The Takeaway

COVID-19 Protesters: A Look at the American Legacy of Demanding Freedom at the Expense of Others 

Protesters are calling for their freedom to be restored, while disregarding how this could impact the vulnerable communities that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19. 

How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID-19

Although many kids seem to avoid serious cases of COVID-19, they aren’t immune to the psychological effects of the crisis.

Kids Tell Us: What's Hard and What's Great About Being Home So Much

We heard from kids around the country, and there was a resounding theme: they miss their friends.

Spain Takes Steps Toward Reopening

The country has had more than 220,000 confirmed cases and around 26,000 deaths.

In Missouri, the Shows Will Go On, Eventually

While the state of Missouri may be allowing concerts and live events to resume, local leaders and musicians are exercising caution. 

How Social Distancing is Exacerbating Feelings of Loneliness for Some Elderly Americans

For many elderly people living in long-term care facilities or on their own, social distancing rules are likely leading to increased feelings of loneliness. 

Lessons Learned from the 1918 Flu Pandemic

It’s the deadliest pandemic in recent history, with at least 50 million deaths worldwide. 

Brazil’s President is Actively Undermining Public Health Efforts to Fight COVID-19

For weeks, since COVID-19 began spreading in Brazil, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has dismissed its seriousness. 

Reopening Hollywood: A Look at How the Industry Can Reboot Post-Pandemic

As some parts of the country start to reopen, Hollywood is looking ahead to how studios will eventually reopen, too.

More and More People in Jails and Prisons Are Dying of COVID-19

Testing in facilities is inconsistent around the country. But the majority of those tested are positive for the virus.

Private Prison Company's Special Operations Unit Pepper Sprayed Immigrant Detainees. They Joked About it Online.

The immigrant detainees were pepper-sprayed twice in a two-week timespan amid the pandemic.

What U.S. States Can Learn from Georgia's Reopening

More and more states are relaxing measures put in place because of COVID-19. 

Keep or Ditch: How Our Lives Will Change After COVID-19

Shaking hands? Canceled.  

Is the U.S. Ready to Reopen?

Across the country, states are starting to relax restrictions put in place because of COVID-19, even as the death toll surpasses 67,000.

Biden Responds to Sexual Assault Allegations After Weeks of Silence

It’s been one month since Tara Reade, a former Senate staffer, publicly accused Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in 1993. 

Why COVID-19 is So Deadly in Long-Term Care Facilities

More than 16,000 residents and staff of long-term care facilities have died in the U.S. of COVID-19.

Navajo Nation is Being Hit Hard By COVID-19

Densely populated states like New York and New Jersey have been hit hard by COVID-19, the area with the third highest infection rate in the country is Navajo Nation.

The Great Depression, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis dealt serious shocks to the nation and resulted in the expansion of government. 

When a crisis happens, leaders in Washington try to mitigate financial ruin and to boost morale which often results in the creation of programs that have a lasting impact. The creation of Homeland Security, unemployment benefits, and new regulations on banks have stemmed from national disasters. The coronavirus pandemic is no exception as more than 30 million Americans have applied for unemployment insurance over the last six weeks.  

This week, Politics with Amy Walter examines how the government response to the coronavirus pandemic compares to dilemmas of the past. Tony Fratto, deputy assistant to President George W. Bush and Jason Furman, top economic adviser to President Barack Obama share what it was like to lead the country through an unprecedented shock. Jerry Seib, the executive Washington editor of The Wall Street Journal, explains why there’s more widespread support for government intervention today versus during the 2008 financial crisis. 

Erica Werner, a congressional reporter for The Washington Post, describes how members of Congress have been working together on multiple COVID-19 recovery packages and how likely it is that the partnership lasts. Annie Linskey, a national political reporter at The Washington Post, shares how Joe Biden’s campaign is adjusting to the realities of campaigning from home as a result of the pandemic.

Finally, Mayor Quentin Hart of Waterloo, Iowa shares how his constituents are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and how a local outbreak is tied to the city's Tyson Foods plant. 

How Big Tech is Thriving During COVID-19

While most financial sectors have been devastated by COVID-19, big tech companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft are weathering the storm pretty well.

Cannabis Companies Struggling During COVID-19 Are Ineligible for Federal Relief

One industry that is not feeling the benefits of that bailout is the cannabis industry. How will the industry survive the pandemic?

Grief is Everywhere in the Age of COVID-19

People often think about grief in response to the death of someone, but it can happen with any kind of loss. 

Becoming a Mother During a Pandemic

Takeaway host Tanzina Vega is home with her newborn. Guest host Lizzie O'Leary is 30 weeks pregnant. They talk about beginning motherhood at this remarkable moment.

The Challenges of Parenting During a Pandemic 

Parents are feeling a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety from having to manage working from home while also homeschooling and entertaining their children.

Jackson, Mississippi Mayor on Reopening and Suspending Open Carry

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba joined us to talk about Jackson's approach to reopening and why he made an executive order to suspend the open carry of firearms in the city.

Ohio Voters Head to the Mailbox Instead of Ballot Box

In the first election of its kind, almost everyone in the state was required to vote-by-mail.

Federal Court Rules Detroit Students Were Denied Constitutional Right to Basic Education

Last week, a federal court ruled that Detroit public school students had their constitutional rights violated when they were denied access to basic education.

Remembering Richard Hake: Longtime WNYC Host, Colleague and Friend

On Friday, the Takeaway and WNYC family lost a friend and beloved co-worker, Richard Hake. He died in his home from natural causes at age 51.

Puerto Rico Still Lagging Behind on Coronavirus Testing

Puerto Rico currently has the lowest per capita testing rate, compared with any U.S. state.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on her Approach to Flatten the Curve

As one of the hardest-hit states, Florida had a delayed response in issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. 

Grieving in the Time of COVID-19

Of all the things we're trying to adapt to in isolation, grieving might be the most difficult. We’ve asked our listeners to share their stories of loss and grief with us.

What COVID-19 Looks Like in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

While COVID-19 has been kept relatively under control in the occupied Palestinian territories, a move severe outbreak could threaten an already strained medical system.

Why Is There So Much Pressure to Be Productive During the Pandemic?

Mental strain from quarantine is making daily life harder as traditional and social media pressure people to self-improve and be productive during this time.

For Black Men, Complying with Face Mask Guidelines Comes with Racial Profiling Risks

The CDC is urging all Americans to wear face masks when leaving the house. But that’s proved to be a difficult and sometimes dangerous choice for black men in particular.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall Urges Caution Amid Utah Governor's Plans to Reopen Economy

Utah Governor Gary Herbert plans to slowly reopen his state in early May. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall joins The Takeaway to respond to the governor's approach.

Ramadan in the Era of Social Distancing

This year, Ramadan, the Islamic holy month known for its dawn to dusk fasts, falls in the midst of a global pandemic. What does that mean for Ramadan's communal traditions?

How Universities Across the United States Profited from Indigenous Land

A recent investigation from High Country News reveals how indigenous land was turned into seed money for many U.S. colleges.

How Language Experts Are Helping the Public Make Sense of COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic adds new terms into our everyday vocabularies, online dictionaries have become a reliable source for people hoping to better understand the jargon.

Rallies, conventions, and press conferences were once the primary method for campaigns to connect with voters. The coronavirus pandemic has forced politicians and strategists to rethink how they approach campaigning. Stephanie Cutter, deputy campaign manager for President Barack Obama in 2012, and Matt Rhoades, campaign manager for Mitt Romney in 2012, share how campaigns will need to rely heavily on digital efforts.

Recent graduates seeking to get involved in field campaigns have also had to shift expectations. Sam Aleman, a digital organizer for the Democratic National Committee, and Kiran Menon, a senior at the University of Virginia studying politics, discuss what it's like to pursue campaign jobs during the pandemic. 

States have scrambled to adjust long-planned elections because of the public health risk posed by COVID-19. Earlier this month, the governor of Wisconsin attempted to postpone in-person voting but was ultimately unsuccessful. So on April 7, Wisconsin voters stood six feet apart in long lines to cast their ballots while respecting social distancing. Since then, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation found systemic problems with the state's absentee ballot request process. Reporter Daphne Chen described the electoral shortfalls. 

Also, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose describes how he's navigating the changes of the state's upcoming all vote by mail primary.

As part of our series on governing during a pandemic, we spoke to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. He shared how his constituents are holding up and how he's advising the governor on reopening the state.    

Check out our ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.