February 13, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

While a tentative bipartisan agreement exists to fund the government and avoid a second shutdown, more work must be accomplished quickly to meet Friday's deadline. Senate Majority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., talks to Judy Woodruff about the outlook for President Trump to sign the bill if it passes and whether Republicans would support back pay for federal contractors affected by the shutdown.

A year after a gunman killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the lives and outlooks of students across the country are also permanently altered. The NewsHour’s Student Reporting Labs spoke to several of them about the tragedy’s impact on their daily experiences, how safe they feel and the role of politics.

Health care continues to be a top political issue. While some congressional Democrats consider universal health coverage, state and local governments are already pushing ahead with proposals to corral costs and broaden access to care, including for the undocumented. Special correspondent Sarah Varney shares stories from California and New York, two states pursuing ambitious health care agendas.

Congressional negotiators revealed more about a proposed funding deal Wednesday, but President Trump has yet to indicate whether he'll sign it. With just two days left before a second government shutdown would take effect, the pressure is on to hammer out the legislation's details. Judy Woodruff talks to Lisa Desjardins and Yamiche Alcindor about potential sticking points and "political theater."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in Poland leading an international conference on Middle East peace and security with representatives from roughly 70 countries. From Warsaw, he talks to Judy Woodruff about the meeting's historic significance, why Iran continues to pose a major threat to Mideast stability and whether the U.S. is consistent in objecting to global human rights abuses.

When it comes to movies, we tend to focus on actors and directors. But many other factors help determine whether a film resonates with audiences. In commercial and critical blockbuster “Black Panther,” for example, superhero suits recall actual African heritage. Jeffrey Brown talks to Ruth Carter, the movie’s Oscar-nominated costume designer, about finding inspiration and serving as an example.