PBS News Hour full episode, June 9, 2026

The U.S. military initiated 'self-defense strikes' against Iran after an Apache helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, the two crew members were safely recovered by an unmanned drone boat, marking a first for the U.S. military in such a rescue operation. The incident is under investigation, with suspicion of an Iranian drone involvement, and Iran's foreign minister suggested foreign forces leave the region.

The U.S. military said this evening it started what it calls self-defense strikes against Iran for the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, on social media, President Trump said two crew members on board were both safe and uninjured... The rescue was carried out by an unmanned drone boat in what appears to be a first for the U.S. military. Dan Lamothe of The Washington Post noted, 'There's some question over whether or not it may be an Iranian drone that hit the helicopter, which I think may also be a first if confirmed.'

House Democrats are united in their opposition to renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) due to President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence. Democrats argue Pulte is 'deeply unqualified' and 'dangerous,' lacking national security experience and demonstrating a willingness to 'weaponize the federal government.' They demand his withdrawal and significant reforms, including warrant requirements or judicial oversight, to protect American privacy and civil liberties, citing a history of administration abuse.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, 'Bill Pulte is deeply unqualified to serve as acting director of national intelligence and is deeply dangerous. He's got no national security experience, no military experience, and no law enforcement experience.' Jeffries added, 'Donald Trump needs to withdraw his decision to elevate Bill Pulte. That's a starting point, not an ending point.' He also mentioned the need for 'either a warrant requirement or a warrant-like requirement related to judicial oversight and approval.'

Maine's Democratic Senate candidate, Graham Platner, has faced multiple controversies, including a tattoo linked to Nazi imagery, allegations from former girlfriends, and sexting. Despite these issues, Democratic voters in Maine are largely committed to supporting Platner in the general election against five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins, driven by a strong desire to flip the Senate seat and a 'transactional' approach to politics where policy and party affiliation outweigh personal conduct.

Alex Seitz-Wald, Deputy Editor of the Midcoast Villager, explained, 'This latest allegation has divided Democrats... But what I have not heard is any Democrats or people who had previously been supporting Platner who now say they're going to switch over to Susan Collins.' He noted, 'Maine Democrats have been trying to oust Susan Collins for years... And I think they're more willing to kind of take a risk and try something, anything different to get rid of her.' A poll showed '90 percent of both primary and general election voters are aware of these allegations.'

Sudan is experiencing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with its civil war entering its fourth year, leaving nearly two out of every five people facing emergency levels of hunger. The crisis is compounded by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has hiked prices for farmers and reduced the country's access to food, fuel, and fertilizer. Humanitarian organizations like Mercy Corps emphasize the crisis is 'entirely manmade' and lament the lack of international political will to end the conflict, which is fueled by foreign proxy support.

Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, stated, 'People are suffering, and this is entirely manmade and can be stopped.' She added, 'The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has hiked prices for Sudan's farmers and reduced the country's access to food.' Cindy McCain, former Executive Director of the World Food Program, warned, 'In the worst-case scenario, the country could implode and just turn into complete anarchy.'

The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 teams across three North American countries, is grappling with unprecedented geopolitical complexities and accessibility issues. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have forced the Iranian team to base in Mexico and shuttle for matches, complicating fan travel and raising concerns about potential protests from the Iranian diaspora. Additionally, soaring ticket prices, driven by 'dynamic ticket pricing' in American sports culture, are alienating working-class international fans, creating a 'deep friction point' between global football culture and U.S. sports economics.

Roger Bennett, founder of Men in Blazers Media Network, noted, 'The host nation and one of the participants are currently in a conflict.' He explained, 'Iran has been a geopolitical -- an incredible nightmare for FIFA to try and regulate... They had to move their base camp from the United States.' Regarding tickets, he stated, 'It's been a deep, deep friction point... American sports culture, which is what the world is now colliding with, operates very differently. You have dynamic ticket pricing.'

A Texas judge ruled that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby could play despite wagering $90,000 on sports games, including on his former team, Indiana, while he was a freshman. This ruling, which cites Sorsby's gambling addiction and anxiety, directly contradicts NCAA prohibitions and has drawn strong condemnation from the NCAA, which warns of 'damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications' for sports integrity. Critics argue that allowing athletes to bet on games, especially their own, 'destroys the whole thing' by undermining trust in fair play.

Journalist Danny Funt stated, 'This has been sports' cardinal sin, from the Black Sox to Pete Rose.' He noted the NCAA's statement rejecting the ruling, 'saying it's concerned about the -- quote -- 'damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome, which undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports.'' Funt concluded, 'it's hard to imagine a world in which we're allowing people to bet on their teams. That just is the ultimate betrayal.'

Over 2.5 million children in the U.S. are being raised by 'grandfamilies'—grandparents and other relatives who step in as primary caregivers, often due to tragic circumstances. These caregivers provide a vital safety net, offering unconditional love, stability, and a connection to family history and culture, leading to significantly better outcomes for children compared to those in foster care. However, grandfamilies face numerous obstacles, including legal complexities, sudden financial strain (often on fixed incomes), and the threat of cuts to essential social programs like TANF and Medicaid.

Adam Otto, raised by his grandparents, shared, 'The best thing about being raised by grandparents was the unconditional love. I could never make a mistake that was too much for them to help me see my way through.' Donna Butts, author of 'Grandfamilies,' highlighted, 'They oftentimes will mortgage their homes. They will spend down their retirement savings.' She also stressed, 'children who are raised in grandfamilies are more likely to report feeling loved. They feel loved, just as Adam was saying, that unconditional love.'