NBC Nightly News Season 2020 Episode 161 Fri, Jun 12, 2020

At the end of a tumultuous week in the United States, NBC Nightly News for June 12th, 2020 brings viewers up to date on the latest news and events in the country from a variety of perspectives.

The show opens with anchor Lester Holt reporting on the ongoing protests against police brutality and racial injustice that have rocked the nation since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. He highlights the peaceful demonstrations that have taken place across the country, as well as the instances of violence and destruction that have marred some of them.

Next up, NBC News correspondent Morgan Radford visits a small town in Louisiana that has made national headlines for its efforts to bridge the racial divide. She interviews members of the community, both Black and white, who have come together to host a series of town hall meetings and other events aimed at fostering understanding and dialogue between different groups.

NBC Nightly News then turns to the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to affect millions of Americans and has had a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Medical correspondent Dr. John Torres reports on the latest developments in treatments and vaccines, as well as the challenges facing healthcare workers on the front lines of the crisis.

In a segment on the economy, correspondent Jo Ling Kent explores the impact of the pandemic on small businesses and their owners. She speaks with several entrepreneurs who have been forced to lay off staff or shut down their operations entirely, and examines the financial assistance programs that have been put in place to help struggling businesses.

The show then delves into the realm of sports, with correspondent Blayne Alexander reporting on the controversy surrounding NFL quarterback Drew Brees, who was criticized for his comments about protests during the national anthem. Alexander interviews members of the Black community in New Orleans, where Brees plays for the Saints, and explores the larger issue of how professional sports intersect with politics and social justice.

NBC Nightly News also features a series of shorter segments on a variety of topics, including the ongoing fight against wildfires in Arizona, the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of teenagers, and the latest developments in the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The episode concludes with a tribute to the life and legacy of Rayshard Brooks, a Black man who was shot and killed by Atlanta police in a controversial incident that occurred on the same day as the broadcast. Correspondent Blayne Alexander reports on the protests and vigils that have taken place in Brooks' memory, as well as the broader implications of his death for the movement for racial justice in America.

Overall, NBC Nightly News season 2020 episode 161 provides a comprehensive look at some of the most important news stories of the day, contextualizing them within the larger social and political context of the United States in 2020.