September 6, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

With the northern islands of the Bahamas leveled by Hurricane Dorian, getting to people who are in danger and transporting them out of the ruins pose immense logistical challenges. William Brangham talks to Elizabeth Riley, deputy executive director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, which is coordinating the response and assessment teams to these hard-hit areas of the Bahamas.

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week in politics, including whether Democrats are taking a “politically risky” approach to climate change policy, President Trump’s fixation with Alabama being hit by Hurricane Dorian, Trump’s diversion of Defense Department funds for border security and "Trump fatigue" in the GOP.

Following several mysterious deaths linked to vaping, the federal government is now warning Americans not to use e-cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control also said there are 450 reported cases of lung illnesses tied to vaping, in more than 30 states. William Brangham talks to Allison Aubrey of NPR about what is known, and what isn’t, about the health risks of vaping.

Medical professionals and children’s welfare advocates have warned of health risks from detaining migrant children and separating them from family members. Now, a government agency has delivered a comprehensive report on the issue. Lisa Desjardins talks to Ann Maxwell, assistant inspector general for evaluations and inspections at the Department of Health and Human Services, who helped write it.

In our Friday news wrap, U.S. businesses slowed their hiring in August amid global economic weakness and the tariff war with China. The Labor Department announced employers added a net of 130,000 jobs -- fewer than expected. Also, in Afghanistan, the Taliban staged another fatal assault as questions mounted about a potential peace deal. President Ashraf Ghani postponed an upcoming trip to D.C.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is expanding its vision and offerings as it enlarges its physical footprint for the first time in its 50-year history. The institution hopes to showcase a range of arts, provide a "campus" feel and illuminate art as it's created. Jeffrey Brown reports on "Reach," the effort housed in three newly constructed buildings.