PBS News Hour full episode, Jan. 13, 2026

Iran is experiencing its deadliest street protests since the 1979 revolution, with Western officials estimating at least 2,000 deaths, potentially many more. The crackdown is led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, using live ammunition and implementing an internet cutoff to suppress dissent. President Trump has promised 'help' to Iranian patriots and vowed to punish security forces, while the US is facilitating Starlink internet access for activists to communicate and share information.

State Department advises all Americans to leave Iran. Western officials estimate at least 2,000 killed. Protester 'Meherdad' describes extreme fear and reduced protest size due to crackdown. President Trump's statements in Detroit and on CBS News. Ahmad Ahmadian confirms Starlink subscriptions lifted for plug-and-connect access. Regime plans public execution of protester Erfan Soltani and broadcast 100 coerced confessions.

A wave of resignations, including four senior leaders from the Civil Rights Division and six federal prosecutors in Minnesota, occurred at the Justice Department. These resignations protest the DOJ's decision not to investigate a fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis and alleged pressure to investigate the victim, Renee Good, instead. This 'brain drain' of experienced officials is described as unprecedented and a significant threat to national security and the department's integrity.

Carol Leonnig, senior investigative reporter for MS NOW, broke the news. She states an 'entire leadership team walk[ing] out the door roughly at the same time is unprecedented.' Resignations are linked to the DOJ's decision not to investigate the ICE shooting and concerns about investigating Renee Good. President Trump and Vice President Vance declared the ICE officer justified within 36 hours of Good's death, without federal evidence gathering.

The US Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of state laws banning transgender girls and women from participating in women's sports. The conservative majority appeared skeptical of striking down these bans, which are in place in over half of all states. Arguments centered on fairness for cisgender women, individual rights for transgender athletes, and the lack of scientific consensus on physiological advantages, especially for those on puberty blockers.

Cases of Becky Pepper-Jackson (West Virginia) and Lindsay Hecox (Idaho). Lainey Armistead, former soccer captain, argues for 'safe and fair category for women.' Joshua Block of ACLU argues for individual recognition and notes Pepper-Jackson takes puberty-blocking medication. Dr. Bradley Anawalt, endocrinologist, states transgender girls on puberty blockers have few biological differences. Chief Justice John Roberts' previous opinion in a related case and Justice Brett Kavanaugh's concerns about displacing women in sports.

President Trump's repeated threats to 'take over' Greenland have escalated into a diplomatic crisis, with crucial talks scheduled between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials. Denmark, backed by NATO allies, views this as a challenge to sovereignty and a potential breakup of NATO. Trump justifies the move by citing strategic importance due to melting Arctic ice and fears of Russian or Chinese influence, while Danish officials emphasize Greenland's self-determination and refusal to sell its 57,000 citizens.

Trump's statements: 'we are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,' and 'we're going to do it the hard way.' Rasmus Jarlov, Chair of Denmark's Parliamentary Defense Committee, states 'we can never agree to is just handing over Greenland.' Vice President Vance criticized Denmark's defense spending in Greenland. Lin Mortensgaard notes existing 1951 treaty allows US military expansion. Tom Crosbie of Royal Danish Defense College calls it an 'existential question for NATO.' Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen states, 'we choose Denmark.'

Four women publicly spoke out about alleged sexual abuse by Army OB-GYN Major Blaine McGraw, who is charged with over 50 counts of indecent visual recording after secretly videotaping hundreds of patients at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center. Survivors detailed invasive, unnecessary exams without chaperones, ignored complaints, and a profound lack of trust in the military system to provide justice or accountability. The case highlights systemic issues where rank and a culture of silence prevent reporting and protect perpetrators.

CID launched investigation into Major Blaine McGraw. McGraw secretly videotaped hundreds of patients. 'Clair' describes unusual comments, complete undressing, and no chaperones. 'Angela' states McGraw failed to conduct a rape kit after her sexual assault, leading to her report falling through. 'Nicole' reported McGraw's groping during a sinus infection visit, but her complaints were ignored. 'Beth' experienced an invasive exam in an ER, later confirmed by a certified letter she was in McGraw's files. All four survivors expressed a lack of trust in the military system.