September 20, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week’s political news, including reports of a whistleblower complaint that might involve President Trump, the debate about whether a sitting president can commit a crime and the U.S. response to attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

In parts of southeastern Texas, only building roofs are visible above water after remnants of Tropical Storm Imelda dumped more than 40 inches of rain on the area over three days. At least three people died in the storm, which hit just over two years after the historic inundation from Hurricane Harvey. Still, state officials said they were better prepared this time. Lisa Desjardins reports.

In our news wrap Friday, President Trump appeared to downplay the chance of a military strike on Iran. U.S. and Saudi officials have pointed to Iran as the culprit in last weekend's attacks on Saudi oil facilities, but Trump said Friday that exercising restraint toward Iran “shows strength.” Also, the death toll from a Taliban suicide bombing in southern Afghanistan Thursday nearly doubled, to 39.

Reports of a whistleblower complaint that might involve President Trump, potentially related to his conversations with the president of Ukraine, have raised myriad questions. Yamiche Alcindor has the latest details, and for a look at the geopolitical angle of the story, Judy Woodruff speaks to Nina Jankowicz of the Wilson Center, an independent, non-partisan research institute.

Amid new reports of a whistleblower complaint that might involve President Trump and his interactions with a foreign leader, the president continues to deny any wrongdoing. and Judy Woodruff talks to Joel Brenner, who was the National Security Agency’s inspector general under President George W. Bush, about why he expects Congress to investigate further.

After millions of protesters marched around the globe to demand action on climate change, we more closely examine what policies they are proposing. Miles O’Brien joins William Brangham to discuss current sources of U.S. energy and what it would take to transition to all renewables, plus the outlook for nuclear power as the infamous Three Mile Island plant closes.

One of the most popular television series of the past decade is returning -- but this time, to the big screen. After four years off the air, the British period drama “Downton Abbey” is making its film debut. Judy Woodruff sits down with series creator Julian Fellowes and members of the cast to discuss reuniting and how the beloved characters provide a welcome diversion from modern cynicism.