World May 21 Islamic State expands territory in Syria, Iraq and Libya The Islamic State made significant gains this week. The group seized Palmyra in central Syria, prompting a plea from UNESCO to spare world-renowned Roman ruins. In Iraq, militants followed up their capture of Ramadi by overrunning Iraqi military positions to…
Politics May 21 Obama’s trade bill narrowly clears Senate, but then hurdles remain In a key vote Thursday, the Senate advanced legislation that would strengthen the administration's hand in global trade. The president said the action to move toward a final vote was a big step forward. Political editor Lisa Desjardins joins Gwen…
World May 21 What can the U.S. do to stop the Islamic State? New victories by the Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and Libya are fueling debate and criticism in Washington over the U.S. strategy and reliance on airstrikes against the militant group. Gwen Ifill talks to David Ignatius of The Washington Post…
Economy May 21 Fishermen and farmers fight over water in California Facing a multi-year drought, California's rivers are too shallow and warm for salmon. Meanwhile, record production of thirsty nut crops like almonds and walnuts has diverted water from the river delta. But just as environmentalists blame nut farmers for bleeding…
World May 21 Is Cuba ready for the big business, tourism that U.S. will bring? U.S. and Cuban diplomats resumed talks to iron out details of normalizing relations after decades of hostility. Judy Woodruff learns more from senior correspondent Jeffrey Brown, reporting from Cuba, and chief foreign correspondent Margaret Warner, who has been following the…
Nation May 21 News Wrap: Coast Guard says California oil spill cleanup may take months In our news wrap Thursday, officials say 100,000 gallons of oil may have leaked from a ruptured pipeline near Santa Barbara earlier this week. The Coast Guard and California have called in more crews and gear for clean-up efforts. Also,…
Episode May 20 PBS NewsHour full episode May 20, 2015 Wednesday on the NewsHour, five banks plead guilty for rigging currency rates worldwide. Also: New insights into Osama bin Laden’s personal life and the al-Qaida network, linking the Gulf oil spill to dolphin deaths, how robots are changing the workforce,…
World May 20 Trove of bin Laden papers includes handwritten will, al-Qaida job application New insights about Osama bin Laden -- gleaned from material seized after he was killed -- were made public today, including the terror leader's fixation on attacking the U.S. and what was on his bookshelf. The release follows a recent…
World May 20 Morocco trains female spiritual guides to fight extremism and empower women In Morocco, a school that trains imams to lead prayers in the country's many mosques is at the center of a government program to provide "spiritual security." Here, female students are studying to become spiritual guides, on a mission to…