The Takeaway

It's Been One Year Since George Floyd was Murdered

A look at how the murder of George Floyd changed how many people's understanding of the role that racism plays within American institutions. 

George Floyd's Murder Sparked a Global Movement

People in Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, and other countries across the globe demonstrated solidarity with Black Americans. 

Television Shows Respond to George Floyd's Murder with Mixed Results

Over the past year, many television shows and movies have struggled in figuring out how to address George Floyd’s murder on screen properly.

Hosted by Melissa Harris-Perry. 

A Look at Immigration Courts Under the Biden Administration

President Biden and his administration have vowed to change the way the U.S. carried out immigration policy under Trump.

The Mystery Behind Havana Syndrome

More than 100 U.S. diplomats and officials have been affected by this mysterious illness, but there’s no consensus about where it's coming from.

Many Wildfire Survivors in California are Still Waiting for Compensation

Reporting from KQED found that the majority of the nearly 70,000 fire victims that were part of a December 2019 settlement with PG&E have not been compensated.

Why UFOs Still Fascinate Us—And Even the U.S. Government

Next month, intelligence agencies are expected to give a report to Congress about “unidentified aerial phenomena.”

President Biden Signs COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Into Law

The legislation aims to address the uptick in hate crimes targeting the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander population during the pandemic.   

House Votes to Establish Bipartisan Commission Looking Into Capitol Attack

The idea to form a commission—in the style of the one that investigated the 9/11 attacks—has been fraught since day one. 

New York Attorney General Announces Criminal Investigation Into the Trump Organization

The criminal probe means the AG’s office will work alongside the Manhattan District Attorney to investigate possible fraud in the Trump Organization's business dealings.

What's Next for Progressive District Attorneys?

This week, Philadelphia's progressive district attorney Larry Krasner defeated his Democratic primary challenger. 

Breaking Down Media Coverage of the Violence in Israel and Palestine

Against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine, debates have also been raging about media coverage of the situation. 

Will Summer School Look Different This Year?

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the school year in many ways.

As Some States Move to Abolish the Death Penalty, South Carolina Brings Back Firing SquadsLast week, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill requiring people on death row to choose between firing squad or the electric chair, if lethal injection isn’t available.

How the Pandemic Changed the Housing MarketIndividuals and households with means jumped at the opportunity to buy a home, even participating in bidding wars or making offers on homes sight unseen.

Supreme Court to Hear Case That May Change Abortion Laws As We Know ThemThis week, the Supreme Court announced they will be taking on a controversial case, that places in question the future of abortion rights in this country.

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.

Under Biden, Thousands of Migrant Children Held in Mass Shelters

It is questionable whether there is proper oversight for these shelters. 

Why COVID-19 Infections for Fully Vaccinated People Are Not Cause for Alarm

When vaccinated people do get COVID-19, these cases are often referred to as “breakthrough infections.” CDC data indicates that these cases are extremely rare and often not severe. 

Should the Summer Olympics Take Place During a Pandemic?

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were scheduled for last summer, but were postponed due to the global pandemic. 

Netanyahu Says No Clear End in Sight for Israel-Palestine Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has been raging for more than a week now. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army has killed close to 200 people, including 58 children.

The USMCA Trade Deal Faces a Test

The AFL-CIO, the SEIU, and an independent Mexican labor union allege that Mexican workers are facing aggressive union-busting in violation of the USMCA trade agreement.  

CDC Changes Mask Guidance (Again) for Fully Vaccinated People

While some are relieved by the CDC’s announcement, others think the agency is moving too fast in easing mask recommendations. 

As Blockbusters Return to Movie Theaters, Will Audiences Follow?

This summer, Hollywood is hoping that audiences will return to movie theaters. But after more than a year of streaming from home, theaters could still end up taking a financial hit.

A Look at Covid-19 Vaccine Incentives: Will They Work?

There's a long history of using incentives to promote public health.  

Some Republican-led States Plan to End Enhanced Unemployment Benefits Early

A look at the growing number of red states opting out of the pandemic era unemployment program.    

New Deal-Inspired Program Would Pay Writers to Document the Pandemic

Earlier this month, Congressman Ted Lieu of California introduced a bill that would create a 21st Century Federal Writers’ Project.

Who is Rep. Elise Stefanik?

Stefanik was elected in 2014 as a young moderate Republican, but in recent years she’s embraced President Trump.

Is Legislation the Answer to Removing Extremists from Police Departments?

Since George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis last summer, the role of racism and bias in policing has been front and center for many Americans. 

How Private Sector Can Strengthen Cybersecurity in Wake of Colonial Pipeline Hack

Beyond concerns around fuel supply, cybersecurity experts say the Colonial Pipeline hack is a prime example of why the U.S. needs to put more resources into cyberinfrastructure.

The History of Pitting LGBTQ+ Rights Versus Religious Freedom

According to recent polling, most people of faith—including Christians—support LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections like the Equality Act.   

What Advances in MDMA-assisted Therapy Mean for People with PTSD

A new study out this week examines the role that MDMA, which is found in ecstasy or Molly, can play in helping people dealing with PTSD.  

U.S. Birth Rate Continues to Decline During Pandemic

According to new data from the federal government, the birth rate declined by four percent in 2020.  

Demonstrations in Colombia Continue to Escalate

For two weeks, massive demonstrations in Colombia have continued to escalate. 

How the Pandemic is Exacerbating Mental Health Issues

The pandemic forced many to completely change their lives overnight and repeat the same routine at home, sometimes in isolation, for months at a time.