PBS News Hour - Art Beat - Soprano Pretty Yende’s journey from rural South Africa to the top of the opera world

Growing up in South Africa, internationally celebrated opera singer Pretty Yende hadn’t even heard of opera until she was almost out of high school. Now, she’s hailed as one of her generation’s most accomplished coloratura sopranos. Ciaran Jenkins of Independent Television News reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Health - Former top CDC vaccine expert on why she resigned in protest over firing of advisory panel

Earlier in June, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of a key vaccine advisory panel and handpicked eight new members, including several who have expressed skepticism about some vaccines. The move prompted the resignation of Dr. Fiona Havers, one of the CDC’s leading vaccine experts. Ali Rogin speaks with Havers about her decision. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Science - Scientists track humpback whale migration with an assist from AI technology

Humpback whales are some of the largest creatures on Earth and live in every one of the planet’s oceans. Their seasonal migrations are among the longest of any mammal, stretching thousands of miles. Now, scientists are using AI-powered facial recognition technology to track the whales on their journeys, offering new insights into their habits and health. John Yang reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Health - Trump’s former surgeon general raises concerns about vaccine panel overhauled by RFK Jr.

A shift in a key vaccine advisory committee has raised alarms among public health experts. The ACIP routinely makes recommendations to the CDC. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired every prior member of the panel and appointed seven new ones. They just finished a two-day meeting pushing for a new direction. Geoff Bennett discussed more with former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Art Beat - Acclaimed poet Arthur Sze on bridging Western and Chinese traditions

Arthur Sze, one of the most acclaimed poets of our time, is celebrated for exploring the natural world, the human condition and connections between cultures. A second-generation Chinese American based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sze’s work invites readers to deepen their sense of place and reflect on the world around them. Jeffrey Brown spoke with Sze for our Arts and Culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Health - How proposed cuts to Medicaid could affect rural hospitals

Rural hospitals across the country, many already struggling to stay afloat, could face devastating consequences if proposed Medicaid cuts in the domestic spending bill become law. To help understand what’s at stake, Geoff Bennett spoke with Tim Wolters, the director of reimbursement for the Citizens Memorial Hospital system in southwestern Missouri. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Art Beat - Why culture shock is a valuable part of ‘thoughtful travel,’ according to Rick Steves

Millions of Americans are expected to go on a European vacation this summer. Many of those going for the first time are likely to be following the advice of travel writer Rick Steves, host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” on PBS stations. John Yang sits down with him for our Weekend Spotlight series. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Art Beat - Carla Hayden on her time as a pioneering librarian of Congress and getting fired by Trump

Dr. Carla Hayden, a trailblazing librarian of Congress, was fired by President Trump in May. Geoff Bennett recently spoke with her about being blindsided by the decision, the administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape key institutions and why she intends to keep speaking out. It’s for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News Hour - Art Beat - New jazz fellowship honors long-time musicians who often struggle financially

Unless you’re a longtime jazz aficionado, you might only know the names and music of a handful of stars and legends. But what about all those who’ve built a life working in this art form? A new fellowship honors them and offers financial support in their final years of music and life. Jeffrey Brown has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders