PBS Newshour Season 2020 Episode 80 April 16, 2020

On the April 16th, 2020 episode of PBS Newshour, viewers are brought up to date on political, economic, and social stories from around the world. The episode begins with a report on how the coronavirus is affecting New York City hospitals and the medical professionals working on the front lines to save patients. The story discusses the struggles health workers are facing with lack of necessary equipment and describes the grueling hours they are working in order to keep up with the high number of cases.

The show also covers the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses across the US. With many states on lockdown, businesses – from restaurants to shops – are suffering and many are on the brink of collapse. The program talks to business owners in California as well as in Massachusetts, where the state has closed nearly all businesses, to understand the impact of the pandemic on their livelihoods.

Another important topic covered during the show are the changes made to the US immigration system during the pandemic. The program explains how the government has suspended routine visa services and has closed embassies around the globe. Many legal immigrants trying to renew their visas or passports are unable to do so, leaving them in limbo and unsure of their legal status.

The impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic is also felt by prisoners in the US, with many prisons experiencing outbreaks. The show delves into the issue of mass incarceration and the risks it poses in the time of the pandemic. It explores how the lockdowns in many prisons have limited the inmates’ access to medical attention and how some, especially those with underlying health conditions, are at a higher risk for getting ill.

As the 2020 US Presidential election campaigns continue amidst the pandemic, the program covers how both President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden are adjusting their campaigns. With the pandemic keeping Americans at home, political rallies and events have been canceled. The story examines how both candidates are choosing to campaign and reach out to supporters, such as through virtual meetings, and how each is responding to the pandemic.

The program also highlights the plight of Native Americans in North Dakota as they fight against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Despite the pandemic, the pipeline– which was halted on tribal land following major protests in 2016 – is continuing to be constructed. The report looks at how the local tribe is reacting to the construction and the impact it will have on their lives.

As well as covering news from the US, the show also tackles global topics, such as how the pandemic is affecting the world economy. Businesses around the globe are struggling, leading to a practice of international aid in times of need. The program explores how such support has affected countries like Haiti, which was damaged by an earthquake in 2010 and is still recovering, and explains how the pandemic has added a new layer of crisis to the country.

Finally, the show covers the issue of online privacy and how it has become a problem as more people work and socialize online during the pandemic. With people staying at home, they are increasingly using the internet to work, attend classes, and connect with others. The story explores how this has raised concerns about the security of personal information and outlines the steps individuals can take to protect themselves.

Overall, the April 16th, 2020 episode of PBS Newshour provides a comprehensive overview of important national and international news stories and how they all relate to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.