August 15, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Israel says it will bar two U.S. congresswomen from entering the country. At President Trump's urging, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed his earlier decision to allow Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, both Muslims critical of Israeli policies, to visit. Amna Nawaz talks to Danny Ayalon, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., and Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif.

Chinese military exercises Thursday near the border with Hong Kong reiterated the country’s waning patience with months of pro-democracy demonstrations, some turning violent. Beijing officials have referred to the protests as “terrorism,” and even some Hong Kong residents have grown weary of them -- but more are planned for the upcoming weekend. Special correspondent Bruce Harrison reports.

Raising a child is complicated and potentially confusing, with conflicting advice available everywhere a parent turns. Economist Emily Oster, a mother of two, dug into the data to help other parents make informed choices about managing their little ones -- and found some surprising results that challenge conventional parenting wisdom. Business and economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.

The governance of Venezuela appears to be in a deadlock. Opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom the U.S. recognizes as president, has been unable to oust President Nicolas Maduro. The two sides were negotiating until recently, when Maduro, who is supported by the military, left discussions in protest of new U.S. sanctions. Amna Nawaz talks to Amb. Carlos Vecchio, who represents Guaido in Washington.

In Newark, New Jersey, worries and anger over contaminated drinking water are growing by the day. High lead levels have been found at many of Newark’s homes, in a case echoing the 2014 water crisis in Flint, Michigan. City officials have distributed water filters, but now the EPA says they may not be enough. NJTV’s Brenda Flanagan reports, and Lisa Desjardins talks to NJTV reporter Michael Hill.

In times of division, people often turn to faith leaders for guidance and support. Jeffrey Brown spoke to two such leaders, Rev. Mariann Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and Richard Land, president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary, about navigating the current landscape of polarized national politics, what they think of President Trump's rhetoric and how to promote unity.