PBS News Hour full episode, May 4, 2026

The U.S. launched 'Project Freedom' to clear a lane in the Strait of Hormuz, where American ships came under fire from Iranian boats. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deployed missiles, drones, and speedboats against U.S. guided missile destroyers. Admiral Brad Cooper, Central Command Commander, confirmed the U.S. defeated these threats using defensive munitions in a 'zone defense' strategy. Iran also attacked a key oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about a broader conflict.

Nick Schifrin's report on IRGC attacks and U.S. response; Admiral Brad Cooper's briefing on 'Project Freedom' and defensive actions; Iran's attack on Fujairah, UAE oil terminal.

Despite U.S. military efforts, Ian Ralby, President of Auxilium Worldwide, reported that shipping and insurance officials remain highly skeptical about sending vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He cited past unfulfilled promises and the significant risk to human lives and potential environmental catastrophe. Ralby also highlighted a 'legal problem' where the first two ships to pass under U.S. protection were U.S.-flagged, which Iran considers 'enemy combatants,' undermining the goal of building confidence for neutral vessels.

Ian Ralby's interview, stating 'hard to garner any great degree of enthusiasm' and 'many of them are skeptical and, at the same time, very cautious' due to risks and the 'legal problem' of U.S.-flagged ships.

The Supreme Court issued a one-week administrative stay, temporarily restoring nationwide access to mifepristone, an abortion pill often distributed by mail. This action paused a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that would have immediately halted telehealth access and required in-person doctor visits. The decision maintains the status quo for now, but the long-term legal battle, potentially involving the Comstock Act, remains uncertain.

Amna Nawaz's report on the Supreme Court's one-week stay; Mary Ziegler's explanation of the Fifth Circuit's ruling and the impact on telehealth access, as well as potential future arguments involving the Comstock Act.

Spirit Airlines officially shut down after 34 years, canceling all flights and impacting 17,000 jobs. The airline cited a 'sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices' due to the U.S. war with Iran as a primary factor, alongside long-standing financial struggles, high engine maintenance costs, and leasing expenses. The closure has left thousands of passengers stranded, with other airlines offering discounted fares to fill the void, but overall ticket prices are expected to rise due to reduced competition.

Stephanie Sy's report on Spirit's closure; Nick Ewen's comments attributing the collapse to jet fuel prices, engine issues, leasing costs, and inability to return to profitability post-pandemic.

The U.S. Forest Service is implementing a major overhaul, including closing three-quarters of its 77 research stations, relocating its headquarters from Washington D.C. to Salt Lake City, and eliminating all regional offices. While Associate Chief Chris French frames this as a move to push decision-making to the ground and address being 'top-heavy,' critics like former Chief Mike Dombeck view it as a 'dismantling' by an administration hostile to federal workers and scientific research, potentially impairing wildfire management and long-term conservation efforts.

William Brangham's report on the Forest Service changes; statements from Chief Tom Schultz and Associate Chief Chris French on the rationale; Mike Dombeck's criticism of the 'chaotic environment' and 'real endgame' questions.

More than three dozen former federal workers, who either quit or lost their jobs due to cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are now running for political office, predominantly as Democrats. They are motivated by their experiences with what they describe as an 'assault on public service' and a desire to bring pragmatic, public-service-oriented leadership to Washington, contrasting themselves with career politicians.

Amna Nawaz's report on former federal workers running for office; testimonials from Bayly Winder, Lauren Reinhold, and Eric Chung, detailing their experiences at USAID, Social Security Administration, and Commerce Department, and their motivations for running.

Following a Supreme Court decision that made it harder to challenge legislatively gerrymandered congressional maps, several states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee, are rapidly redrawing their districts. This move is expected to create more safe districts for incumbents and reduce competitive seats. Experts like Amy Walter note the potential for at least three African American Democrats to be drawn out of their districts across these states, raising significant questions about the dilution of minority voter influence.

Amna Nawaz's report on states redrawing maps; Amy Walter's analysis of the impact on competitive seats and the potential dilution of Black and Latino voter influence.