August 12, 2020 - PBS NewsHour full episode

With less than three months until Election Day, most of the nation’s attention has been focused on the presidential race. But more than 20 candidates who support a far-right conspiracy theory will be on the ballot for Congressional races in November. Amna Nawaz reports and talks to Travis View, co-host of the “QAnon Anonymous” podcast.

Many school districts across the country say they are not ready to bring students back for in-person learning due to the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. But President Trump continues to pressure them to reopen as normal, making the case for that approach at the White House again Wednesday. Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the risks.

In our news wrap Wednesday, some 6,000 people in Belarus have been detained after a third straight night of clashes between protesters and police. Demonstrators insist the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko is illegitimate. Also, at least three people died and six others were hospitalized after a passenger train derailed in Scotland. Severe storms had triggered flash floods in the area.

Young people are making up a large proportion of the new coronavirus infections being seen across the U.S. In some states, such as Arizona and Florida, people under 45 account for more than half of all cases. Doctors are warning that young people need to take more precautions -- not only to keep from spreading the virus to older Americans, but for their own health as well. Stephanie Sy reports.

Whether fleeing war, persecution, poverty or the effects of climate change, migrants and refugees worldwide routinely find themselves in great danger. Perhaps the most hazardous migrant trail of all is the Darien Gap, a wild, lawless stretch straddling Colombia and Panama. Before the pandemic, special correspondent Nadja Drost and videographer Bruno Federico reported from this perilous path.

Former Vice President Joe Biden and California Sen. Kamala Harris hit the campaign trail Wednesday afternoon. At a joint appearance in Wilmington, Delaware, the two took the stage in front of reporters, but no supporters, to share their vision for defeating President Trump. Lisa Desjardins and Daniel Bush join Judy Woodruff to discuss the messaging and the delivery for this groundbreaking ticket.

Former Vice President Joe Biden and his newly chosen running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, made their campaign debut together Wednesday afternoon in Wilmington, Delaware. On a stage that allowed for social distancing, they offered a unified vision for how they plan to defeat President Trump in November’s election. Lisa Desjardins reports on the groundbreaking ticket's campaign message.