PBS News Hour full episode, Nov. 13, 2025

Key Concepts

• Prosecutorial Appointment Scrutiny: The legal challenge to Lindsey Halligan's appointment as prosecutor, questioning its legality and potential impact on ongoing cases.
• Vindictive/Selective Prosecution: The argument that prosecutions are politically motivated and unfairly targeted.
• Department of Justice (DOJ) Independence: The importance of maintaining a separation between the White House and the DOJ to ensure impartial prosecutorial decisions.
• 287(g) Program: An agreement allowing local law enforcement to assist ICE in immigration enforcement.
• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): "Forever chemicals" with widespread environmental and health concerns.
• Military Legal Advice: Service members seeking external legal counsel regarding the legality of their assigned missions.
• Infant Botulism Outbreak: A rare illness linked to a specific brand of infant formula, leading to hospitalizations and a recall.

Legal Challenges to Prosecutor's Appointment

The U.S. Department of Justice is facing scrutiny in a Northern Virginia courtroom regarding the appointment of prosecutor Lindsey Halligan. Halligan, an ally of President Trump with no prior prosecutorial experience, was sworn in shortly after the previous U.S. attorney resigned under pressure to indict former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

• Key Point: A judge is currently deciding whether Halligan was lawfully appointed.
• Potential Consequence: If the judge rules against Halligan's lawful appointment, and she was the sole individual involved in obtaining the indictment, the cases against Comey and James could be dismissed. This dismissal could be "with prejudice," meaning the DOJ cannot refile the charges, or "without prejudice," allowing them to attempt to correct the error.
• Supporting Evidence: Defense lawyers presented President Trump's public statements and TRUTH Social posts as evidence that the prosecutions were politically motivated.
• Legal Argument: Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner stated that Trump's rhetoric carries "extraordinary weight" as admissible evidence in determining if a prosecution is vindictive or selective. He noted that the judge inquired about a declination memo from prior career prosecutors who had declined to bring these charges due to insufficient evidence.
• Impact on Public Confidence: Kirschner expressed concern that Trump's actions, by "anointing himself the chief prosecutor," have eroded public confidence in the DOJ's independence. He also highlighted the "hollowing out" of the DOJ through firings and resignations, potentially impacting national security and public safety, citing a significant reduction in lawyers at the D.C. office.
• Next Steps: Judge Currie is expected to rule on the motion before Thanksgiving. If granted, the case will proceed to determine the consequences of the ruling, likely involving appeals up to the Supreme Court.

Other Headlines

• California Redistricting: The Justice Department is suing to block California's new redistricting plan, which could lead to Democrats gaining five seats in the next midterm elections. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled the map a "brazen power grab."
• Starbucks Strike: Over 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers are striking at approximately 65 stores nationwide, targeting the company's "Red Cup Day" to disrupt operations and push for better contract negotiations regarding hours and wages. Starbucks management stated they are ready to talk when workers are ready to return.
• West Virginia Mine Death: A coal miner, Steve Lipscomb, was found dead following a flood at an Alpha Metallurgical Resources facility. This marks the third death at a West Virginia facility operated by the company this year.
• Oklahoma Ammonia Spill: A tanker truck spilled dangerous ammonia gas in a hotel parking lot in Weatherford, Oklahoma, leading to at least four people in critical condition and dozens hospitalized due to respiratory distress. Hundreds were evacuated.
• BBC Apology to Trump: The BBC apologized to President Trump for a misleading edit of his speech that created the impression he called for violent action. However, the broadcaster denied its actions constituted defamation, despite Trump's threat of a billion-dollar lawsuit.
• West Bank Mosque Attack: Israeli settlers reportedly burned and defaced a mosque in a Palestinian village in the West Bank, leaving hateful messages. This incident occurred a day after Israeli leaders condemned a prior settler attack on two Palestinian villages. The Israeli military stated that lawlessness is dealt with to the full extent of the law.
• Paris Terror Attack Anniversary: Paris marked 10 years since the terrorist attacks that killed over 100 people, with President Emmanuel Macron leading tributes at various attack sites.
• Wall Street Decline: Wall Street experienced one of its worst days since April, with the Dow Jones industrial average plunging nearly 800 points, the Nasdaq sinking over 500 points, and the S&P 500 pulling back from its recent all-time high, driven by concerns over inflated AI stocks and interest rate outlooks.
• Northern Lights Display: A dazzling display of the Northern Lights was visible across many parts of the country for a second consecutive night, though it can disrupt GPS communications and the power grid.

Local Law Enforcement and Immigration Enforcement (287(g) Program)

The Trump administration is increasing its reliance on local law enforcement for immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program, which has existed for nearly 30 years. These agreements allow sheriff's offices to detain undocumented immigrants in local jails for deportation or transfer, and in some cases, train officers to participate directly in ICE operations. Since January, the number of these agreements has surged by over 640 percent.

• Butler County, Ohio Example: Sheriff Richard Jones reinstated his county's partnership with the federal government under President Trump. Butler County has since housed nearly 2,000 ICE detainees.
• Sheriff Jones' Perspective:
  • He contrasts the current administration's approach with previous ones, stating that under Biden, there was "hardly nothing" in terms of enforcement.
  • He claims that President Obama deported more individuals during his eight years than Trump has in approximately five years, citing his 22 years of experience across five presidencies.
  • Jones asserts that 78% of Americans wanted the border sealed and action on deportation in the last election, and President Trump is fulfilling his promises.
• Criticisms and Safeguards:
  • Critics argue that 287(g) can lead to racial profiling.
  • Sheriff Jones claims his deputies stop individuals of all races and religions, and that enforcement is based on criminal activity (e.g., drunk driving) rather than appearance or language.
  • He states that they monitor and review all stops, and have done so for 22 years, including using cameras.
• Financial Implications:
  • Federal contracts through the 287(g) program have generated over $200 million for Butler County over 20 years, with projections to reach $250 million by 2027.
  • Sheriff Jones acknowledges that housing ICE detainees is not done for free and helps cover the costs of local prisoners. He expects to bring in $22 million next year, with $12 million this year as the program ramps up.
• ICE Tactics:
  • Jones supports ICE's methods, stating that individuals who are in the country illegally should go home. He believes the president is keeping his promise.
  • He dismisses protests against ICE tactics as ineffective.

Military Personnel and Legal Scrutiny of Missions

Military service members are seeking external legal advice regarding the legality of missions assigned by the Trump administration, particularly U.S. strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats and deployments to American cities.

• Boat Strikes:
  • Since September, the Pentagon has conducted approximately 20 strikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, allegedly carrying drugs. Dozens of people have reportedly been killed.
  • The Trump administration has justified these strikes, with President Trump stating they are legal due to the high number of drug-related deaths in the U.S.
  • The Washington Post reported that Justice Department lawyers drafted a classified memo arguing that troops involved in these strikes would not face legal jeopardy.
  • However, some Republican members of Congress, like Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of information and legal justification provided.
• The Orders Project:
  • This non-profit organization provides free legal advice to military personnel independent of the Defense Department.
  • Calls to The Orders Project have increased, particularly from staff officers involved in planning the boat strikes. They report feeling pressure from superiors to change their assessments to align with decisions to carry out strikes.
  • Calls are also being received from National Guard personnel concerned about domestic deployments and potential complicity in actions like those in Gaza due to U.S. weapons shipments to Israel.
• Retired Lt. Col. Frank Rosenblatt's Perspective:
  • He notes an increase in activity at The Orders Project, with staff officers expressing concerns about the legality and pressure to conform to decisions.
  • Regarding National Guard deployments, he acknowledges curiosity due to ongoing court battles. The organization helps service members understand their legal and moral obligations.
  • Most calls come from military officers, who are more involved in planning and implementation, rather than lower-ranking enlisted members who tend to trust command decisions.
• DOJ Statement: A DOJ spokesperson stated that the strikes were ordered "consistent with the laws of armed conflict" and are therefore "lawful orders." Military personnel are legally obligated to follow lawful orders and are not subject to prosecution for doing so.
• Rosenblatt's Response to DOJ Statement: He questions the factual and legal basis for the strikes, noting that while they may not be "manifestly unlawful" based on current information, there are significant questions under U.S. and international law.
• DOJ Immunity Memo: Rosenblatt cautions against relying solely on a DOJ memo granting blanket immunity, as it may not protect against state prosecutions or international jurisdiction for atrocity crimes. He questions the authority of the entity granting immunity and the implications of such broad assurances.

"Forever Chemicals" and the Hoosick Falls Fight for Justice

The documentary "They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals" by Mariah Blake highlights the pervasive issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as "forever chemicals," and the fight for justice by the community of Hoosick Falls, New York.

• Hoosick Falls Case Study:
  • Michael Hickey's father, Ersel, died of kidney cancer after working at a local manufacturing plant (formerly owned by Saint-Gobain) that used Teflon coating.
  • Hickey's suspicion about the high cancer rates in his community led him to investigate. Despite initial resistance from local and county officials to test the water, he conducted his own tests, confirming contamination with PFAS.
  • Journalist Mariah Blake documented Hickey's grassroots efforts in her book.
• PFAS Chemicals:
  • These are extremely durable synthetic chemicals used in hundreds of products, from aerospace and computing to everyday items like clothing and furniture.
  • They are described as "insidious pollutants" that are polluting the entire planet.
• Regulatory Environment in the U.S.: Unlike many developed countries, the U.S. presumes new chemicals are safe until proven otherwise.
• Industry and Government Knowledge: Blake's research reveals that both industry and government scientists knew about the toxicity and accumulation of these chemicals in human blood as early as 1943, but this information was withheld from the public and regulators for decades.
• Petersburgh, New York: Emily Marpe, a resident of nearby Petersburgh, also discovered PFAS contamination in her water supply from another factory using the chemicals. Her children's blood levels were significantly elevated (over 100 and 200 parts per billion), and her own were even higher, far exceeding the safe limit of under two parts per billion.
• Community Activism:
  • Despite lacking political or environmental backgrounds, residents like Hickey and Marpe fought against government agencies and multinational corporations.
  • They advocated for clean drinking water and systemic change, driven by personal loss and a shattered trust in protective systems.
  • Their efforts included lobbying local officials, testifying before Congress, and filing lawsuits.
• Legal Victories:
  • In 2021 and 2025, residents won multimillion-dollar class-action lawsuits against four major companies: 3M, Saint-Gobain, Honeywell, and DuPont.
  • Settlements provided access to a new water aquifer, ongoing medical monitoring, and compensation for the decline in home values.
• Bittersweet Success: While the legal battles were won, residents view the outcome as bittersweet. They highlight that while they received monetary compensation, no individuals were punished, and the long-term health impacts and lost time cannot be recovered. Michael Hickey stated, "It's a success, I think, for some that look at it. For me, it's not. We have lost so much in between."
• Future Litigation: Attorneys predict a wave of lawsuits against companies over PFAS pollution that could surpass asbestos and tobacco settlements.

African Mercenaries in Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Russia is increasingly relying on foreign mercenaries, particularly from African nations, to bolster its forces in Ukraine, raising concerns about battlefield numbers and security issues in their home countries.

• Scale of Deployment: Over 12,000 North Korean servicemen have reportedly been deployed to fight alongside the Russian army. More recently, Russia has been recruiting mercenaries from Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, and other African nations.
• Recruitment Network: A Kremlin-linked network is actively recruiting thousands of mercenaries from across Africa.
• Conditions and Promises:
  • Recruiters promise high salaries (up to 10 times what they earn at home), sign-up bonuses (upwards of $2,000), and Russian passports.
  • Mercenaries are often told they will be far from the front lines, but are instead "thrown to the front line, to the kill zone, to the very hard conditions to survive."
  • Many do not survive more than a month.
• Impact on African Nations:
  • The high number of recruits is becoming a security issue in their home countries.
  • The Cameroonian Defense Ministry has ordered officers to take measures against desertion and banned men in uniform from traveling abroad without permission, as the country is fighting on multiple fronts.
  • Alia Brahimi of the Atlantic Council notes that countries like Cameroon cannot afford to lose skilled soldiers, including special forces, who are fighting and dying in Ukraine.
• Prisoner of War Camps: Ukrainian authorities report that a significant portion of prisoners of war are foreign nationals, increasingly from Africa. These fighters often end up in legal limbo, with neither Russia nor their home countries willing to trade for them.
• Examples:
  • Mohammed Imraaj, a 26-year-old from Egypt, was promised a Russian passport but was captured after three days of fighting, witnessing a comrade die.
  • Richard Kanu, a former soldier from Sierra Leone, was captured after two weeks and has been in a POW camp for over a year and a half, stating, "we have no hope."
• Broader Trend of Mercenary Use: The reliance on mercenaries and private military companies (PMCs) is a growing global phenomenon. Russia's tactics are drawing attention from American defense firms and the White House. The Trump administration is reportedly considering private sector solutions for various security issues, including peacekeeping in Ukraine and border security.
• White House Use of Contractors: In Gaza, the White House has faced criticism for using military contractors to distribute food aid. Brahimi suggests this aligns with the Trump administration's ethos of reducing U.S. military commitments abroad.

Infant Botulism Outbreak and Formula Recall

An outbreak of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by toxins that attack the nervous system, has led to hospitalizations and a nationwide recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.

• Incident Details:
  • 15 infants across 12 states have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
  • Hanna Everett's four-month-old daughter, Piper, was hospitalized due to symptoms including a paralyzed gag reflex.
• Infant Botulism:
  • It is a sporadic disease, rarely seen in outbreaks, and typically its source is not identified.
  • The spores of the bacteria can live in dirt and soil.
  • Infant formula is expected to be sterile.
• ByHeart Formula Connection:
  • California's Department of Health identified botulism in preliminary testing of an opened can of ByHeart formula given to an infant who later developed the illness.
  • Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder of Food Fix, notes that this is the first time botulism has been linked to infant formula in the U.S.
• Concerns and Investigation:
  • The primary concern is how the contamination occurred and how to prevent it in the future.
  • Currently, there are no federal requirements to test infant formula for botulism.
  • The FDA commissioner has stated that the supply chain for formula could be stronger.
  • The investigation aims to determine the root cause and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Impact and Market Share:
  • The ByHeart brand constitutes only about 1% of the baby formula market nationwide, so the recall is not expected to cause widespread shortages or disruptions, unlike the previous infant formula crisis.
• Broader Botulism Cases:
  • Beyond the ByHeart-linked cases, health officials are investigating dozens of other infant botulism cases where the source is unknown.
  • There has been an increase in infant botulism cases, with approximately 83 cases reported in the last few months, compared to the usual 100 cases per year.
  • There are concerns about whether health officials have sufficient resources to investigate all these cases and identify any emerging issues.
• FDA Response:
  • Infants began getting sick in August, and the connection to ByHeart formula was identified by November.
  • The company and FDA acted quickly once the connection was made.
  • There are questions about the timeline of the investigation and the FDA's response, with continued scrutiny expected to ensure swift action and family protection.

Conclusion

The "News Hour" segment covered a range of critical issues, from legal challenges to the Trump administration's prosecutorial actions and military missions, to the pervasive threat of "forever chemicals" and a concerning outbreak of infant botulism. The program also highlighted the increasing reliance on foreign mercenaries in global conflicts and the complexities of local law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement. These diverse topics underscore the multifaceted challenges facing the U.S. and the world, emphasizing the importance of legal integrity, environmental protection, public health, and ethical considerations in governance and international affairs.