February 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode

Monday on the News Hour, the killing of a Mexican cartel leader sparks retaliatory violence across parts of Mexico. FBI Director Kash Patel's trip to the Olympics raises questions about the bureau's priorities and use of taxpayer dollars. Plus, as a fragile peace arrangement holds between Syria's new government and its Kurdish minority, we hear from the Kurds' top military leader. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Friday on the News Hour, after the Supreme Court strikes down President Trump's global tariffs, he pledges to keep most of them in place through other means. In the midst of a military buildup, the U.S. considers a limited strike on Iran, but many fear this could lead to an all-out war. Plus, the EPA loosens restrictions on coal-burning power plants, allowing emissions of hazardous pollutants. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S.-China relationship affects national security and our pocketbooks. They are the world's most advanced militaries and largest economies. Now, China's increasingly authoritarian leadership is purging officials while portraying itself as more reliable than the U.S. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Kurt Campbell, Randall Schriver, Yun Sun and Mchael Swaine.  PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

This will come as a surprise to no one, but exercise is really good for us. But why it works and how it works are far less understood. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores that with Stanford University's Euan Ashley. He's a professor of genomics and cardiovascular medicine and is part of a team trying to understand, at the very molecular level, how exercise changes our bodies, and why. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Thursday on the News Hour, former Prince Andrew is arrested as part of the widening global fallout related to Jeffrey Epstein. Nations pledge billions of dollars to President Trump's so-called Board of Peace that promises to rebuild war-torn Gaza. Plus, South Korea's former president is handed a life sentence for imposing martial law. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Wednesday on the News Hour, as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a landmark trial on the addictive nature of social media, we hear from a parent about the risks to kids. The U.S. says it will further reduce its troop presence in Syria after fighting ISIS there for the last decade. Plus, the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities creates uncertainties for teachers and students. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Tuesday on the News Hour, how the Trump administration is not only changing recommendations for existing vaccines, but also creating barriers to developing new ones. Repeated Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure leave millions to face cold temperatures without power. Plus, remembering civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who spent decades advocating for the poor and confronting injustice. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Monday on the News Hour, Secretary of State Rubio gives Hungary's far-right prime minister a re-election boost, just days after trying to smooth over relations with other European allies. The Justice Department gives its reasoning for how it redacted the Epstein files. Plus, the partial government shutdown over Homeland Security funding drags on with no end in sight. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

"What would Lincoln do?" Author and historian Matthew Pinsker's substack uses this question as a framework to explore modern politics. He talks with Geoff Bennett about his latest book, "Boss Lincoln," which examines how Lincoln still shapes our country today. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Munich Security Conference is one of the world's key diplomatic gatherings. This year, a serious and almost shocking question hangs over the event: Is the United States still a reliable ally? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin is in Munich and spoke with three leaders: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy