PBS News Hour full episode, April 22, 2026

Iranian forces attacked and seized ships in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a virtual standstill of traffic. This has caused the largest energy supply shock ever, with approximately 600 million barrels of oil not reaching destinations since February. The disruption impacts not only oil and jet fuel but also petrochemicals, affecting prices for packaging, plastics, medical devices, and tires globally.

Karen Young, a senior research scholar, stated, 'This is the largest supply shock to energy markets that we have ever experienced. So there really is no comparison.' She noted that 20 percent of the world's petrochemical supply normally moves through the strait.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended significant budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health and programs for mental health, women's health, and HIV/AIDS prevention. He also faced criticism for changes to the HHS vaccine advisory panel and his handling of the worst measles outbreak in decades, with over 2,000 cases last year. Critics argue he cherry-picks data and undermines vaccine trust.

Senator Michael Bennet highlighted, 'Do you realize that, last year, the United States had the highest number of measles cases in 30 years?' Dr. Deb Houry, former CDC Chief Medical Officer, stated Kennedy 'cherry-picks data and studies' and 'presents things to fit his agenda versus actually using data and science to drive decisions.'

The Trump administration's dismantling of the $40 billion U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and subsequent stop-work order led to a severe reduction in health program funding in Uganda. This resulted in HIV incidence and mortality rates more than doubling. While some HIV drugs were later exempted, critical 'last-mile' programs for patient access, transportation, and counseling were not restored, leaving many unable to afford travel to clinics or choosing food over medication.

Dr. Otim Pius, Medical Officer at Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, reported, 'HIV incidents and mortality rates more than doubled... close to 15 percent of the clients dying of malaria and T.B.' Marjorie Namale, Executive Director of SIKYOMU Development Organization, confirmed that all support for remote villages, including testing, medicines, and transportation money, is 'gone.'

Local election officials across the U.S. are experiencing increased threats of violence and political interference, with over half worried about the upcoming midterm elections. They report a drastic reduction in support from federal agencies like CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) and a breakdown of trust due to the administration placing individuals who spread misinformation about the 2020 election into key roles.

Carly Koppes, Weld County Clerk and Recorder, stated, 'I have been threatened with coming and being dragged out of my office and tarred and feathered.' Matt Crane, Executive Director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, noted, 'last year in Colorado, we had an election office down in Archuleta county firebombed.' Jen Fifield of ProPublica reported an 'exodus' of 75+ election-related personnel from DHS, DOJ, and intelligence agencies.