The Takeaway

Amid State of Emergency in Tokyo, Majority of Japanese Voters Want to Postpone the Olympics

There are more than two dozen COVID-19 infections among people involved with the Olympics, and an estimated 62 percent of the Japanese voters oppose the games.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Disrupting Global Supply Chains

As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens around the world, it's wreaking havoc on the global supply chain.

Black Girl Magic at the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Zaila Avant-garde made news as the historic winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The Takeaway talks with another speller who competed alongside Zaila.

Biden Administration Transfers Its First Detainee from Guantánamo Bay

On Monday, the Biden administration announced that it had repatriated Abdul Latif Nasser out of the Guantánamo Bay prison complex.  

What the Bucks Being in the NBA Finals Means for the City of Milwaukee

The Bucks' NBA Finals have put Milwaukee in the spotlight. 

What is Disability Pride Month?

New York City became the first jurisdiction to officially observe Disability Pride Month in July 2015.

Is Big Tech in Big Trouble?

There are six bills currently in Congress aiming to limit the power of big tech companies such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

Questions Continue Two Weeks After Assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse

Following the assassination, there are still many questions about what happened, who was involved, and who will take power in Haiti. 

Lizz Winstead on 'The Daily Show' Reunion

It’s no joke, it’s really been 25 years since the start of "The Daily Show." On Monday evening the OG’s are reuniting in a reunion special at 9pm on Comedy Central.

Audio Simulation of the Late Anthony Bourdain's Voice Raises Questions About AI Ethics  

As the technology becomes more convincing, what are the potential risks of exploring AI audio without establishing widespread norms and conventions?

Rep. James Clyburn on Voting Rights, the Filibuster and More

Top Democratic lawmakers, including House Majority Whip James Clyburn, are urging their colleagues in the Senate to reform the filibuster in order to pass voting rights legislation.

Inflation Is On the Rise in the U.S.

As cities and states across the country reopen, inflation is on the rise.

The Future of the Child Tax Credit

On Thursday, families across the United States began receiving a monthly child tax credit payment.

Confirmation Hearing for Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Shows Signs of Biden's ICE Strategy

On Thursday, a confirmation hearing was held for Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, President Biden’s nominee to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

93,000 Drug Overdose Deaths Highlight Another Toll of the Pandemic

On Wednesday, the CDC released data showing that more than 93,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses in 2020.

Tigray Rebels Gain Ground in Ethiopian Conflict

Earlier this week, rebel forces claimed that they captured Alamata, the major town in the southern part of Tigray.

Delta Variant Causes Jump in U.S. COVID-19 Cases

As the Delta variant spreads across the U.S., more than half of U.S. states are seeing spikes in COVID-19 cases.

The Fashion Industry Reckons with Systemic Racism

A new guard is shaking up the status quo, demanding greater inclusion and representation on runways, in editorials, and behind the scenes.

Texas House Democrats Flee the State

Plus, under pressure from activists and civil rights leaders, President Joe Biden has called for a new coalition to defend voting rights.

Pollution from the Cane Sugar Harvest in Florida is Making Residents Sick

Residents in western Palm Beach Country are challenging sugar companies with a lawsuit in federal court claiming that pollution from cane burning is damaging their health.

Why Shohei Ohtani Matters for the Future of Major League Baseball

This season, Shohei Ohtani has shown how exciting it is to watch a player excel on the mound and at the plate.

Is Democracy Dying?

A report put out this year by the non-profit Freedom House says that 2020 was the 15th consecutive year in which global freedoms declined, as authoritarian leaders gained more power.

A Record Number of Rural Hospitals Closed During the Pandemic

Since 2010, 138 hospitals in rural communities have closed, and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed them to the brink with a record 19 closing last year alone.

New Era of Space Tourism Takes Flight

On Sunday, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson became the first billionaire to launch himself into space on a rocket he helped fund.

How Much Should We Be Policing Language?

Brandeis University's newly-released “Oppressive Language List” aims to address language that can be seen as violent in nature.

Haiti Struggles in the Aftermath of President Jovenel Moïse's Assassination

Following the assassination, Haiti’s police force has killed four people it suspects in the president’s killing.

Do Olympic Rules on Marijuana Need to Change?

Last week, 21-year-old Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympic dreams ended abruptly after she tested positive for marijuana.

U.S.D.A. Plans to Pay Debt Relief for Minority Farmers After Months of Delay

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning to start paying off loans for Black farmers and other farmers of color. 

Congresswoman Alma Adams on the Latest Delays in Debt Relief to Black Farmers

Last month, a federal judge placed a temporary restraining order on a program to help Black farmers and other farmers of color. 

People Are Flocking to Backyard Chickens During the Pandemic

A silver lining for many over the last year has been time spent gardening. 

"High on the Hog" Celebrates Black Food Culture 

The new Netflix series “High on the Hog” traces the history and significance of African American foodways.  

The Battle Over Critical Race Theory

Getting critical race theory out of schools has become a conservative rallying cry this year. 

Does Critical Race Theory Have a Role in the Military?

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, set off a firestorm last week after he endorsed the use of critical race theory, saying he wants to understand “white rage.”

What Our Dependence on Meat Means for Climate Change

In April, the recipe site Epicurious announced that they would no longer be publishing new recipes that use beef.

It's Time for Summer Reading

Around this time every year, there is list after list of the buzziest books hitting shelves in the coming months.