October 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode

Friday on the News Hour, the Justice Department takes unusual steps in seeking to block election results in Alaska and charging former FBI officials over the Hunter Biden investigation. Brazil prepares for a high-stakes presidential runoff that could reshape the country's future. Plus, millions of seniors scramble to find new health insurance after their Medicare Advantage plans shut down. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Behind closed diplomatic doors, some of the U.S.'s closest allies view Donald Trump's America as an "unreliable boyfriend", a "security threat," and open to corruption. A Canadian official warns that the world's disappointment with the U.S. will have long-lasting consequences. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses more with Chrystia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister of Canada. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

America has an epidemic of gun violence that claims over 120 people every day. The country has debated what to do about this for years, but little has changed. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores gun safety and public health with Dr. Sandy McKay and Dr. Joseph Sakran, two experts with prevention ideas they argue every American can get behind. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Thursday on the News Hour, the Justice Department is notifying local election officials which counties it plans to monitor, raising concerns of potential interference. From Lockheed Martin's factories to Ukraine, a look at the effort to build defensive missiles faster. Plus, federal education grants can now be used for short-term vocational training, but will the programs live up to their promise? PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Wednesday on the News Hour, Russia releases an imprisoned American and agrees to resume negotiations to end its war in Ukraine. How Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has gained such power over U.S. security interests. Plus, abortion rights are on the ballot in Idaho, where the state's near-total ban has dramatically reshaped reproductive health care. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Tuesday on the News Hour, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets with U.S. and European officials as tensions with President Trump persist. Trump rallies voters in Kansas, a traditionally Republican state where the midterm battle has become surprisingly competitive. Plus, election officials in Pennsylvania work to build trust in the voting process and ensure every ballot is counted. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Monday on the News Hour, Ukraine and Russia trade attacks as President Trump's rift with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy widens. Years of economic uncertainty have put affordability at the center of Ohio's closely contested races for Senate and governor. Plus, a look at the emerging electric technology poised to transform aviation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Friday on the News Hour, the latest on the investigation into a deadly elementary school shooting in Bend, Oregon, that killed three children and a teacher. A tight Senate race sends President Trump to Alaska before the midterm elections. Plus, Kerry Kennedy reflects on her mother's devotion to family and human rights, and weighs in on recent political controversies involving the Kennedy name. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Unsolved mystery or cover-up? What started out as reports of sonic attacks on American diplomats evolved into a phenomenon affecting at least 1,500 people across six continents. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses more with Michael Rey and Oriana Zill de Granados, authors of "The Havana Syndrome: Secret Weapons, a Government Cover-Up, and the Greatest Spy Mystery of Our Time." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Life-like, humanoid robots have captured our imagination for decades. Now, those robots work in factories and assembly lines all over the world. Will they soon be working in our own homes? Horizons moderator William Brangham explores our robotic future with Aaron Ames of the California Institute of Technology. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy