PBS News Hour full episode, May 13, 2026

President Trump's visit to Beijing in 2026 is characterized by significant geopolitical and economic disputes. Key issues include U.S. pressure on China to influence Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan despite Chinese opposition, and China's demand for the U.S. to alter its diplomatic language on Taiwan's independence. Economically, China leverages its control over rare earth exports, essential for various industries, while the U.S. restricts advanced computer chip exports to China. Chinese officials, like Henry Wang, assert China's near-peer status and demand mutual respect, linking cooperation on issues like Iran to U.S. treatment of Taiwan.

Nick Schifrin reports on the visit, detailing the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz (00:03:13), Taiwan arms sales (00:04:34), Chinese demands on Taiwan's independence (00:05:23), China's rare earth export restrictions (00:07:02), and U.S. chip export restrictions (00:07:56). Henry Wang emphasizes China's near-peer status and leverage (00:08:13) and links China's willingness to mediate in Iran to U.S. respect for China's core interests, specifically Taiwan (00:09:06).

The South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned Alex Murdaugh's double murder conviction, citing 'breathtaking and disgraceful' jury interference by court clerk Becky Hill. Hill allegedly advised jurors to 'Don't listen to what he said, watch his actions' regarding Murdaugh's testimony. This structural error necessitates a new trial, which the State Attorney General has vowed to pursue, though challenges remain regarding venue, the passage of time, and the admissibility of financial fraud evidence.

Lisa Desjardins reports on the unanimous decision (00:17:08). Valerie Bauerlein, author, confirms the decision was surprising and unanimous, highlighting the clerk's 'breathtaking and disgraceful' behavior (00:18:13). Bauerlein details Hill's alleged comments to jurors (00:20:34) and discusses the Attorney General's intent for a new trial (00:21:22), potential change of venue, and concerns about prejudicing a jury with financial evidence (00:23:04).

Asian Americans, the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., have a long history of discrimination and 'precarity,' where their belonging is constantly questioned. This history includes the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the first U.S. law to bar entry based on race, and violent expulsions like the 'Driving Out' period. Despite significant contributions, such as building the transcontinental railroad, their stories have often been overlooked, and their citizenship challenged, as seen in the landmark Wong Kim Ark Supreme Court case.

Amna Nawaz introduces the segment on overlooked Asian American history (00:25:02). Author Michael Luo discusses the 'precarity' of the Asian American experience (00:27:40), the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (00:29:33), the 'Driving Out' period (00:29:52), and the Wong Kim Ark case on birthright citizenship (00:31:52).

Uganda's historically liberal 'open door' refugee policy is facing unprecedented strain due to drastic cuts in international humanitarian assistance. The UNHCR has raised only 10% of its needed funds, leading to severe shortages in food, land, education, and healthcare for the two million refugees hosted. This scarcity fuels resentment and conflict between refugee groups, while health centers operate with minimal staff and resources, resulting in preventable deaths.

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on Uganda's open door policy (00:34:42). Patrick Okello states the rejection rate is 2% (00:35:16). Jason Hepps of UNHCR confirms only 10% of funds raised (00:37:33) and the need to triage aid, prioritizing new Sudanese arrivals (00:37:45). Beatrice Emani describes land and food assistance cuts (00:36:40). Dr. Alex Tezita details the Panyadoli Health Center's staff reduction from 133 to 50, delivering 85-90 women per week with only two doctors, and 50 preventable infant deaths (00:39:18).

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, passed away at 47, leaving a legacy as a barrier-breaking athlete and tireless advocate for equality. His 2013 'Sports Illustrated' essay, where he publicly came out, sent shockwaves through professional sports, preceding the legalization of gay marriage. Despite initial homophobia, his bravery forced the NBA to confront its internal biases, paving the way for greater acceptance and inspiring a generation.

Amna Nawaz announces Collins' death (00:43:15). The report references his 2013 'Sports Illustrated' essay (00:44:06) and his statement about the country being ready (00:44:29). Sportswriter L.Z. Granderson discusses the 'hostile culture' of 2013 (00:45:15) and how Collins' decision forced the league to confront homophobia (00:45:48).

Menopause, and particularly perimenopause, remains widely misunderstood, leading to inadequate treatment. Perimenopause, a phase lasting 4-10 years before menopause, often presents more severe and volatile symptoms due to wildly fluctuating hormones. A major setback in understanding and treatment came from the misinterpretation of the 2000s Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study by the media. While the study itself was sound, its findings on hormone replacement therapy risks were misrepresented, causing widespread fear among women and physicians, despite later clarifications that the risks were primarily linked to a specific synthetic progestogen and applied mainly to older women in the study.

Dr. Sharon Malone defines menopause and perimenopause, noting perimenopause's 4-10 year duration and more volatile symptoms (00:48:29). Dr. Lauren Streicher describes the 'thunderclap' impact of the WHI study (00:51:36), its misrepresentation by the media (00:52:39), and clarifies that the risks were linked to a specific progestogen and applied to an older demographic (00:52:23).