Ep 171. August 20, 2018

On August 20, 2018, PBS Newshour aired its 171st episode of the 2018 season. The episode covered a variety of important news stories from around the world, providing in-depth analysis and thoughtful commentary.

One of the main features of the episode was a report on the ongoing conflict in Syria. Correspondent Nick Schifrin provided an on-the-ground look at the devastation wrought by the civil war, including interviews with Syrian refugees and insights into the political and military machinations that are driving the unrest. Schifrin's reporting highlighted the human toll of the conflict, as well as the difficult choices faced by world leaders as they grapple with how to respond.

The episode also included coverage of the latest developments in the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Political correspondent Lisa Desjardins provided analysis of the latest revelations, including the charging of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort with a range of crimes related to his dealings with Ukrainian and Russian officials. Desjardins's reporting also explored the impact of the revelations on the Trump administration and the wider political landscape in the United States.

In addition to these main segments, the episode also included a range of shorter pieces on various topics. Health correspondent Olivia Gibbs reported on the latest research into the causes of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting new evidence that suggests the disease may be triggered by viral infections. International correspondent Jane Ferguson reported on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where a civil war and a blockade by Saudi Arabia have combined to create a catastrophic situation for the country's civilians. And economics correspondent Paul Solman explored the changing nature of work in the United States, including the rise of the "gig economy" and the challenges facing workers in a rapidly changing job market.

Throughout the episode, the PBS Newshour team provided insightful analysis and reported with both clarity and compassion on the issues that matter most to viewers. From the devastation of war-torn Syria to the complexities of political scandal in the United States, the August 20, 2018 episode of PBS Newshour offered a must-watch examination of some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.