Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/july-21-2026-pbs-news-hour-full-episode Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Tuesday on the News Hour... Anna Deavere Smith is well known for her acting in films and TV, including on “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie.” She’s also made an impact as a playwright, creating her own style of theatrical dramas that explore aspects of American life. Now, she’s doing something new: looking back at her own family history. Jeffrey Brown met with Smith in Philadelphia for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. Listen to the Broadcast Subscribe to the Full Show Podcast Segments From This Episode Anna Deavere Smith brings her family's history to the stage in 'Basil Biggs' 7 min Epstein survivor criticizes Blanche, calls meeting 'a performative move' Janesville, once a symbol of the Great Recession, becomes AI data center battleground 9 min Trump raises tensions with Canada by announcing new 50% tariffs 7 min News Wrap: Gulf Coast prepares for Tropical Storm Bertha 6 min Southern Lebanese skeptical of Israel agreement as violence continues 9 min Hegseth says Iran war has cost $37.5B so far and Pentagon needs $67B to restock arms 5 min