PBS Newshour Season 2018 Episode 96 May 11, 2018

On May 11, 2018, PBS Newshour aired its 96th episode of the 2018 season. The hour-long show featured a variety of news stories and in-depth analysis from correspondents around the world.

The episode began with a report from the Gaza Strip, where violence had erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers. Correspondent William Brangham spoke with residents and analyzed the situation, which had resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Brangham also interviewed a Palestinian leader who called for continued protests against Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.

Next, the show reported on the ongoing investigation into President Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. Correspondent Lisa Desjardins explained the latest developments, including the fact that Cohen had received payments from companies like AT&T and Novartis in exchange for access to the president. Desjardins also noted that the investigation had expanded to include Cohen's business dealings with foreign entities.

The program then shifted to a story about the growing use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies in the United States. Correspondent Hari Sreenivasan spoke with experts and privacy advocates about the potential dangers of the technology, which has been known to misidentify people and perpetuate racial biases. Sreenivasan also discussed the need for greater regulation and oversight of facial recognition technology.

In the next segment, the show examined the economic challenges facing rural America. Correspondent Paul Solman traveled to a small town in Nebraska to speak with residents about the decline of family farms and the rise of corporate agriculture. Solman also interviewed a farmer who had been forced to sell his land and equipment due to economic pressures.

The program then turned to a report on the ongoing conflict in Syria. Correspondent Nick Schifrin spoke with a Syrian doctor who had witnessed the effects of chemical weapons attacks on civilians. Schifrin also spoke with U.S. officials about the Trump administration's decision to strike Syrian government targets in response to a chemical attack in April.

The show closed with a segment on the growing trend of companies offering "well-being" programs for employees. Correspondent Jeffrey Brown spoke with experts about the benefits of such programs, which can include everything from yoga classes to healthy food options. Brown also discussed the potential drawbacks, including the fact that some programs may be used to shift the burden of healthcare costs onto employees.

Overall, PBS Newshour's May 11, 2018 episode offered a wide-ranging look at some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Through its journalistic integrity and in-depth reporting, the show provided viewers with a nuanced understanding of complex topics.