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PBS News Hour

Hardworking family struggles to achieve American dream

Season 2025 Episode 254 | 5m 42s

Headlines have recently been dominated by news that directly affects people’s lives, from the new tax cut and Medicaid law to near-daily economy updates. But those headlines don’t always capture the everyday reality for millions of Americans just trying to get by. To better understand that reality, Lisa Desjardins went to Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, where one hardworking family is struggling.

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
September 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2025 E254 | 57:46
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PBS News Hour
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk
Clip: S2025 E254 | 6:36
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PBS News Hour
Why the U.S. is experiencing heightened political violence
Why the U.S. is experiencing heightened political violence
Clip: S2025 E254 | 7:03
Watch • 7:19
PBS News Hour
Former Homeland Security chief on protecting U.S. democracy
Former Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson issues urgent call to protect U.S. democracy
Clip: S2025 E254 | 7:19
Watch • 6:06
PBS News Hour
Authorities try to piece together killing of Charlie Kirk
Authorities piece together killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Clip: S2025 E254 | 6:06
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PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Authorities say Colorado shooter radicalized
News Wrap: Authorities say Colorado school shooter was radicalized
Clip: S2025 E254 | 6:40
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PBS News Hour
Brazil's former president convicted of attempted coup
Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro convicted of attempted coup
Clip: S2025 E254 | 8:58
Watch • 3:18
PBS News Hour
A Brief But Spectacular take on embracing disability pride
A Brief But Spectacular take on embracing disability pride
Clip: S2025 E254 | 3:18
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PBS News Hour
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk killed at event in Utah
Prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk killed at event in Utah
Clip: S2025 E253 | 8:44
Watch • 8:15
PBS News Hour
Putin is mocking Trump, Polish foreign minister says
'Putin is mocking' Trump, Polish foreign minister says after Russian drone incursion
Clip: S2025 E253 | 8:15