PBS News Hour - Politics

In our news wrap Tuesday, some hopeful news on the COVID-19 pandemic. Johns Hopkins University reports new infections have slowed to 43,000 per day nationwide -- down more than 20 percent from early August. Also, Texas and Louisiana ordered more than half a million people to evacuate the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Laura approaches. The storm already killed dozens in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

U.S. cities continue to struggle with policing, physical force and public outrage. In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency due to violence in Kenosha, where police shot Jacob Blake over the weekend. Blake, who is Black, is reported to be paralyzed below the waist. John Yang talks to investigative reporter Gina Barton of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for details and analysis. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In Oregon, the city of Portland continues to endure upheaval and violence, three months after the killing of George Floyd sparked unrest. Now, the Wisconsin shooting of Jacob Blake, who is Black, has further ignited public outrage over police use of force and racial injustice. John Yang talks to Oregon Public Broadcasting's Jonathan Levinson about the ongoing dynamics and chance for a solution. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The social media giant TikTok has sued the U.S. government for threatening to ban the company from the country. The Trump administration's targeting of the video-sharing platform is part of a larger effort to confront what the U.S. says are national security threats posed by Chinese technology. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to TikTok's chief security officer, Roland Cloutier. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A key line of attack on Night 1 of the Republican National Convention was against what the GOP sees as extreme political correctness from the left. But the debate about so-called "cancel culture" extends beyond politics, and a recent Harper's Magazine letter that drew national attention reveals how blurry the lines are. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, Canvas. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The 2020 Republican National Convention kicked off on Monday, August 24 with speeches from Sen. Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, Steve Scalise, Kimberly Guilfolye, Donald Trump Jr. and others. As day two of the RNC gets underway, join the PBS NewsHour's Dan Bush and Amna Nawaz for a recap of night one and what to watch for Tuesday evening.

PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In 2016, Donald Trump accepted the Republican nomination for president in front of a roaring crowd of thousands. But the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the GOP's plans for a similar event this year. Instead, a greatly reduced crowd of delegates has gathered at the RNC site in Charlotte, and Trump will accept the nomination from the South Lawn at the White House. Amna Nawaz reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Throughout the Republican National Convention, we'll be talking to prominent members of the party. One of them is Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who was scheduled to participate in convention activities but decided to stay home in Little Rock as his state grapples with coronavirus. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss what he's hoping for at the RNC, coronavirus relief legislation and racial healing. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt is a member of the GOP's Senate leadership team. He's currently in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Republican National Convention. Blunt joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the approach he wants to see from President Trump during the RNC, how Trump has handled the coronavirus pandemic and what to do about the threats presented by Russia and President Vladimir Putin. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Republicans have opened their downsized party gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina -- and already renominated President Trump and Vice President Pence. The first day of the convention included a surprise appearance from Trump, who addressed 336 social-distanced delegates. On Monday night, party leaders and other speakers will emphasize a theme of "Land of Promise." Amna Nawaz reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders