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

Roger Carstens reflects on bringing detained Americans home

Season 2025 Episode 13 | 7m 55s

Roger Carstens' work over the last five years as the special envoy for hostage affairs has led to the release of American hostages held by other countries. He was also part of the team that negotiated Brittney Griner’s freedom and a complex deal that led to the release of Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan from Russia. Amna Nawaz sat down with Carstens to discuss his efforts.

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
Fire at Swiss bar during New Year's celebration kills about 40
News Wrap: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledges to govern 'expansively and audaciously'
How the new class of billionaires solidified outsized political influence
What the Scandinavian concept of hygge can teach Americans about comfort and happiness
Player pay and transfer portal put college sports in new territory
Damola Adamolekun joins Geoff Bennett for our ‘Settle In’ podcast
National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek on his trek around the globe on foot
Why it’s getting harder to find a new car under $25,000
January 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Azerbaijan-Armenia peace plan hinges on narrow strip of land along Iran border