May 2, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Traditionally, movies and books about Native American life have focused on tragedy and defeat. Now, a new work of history and reporting urges readers to consider a more complex culture that is not only still living, but evolving. Jeffrey Brown sits down with David Treuer, author of “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee.”

Writer and producer Frank Rich has led a long and varied career in the arts, from serving as theater critic for The New York Times to his current role as executive producer for the hit HBO show “Veep,” now in its final season. Rich talks about his experience in the political circles of D.C., using drama as an escape and his brief but spectacular take on a life in theater.

After Attorney General William Barr failed to appear before the House Judiciary Committee for a scheduled hearing on the Mueller report, House Democrats threatened to hold him in contempt. Meanwhile, Republicans argue Mueller’s investigation was biased against President Trump. Amna Nawaz talks to former Justice Department official David Rivkin and Neal Katyal, former acting solicitor general.

As the U.S. continues to grapple with issues of sexual assault and harassment, the Department of Defense released a report Thursday detailing the extent of the problem within its ranks. The data indicates a rise in the reported number of sexual assaults in the military, with only about a third of victims filing an official report. William Brangham talks to veteran and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

In our Thursday news wrap, conservative commentator Stephen Moore withdrew as a potential nominee to the Federal Reserve Board after losing support from Senate Republicans over past writings disparaging women. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared that he retains the military’s loyalty after commanders ignored opposition calls to revolt this week.

Baltimore has acquired a reputation for corruption, illustrated recently by Mayor Catherine Pugh, who resigned over allegations she had inappropriately taken payment in exchange for political favors. But the more ominous threats confronting the city, such as rampant crime and poverty, persist. Amna Nawaz talks to ProPublica’s Alec MacGillis about what could be a “fresh start” for Baltimore.

In eastern Ukraine, war with Russian-backed separatists has raged on and off for five years, forcing a generation of children to endure prolonged trauma and the premature loss of innocence. The film “The Distant Barking of Dogs” chronicles the story of 10-year-old Oleg and his grandmother, Aleksandra, who experience painful transformation along the conflict's front lines. Nick Schifrin reports.