October 21, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

In our news wrap Monday, Lebanon's leaders approved economic reforms aimed at stopping mass protests. Over the weekend, vast crowds filled central Beirut in a revolt against the ruling elite. Also, new protests in Hong Kong brought new street clashes with heavily armed police.

After a public health crisis in Flint, Michigan, triggered by high levels of lead in the drinking water, a number of programs are working to encourage good nutrition for children in order to prevent recurring effects of the neurotoxin on growing bodies. John Yang reports.

As U.S. troops follow President Trump's orders and pull out of northeast Syria, they leave behind men they fought side by side with against the Islamic State group. Amid fears of ethnic cleansing by Turkey, the Kurds have agreed to withdraw from a border area where fighting is underway, and now terrified civilians are also fleeing. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports.

President Trump on Monday again denied any improper conduct with Ukraine, and lashed out at Democrats over the impeachment inquiry. Last week, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney acknowledged the president withheld military aid to Ukraine in part to force a probe into the 2016 election. Now growing cracks have appeared in Trump's GOP support. Yamiche Alcindor joins Judy Woodruff.

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday defended his Medicare for All plan, which has faced criticism from some of his 2020 rivals for its price tag. The Democratic presidential candidate, who also said a recent heart attack has not slowed him down, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss health care, the difference between him and his progressive rival Sen. Elizabeth Warren and President Trump’s Syria decision.

After suffering a heart attack a few weeks ago, Sen. Bernie Sanders held a large weekend rally in New York where the Democratic presidential candidate got a boost in the form of the endorsement of Rep. Alexandria Oasio-Cortez. Meanwhile, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Mayor Pete Buttigieg spent the weekend building on gains they made during the last debate. Judy Woodruff reports.

Monday was supposed to be the start of a landmark trial against drug companies and distributors. But before arguments could start, several companies announced a $260 million settlement with two Ohio counties. With lawsuits still pending from thousands of communities, can a bigger national settlement be reached? William Brangham talks with Lenny Bernstein of The Washington Post for more.