August 21, 2023 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Local officials and residents are still assessing the scope of loss from the Maui wildfires. Troubling questions and anger have emerged as well about the role of Hawaii's biggest power utility, the response by local and state government and a lack of critical communication when residents most needed it. Geoff Bennett discussed that perspective with Marina Riker of Honolulu Civil Beat.

This weekend the results of two Latin American elections seem to reflect a desire for democratic change. In Ecuador, a millennial entrepreneur will face the establishment leftist candidate in a runoff and Guatemalans elected an anti-corruption politician who overcame establishment assaults on democracy. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Will Freeman.

The nation’s obesity epidemic is growing. Nearly 42 percent of all American adults are considered obese. Now, new findings about the FDA-approved weight-loss drug Wegovy may lead to even more demand for a medication that can be both life-changing and expensive. William Brangham reports.

Across the country, states are trying to tackle the growing mental health crisis. Some are enacting laws and policies that would make it easier to hospitalize or detain the severely mentally ill against their will or through voluntary court-ordered treatment. California is taking steps toward compelling more mentally ill patients into care. Stephanie Sy reports from San Diego.

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including the first Republican debate of the primary season and former President Donald Trump's decision to skip it as he leads in the polls and is set for processing in a Georgia jail.

An exhibit at The New Museum in New York explores the legacy of the Vietnam War through the films and sculptures of an artist whose own life has been defined by that very legacy. Jeffrey Brown takes a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.