The Takeaway

Let's Celebrate Black Joy

Finding moments of Black joy has become an outlet from what can feel like a never-ending cycle of news about the pandemic and other injustices. 

Calls to Repatriate Art Reignite As Countries Contend With Colonialist Legacies

As Europe and the United States grapple with their racist and colonialist pasts, calls to repatriate stolen art have intensified.

In 'Luster,' author Raven Leilani Explores What it's Like to Flail

The novel Luster follows the story of Edie, a woman in her twenties living in Brooklyn who is flailing in her personal and professional life.

Comedian Sam Jay Brings Honest, Intimate Conversations to Late Night

"Pause with Sam Jay" is a break from the standard late night format, and focuses more on intimate conversations between Jay and her comedian friends about complicated topics. 

What the Pandemic Meant for the Mental Health of Teenagers

Do schools have the resources necessary to address what the last year has meant for the mental health of their students?

Naomi Osaka's French Open Exit Spotlights Mental Health Pressures for Black Athletes

Naomi Osaka’s decision to exit the French Open is part of a much longer history of Black athletes questioning what they really owe to predominantly white reporters.

After Practice of "Race-Norming" is Exposed, Black Former Players Remain Skeptical of NFL

Last week, the NFL admitted it had been using a practice known as “race-norming," which made it harder for Black players to qualify for a payout if they have dementia. 

Biden Rolls Out Plans for Closing Racial Wealth Gap, Advocates See More Work to Be Done

Despite the White House’s stated commitment to closing the racial wealth gap, some advocates believe that the federal government’s new plans don’t go nearly far enough.

The U.S. is Seeing More Cancer Diagnoses in 2021

Due to the pandemic, people were not able to receive preventative care for cancer.

Should We Really Expect A "Hot Vax Summer"?

The Kinsey Institute recently unveiled the results of a national survey looking at the impact of COVID-19 on people’s relationships and sex lives.

New Supreme Court Decision Diminishes Voting Rights

On Thursday, in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court’s conservative justices ruled to uphold two voting laws in Arizona that critics say target voters of color.

What's the Deal with Ranked-Choice Voting?

New York City may be the largest jurisdiction to turn to ranked-choice voting, but it’s far from the only one in recent years.

Trump Organization Charged with Tax Scheme

On Thursday morning, Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg turned himself in to New York prosecutors.

What Bill Cosby's Release Means for Survivors

While the overturning of Cosby’s conviction is seen as a legal victory by some, it’s seen as an injustice by others.

Heat Wave Underscores Disparities for Vulnerable Communities

As global warming becomes more pronounced, communities with fewer resources will bear the brunt of the burden.

Bill Cosby's Sexual Assault Conviction Overturned

This comes just a month after the comedian was denied parole, due in part for refusing to participate in a program for sexually violent offenders.

The Right-to-Repair Movement Gains Momentum In the U.S.

In June, Congressman Joseph Morelle of New York filed the Fair Repair Act with Congress.

Actor Colman Domingo Tapped into Something Sinister for "Zola"

Character actor Colman Domingo stars in "Zola" as an intimidating pimp, a departure from the range of compassionate figures he’s played in recent years.

Why Is Infrastructure So Expensive in the U.S.?

Plus, a look at the incalculable toll of highways and other infrastructure projects on Black communities and low-income communities throughout history. 

Aligning Our Beauty Routines with Our Values

Has our year of collective consciousness has affected how we define, create, and consume personal beauty? 

Ethiopia Declares a Ceasefire in the Tigray Region

Ethiopia’s government has declared an immediate ceasefire in the Tigray region, where a conflict has been raging since last November. 

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.” 

Black TikTok Creators Have Had Enough

This month, many Black TikTok creators have staged a strike to call attention to the frequent appropriation of Black-created dances by white users on the app. 

U.S. Prepares to Reckon with Past Atrocities Against Indigenous Children

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will be launching an initiative investigating “the loss of human life and the lasting consequences” of former Native American boarding schools.

Melissa Harris-Perry on A Mother's Love

Guest host Melissa Harris-Perry on Chauvin and a mother's love.

In 'Luster,' author Raven Leilani Explores What it's Like to Flail

The novel Luster follows the story of Edie, a woman in her twenties living in Brooklyn who is flailing in her personal and professional life.

President Biden Looks to Address Crime

On Wednesday, President Biden laid out his plans for addressing the nationwide rise in violent crime and homicides.

Amid Decline in Vaccination Rates, Biden Visits North Carolina

Plus, how community organizers are leading the charge with culturally relevant outreach.   

Who Will Be New York City's Next Mayor?

While the general election is still months away, the winner of the Democratic primary is expected to come out on top in November.  

Guest hosted by Melissa Harris-Perry.

Airline Industry Takes Off As Vaccinations Continue in the U.S.

Earlier this month, TSA airport security screenings went above two million people per day for the first time since March of 2020.

Why Are Tornadoes So Difficult to Predict?

From Illinois to Alabama, a number of states have been hit by devastating tornadoes in recent weeks. 

Guest Host Melissa Harris-Perry Reflects on the ‘Cursing Cheerleader’ Case

On Wednesday, Supreme Court ruled on behalf of a teenager who posted a vulgar Snapchat after failing to make the varsity cheerleading squad.

Musicians in Nigeria Speak Out Against Twitter Ban

Earlier this month, the Nigerian government banned Twitter throughout the country. 

Guest Host: Melissa Harris-Perry.