May 6, 2020 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Congress is divided over whether the next coronavirus relief bill should fund cities and states reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic. Democrats and some Republicans cite governors and mayors who say aid is needed to stave off additional layoffs, but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others call such funding “Blue State Bailouts.” Here’s what some state and municipal workers think.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels have been battling a government in exile, backed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, for years. The fighting has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis that the coronavirus pandemic is making even more grim. Meanwhile, similar desperation is setting in for another war-torn nation: Libya. Nick Schifrin reports on how COVID-19 is exacerbating suffering in areas of conflict.

In our news wrap Wednesday, there are reports the coronavirus pandemic is causing upheaval in North Korea. South Korean lawmakers were briefed on new intelligence indicating food costs soared in North Korea after China closed its border to stop the virus’ spread. Also, the Supreme Court of Israel has ruled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can proceed with a new government despite facing trial.

A closely divided U.S. Supreme Court considered two cases Wednesday: one on the future of exceptions to a birth control mandate in the Affordable Care Act, and another challenging a federal law banning robocalls. John Yang reports on the details of the arguments brought before the justices -- and the challenges of the Court’s operating remotely.

The issue of whether to provide states and cities with additional federal funding is one of many challenges confronting Congress during the coronavirus pandemic. South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss that question, the safety precautions the Senate is taking amid COVID-19 and “broad support” for the Paycheck Protection Program.

The Trump administration has released a highly debated and long-anticipated blueprint for responding to sexual assault and harassment in schools. Issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the rules outline how student allegations of sexual misconduct must be dealt with for schools to remain in compliance. The New York Times’ Erica Green joins Amna Nawaz to discuss the significance of the changes.

Since the coronavirus pandemic gripped the United States, Americans have been told to avoid emergency rooms and hospitals if possible. But now there are reports from across the country that suggest the warning may be in fact too effective, as some patients experiencing urgent health problems are not seeking the treatment they need. Miles O’Brien reports on the medical and economic consequences.

With U.S. commercial flights largely empty amid the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines are taking a serious financial hit. But while their revenue has plunged due to the drop in demand, they are receiving billions in federal aid. Southwest Airlines CEO and chairman Gary C. Kelly joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the safety of air travel and the financial challenges of the economic crisis.

A black family in Georgia is pressing authorities to act after the shooting death of their son. In late February, Ahmaud Arbery was killed after two white men chased him, but no charges have been filed. Now, shocking video apparently depicting the incident has emerged -- and is stirring outrage nationwide. Yamiche Alcindor reports.