August 12, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

On Monday, Attorney General William Barr sharply criticized the management of the Manhattan federal prison where wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell over the weekend. John Yang reports and talks to Cardozo Law School’s Jessica Roth about how the investigation into Epstein’s alleged sex-trafficking ring will continue and what other avenues his accusers have to seek justice.

Nearly two dozen presidential candidates attended the Iowa State Fair over the weekend. Former Vice President Joe Biden drew the most attention and continues to lead in the polls, but Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is seeing support surge. Lisa Desjardins reports on how the contenders are striving to stand out -- and to cultivate successful campaign operations -- in the first primary state.

In our news wrap Monday, the death toll from a weekend typhoon in eastern China has risen to 45 people. Rescue workers are still evacuating residents stranded in buildings after their streets were submerged by floodwaters. Also, in southern India, torrential rain and mudslides have killed nearly 100 people and displaced 400,000 others. Flooded roads meant people had to evacuate by boat.

The Trump administration has announced major changes to the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law signed by President Richard Nixon that's credited with saving iconic species like the bald eagle and the grizzly bear. William Brangham talks to Lisa Friedman of The New York Times about new rules around how scientists designate species as in need of protection and anticipated court challenges.

Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles is showing no signs of slowing down. On Sunday night, Biles won a record-tying sixth consecutive national championship -- and some of her moves were unprecedented. Amna Nawaz reports and talks to USA Today’s Nancy Armour about the challenging physics involved in Biles’ spectacular feats and how she is using her influence to hold USA Gymnastics accountable.

N.C. Wyeth, who led a multi-generational family of American art royalty and inspired “Star Wars” creator George Lucas and “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin, gets a new look in an exhibition of his illustrations and paintings. Jeffrey Brown reports on this more well-rounded portrait of an artist who painted scenes of rural life, but who remains best known for his book illustrations.

Recent immigration debates have focused on illegal entry into the U.S. But the Trump administration is issuing new rules to limit legal immigration, by penalizing green card seekers who use, or might eventually use, public benefits. Yamiche Alcindor talks to the Bipartisan Policy Center's Theresa Cardinal Brown about the public charge concept and who will feel the effects of the rule change.

August 12, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode