PBS NewsHour - Segments

During the pandemic, we've profiled front-line workers whose jobs have been deemed essential. One such employee is Savoya Taylor, a line-worker for ComEd, the utility that powers Chicago. She's the company's first female overhead electrician -- and now she's training one of her daughters to follow the same path. Taylor shares her Brief But Spectacular take on empowering her family and community. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic has shifted to the South and West, where cases have ballooned to record highs. At least 14 states are now pausing their reopening plans or moving back toward lockdown, and the national death toll from the disease has topped 127,000. Still, the majority of states are continuing to lift their restrictions on movement and activities. Amna Nawaz reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Wednesday, Seattle police cleared protesters from a so-called "occupied zone" near the city's downtown. Violence had flared there recently, with two people killed and six others wounded in shootings. Also, lawmakers in New York City agreed to shift $1 billion in police funding to education and social service programs. Mayor Bill de Blasio called the move "the right balance." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Initial results from Russia's election indicate it will pave the way for President Vladimir Putin to retain power until 2036. Polls closed Wednesday after seven days of voting on a package of constitutional changes, including those that could allow Putin two more terms in office. But election monitors say the contest has been neither free nor fair. Special correspondent Lucy Taylor reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Millions of children and parents are desperate to know what the fall might look like in terms of school. Recently, a group of public health and pediatrics experts made the case that kids need to be in the classroom and not at home. William Brangham reports and talks to Sean O'Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics about strategies for mitigating the risk of coronavirus spread in schools. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In Hong Kong, a new set of national security laws imposed by the central government in Beijing has gone into effect. The legislation restricts many freedoms enjoyed in the semi-autonomous territory, ushering in a new and ominous era for the previously freewheeling hub of international business. On the 23rd anniversary of the city's handover from the United Kingdom to China, Nick Schifrin reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington state, was elected to Congress in 2016. She is the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has become a leader in pushing the party on issues such as Medicare for All. Now Jayapal has a new book out, titled "Use the Power You Have: A Brown Woman's Guide to Politics and Political Change." She joins Judy Woodruff to discuss her story. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

One of the reasons COVID-19 presents such a significant global medical challenge is that there are few effective therapies for it so far. As cases fill hospital beds across many parts of the country, doctors and scientists are coming up with inventive ways to treat the disease, if not to cure it. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As the United States grapples with the novel coronavirus, nationwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd insist the country must confront a second epidemic: racism. Despite a longstanding belief that we are a nation divided, some say there are reasons for hope. Special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault talks to New York Times columnist and author David Brooks for Race Matters. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Lauren Wilkinson, author of our June pick for the NewsHour-New York Times book club, Now Read This, joins Jeffrey Brown to answer reader questions about "American Spy." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. is now averaging roughly 40,000 new confirmed infections of COVID-19 each day. The caseload has more than doubled this month in at least 10 states, mostly in the South and the West. As some states put their reopening plans on hold, the nation's top health experts are sounding new warnings about the recent surge -- and how it could grow even more severe. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many Americans are calling on Congress to provide a new economic relief package. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joins Judy Woodruff to discuss how to stimulate the U.S. economy and contain the virus outbreak, her take on reports Russia paid the Taliban bounties to kill U.S. troops and where congressional negotiations stand on passing police reform legislation. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In the U.S., some states that reopened their economies early are now reversing course as the virus surges back, sickening thousands and filling hospitals to capacity. Arizona's governor has ordered gyms, bars and other businesses to close again after reopening them in the middle of May. William Brangham talks to Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a controversial Hong Kong security bill into law. Beijing lawmakers applauded after passing legislation that punishes secessionist activity in the semi-autonomous territory with up to life in prison. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court has made it easier for religious schools to obtain public funds by upholding a Montana scholarship program. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Beloved comedy writer, actor and director Carl Reiner died Monday night of natural causes. His prolific career spanned seven decades and influenced virtually every entertainment genre, from television to Broadway theater. Amna Nawaz takes a look back at Reiner's accomplished life. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders