About Lisa @LisaDNews
Lisa Desjardins is a correspondent for PBS NewsHour, where she covers news from the U.S. Capitol while also traveling across the country to report on how decisions in Washington affect people where they live and work.
She specializes in breaking down complex stories and political disagreements into the key pieces that matter, often translating numbers and fiscal information into accessible stories for the audience.
Prior to joining NewsHour, Desjardins spent nearly ten years with CNN as a senior correspondent and Capitol Hill reporter. Prior to CNN, she reported for the Associated Press, WBTW-TV, WIS-TV, WTS-TV, Reuters, and The Sun News. At WIS in Columbia, South Carolina, she broke news of the compromise to bring down the Confederate flag from the state house dome.
Desjardins earned a bachelor’s degree at the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She also received a first level graduate degree in Russian Studies from the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia.
Desjardins is the recipient of a Peabody Award for CNN’s coverage of the 2008 election and a Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi award for national breaking news for coverage of the Haiti earthquake.
Lisa’s Recent Stories
Politics May 07
What happens if Attorney General Barr is held in contempt of Congress?What we know about contempt of Congress charges and how they've played out in the past.
Politics May 01
How a congressional freshman is learning to balance people and partyFreshman GOP Congressman Denver Riggleman is now four months into his new job. Between the government shutdown and hearings over the Mueller report, he’s learning to balance life on the Hill with the needs of his Virginia constituents. Lisa Desjardins…
Politics Apr 30
WATCH: William Barr testifies on Mueller report to Senate committeeThe attorney general's appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to highlight the partisan schism around Robert Mueller's report and the Justice Department's handling of it. Watch live starting at 10 a.m. ET in our player.
Politics Apr 18
11 moments Mueller investigated for obstruction of justiceSpecial counsel Robert Mueller ultimately did not reach a final conclusion on the topic, but his report presented multiple instances in which Trump’s actions were “capable of exerting undue influence over" the investigations.
Politics Apr 16
What to look for in the Mueller reportSeldom has a report in Washington been so vigorously debated before its release. After nearly two years of speculation over special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election, a redacted version of his final report…
Politics Mar 19
Read new Michael Cohen court documents that may offer clues on Mueller probeThe new court filings on Michael Cohen underline one key aspect of Robert Mueller’s investigation: The special counsel appears to have far more documents than the public knows about -- and his team has had those documents for a significant…
Politics Mar 14
What does Beto O’Rourke believe? Where the candidate stands on 8 issuesFormer Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke has joined a crowded Democratic primary field vying to take on President Donald Trump in 2020. Here's where O'Rourke stands on key 2020 issues.
Politics Mar 11
5 things you should know about Trump’s 2020 budget proposalThe White House’s $4.75 trillion proposed budget is not expected to become law. But the proposal is significant because it launched the politically bloody spending fight ahead.
Politics Mar 06
Trump’s emergency declaration faces a Senate vote. Here’s what to expectFor Republican senators, the vote on President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration presents a dilemma, pitting concerns over balance of power and military construction funds against loyalty to the president.
Politics Feb 19
What does Bernie Sanders believe? Where the candidate stands on 9 issuesSen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced that he's running for president in 2020. Here's where Sanders stands on key issues.
