using AI for school, raising concerns among parents about its impact on critical thinking, while school district leaders see potential benefits.
• 💻 OpenAI announced a partnership offering free access to ChatGPT for K-12 educators, aiming to supplement teachers' work and reduce administrative burdens.
• 📚 Experts caution that new technologies often benefit the affluent more than disadvantaged students, and that efficiency gains from AI in education must not come at the cost of learning.
• 👗 A retrospective exhibition celebrates the career of fashion designer Andrew Gn, known for his demi-couture, uncompromising craftsmanship, and incorporation of Southeast Asian elements into high fashion.

Political Landscape and Voter Sentiment

• 📊 A new poll indicates Democrats have an advantage heading into the midterm elections, with affordability being a key issue for voters.
• 🗳️ Latino voters are showing a shift away from Donald Trump, influenced by concerns over affordability and deportation policies.
• 📉 President Trump's approval rating stands at 39%, with only 24% of independents approving, creating a challenge for Republican candidates needing to appeal to both the base and independent voters.
• 🏛️ Voter confidence in political institutions, including the media, is low, with only 25% approving of the media's performance.

Access to Abortion Medication

• 💊 Medication abortions now account for over 60% of all abortions in the U.S., but are banned in at least 14 states following the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
• 🌐 Underground networks are emerging to help individuals access abortion medication in states where it is illegal, inspired by international models and historical collectives.
• ⚖️ Activists face legal risks, including potential jail time, for distributing abortion pills, yet continue their work citing the need for bodily autonomy and safety for loved ones.
• 🔬 Research indicates abortion pills have a low risk of major complications, comparable to commonly used medications, despite state-level bans and legal challenges.