July 21, 2021 - PBS NewsHour full episode

The congressional committee investigating the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol is embroiled in a new partisan firestorm over which Republican members can serve on it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has the final say over its members and announced Wednesday she would reject two of the five members — Reps. Jim Jordan and Jim Banks — suggested by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Lisa Desjardins reports.

In our news wrap Wednesday, Republicans in the U.S. Senate blocked debate on a bipartisan infrastructure plan, leaving the bill — worth $1.2 trillion — unfinished. The Bootleg Fire in Southern Oregon grew to half the size of Rhode Island. The Biden administration agreed to a plan for finishing the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Europe. The list of COVID positive Olympics athletes grew.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. life expectancy has fallen by a year and a half, the largest one-year decline since World War II. Black and Hispanic Americans were hit the hardest, dropping by almost 3 years. As the delta variant spreads and officials paint a sobering picture for Americans, especially those unvaccinated, John Yang discusses concerns with Georgetown University's Dr. Ranit Mishori.

The consequences of extreme weather are evident and unmistakable. Scientists say human-caused climate change is making these events more frequent and severe. Miles O'Brien looks at a pivotal upcoming moment in addressing the climate crisis with Alok Sharma, president of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference. It's part of our collaboration with "Covering Climate Now."

Estimates show that over five million children in the U.S. have had an incarcerated parent. As the number of women in American prison soars, little is known about the impact on children they leave behind. Amna Nawaz went to Texas to meet the children and report on how an organization, Girls Embracing Mothers, is connecting girls and their mothers. It’s part of our "Searching for Justice" series.

With summer in full swing, you may be wondering what books to take along on vacation — or enjoy right at home. Jeffrey Brown talks with two writers who have answers to that question. It’s part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

The city of Milwaukee is celebrating its first national basketball championship in 50 years. It's a delirious moment for a city and a smaller-market team that once won with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. Fans are cheering the team and its new superstar leader Giannis Antetokounmpo — the seventh player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a final. Stephanie Sy reports.