PBS News Hour full episode, April 20, 2026

A temporary two-week cease-fire between the United States and Iran is set to expire, with ongoing peace talks in Pakistan facing uncertainty. The US recently attacked and boarded an Iranian cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz as part of its naval blockade, which US officials allege was an attempt to evade the cordon. Iranian officials have expressed noncommittal attitudes towards the talks, citing a lack of 'seriousness' from the US and 'repeated violations' of the cease-fire. President Trump has issued mixed signals, predicting success but also warning of renewed bombing if no deal is reached. Iran's economy is described as 'collapsed' and 'bankrupt,' with a critical gasoline shortage expected within 12-20 days, creating strong motivation for a deal.

Liz Landers reports on the US delegation led by VP J.D. Vance traveling to Pakistan, Iran's conflicting messages, and President Trump's statements. Miad Maleki emphasizes Iran's economic desperation, including the gasoline shortage. Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman, states, 'We are still in a state of war. A cease-fire has been announced, but unfortunately it has been met from the very beginning with repeated violations.'

A mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, where a man fatally shot eight children (seven his own) and gravely wounded two adults, highlights the critical link between domestic violence and firearm fatalities, particularly for children. Research indicates that when a violent male intimate partner has access to a gun, the likelihood of him killing his female partner increases fivefold, often with other victims present. Children are statistically safer at school than in the home, with many mass shootings involving children being domestic violence events. The period of separation or divorce is identified as the most deadly time in domestic violence situations, underscoring the need for immediate intervention and safety planning.

Shreveport City Councilmember Grayson Boucher states, 'we have a true epidemic of domestic violence.' April Zeoli, Director of the Michigan Firearm Law Implementation Program, explains, 'when a violent male intimate partner has access to a gun, the chance that he will kill the female partner goes up five times.' She adds, 'Separation is the most deadly time when it comes to domestic violence.'

Virginia voters are set to decide on a ballot measure that would redraw the state's congressional map, potentially shifting the balance of power in Congress. A 'yes' vote would enable Democrats to gain four seats, leaving only one clearly Republican district. Democrats frame this as a necessary response to aggressive Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states, while Republicans condemn it as partisan power-grabbing that would diminish rural voices. The debate has drawn national figures like former President Barack Obama and House Speaker Mike Johnson, with nearly $100 million spent on the campaign. Even some Democrats oppose the measure, calling it the 'worst gerrymandering Virginia's ever seen.'

Lisa Desjardins reports on the ballot measure, noting a 'yes' vote would allow Democrats to pick up four seats. Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) states, 'We have the opportunity to level that playing field.' Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) argues it's 'removing rural voices from the legislative process.' Brian Cannon of No Gerrymandering Virginia, a Democrat, says, 'It would be the worst gerrymandering Virginia's ever seen.'

Cities internationally, including Gladsaxe and Odense in Denmark, are installing red street lighting to combat light pollution and protect wildlife. Conventional white artificial light severely disrupts nocturnal creatures, causing 'jet lag' in bees, reduced libido in frogs, and blinding bats, which are crucial for pest control. Red light, however, allows bats to see in the dark, enabling them to hunt insects and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which can harm human health. This shift also offers environmental benefits, as the system uses less power and requires less maintenance than conventional lighting, contributing to slowing climate change by reducing CO2 emissions.

Malcolm Brabant reports from Gladsaxe, Denmark, on the installation of red street lighting. Rune Brandt Hermansson, a lighting consultant, states, 'Artificial white light is hugely disruptive for a broad range of creatures.' Mikkel Stener Moeller, a senior biologist, explains, 'Bats are predators and they eat half the weight in insects every night.' Serdal Benli, Mayor of Gladsaxe, highlights the importance of 'sustainability, think about biodiversity all the way around.'