The Takeaway

What the April Jobs Report Tells Us About the Economy

According to the U.S. Labor Department, the unemployment rate rose from 6 percent in March to 6.1 percent, with employers adding just 266,000 jobs in April. 

How Barry Jenkins Reimagined Slave Narratives in "The Underground Railroad"

Both the book and the series center around Cora, an enslaved woman who escapes from a plantation in Georgia. 

The Role of Environmental Regulations in the Fight Against Cancer

President Biden recently announced that he wanted to boost funding for research on cancer and other diseases.

Democratic Bill Seeks to Combat Voting Restriction Legislation. But Will Congress Pass It?

We speak with Senator Jeff Merkley about the For The People Act.

New Data Indicates Homelessness Declined in Washington, D.C., But Long-term Issues Persist

According to recent data, Washington, D.C.'s unhoused population fell by around 20 percent last year. But there were also increases in individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. 

What's the Future of the GOP Under the Biden Administration?

Months into a new presidency, there’s still a rift within the Republican Party over former President Donald Trump’s false claims about election fraud. 

Donald Trump is Still Banned from Facebook

On Wednesday, Facebook’s Oversight Board ruled to uphold the social network’s suspension of former President Donald Trump.

Epic Games Challenges Apple in Antitrust Suit

A lawsuit against Apple related to the videogame Fortnite began this week. 

Comedian Joel Kim Booster Wants to Take His Stand-Up Indoors Again

Joel Kim Booster joins The Takeaway to discuss the mixture of emotions he feels about returning to live stand-up at this point in the pandemic.

What the Coronavirus Vaccine Means for Pregnant People

Some studies have shown that vaccinated pregnant people are able to pass antibodies on to their babies.

How Educators Are Talking to Students About Systemic Racism

As teachers are trying to facilitate conversations about systemic racism and privilege with their students, some critics are trying to stop them. 

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

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

What "Pose" Gets Right—And Wrong—About Ball Culture

Since its debut, "Pose" has chronicled New York City’s ball scene of the 1980s and 1990s. 

What You Need to Know About Kids and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Thousands of children, some as young as six months are currently enrolled in vaccine trials. We discuss the latest on these trials and when to expect results. 

Is Herd Immunity Possible in the United States?

Recent reporting from The New York Times found that experts think that herd immunity in the U.S. is unlikely due to the spread of new variants and vaccine hesitation among individuals. 

The Civilian Climate Corps and Colorado's Wildfires

President Biden has allocated $10 billion for the Civilian Climate Corps as part of his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, could the program mitigate Colorado's disastrous wildfires? 

From "Shadow and Bone" to "Game of Thrones": The Art of Creating A Language from Scratch

Many fantasy shows and movies immerse their audience in fictional worlds complete with new lands, new people, new creatures, and even new languages.

President Joe Biden's First 100 Days

President Biden has used his first hundred days in office to drive the largest expansion of government seen in decades.

Newsom Opponents Have Gathered Enough Signatures to Trigger a Recall—Now What?

California is facing its first gubernatorial recall in nearly two decades.

Should We Be Optimistic About the U.S. Economy?

The unemployment rate is steadily dropping, and stocks have been on the rise, as the country has ramped up its aggressive vaccination campaign.

Why Viewers Love Political TV Dramas

No matter how much high-stakes tension there is going on in the actual Washington, D.C., there’s something endlessly entertaining about the best political television shows. 

The Work That Remains in the Wake of Guilty Verdict for Derek Chauvin

The guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin came as a relief to many nationwide, but the number of people killed by police since his trial began underscores the broader issues that remain. 

COVID-19 Infections Surge in India

On Tuesday, the country reported more than 300,000 new cases for the sixth consecutive day.

Supreme Court to Hear Second Amendment Case That May Change Gun Laws in U.S.

The Supreme Court is hearing this case during a year with numerous instances of gun violence.

New Wave of Black Superheroes Are Taking Over the Small and Big Screen

The new Captain America is one of countless Black superheroes in movies, television shows, and comics books in recent years.