PBS NewsHour - Segments

When Beth Papanastasiou's daughter Bella was born, she was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative genetic disorder and given 18 months to live. That was more than four years ago. Papanastasiou shares her Brief But Spectacular take on the important role palliative care has played in her family's journey as they continue to create meaningful memories for Bella. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Wednesday, several opposition activists in Hong Kong were sentenced for organizing demonstrations, President Trump sparked congressional opposition with a threat to veto a sweeping defense policy bill, and Afghanistan's government and the Taliban have a breakthrough on peace talks. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Britain's approval Wednesday of Pfizer's COVID vaccine dialed up the anticipation, pressures and questions about vaccines in the U.S. and how the distribution will be handled. William Brangham spoke with Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief scientific officer for the federal government's vaccine program, to learn more about the implementation of a vaccine. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A top Georgia election official on Tuesday had sharp words for President Trump and some Republicans, as the president continues to cast doubts on Georgia's election results with disproven claims of widespread fraud. Gabriel Sterling, who works with the Georgia secretary of state's office, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss his comments. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Lawmakers are under pressure to reach another economic relief deal as COVID-19 cases and deaths spike across the country. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin is the second-highest ranking Democrat in the U.S Senate. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss a new bipartisan proposal and why Democrats have changed their stance on a relief bill. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Wednesday that the bipartisan COVID relief bill just unveiled should be the starting point for negotiations going forward. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is one of the lawmakers responsible for that bipartisan bill. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Artemisia Gentileschi, a woman who painted her way to fame in the 1600s was largely forgotten for centuries. But more recently she is getting her full recognition at an exhibition in London's National Gallery. Jeffrey Brown has the story. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Many Americans will carefully weigh the risks when deciding whether to gather together or travel for the holidays amid a global pandemic. Maria Konnikova, poker player and author of "The Biggest Bluff," shares her humble opinion on how to balance luck and skill. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As the final hours of the 2020 presidential campaign tick away, nearly 100 million Americans have already cast their ballots -- representing more than two-thirds of all 2016 votes. Meanwhile, the candidates appealed to voters in swing states, including Pennsylvania, which is shaping up to play a critical role. Yamiche Alcindor reports and joins Judy Woodruff and Lisa Desjardins to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Pennsylvania could be a critical milestone in any path to victory during this presidential contest. Daniel Bush is on the ground in the swing state, and he joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs are so important to both candidates, how local election officials are preparing for the vote count and when we might have an understanding of the state's results. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Monday, Islamic State attackers stormed Kabul University, touching off a gun battle that killed at least 22 people. Security officials said three gunmen struck during a book fair; all of them were killed after the hours-long fight. Also, Germany began a four-week partial shutdown due to the pandemic, with Chancellor Angela Merkel declaring that "the autumn has crashed in on us." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Several U.S. public health leaders warned this weekend that the coronavirus is spreading unchecked throughout the country -- and likely to become significantly worse in the coming days and weeks. Unlike in the spring and summer, virus cases are rising in 49 of 50 states. William Brangham looks at the urgency of the situation with Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are making their final pitches to voters in the presidential campaign's closing hours. We check in with representatives for each: Erin Perrine, communications director for Trump's reelection campaign, and Symone Sanders, a senior adviser to Biden. They join Judy Woodruff to discuss strategies and messages for the lead-up to Election Day. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Election security, voter intimidation and foreign interference have represented major concerns during this 2020 campaign. William Brangham and Nick Schifrin have been following these issues closely, and they join Judy Woodruff to discuss preparation measures, law enforcement's role and why most election authorities are urging voters to have confidence in the results. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The pandemic and the potential for record voter turnout are setting the stage for an election like no other we have seen. But what happens after the polling places close? The NewsHour has always relied upon the Associated Press to call race winners. Amna Nawaz reports on the news organization's process for evaluating and announcing election results. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders