PBS Newshour Season 2020 Episode 78 April 14, 2020

In this episode of PBS Newshour, which aired on April 14, 2020, the focus is on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the United States and the world. The episode opens with a discussion of the latest developments in the crisis, including the rising death toll, economic downturn, and efforts to develop treatments and vaccines.

Next, the show covers some of the challenges and innovations emerging in the medical community as they work to combat the virus. One report examines the use of telemedicine to treat patients remotely, reducing the risk of exposure and preserving critical medical resources. Another segment explores the research being done to repurpose existing drugs to treat COVID-19, including the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.

The program also takes a look at some of the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. One report examines the strain being put on food banks and other charitable organizations as the crisis worsens, while another focuses on the impact of the lockdown on small businesses and workers in the service sector.

Later in the episode, there is a segment on the political response to the crisis. One report delves into the debate raging in Congress over how to respond to the economic fallout from the pandemic, including the proposed stimulus packages and bailouts. Another report examines the ways in which the pandemic is affecting the 2020 election, from changes to the primary schedule to concerns about voting access and election security.

The show also features several human-interest stories related to the pandemic. One report profiles a nurse who is working to help his community in the face of the crisis, while another features a group of artists who are using their skills to create protective gear for healthcare workers.

Throughout the episode, there are interviews and insights from a range of experts, including medical professionals, economists, politicians, and journalists. By the end, viewers are left with a comprehensive understanding of the many dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing efforts to combat it.