The Takeaway

July 17, 2017: As more and more states legalize marijuana, concerns over a federal crackdown are building. A look at the challenges facing states and the federal government, plus a look at the conflicts of interest facing Trump's deregulation task forces, deforestation in Colombia and global violence against environmentalists, and a conversation with artist and musician Nikka Costa. 

July 14, 2017: The Takeaway takes a deep dive into the mind of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Richard Lourie, a historian and Russia expert, and a former translator to Mikhail Gorbachev. Plus, a look at the competing narratives in the healthcare debate, an energy crisis in Gaza, a visa controversy for some Afghan girls, new movie releases, and how "Game of Thrones" picks its shooting locations. 

July 13, 2017: A new report alleges that Trump Tower and other luxury high-rises have been used to clean dirty money, run an international crime syndicate, and propel Donald Trump into the White House. A look at that report, plus what's next for the GOP healthcare bill; an analysis of the president's trip to France; the story of Indian grandmothers heading back to school; a fight over a Trump golf course and women's golf; and a crisis in the Arctic. 

July 12, 2017: Senator Ron Wyden, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, says Donald Trump Jr. has clearly shown the world there is evidence of collusion between the Trump team and Russia. Wyden discusses what's next after Don Jr.'s emails, plus a look at the GOP healthcare plan; a Chinese breakthrough in teleportation; the challenges facing Sec. of State Rex Tillerson; and a conversation with America's poet Laureate, Tracy K. Smith. 

July 11, 2017: Emails released by the president's eldest son seem to show that Donald Trump Jr. was told before a meeting that information a Russian lawyer had was part of the Kremlin's efforts to damage Hillary Clinton during the election. Today, we explore what these revelations mean, plus a conversation with the secretary of the VA, busting minimum wage myths, challenges for America's largest sanctuary city, and a 43,000 mile road trip to every national park in America. 

July 10, 2017: For two years, the Missouri state legislature has worked to block a plan by the city of St. Louis to raise the minimum wage to $10.00 an hour. One fast-food worker explains what it's like to live on $7.90 an hour. Plus, a look at the battle to retake Mosul, what's next for the U.S.-Russia relationship, chaos in South Sudan, farm workers and deportation, and adoption across racial lines. 

July 7, 2017: World economic leaders are convening in Hamburg, Germany, for the G20 Summit, where President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in person for the first time. Plus, remembering the five police officers slain in Dallas a year ago; sorting out the facts amid renewed debate about Amelia Earhart's death; must-watch TV shows; and movies to see or miss.

July 6, 2017: A look at how South Korea and Hawaii are planning for the prospect of future conflict with North Korea. Plus, Trump's visit to Poland; updates on the auto industry in the U.S. and abroad; and nonfiction books for summer.

July 5, 2017: What steps should the U.S. take now that North Korea has launched a missile with intercontinental reach? Plus, experts warn of future Russian meddling; emergency mental health care for "bad paper" veterans; a blow to methane policy rollback attempt; a grassroots victory against coal ash dumping; and summer fiction picks.    

July 4th, 2017: The United States is not a perfect nation. In order to be truly free and proud, America must confront the sins of its past.