PBS Newshour Season 2018 Episode 259 December 18, 2018

PBS Newshour Season 2018 Episode 259, titled December 18, 2018 covers numerous pressing global and domestic news stories. To begin, the episode highlights the tense and ongoing Brexit negotiations, especially significant given the looming March deadline for Britain to leave the European Union. Correspondents report on the latest developments surrounding British Prime Minister Theresa May's efforts to garner support for her proposed Brexit plan, which has thus far been met with widespread criticism and opposition. In addition, the episode covers the testimony of former FBI director James Comey regarding allegations of interference in the 2016 election by Russia and President Trump's alleged obstruction of justice.

The episode continues with coverage of the devastating effects of climate change, specifically the rise in sea levels. Correspondents travel to coastal areas of California and elsewhere to show how rising sea levels are already causing damage to infrastructure and resident property. The show also highlights the ongoing protests in China surrounding the country's facial recognition software, which many fear could lead to increased state surveillance and even human rights abuses.

Domestically, the episode features a report on the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border, where hundreds of thousands of migrants have crossed this past year, many fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries. Coverage includes interviews with migrants, border patrol agents, and officials from the Trump administration, who have implemented controversial policies such as separating families at the border.

In addition, the episode features an in-depth discussion on the impact of social media on democracy, as well as on mental health and wellness. With the proliferation of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the show explores how these platforms have created new opportunities for communication and connection, but also how they can be misused to spread false or malicious information, as well as fuel addictive behavior.

Finally, the episode concludes with a segment on a new wave of activism among young people in the United States, culminating in the unprecedented success of the March For Our Lives protests against gun violence in schools. Correspondents report on how this activism is spurring greater political engagement among young people, as well as creating new opportunities for civic participation and activism.

Overall, PBS Newshour Season 2018 Episode 259 offers an engaging and comprehensive survey of the most important global and domestic news stories of the day. With its thoughtful analysis, in-depth reporting, and commitment to journalistic integrity, PBS Newshour continues to be one of the most respected and trusted sources of news and information for viewers worldwide.