May 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

Trade tensions between the U.S. and China may be cooling but the economic fallout is still rippling through the Port of Los Angeles. This matters because the port plays a major role in the global supply chain and a slowdown affects everything from store shelves and prices to American jobs. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Gene Seroka, the port's executive director.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s agenda has won praise from some whose loved ones have severe complications from autism. But others say his rhetoric fails to accurately portray people on the spectrum and the contributions they make. We have perspectives from people with autism and their caregivers and Ali Rogin looks at how leaders in the community are advocating for themselves.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a rollback of Biden-era regulations on PFAS chemicals in drinking water systems. The EPA estimates more than 158 million Americans are exposed to these "forever chemicals" through water. John Yang discussed the move with Amudalat Ajasa of The Washington Post.

House Republicans advanced the largest portions of the Trump agenda package, which the president calls the big, beautiful bill, out of committee. It includes trillions in tax cuts along with changes to Medicaid that would affect millions of people. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports on what’s in this sweeping plan.

Day two of President Trump's tour of the Mideast brought with it the prospect of a new future for Syria. The president announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. Trump also met with Syria's interim president, a former jihadist who until recently had a $10 million U.S. bounty. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Mouaz Mustafa of the Syrian Emergency Task Force.