PBS News Hour full episode, April 29, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 conservative majority ruling, struck down Louisiana's second majority-Black congressional district. The decision redefines the standard for proving a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate 'intentional discrimination' by the state when drawing maps. This makes it significantly harder to challenge racially gerrymandered districts.

AMNA NAWAZ: The U.S. Supreme Court today struck down one of Louisiana's majority-Black congressional districts, a decision that weakens key protections under the Voting Rights Act. In a 6-3 ruling, the court's conservative majority found that Louisiana's Sixth District, which links Black communities across the state, relied too heavily on race in its design. GEOFF BENNETT: Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito called the map an unconstitutional gerrymander. The decision could open the door to broader legal challenges over majority Black and Latino districts across the country and give states new latitude to redraw maps in ways that could shift the balance of political power. AMY HOWE: And it said, if plaintiffs want to allege that there is a violation of Section 2, they need to show that there is intentional discrimination on behalf of the state when it's drawing these kinds of maps.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. war with Iran has cost $25 billion so far, facing intense questioning from Congress. The hearing highlighted a deep partisan divide, with Democrats criticizing the war as a 'quagmire' and questioning its broader economic impact, while Hegseth defended the administration's actions and criticized 'Democratic defeatism.' Concerns were also raised about the firings of numerous senior military and civilian leaders.

AMNA NAWAZ: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp questions from Congress. During the hearing, the Pentagon revealed that the war so far has cost $25 billion. NICK SCHIFRIN: After two months of fighting in the Middle East, the theater of war today was Capitol Hill and a partisan fight over Iran. PETE HEGSETH: The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans. REP. ADAM SMITH (D-WA): So you're saying the full cost at this point is $25 billion? JAY HURST, Pentagon Chief Financial Officer: Yes, that's our estimate for the cost. REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): Do you know how much it will cost Americans in terms of their increased cost in gas and food over the next year because of the Iran war? PETE HEGSETH: I would simply ask you what the cost is of an Iranian nuclear bomb. REP. DON BACON (R-NE): I share a bipartisan concern of the firings that we have seen at the Pentagon. PETE HEGSETH: It's very difficult to change the culture of a department that has been destroyed by the wrong perspectives with the same officers that were there.

Current Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced he will step down as chair on May 15 but will remain on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. His unusual decision is driven by a desire to ensure a Trump administration-launched probe into Fed headquarters renovations is 'well and truly over,' citing 'unprecedented' legal actions and ongoing threats that are 'battering the institution's ability to conduct monetary policy without political factors.' Kevin Warsh, President Trump's pick, is expected to be confirmed as the new Fed chair.

AMNA NAWAZ: The Central Bank's current head, Jerome Powell, stated that he will step aside when his term is chair ends May, 15 but he will remain on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Powell made clear today he was staying on to make sure that a probe into the Fed headquarters of renovations launched by the Trump administration is -- quote -- 'well and truly over.' JEROME POWELL, Federal Reserve Chairman: I have never suggested that such a verbal criticism is a problem, and neither has anyone else here. But these legal actions by the administration are unprecedented in our 113-year history, and there are ongoing threats of additional such actions. I worry that these attacks are battering the institution and putting at risk the thing that really matters to the public, which is the ability to conduct monetary policy without taking into consideration political factors. AMNA NAWAZ: Kevin Warsh, President Trump's pick for Fed chair, was confirmed in a Senate committee vote, clearing the way for a full Senate vote in mid-May.

Following a Supreme Court decision striking down sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun accepting refund claims for $166 billion in tariffs. Businesses like toy company Basic Fun! are anticipating millions in refunds, which they plan to reinvest in their operations, pay down debt, and invest in employees and equipment. This influx of capital is expected to create an 'economic boom' as funds are returned to the economy.

STEPHANIE SY: In February, the Supreme Court struck down the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Now businesses are scrambling to get their money back. Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection started accepting refund claims for $166 billion in tariffs collected over the past year. JAY FOREMAN, CEO, Basic Fun!: Well, if all goes well, we have got $7.4 million coming back to us, which we will use to reinvest in our business and our employees. I think the most important thing is, when this money is returned, it will be invested back into the economy in some ways through pricing to consumers and they will see it. In other ways, it will go back to companies that can return it to shareholders or reinvest it in their business. And you will see an economic boom to the tune of $160 billion or more coming back into the market here.