PBS Newshour Season 2019 Episode 21 January 29, 2019

On January 29, 2019, PBS Newshour brings viewers up-to-date news coverage from around the world. In the show's first segment, anchor Judy Woodruff interviews Senator Roy Blunt, who served as the chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, about the upcoming State of the Union address. The interview touches on key issues such as immigration, trade, and healthcare that President Trump will likely discuss in the speech.

In the second segment, PBS correspondent William Brangham reports on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. He provides an overview of the political and economic factors that have led to the current situation, including the recent power struggle between President Nicolás Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaidó. Brangham also speaks with Venezuelan expatriates living in the United States, who share their concerns for their friends and family back home.

The third segment discusses the controversy surrounding Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook photo, which featured individuals wearing blackface and a Klan robe. PBS correspondent Yamiche Alcindor explores the reactions from Virginia lawmakers and citizens, as well as broader conversations around race and racism in America.

In the fourth segment, Woodruff speaks with Steven Levitsky, co-author of the book How Democracies Die, about the global rise of authoritarianism. Levitsky discusses the warning signs of democratic erosion and the steps that citizens and leaders can take to protect democracy.

The show's fifth segment features a report on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in rural America. PBS correspondent Lisa Desjardins travels to Clay County, Kentucky, where community members and healthcare providers have launched a comprehensive program to address addiction and overdose deaths.

Finally, the show welcomes historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin for a conversation about her latest book, Leadership in Turbulent Times. Goodwin reflects on the leadership qualities of four American presidents – Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson – and how their experiences can inform current political challenges.

Overall, PBS Newshour's January 29, 2019 episode provides in-depth analysis and reporting on a range of critical issues, from domestic politics to global affairs. The show's diverse perspectives and expert guests offer nuanced insights into complex topics, making it a go-to source for viewers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the news.