PBS NewsHour - Segments

President Trump, who began a four-day state visit to Japan today, used his first appearance there to criticize what he calls the ‘trade imbalance’ between the two countries. Sheila Smith, senior fellow for Japan studies at the Council of Foreign Relations, joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss Japan-U.S. relations, North Korea and the president’s trip.

The study of climate change is no longer limited to laboratories and scientists. Citizen-scientists are helping with research, including a look back through centuries-old ships’ log books. Rachel Becker, environment reporter for CALmatters and formerly a reporter for The Verge, joins Hari Sreenivasan via Skype from Sacramento for more on what these handwritten histories are telling us.

The Trump administration took two significant steps Friday to counter what it calls an escalated threat level from Iran. The U.S. will deploy 1,500 additional troops and military equipment to the Middle East, as well as sell additional arms to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The latter action entails a rarely used executive power to bypass Congress. Judy Woodruff talks to Nick Schifrin.

In our news wrap Friday, President Trump defended allowing Attorney General William Barr to release classified information on how the Russia investigation began, saying the “attempted coup” should never happen again. Also, North Korea warned that nuclear talks with the U.S. won't resume unless Washington backs off its demands. Pyongyang claimed the U.S. is essentially asking North Korea to disarm.

Britain's ruling Conservative Party is in search of a new leader, and the country in search of a new prime minister. After less than three years in office, Theresa May announced her resignation Friday, acknowledging that the time for her to try to usher in Brexit had concluded. May’s turbulent tenure was defined by the UK’s struggle to withdraw from the European Union. Judy Woodruff reports.

A recent series of murders of transgender victims is causing growing concern, particularly for trans women of color. It comes at a time when trans celebrities are more accepted in pop culture than ever before -- but also as the Trump administration aims to roll back Obama-era discrimination protections for transgender people. Amna Nawaz talks to the Anti-Violence Project's Beverly Tillery.

California Rep. Eric Swalwell is one of the youngest Democrats running for their party’s 2020 presidential nomination. He has made gun control the central issue of his campaign. Swalwell sits down with Judy Woodruff to discuss why he believes addressing gun violence can galvanize voters, how his background and “fiscal prudence” would help him reach across the aisle and his thoughts on impeachment.

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week’s political news, including NewsHour interviews with 2020 presidential candidates Eric Swalwell and Kirsten Gillibrand, the escalating feud between President Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and whether ongoing congressional investigations are leading to impeachment.

The rap trio Beastie Boys played a formative role in the evolution of American hip-hop music. They have sold millions of albums with their unique blend of rap, rock and humor, all while prioritizing their friendship above their career success. Now, the two surviving members have written a book about their experiences. Jeffrey Brown sat down with them at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

After a months-long delay, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a funding bill Thursday that helps communities hit by natural disasters. The House is expected to quickly follow suit, and President Trump said he will sign the bill into law. Yamiche Alcindor joins Judy Woodruff to discuss how much money the bill allocates to whom, plus the political dynamics between Trump and congressional Democrats.

Parts of Missouri are in disaster mode after a barrage of tornadoes struck Wednesday night. The violent storms flipped vehicles and tore up neighborhoods. While the state capital, Jefferson City, escaped with no fatalities, three people were killed 150 miles away in Golden City. But Governor Mike Parson expressed thanks that the outcome wasn't even more devastating. Amna Nawaz reports.

In our news wrap Thursday, President Trump said he doubts there is a need to send more U.S. troops to the Middle East, despite heightened tensions with Iran. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan also disputed news reports that the U.S. would send 10,000 additional troops to the region. Meanwhile, the Justice Department filed a new 18-count indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

American farmers have been among the hardest hit by the U.S. trade war with China. With no deal between the world’s two largest economies in sight, the Trump administration unveiled a second emergency aid plan Thursday to help offset agricultural losses. William Brangham talks to Iowa Public Television's Delaney Howell about farmers' support for President Trump and what they want more than aid.

John Walker Lindh, who became known as the "American Taliban," was released from federal prison Thursday, three years short of his 20-year sentence. President Trump criticized the release, saying Lindh was still an extremist. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Kevin Lowry, who was chief probation officer for the U.S. district court in Minnesota, about how the U.S. deals with convicted radicals.

John Walker Lindh, who became known as the "American Taliban," was released from federal prison Thursday, three years short of his 20-year sentence. President Trump criticized the release, saying Lindh was still an extremist. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Kevin Lowry, who was chief probation officer for the U.S. district court in Minnesota, about how the U.S. deals with convicted radicals.