sometimes you watch pbs newshour and you laugh. sometimes you watch pbs newshour and you get angry. we are revealing parts of the world that are important enough to make it onto our broadcast. - [costas]: the metabolism of the pbs newshour is different from anything else that presents news on a nightly basis. - [glover]: from the 1970s to today, pbs newshour has always been about delivering information in a thorough, thoughtful, measured way. - [burns]: it's so nice to have had the newshour. and before that the macneil/lehrer report for so many decades as this kind of calm, neutral corner in which you could go for a little bit of peace from all the screaming. - [kerger]: the newshour sits apart. it is part of its legacy from the very beginning when it was the first hour-long newscast. and today i think it sits by itself because it is focused not only on the critical issues of the day, but tting them into context. - [glover]: join us now, as we honor one of the most enduring and essential television news programs of all time, welcome to “celebrating pbs newshour.” hello, i'm dann

and that's at the core of what the pbs newshour does. - [chang]: i think pbs newshour drowns out the noise and in many ways is a gold standard. i've been a journalist my entire life, and there are certain programs that you can just sit down, and settle in, and get context, and get perspective, and get wisdom. - [jackson]: so, i'll continue, you know, to watch pbs until i'm an old lady, my children will continue to watch pbs newshour. - [macneil]: i'm just amazed and very proud that this sort of experiment has proved to have such a long life. i hope it continues. - [woodruff]: it's humbling to think that i am carrying t baton. we are temporary stewards of this very special commodity, this very special news enterprise that... that is really meant to survive forever. (st music) - [glover]: it's been an honor and a privilege to share the long and illustrious history of this monumental program. i'm danny glover. thank you for joining us, for “celebrating pbs newshour.” (gentle music) - [smith]:jim, robin, gwen, judy each one has carried on the tradition and the absolutely necessary se

next on "pbs newshour weekend." >> pbs newshour weekend is made possible by: sue and edgar wachenheim iii. bernard and denise schwartz. the cheryl and philip milstein family. the anderson family fund. the j.p.b. foundation. the estate of worthington mayo-smith. leonard and norma klorfine. the rosalind p. walter foundation. koo and patricia yuen, committed to bridging cultural differences in our communities. barbara hope zuckerberg. we try to live in the moment, to not miss what's right in front of us. at mutual of america, we believe taking care of tomorrow can help you make the most of today. mutual of america financial group: retirement services and investments. >> for 25 years, consumer cellular has been offering no contract wireless plans designed to help people do more of what they like. our u.s.-based customer service team can help find the plan that fits you. to learn more, visit www.consumercellular.tv. additional support has been provided by: and by the corporation for public broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the american people. and by contributions to your pbs s

sometimes you watch pbs newshour and you laugh. sometimes you watch pbs newshour and you get angry. we are revealing parts of the world that are important enough to make it onto our broadcast. - [costas]: the metabolism of the pbs newshour is different from anything else that presents news on a nightly basis.

all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. p♪ >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- ♪ >> moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. ♪ >> consumer cellular. johnson & johnson. financial services firm raymond james. >> supporting social entrepreneurs and their solutions to the world's most pressing problems. skoll foundation. >> the lemelson foundation. committed to improving lives through invention in the u.s. and developing countries. supported by the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation, committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. and with the ongoing support of these institutions. this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. stephanie: i'm stephanie sy with newshour west, we'll return to the full program after the latest headlines. the fight against covid-19 is advancing. pfizer says its double-dose vaccine -- plus a booster -- may offer s

all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. >> fidelity wealth management. >> johnson & johnson. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> the john s. and james l. knight foundation. fostering informed and engaged communities. more at kf.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and friends of the newshour. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: a jury in minneapolis has gone home for the weekend, after a white former police officer recounted the fatal shooting of a black man, daunte wright. kim potter testified today at her manslaughter trial. john yang has our report. >> the defense calls kim potter to the stand. >> yang: today, former brooklyn center, minnesota police officer kim potter told jurors of the moment, eight months ago, when she shot and killed daunte wright during a traffic stop-- rea

all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. >> fidelity wealth management. >> johnson & johnson. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> the john s. and james l. knight foundation. fostering informed and engaged communities. more at kf.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and friends of the newshour. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> nawaz: the covid-19 pandemic is once again upending holiday plans around the world-- from halting air travel, to scaling back festive celebrations. all this as new infections in the u.s. have spiked 55% in the last two weeks alone, largely due to the highly contagious omicron variant. stephanie sy has our report. >> sy: covid continues to spread holiday misery. last-minute flight cancellations left thousands of travelers reeling on christmas eve. affected airlines bla

judy: all that and more on tonight's "pbs newshour." ♪ >> major funng for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- >> pediatric surgeon. volunteer. topiary artist. a raymond james financial advisor taylor's advice to help you live your life. life well planned. >> for 25 years, consumer cellular's goal has been to provide wireless service that helps people communicate and connect. we offer no contract plans and our u.s.-based team can find one that fits you. visit consumer cellular.tv. >> johnson & johnson. bnsf railway. ♪ >> the john s and james l knight foundation, fostering informed and engaged communities. >> and with the ongoing support of these individuals and institutions. ♪ >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. stephanie: i'm stephanie sy with newshour west. we'll return to the full program after the latest hdlines. president biden has put russian president vladimir putin on notice tonight, that the u.s. will impose strong new sanctions if russia invades ukraine. the l

judy: all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by, >> fidelity advisors are here to help you create a wealth plan with tax sensitive strategies, planning focused on tomorrow while you focus on today. that is the planning effect from fidelity. >> johnson & johnson. bnsf railway. consumer cellular. financial services firm raymond james. the kendeda fund committed to committed were sort of justice in meaningful work through its investment in transformative leaders and ideas. more at kendedafund.org. carnegie corporation of new york, supporting innovation, engagement and the advancement of international peace and security at carnegie.org. in the ongoing support of these individuals and institutions. ♪ >> this program possiblby the corporation for public broad pot -- broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. stephanie: i'm stephanie sy with newshour west, we'll return to the full program after the latest headlines. the availability of covid booster shots is expanding to 16 and 17-year-old

judy: all that and more on tonight's "pbs newshour." ♪ >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- >> fidelity dedicated advisors are here to help you create a wealth plan. a plan with tax sensitive investing strategies, planning focused on tomorrow. while you focus on today. that is the planning effect of fidelity. >> johnson & johnson. bnsf railway. consumer cellular. financial services firm raymond james. the kendeda fund, committed to restorative justice and transformative leaders and ideas. carnegie corporation of new york. supporting innovations in education, democratic engagement and the advancement of international peace and security at carnegie.org. and with the ongoing support of these individual institutions. this program was made possible by the corporation broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. judy: the nation's covid-19 watch has rned up more cases of the omicron variant tonight. they appeared as president biden unveiled new initiatives on vaccines, masking, and treatment. white house correspondent yamic

. >> woodruff: all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: >> a raymond james financial advisor tailors advice to help you live your life. life, well-planned. >> for 25 years, consumer cellular has been offering no-contract wireless plans, degned to help people do more of what they like. our u.s.-based customer service team can help find a plan that fits you. to learn more, visit www.consumercellular.tv. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and individuals. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: president biden is out tonight with new plans and new appeals to control covid-19. he spelled them out as the new omicron variant sweeps across the country. white house correspondent yamiche alcindor begins our coverage. >> alcindor: president biden's message was direct: omicron is a clear and present danger, and the nation must act. >> we should all be concerned about omicron, not panicked.

. >> woodruff: all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: >> fidelity is here to help you work through the unexpected, with financial planning and advice for today, and tomorrow. >> the kendeda fund. committed to advancing restorative justice and meaningful work through investments in transformative leaders and ideas. more at kendedafund.org. >> carnegie corporation of new york. supporting innovations in education, democratic engagement, and the advancement of international peace and security. at carnegie.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and individuals. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: the nation's covid- 19 watch has turned up more cases of the omicron variant tonight. they appeared as president biden unveiled new initiatives on vaccines, masking and treatment. white house correspondent yamiche alcindor begins our coverage. scientists in the world and we are going

all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. >> fidelity wealth management. >> consumer cellular. >> johnson & johnson. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> supporting social entrepreneurs and their solutions to the world's most pressing problems-- skollfoundation.org. >> the lemelson foundation. committed to improving lives through invention, in the u.s. and developing countries. on the web at lemelson.org. >> supported by the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. committed to building a more just, verdant and peaceful world. more information at macfound.org >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: there is potentially encouraging news tonight on covid-19. pfizer says that its double-dose vaccine-- plus a booster-- may offer significant protection aga

. >> nawaz: all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: >> johnson & johnson. >> bnsf railway. >> consumer cellular. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> the kendeda fund. committed to advancing restorative justice and meaningful work through investments in transformative leaders and ideas. more at kendedafund.org. >> carnegie corporation of new york. supporting innovations in education, democratic engagement, and the advancement of international peace and security. at carnegie.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> nawaz: president biden and russian president vladimir putin have spoken again, amid ongoing tensions over ukraine. the two leaders had an initial callerrier, former security talks begin next month and we will have much more after the news sum are. on the pandemic new hospitalizations of children rose 66 percent last week. the admissi

all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. >> fidelity wealth management. >> johnson & johnson. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> the john s. and james l. knight foundation. fostering informed and engaged communities. more at kf.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and friends of the newshour. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. d by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> nawaz: well, the u.s. has set a new daily record for covid cases, topping 580,000 new cases yesterday, and shattering wednesday's total of 488,000. for the first time in the pandemic, america recorded more than two million cases within just one week. the nation is now averaging more than 300,000 new cases a day. all of this comes as new data suggests those highly-sought- after rapid antigen tests may not be as effective as hoped in detecting the omicron variant. dr. kir

>> woodruff: all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ >> pediatric surgeon. volunteer. topiary artist. a raymond james financial advisor tailors advice to help you live your life. life, well-planned. >> for 25 years, consumer cellular has been offering no-contract wireless plans, designed to help people do more of what they like. our u.s.-based customer service team can help find a plan that fits you. to learn more, visit www.consumercellular.tv. >> johnson & johnson. >> bnsf railway. >> fidelity wealth management. >> the john s. and james l. knight foundation. fostering informed and engaged communities. more at kf.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and individuals. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: search teams, utility crews, and property owners have spent another long day in the tornado wreckage that was strewn across five states last weekend. the con

judy: all that and more on tonight's "pbs newshour." ♪ >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- ♪ >> moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. ♪ >> consumer cellular. johnson & johnson. financial services firm raymond james. >> supporting social entrepreneurs and their solution to the world's most pressing problems. skoll foundation.org. >> the lemelson foundation, committed to improving lives through invention in the u.s. and developing countries. on the web at.org. -- level send.org. supported by the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. more information at macfound.o rg. and with the ongoing support of these institutions. ♪ this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and contributio to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. judy: federal reserve officials announced they are prepared to fight inflation with a series of interest rate hikes next year, suggesting it will begin earlier than they projected just months ago. the fed's benchmark interest rate, which affects borrowing, le

judy: all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding f the "pbs newshour" has been provided by. >> it's the little things. the reminders of what's important. it's why fidelity dedicated advisors are here to help you create a wealth plan. a plan with tax sensitive investing strategies. planning focused on tomorrow, while you focus on today. that is the planning effect, from fidelity. >> consumer cellular. johnson & johnson. bnsf railway. financial services firm raymond james. the william and flora hewlett foundation, for more than 50 years advancing ideas to promote a better world. the chan zuckerberg initiative, working to build a more healthy, just, and inclusive future for everyone, at czi.org. and with the ongoing support of these individuals and institutions. this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. judy: the death toll has reached 74 in kentucky, three nights after a swarm of tornadoes struck. at least 14 people died in arkansas, illinois, missouri, and tennessee,

all that and more on tonight's "pbs newshour." ♪ >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- >> pediatric surgeon. volunteer. topiary artist. a raymond james financial advisor taylor's advice to help you live your life. life, well planned. >> for 25 years, consumer cellular's goal has been to provide wireless service that helps people connect. we offer no contract plans and our team can help find one that fits you. visit consumer cellular.tv. >> johnson & johnson. bnsf railway. ♪ >> the john s and james l knight foundation, fostering engaged communities. >> and with the ongoing support of these individuals and institutions. ♪ >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station by viewers like you. thank you. judy: more and more countries are reporting cases of covid-19's omicron variant tonight, and more are mandating travel bans. at the same time, advisors to the u.s. food and drug administration have now endorsed the merck company's pill to treat the virus in high-risk adults. all of this comes as p

all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: >> fidelity dedicated advisors are here to help you create a wealth plan. a plan with tax sensitive investing strategies. planning focused on tomorrow, while you focus on today. that's the planning effect. from fidelity. >> johnson & johnson. >> bnsf railway. >> consumer cellular. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> the kendeda fund. committed to advancing restorative justice and meaningful work through investments in transformative leaders and ideas. more at kendedafund.org. >> carnegie corporation of new york. supporting innovations in education, democratic engagement, and the advancement of international peace and security. at carnegie.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and individuals. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: we are following two important stories tonight-- the spread of omicron throughout the country; a

all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. ♪ major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- ♪ moving our economy for 160 years, bnsf, the engine that connects us. ♪ johnson & johnson. financial services firm, raymondjames. ♪ >> the john sf nj midnight foundation. more at kf.org. ♪ >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions. and friends of the newshour. this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. judy: abortion has been front and center at the supreme court this term. today, the justices issued their opinion on a restrictive texas law. they are allowing abortion providers to continue challenging the measure in lower courts, but the law stays in place for now. john yang picks up the story. john: judy, this is about texas sb eight, the law that effectively bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy and allows private citizens to sue people who help a woman get an abortion. for reaion, we went back to two advocates on both sides of the debate in texas wh

all that and more, on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. >> fidelity wealth management. >> johnson & johnson. >> financial services firm raymond james. >> the john s. and james l. knightoundation. fostering informed and engaged communities. more at kf.org. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: and friends of the newshour. >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: there have been some dramatic twists and turns today in tuesday's shooting attack at a michigan high school. james and jennifer crumbley, parents of the accus 15-year- old killer, were charged with involuntary manslaughter this afternoon. soon after, authorities in oxford township declared them fugitives, and launched a manhunt. still later, their attorney said they had left town for their own safety, but were returning to face arraignment. john yang picks up

all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: ♪ ♪ ♪ moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. >> supporting social entrepreneurs and their solutions to the world's most pressing problems-- skollfoundation.org. >> the lemelson foundation. committed to improving lives through invention, in the u.s. and developing countries. on the web at lemelson.org. >> supported by the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. committed to building a more just, verdant and peaceful world. more information at macfound.org >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions: >> this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> woodruff: we have two major stories tonight: the first case of the omicron variant of covid was detected in the u.s. today, something most health officials had said was inevitable. we'll delve into the implications of this a little later. but first, the future of abortion rights to

all that and more on tonight's "pbs newshour." >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- ♪ ♪ >> moving our economy for 160 years. bnsf, the engine that connects us. ♪ >> johnson & johnson. financial services firm raymond james. >> the john s and james l knight foundation. >> and with the ongoing support of these institutions. and friends of the newshour. this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. judy: there have been some dramatic twists and turns today in tuesday's shooting attack at a michigan high school. james and jennifer crumbley -- parents of the accused 15-year-old killer -- were charged with involuntary manslaughter this afternoon. soon after, authorities in oxford township declared them fugitives and launched a manhunt. still later, their attorney said they had left town for their own safety, but were returning to face arraignment. john yang picks up the story from there. >> judy, the prosecutor karen mcdonald says the charges stem from what she

next on pbs newsur weekend. >> pbs newshour weekend is made possible by: sue and edgar wachenheim iii. bernard and denise schwartz. the cheryl and philip milstein family. the anderson family fund. the estate of worthington mayo-smith. leonard and norma klorfine.

for the pbs newshour, i'm john yang. vanessa: i'm vanessa ruiz in for stephanie sy. we will return after these headlines. coping vaccine maser pfizer forecasts the pandemic will last until 2024 now that the omicron variant has emerged. the company also said it is working for a three dose vaccine for children two to 16, acknowledging the two dose regimen is not as effective as hoped. and also, the cdc endorsed letting students stay in class if they are exposed to covid test negative. officials touted the policy over home quarantines. >> the test is an encouraging public health practice to keep our children in school, and cdc is updating our materials to help schools and parents know how to best implement this promising and now proven practice. vanessa: late today, the court circuit of approvals reinforced a mask mandate ordered by the occupational safety and health administration. the fifth circuit court blocked the mandate in november and now the case will likely go to the u.s. supreme court. also, officials in western kentucky have confirmed two more deaths as a res

judy: all that and more on tonight's pbs newshour. ♪ >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by -- >> pediatric surgeon, volunteer, topiary artist, a raymond james finaial advisor taylor's advice to help you live your life. life well planned. >> for 25 years, consumer cellular has been offering no contract plans to help people do more of what they like. our customer service team can help find the plan that fits you. >> johnson & johnson. bnsf railway. ♪ ♪ >> the john s and james l knight foundation. >> with the ongoing support of these institutions and individuals. ♪ this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you, thank you. judy: search teams, utility crews and property owners have spent another long day in the tornado wreckage that was strewn across 5 states last weekend. the confirmed death toll remains at 88 -- most of them in western kentucky. william brangham is there, and begins our coverage again tonight. william: the power is still out in much of mayfield, kentucky. so vol