PBS Newshour Season 2019 Episode 18 January 24, 2019

In the January 24, 2019 episode of PBS Newshour, the show covers a range of pressing topics across the globe. The program kicks off with a report on the ongoing government shutdown in the United States, which at that point had lasted for 34 days. PBS correspondent Lisa Desjardins speaks with federal employees who are struggling to make ends meet without pay, as well as experts who discuss the broader economic impact of the shutdown.

The episode then moves on to international news, with a segment on the political crisis in Venezuela. Correspondent Marcia Biggs reports from Caracas, where opposition leader Juan Guaidó has declared himself interim president in a bid to topple the authoritarian regime of Nicolás Maduro. Biggs interviews both supporters and critics of Guaidó, as well as everyday Venezuelans who are dealing with the country's economic collapse.

Next, the show turns its attention to the ongoing negotiations between the United States and North Korea over the latter's nuclear program. Correspondent Nick Schifrin reports from Seoul, South Korea, where he interviews experts on the prospects for diplomacy and the challenges that lie ahead. Schifrin also speaks with residents of South Korea, many of whom have mixed feelings about the idea of a potential peace treaty with North Korea.

Another major topic covered in the episode is climate change, specifically the effects of rising sea levels on the coast of Maine. Correspondent William Brangham travels to the town of Wiscasset, where he speaks with local residents who are grappling with frequent flooding and erosion. Brangham also interviews scientists who explain why this part of the coast is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Finally, the show features a segment on the recent revelations about the alleged sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests in Illinois. Correspondent Megan Thompson speaks with survivors of abuse as well as attorneys and advocates who are calling for greater transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church. Thompson also reports on efforts by some states, such as New York and Pennsylvania, to investigate and prosecute instances of abuse that may have gone unreported or undocumented for many years.

Overall, the January 24, 2019 episode of PBS Newshour offers a diverse array of stories from around the world, ranging from domestic politics to international diplomacy to environmental issues to social justice. Through in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis, the program provides viewers with a comprehensive snapshot of the news and events shaping our world today.