PBS News Hour full episode, June 22, 2026

The U.S. temporarily removed oil sanctions on Iran, allowing for the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil in late August, potentially generating $8-9 billion from existing floating inventory. Vice President J.D. Vance stated this move, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, aims to establish a mechanism for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, coordinate a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and facilitate technical nuclear negotiations. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry denied new nuclear commitments, and critics like Jonathan Conricus argue that providing funds to Iran emboldens them to support groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Vice President J.D. Vance's announcement of lifted sanctions and key points of negotiation; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of the waiver; Miad Maleki's estimate of $8-9 billion in available oil; Jonathan Conricus's criticism regarding funding for terrorist organizations.

Keir Starmer resigned as British Prime Minister after only two years in office, succumbing to pressure from within his own Labour Party due to growing dissatisfaction with his government. His resignation marks the seventh prime minister in 10 years and the fifth to resign prematurely since the Brexit referendum, highlighting significant political instability in the United Kingdom. Andy Burnham, the 'King of the North,' is positioned as the single likely replacement, having made a swift journey to Westminster to be sworn in.

Romilly Weeks of ITV News report on Starmer's resignation; Starmer's statement accepting his parliamentary party's answer; David Lammy's comments on Starmer's loyalty; Andy Burnham's arrival in Westminster.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, recently renovated at a cost of nearly $15 million, is experiencing severe algae blooms and peeling paint, requiring immediate new repairs. President Trump repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that vandals caused the damage, citing a '290-, 300-foot slit' from a box cutter. However, law professor Sara Bronin and pool expert Steve Goodale suggest the issues are more likely due to construction flaws, specifically deficient surface preparation and bonding issues, rather than vandalism, which they argue is unlikely to be successfully prosecuted.

Stephanie Sy's report on the pool's condition; President Trump's statements blaming vandals; Sara Bronin's legal opinion; Steve Goodale's analysis of 'new pond syndrome' and bond layer issues.

A new Justice Department memo questions decades of protections for Americans with disabilities, reinterpreting the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead Supreme Court decision. This memo suggests states are not required to provide home and community-based services if institutionalization is an option, potentially forcing disabled individuals into facilities. Concurrently, the administration is moving special education oversight from the Department of Education to HHS, a move disability advocates, like Maria Town, fear will 're-medicalize' and 'resegregate' students with disabilities, undermining 50 years of progress towards integrated, appropriate public education.

Ali Rogin's report on the DOJ memo and Education Department changes; Maria Town's explanation of the ADA and Olmstead decision; Maria Town's concerns about forced institutionalization and re-medicalization of special education.

Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve Chairman, died at 100, leaving a legacy as the 'Maestro' who presided over nearly two decades of prosperity, including the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. He was known for his ability to stabilize markets, notably after the 1987 crash, and his opaque communication style. However, his strong belief in free markets and less regulation, influenced by Ayn Rand, came under sharp criticism following the 2008 financial collapse, with many faulting him for allowing the housing bubble to inflate.

Paul Solman's remembrance; Greenspan's early life and shift from music to economics; Sebastian Mallaby's biography 'The Man Who Knew'; Greenspan's 'irrational exuberance' speech; his 2008 admission of 'shocked disbelief' in market self-correction.

Glaciologist Mauri Pelto has spent 42 years tracking 47 glaciers in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington state, observing a 40% shrinkage in that time. Twelve of the glaciers he studied have disappeared, with nine vanishing in the last five years alone. This rapid ice loss, fueled by warmer summers and drier winters, is contributing to rising sea levels and threatening freshwater supplies. His daughter, Jill Pelto, integrates this scientific data into her art to communicate the emotional and environmental impact of climate change to a broader audience.

Ben Tracy's report on Mauri Pelto's work; Pelto's statement on 40% shrinkage and 12 disappeared glaciers; Jill Pelto's explanation of her art combining data and emotion.