© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

New class of billionaires solidifies outsized influence

Season 2026 Episode 1 | 7m 26s

Many New Year's traditions are meant to bring prosperity in the months ahead, but America's relationship to wealth is complicated. As billionaires' influence has grown, so too has skepticism. In a recent Washington Post/Ipsos poll, 58% of respondents said billionaires' spending on campaigns is bad for the country. Lisa Desjardins discussed the intersection of money and politics with Beth Reinhard.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
January 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
January 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E1 | 57:46
Watch • 6:38
PBS News Hour
Player pay, transfers put college sports in new territory
Player pay and transfer portal put college sports in new territory
Clip: S2026 E1 | 6:38
Watch • 3:27
PBS News Hour
Damola Adamolekun joins Geoff Bennett on ‘Settle In’
Damola Adamolekun joins Geoff Bennett for our ‘Settle In’ podcast
Clip: S2026 E1 | 3:27
Watch • 7:20
PBS News Hour
National Geographic explorer on his walk around the globe
National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek on his trek around the globe on foot
Clip: S2026 E1 | 7:20
Watch • 4:37
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Zohran Mamdani takes office as New York's mayor
News Wrap: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledges to govern 'expansively and audaciously'
Clip: S2026 E1 | 4:37
Watch • 4:51
PBS News Hour
Why it’s getting harder to find a new car under $25,000
Why it’s getting harder to find a new car under $25,000
Clip: S2026 E1 | 4:51
Watch • 5:52
PBS News Hour
What Hygge can teach Americans about comfort and happiness
What the Scandinavian concept of hygge can teach Americans about comfort and happiness
Clip: S2026 E1 | 5:52
Watch • 2:37
PBS News Hour
Fire at Swiss bar during New Year's kills about 40
Fire at Swiss bar during New Year's celebration kills about 40
Clip: S2026 E1 | 2:37
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 31, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 31, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2025 E365 | 57:46
Watch • 6:36
PBS News Hour
Photojournalists reflect on capturing impactful images
Photojournalists reflect on capturing 2025's most impactful images
Clip: S2025 E365 | 6:36