PBS Newshour Season 2018 Episode 261 December 20, 2018

PBS Newshour season 2018 episode 261, which aired on December 20, 2018, covered a variety of important news topics. The first segment focused on the ongoing government shutdown, which had just begun the day before. Correspondent Lisa Desjardins provided updates on the negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, and discussed the potential impact of the shutdown on federal employees and the economy.

The next segment shifted to international news, with a report on the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Correspondent Jane Ferguson discussed the humanitarian crisis in the country, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing war, and explored efforts to broker a peace agreement.

The show then turned its attention to a domestic issue with a segment on the opioid epidemic. Correspondent William Brangham reported on a new study which found that the rate of opioid-related deaths has been increasing faster among African Americans and Latinos than among whites. The report discussed the factors behind this trend and explored potential solutions.

The next segment looked at the ongoing controversy surrounding Facebook and privacy concerns. Correspondent Amna Nawaz interviewed Roger McNamee, an early investor in Facebook who has become a vocal critic of the company, about his concerns and recommendations for addressing the issue.

The show then shifted to a lighter segment, with a report on the growing popularity of escape rooms. Correspondent Jeffrey Brown visited an escape room in Washington, D.C. to try it out for himself and speak with the owners about the appeal of the experience.

The final segment returned to the government shutdown, with correspondent Yamiche Alcindor reporting on the challenges it was causing for both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. She discussed the political calculations being made by both parties and the potential long-term impact on the country.

Overall, PBS Newshour episode 261 provided a comprehensive overview of the most important news stories of the day, presenting in-depth reporting and informed analysis.