May 1, 2020 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Tensions continue to rise between the Trump administration and China over the handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. has blamed China for not containing the virus quickly; China has fired back against the criticism, saying the U.S. didn’t listen to early warnings. Nick Schifrin joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why U.S. officials anticipate a continued “pressure campaign” toward China.

In our news wrap Friday, the White House confirmed it has blocked Dr. Anthony Fauci from testifying at a congressional hearing next week on the COVID-19 response, saying he is busy dealing with the pandemic. Also, Canada is banning the use and trade of assault-style weapons, effective immediately. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his order covers more than 1,500 models and variants of firearms.

More than a dozen states relaxed their stay-at-home orders Friday, but some southern states began lifting restrictions earlier, allowing beauty salons, restaurants and other businesses to reopen at their discretion. The iconic Waffle House chain resumed limited dine-in service this week at 400 locations across Georgia and Tennessee. Company CEO Walt Ehmer joins Amna Nawaz to discuss the move.

Former Vice President and likely Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden made his first public statements Friday about a sexual assault allegation against him. A woman who served as a Senate staffer says Biden assaulted her in the 1990s. In his remarks, Biden denied the accusation but says that women alleging such abuse have a right to be heard. Lisa Desjardins reports.

Jazz Fest, one of the nation’s liveliest annual music celebrations, should have been full-throttle this week in New Orleans. Instead, the city remains locked down, a hot spot in the COVID-19 pandemic with close to 6,500 cases and over 400 deaths. As part of Canvas, our ongoing coverage of arts and culture, Jeffrey Brown talks to one of the city’s musical ambassadors about the pandemic's toll.

We honor a few of the tens of thousands of Americans from all corners of the country who have lost their lives to COVID-19. Judy Woodruff shares five remembrances.

Across the country, essential workers are maintaining goods and services, despite the risks posed by the pandemic. Grocery store employees, bus drivers and sanitation workers are in close contact with the public, and many say they don't have what they need to stay safe. As some workers walk out to demand better conditions, others remain on the job -- and worry. Here are four of their stories.

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week’s news, including former Vice President Joe Biden’s new public denial of a sexual assault allegation against him, congressional action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and where the country stands on lifting business restrictions and stay-at-home orders.