PBS News Weekend: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of PBS News Weekend Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
January 1, 2017
Jan 1, 2017 · 25 min
A massive manhunt is underway in Turkey for a gunman who opened fire on hundreds of people celebrating the New Year. Also, North Korean defectors who escaped to the south still fac
January 7, 2017
Jan 7, 2017 · 25 min
A Florida airport reopens the day after a mass shooting. Also, what happens now following U.S. intelligence assessments on Russian influence on the presidential election? Later, le
January 8, 2017
Jan 8, 2017 · 25 min
President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees prepare for their Senate confirmation hearings this week. Later, a look at the debate over incarcerating juveniles as adults. Hari S
January 14, 2017
Jan 14, 2017 · 25 min
President-elect Donald Trump calls for new directions on U.S. policies toward Russia and China. Also: A camp for homeless U.S. military veterans gets community support in Arizona,
January 15, 2017
Jan 15, 2017 · 25 min
Breaking down the tradition of using the first 100 days of presidency as a benchmark for future success. Later, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is considering whether it should ma
January 21, 2017
Jan 21, 2017 · 25 min
President Donald Trump began his first day in office as people marched in support of women’s rights in cities across the world. Also, a breakdown of the president's inaugural speec
January 22, 2017
Jan 22, 2017 · 25 min
President Donald Trump’s administration said it will not release his tax returns, and Trump dismissed the massive crowds who joined the Women’s March on Saturday. Later, a look at
January 28, 2017
Jan 28, 2017 · 25 min
Confusion at airports around the world as President Donald Trump’s executive order bans refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. And, as the president plans to
January 29, 2017
Jan 29, 2017 · 25 min
Federal judges halt a portion of President Trump’s order banning immigrants from seven majority-Muslim nations as protestors of the ban take to the streets. Also, analysis on the e
February 4, 2017
Feb 4, 2017 · 25 min
The Trump administration's ban on immigration from seven mostly Muslim countries is on hold nationwide following Friday’s restraining order by a federal court judge. Later, armed A
February 5, 2017
Feb 5, 2017 · 25 min
President Donald Trump’s immigration ban on people from seven predominantly Muslim countries could head to the U.S. Supreme Court as the debate continues on the constitutionality o
February 11, 2017
Feb 11, 2017 · 25 min
Hundreds of undocumented immigrants arrested by federal agents during raids in six states now face deportation. Also, states compete to attract companies that are looking for the b
February 12, 2017
Feb 12, 2017 · 25 min
North Korea fires a ballistic missile in defiance of the international community and President Donald Trump mulls next steps for his immigration ban that was blocked by federal cou
February 18, 2017
Feb 18, 2017 · 25 min
President Donald Trump rallies supporters to get behind his agenda, and his administration seeks to reassure European allies at the Munich Security Conference. Also, the fight over
February 19, 2017
Feb 19, 2017 · 25 min
President Donald Trump is vetting the next national security adviser. Later, remembering the 75th anniversary of one of America’s most controversial executive orders that led to th
February 25, 2017
Feb 25, 2017 · 25 min
The Democratic Party elects a new national chairman as the annual Republican-led Conservative Political Action Conference comes to an end. Later, will Britain’s exit from the Europ
February 26, 2017
Feb 26, 2017 · 25 min
A draft plan for the Affordable Care Act makes its way to Washington, D.C. Later, a look at the factors that led to months of protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. Hari Sreenivasa
March 4, 2017
Mar 4, 2017 · 25 min
President Trump accuses former President Obama of wiretapping him during the election without providing evidence, and a look at why the U.S. military is expanding its role in Yemen
March 5, 2017
Mar 5, 2017 · 25 min
The fallout continues after President Donald Trump claimed without providing evidence that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower during the presidential campaign
March 11, 2017
Mar 11, 2017 · 25 min
Vice President Mike Pence is promoting a new GOP healthcare plan in Kentucky, the state with the highest rate of people covered under the Affordable Care Act. Later, hear about an
March 12, 2017
Mar 12, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, March 12, Republicans fight over a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, a federal panel ruled that Texas gerrymandering intentionally discriminates
March 18, 2017
Mar 18, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, March 18, a gunman tries to shoot travelers at a busy airport in France, the U.S. and China discuss working together on policy toward North Korea, and
March 19, 2017
Mar 19, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, March 19, South Korea helps decrease food waste with new policies, and what to expect from the Gorsuch confirmation hearings. Later, remembering rock ‘n
March 25, 2017
Mar 25, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, March 25, assessing the impact of the failed Republican health care bill, and the Trump administration turns its attention to tax reform. Later, famin
March 26, 2017
Mar 26, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, March 26, Venezuela asks for assistance as medical supplies have nearly depleted. Later, Ireland prepares for the financial fallout of the United Kingdo
April 1, 2017
Apr 1, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, April 1, key members of the Trump administration make financial disclosures and Venezuela undergoes a constitutional crisis. Also, a closer look at th
April 2, 2017
Apr 2, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, April 2, the Senate gets ready to vote on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch and President Donald Trump prepares to host the president of Egypt. Later,
April 8, 2017
Apr 8, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, April 8, a look at the aftermath and political implications of the U.S. missile strike in Syria following a chemical weapons attack there. Later, a no
April 9, 2017
Apr 9, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, April 9, President Donald Trump's foreign policy team calls for political change in Syria, and families ask for more data on post-college earnings and
April 15, 2017
Apr 15, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, April 15, North Korea shows off new missiles during its annual military parade, and the aftermath of the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used by the U.S
April 16, 2017
Apr 16, 2017 · 25 min
On this episode for Sunday, April 16, the U.S. responds to North Korea’s failed missile test and Turkey’s president gets more executive power. Later, Democratic members of Congress
April 22, 2017
Apr 22, 2017 · 25 min
On this episode for Saturday, April 22, thousands of people join the March for Science across the country and scientists gear up to run for office. Later, France prepares to hold a
April 23, 2017
Apr 23, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, April 23, French voters head to the polls to choose the country's next leader and Venezuelan protesters continue to demand President Nicolas Maduro sche
April 29, 2017
Apr 29, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, April 29, a reflection on President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office and whether he is fulfilling his promises. Later, the Trump administration
April 30, 2017
Apr 30, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, April 30, half of the immigrants detained in raids in the days after President Donald Trump took office either had traffic violations or clean records.
May 6, 2017
May 6, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, May 6, French youth voice their opinions on this weekend’s presidential election runoff as centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron faces a hacking attack.
May 7, 2017
May 7, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, May 7, France picks a new president and former Obama administration deputy and acting Attorney General Sally Yates is set to testify about President Don
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, May 13, the search begins to replace former FBI director James Comey and countries around the world investigate Friday's ransomware attack. Later, lea
May 14, 2017
May 14, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, May 14, international condemnation follows North Korea's missile launch, and a growing number of conservative Republican voices are calling for action o
May 20, 2017
May 20, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, May 20, President Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia on his first trip abroad as commander-in-chief. Later, Iran re-elects President Hassan Rouhani, and
May 21, 2017
May 21, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, May 21, President Donald Trump addresses the threat of terrorism and calls on Arab leaders to confront extremism. Later, hear about sexual education and
May 27, 2017
May 27, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition, for Saturday, May 27, President Donald Trump is returning to the White House after his first trip overseas as commander in chief. Later, economist Tyler Cowen argu
May 28, 2017
May 28, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, May 28, President Donald Trump’s administration considers a surge in troops to Afghanistan. Later, remembering President John F. Kennedy on the 100th an
June 3, 2017
Jun 3, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, June 3, Vladimir Putin plays down allegations of Russian hacking into the American presidential election, and a look at Marvel’s first queer Latina su
June 4, 2017
Jun 4, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, June 4, Britain is on high alert following Saturday's terrorist attack that killed seven in London, the third to strike the country in the last three mo
June 10, 2017
Jun 10, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, June 10, we look at what happened in Washington this week while the nation focused on former FBI director James Comey, and an exhibit follows the capt
June 11, 2017
Jun 11, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, June 11, President Donald Trump turns his focus to an infrastructure plan, and a new film follows the only bank charged after the 2008 financial crisis.
June 17, 2017
Jun 17, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, June 17, a U.S. Navy ship collides with a container ship off the coast of Japan, and a mistrial is declared in the Bill Cosby trial on sexual assault
June 18, 2017
Jun 18, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, June 18, American sailors who went missing after a collision on a U.S. warship are confirmed dead, and a closer look at President Trump's latest financi
June 24, 2017
Jun 24, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, June 24, President Trump signs a new law meant to improve accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and some communities are creating
June 25, 2017
Jun 25, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, June 25, President Donald Trump faces a test in the U.S. Senate as Republicans try to gather enough votes for their health care plan. Later, climate cha
July 1, 2017
Jul 1, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, July 1, a nightclub dispute in Little Rock, Ark., leaves over 25 wounded. Later, Atlantic City, N.J., residents on the failed flood-mitigation efforts
July 2, 2017
Jul 2, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, July 2, warming oceans are affecting coral reefs and what the Antarctic melt means for sea level rise. Later, the nationwide effort to locate and identi
July 8, 2017
Jul 8, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, July 8, world leaders wrap up the G20 summit and a new report shows the number of refugees and migrants into Europe has spiked. Later, Seattle is retr
July 9, 2017
Jul 9, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, July 9, after a nine-month siege, Iraq says it has defeated the Islamic State in Mosul. Later, a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela forces thousands to fl
July 15, 2017
Jul 15, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, July 15, one opposition leader in Russia is urging youth to speak out. Later, the expansion of presidential power and crackdown on dissent one year af
July 16, 2017
Jul 16, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, July 16, the Senate vote on the GOP healthcare plan is postponed, again. And, the latest poll shows President Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36
July 22, 2017
Jul 22, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, July 22, renewed focus on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ dealings with Russian officials and the Minneapolis police chief resigns following last week
July 23, 2017
Jul 23, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, July 23, a horrific case of suspected immigrant smuggling in Texas, and the White House signals President Trump may sign a bill to toughen Russian sanct
July 29, 2017
Jul 29, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, July 29, the White House moves forward with a new chief of staff, and while the Affordable Care Act remains, some people are left with few insurance o
July 30, 2017
Jul 30, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, July 30, tensions rise following last week’s missile test by North Korea, and a deadly assault in the Philippines under the president’s violent crackdow
August 5, 2017
Aug 5, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, August 5, record heat sweeps across the western U.S. and parts of Europe. Later, one scholar offers a new perspective on income inequality, arguing th
August 6, 2017
Aug 6, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, August 6, Iran gains new influence in Afghanistan, and how the Trump administration is pursuing a conservative agenda. Later, a Hawaiian island combats
August 12, 2017
Aug 12, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, August 12, North Korea threatens Guam during a week of rising rhetoric, and Sen. John McCain proposes another U.S. strategy for Afghanistan. Later, wh
August 13, 2017
Aug 13, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, August 13, locals continue to grapple with the aftermath of a white nationalist rally that has been linked to three deaths. Later, looking at the terror
August 19, 2017
Aug 19, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, August 19, thousands of counter-protesters overpower a controversial “free speech” rally in Boston. Later, the tech community responds to hate speech
August 20, 2017
Aug 20, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, August 20, the United States shifts course on joint military exercises with South Korea as tensions increase with North Korea. Later, after three years
August 26, 2017
Aug 26, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, August 26, we head to Texas to survey the damage Hurricane Harvey has already wrought and learn how the state is preparing for the aftermath. Later, P
August 27, 2017
Aug 27, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, August 27, Hurricane Harvey is showing southeast Texas some of the worst flooding in its history, with at least five people dead. Later, major companies
September 2, 2017
Sep 2, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Sept. 2, Houston begins the long process of cleanup following Hurricane Harvey. Later, learn how the storm has affected gas prices throughout the coun
September 3, 2017
Sep 3, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Sept. 3, North Korea conducts its most powerful nuclear weapons test and Houston continues clean-up efforts following Hurricane Harvey. Later, how scien
September 9, 2017
Sep 9, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Sept. 9, Florida prepares for the worst as Hurricane Irma closes in on the state after blasting through Cuba and the Caribbean. Also, while 80,000 res
September 10, 2017
Sep 10, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Sept. 10, Hurricane Irma hits Florida with winds topping 130 mph amid concerns over safety, floods and power loss. Later, less than half of Florida home
September 16, 2017
Sep 16, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Sept. 16, British police make an arrest following Friday’s London train bombing, and the U.S. takes the war on the Islamic State to federal court. Lat
September 17, 2017
Sep 17, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Sept. 17, the Florida Keys re-open to residents forced from their homes by Hurricane Irma, and what to expect from President Trump during his first visi
September 23, 2017
Sep 23, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition, for Saturday, Sept. 23, an American military show of force amid a war of words between the United States and North Korea as Puerto Rico grapples with loss of power
September 24, 2017
Sep 24, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Sept. 24, football players take a knee during the national anthem in solidarity of former colleague Colin Kaepernick, who was targeted by President Dona
September 30, 2017
Sep 30, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Sept. 30, President Trump lashes out at the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the island remains in crisis after Hurricane Maria. Also, what’s next f
October 1, 2017
Oct 1, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Oct. 1, progress and setbacks run hand-in-hand in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and a new report reveals closed-door hearings and litt
October 7, 2017
Oct 7, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Oct. 7, the Gulf Coast prepares for Hurricane Nate as FEMA ratchets up aid in hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico, and authorities in Las Vegas continue the
October 8, 2017
Oct 8, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Oct. 8, growing reports of tension between the Trump administration and the Republican Party, and the Canadian government agrees to pay $600 million in
October 14, 2017
Oct 14, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Oct. 14, fires in northern California leave whole towns devastated, and persecuted Rohingya Muslims continue to flee Myanmar. Also, baby boomers are s
October 15, 2017
Oct 15, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Oct. 15, northern California continues to battle wildfires, and South Sudan’s four-year civil war causes the continent’s largest refugee crisis. Also, m
October 21, 2017
Oct 21, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Oct. 21, one of the U.S. soldiers killed in Niger is laid to rest, and Spain moves to dissolve the secessionist government in Catalonia. Also, a look
October 22, 2017
Oct 22, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Oct. 22, President Donald Trump continues to push his tax plan, and Buddhists protest ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. Also, a look at whether nuclear power
October 28, 2017
Oct 28, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Oct. 28, a conservative website funded by Republican donor Paul Singer is revealed to have funded the anti-Trump dossier, and Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s sen
October 29, 2017
Oct 29, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Oct. 29, Puerto Rico calls to cancel a $300 million utility contract to restore its power after a federal investigation was launched to see if Interior
November 4, 2017
Nov 4, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Nov. 4, President Trump embarks on a five-nation trip to Asia, and an investigation finds widespread abuse in Florida’s juvenile justice system. Also,
November 5, 2017
Nov 5, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Nov. 5, President Donald Trump arrives in Asia for a 12-day tour, and a look at Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s approach to drawing more women into
November 11, 2017
Nov 11, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Nov. 11, President Trump said he questioned Vladimir Putin about Russian meddling in the U.S. election, and researchers explore whether indoor farming
November 12, 2017
Nov 12, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Nov. 12, President Trump arrives in the Philippines, his last stop on a five-nation Asia tour. Also, researchers in Hawaii, already a state leader in re
November 18, 2017
Nov 18, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Nov. 18, nearly 200 countries, not including the U.S., agree to move forward on climate change. Also, the quest to develop a universal and long-lastin
November 19, 2017
Nov 19, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Nov. 19, the GOP’s tax reform bill heads towards a Senate vote, and Bosnians are still struggling years after the end of civil war. Also, how the charac
November 25, 2017
Nov 25, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Nov. 25, President Donald Trump names Budget Director Mick Mulvaney the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and a filmmaker documents th
November 26, 2017
Nov 26, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Nov. 26, Rep. John Conyers announces he's giving up his post as top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee amid a sexual harassment inquiry. Also, an
December 2, 2017
Dec 2, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Dec. 2, the Senate passed a nearly $1.5 trillion tax package, pushing one of the largest overhauls of tax codes in decades. And in Cyprus, the search
December 3, 2017
Dec 3, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Dec. 3, President Donald Trump goes on the offensive in a flurry of tweets, changing his previous account of Michael Flynn's firing and contradicting th
December 9, 2017
Dec 9, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Dec. 9, officials confirm the first death related to wildfires that continue to ravage Southern California. And two Palestinians were killed by an Isr
December 10, 2017
Dec 10, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Dec. 10, President Donald Trump reiterates his support for Roy Moore, two days before the Alabama special Senate election. Also, bitcoin launches on fut
December 16, 2017
Dec 16, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Dec. 16, more details emerge about the Republican tax bill as it nears a final vote next week, and how the lack of electricity in Puerto Rico after Hu
December 17, 2017
Dec 17, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Dec. 17, the GOP’s tax bill is expected to pass and get signed by President Trump this week. And, in the second of our two-part series on drinking water
December 23, 2017
Dec 23, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Dec. 23, drones help prevent conflicts between farmers and elephants in Tanzania, and a documentary film on how opioids have devastated Somerville, Ma
December 24, 2017
Dec 24, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Dec. 24, President Trump takes aim at the FBI on Twitter, and how Hawaii is addressing homelessness in the state. Also, a photographer travels around th
December 30, 2017
Dec 30, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Saturday, Dec. 30, anti-government protests continue across Iran, and the Lada, an old school Russian car, is embraced by the youth. Also, a look at the debate
December 31, 2017
Dec 31, 2017 · 25 min
On this edition for Sunday, Dec. 31, the nation confronts severe cold as the year ends, and the number of journalists jailed across the world reaches an all-time high. Also, meet l