PBS Newshour Season 2020 Episode 167 Aug 18, 2020

In this episode of PBS Newshour, which aired on August 18th, 2020, viewers were treated to a deep dive into the recent Democratic National Convention. The episode begins with a report from correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, who takes viewers inside the virtual convention to explore how the party is adapting to the realities of campaigning during a pandemic. From rising stars like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to heavyweights like former President Barack Obama, Alcindor gives viewers an inside look at some of the most memorable moments of the convention.

The episode then shifts to a discussion about the unprecedented upheaval that the pandemic has wrought on education in America. Education correspondent Kavitha Cardoza explores the ways in which the crisis has highlighted disparities in access to technology and resources, as well as the mental and emotional toll that virtual learning is taking on students, parents, and educators alike. Through interviews with education experts and families struggling to adapt to the new reality, Cardoza presents a nuanced and empathetic portrait of a system in crisis.

Following this segment, viewers are taken to the streets of Minneapolis, where correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. Against the backdrop of ongoing protests and calls for justice, de Sam Lazaro interviews activists and community members about what they hope to see in terms of meaningful reforms to the institutions that have failed Black Americans for so long. Through deeply personal stories and powerful images of the demonstrations, de Sam Lazaro paints a picture of a city grappling with profound racial disparities and systemic injustices.

The episode then moves to a discussion about the impact of the pandemic on rural communities. Rural affairs correspondent Christopher Booker speaks with farmers, small business owners, and healthcare workers who are struggling to adapt to the new reality of COVID-19. He also explores the ways in which the crisis has exacerbated longstanding problems like food insecurity and isolation, and how these issues are playing out in communities across the country. Through intimate portraits of rural Americans, Booker shines a light on the often-overlooked challenges facing these communities.

Finally, the episode ends with a report from political correspondent Lisa Desjardins, who takes a closer look at the challenges facing the U.S. Postal Service ahead of the November election. As more Americans prepare to vote by mail than ever before, concerns over delays and potential vote suppression are mounting. Desjardins explores the political and logistical challenges facing the Postal Service, as well as the legal battles playing out in courtrooms across the country. Through interviews with postal workers and election officials, she presents a textured and informative portrait of an institution at the center of a high-stakes political battle.

Overall, this episode of PBS Newshour offers a compelling mix of in-depth reporting and analysis, exploring some of the most pressing issues facing America today. From the challenges of virtual campaigning to the ongoing fight for racial justice and the impact of the pandemic on rural communities, this episode takes viewers on a thought-provoking and informative journey through the issues that will define the country in the months and years to come.