PBS Newshour Season 2020 Episode 117 Jun 9, 2020

On PBS Newshour season 2020 episode 117, which aired on June 9, 2020, the program provided in-depth coverage of the protests erupting across the United States in response to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The episode began with an overview of the nationwide unrest, which had extended beyond Minneapolis to larger cities like New York and Los Angeles.

PBS correspondents on the ground reported live from various demonstrations, including those in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. They spoke with protesters, law enforcement officials, and local residents to gain insight into the causes and impact of the unrest. They also provided updates on the various tactics employed by police and protestors, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and other crowd control measures.

In addition to the nationwide unrest, the program devoted significant time to the political response to the protests. Interviews were conducted with elected officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who offered their perspectives on the best ways to address the systemic issues that led to Mr. Floyd's death. Legal experts were also brought in to discuss the various charges against the officers involved in the incident and the likelihood of their prosecution.

Throughout the program, PBS Newshour leaned on its history of in-depth reporting to provide clarity and context around complex issues. The show examined the history of police tactics and the history of racism in America, and it explored the ways in which the protests had given new momentum to longstanding movements for criminal justice reform.

Finally, the program examined the broader impact of the protests on American society. Correspondents spoke with business owners whose livelihoods had been damaged by rioting and looting, and they explored how the unrest in 2020 compared to previous movements for social change, such as the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

Overall, PBS Newshour season 2020 episode 117 provided comprehensive coverage of a pivotal moment in American history. Through on-the-ground reporting, expert analysis, and thoughtful commentary, the program shed light on the causes, effects, and potential outcomes of the George Floyd protests, while also placing them in a broader historical context.