The Takeaway

GOP States Are Pushing for Stricter Penalties for Protesters

On the heels of last summer’s racial justice uprisings, GOP states like Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa are increasing legal punishments for protesters. 

Former Assistants Speak Out on Allegations of Abusive Behavior by Producer Scott Rudin

The Takeaway speaks with the journalist who broke the story about Rudin's allegedly abusive behavior, and hears from two former assistants about their experiences working with Rudin.

The Latest in the Ma'Khia Bryant Police Shooting

We take a look at the case and where the investigation is going.

Following Derek Chauvin's Conviction, Renewed Calls for Police Reform in Congress

While many breathed a sigh of relief following the verdict, the days since have been a reminder of just how rampant police violence is in the country. 

How Advocates Are Pushing President Biden to Confront Environmental Racism

Although he’s already taking more steps than his predecessor, some advocates are pushing President Biden to go much further to address environmental racism.

Statehood for Washington, DC to Advance to the Senate

The nationwide reckoning over systemic racism and a groundswell of support for voting rights has elevated the fight for statehood. 

What's Next for the Minneapolis Police Department?

After the guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin’s case was delivered, the Department of Justice announced that they would investigate the Minneapolis Police Department. 

For the First Time in Over 60 Years, Cuba Will Not Be Run By a Castro

For the first time in over 60 years, Cuba will not be run by a Castro.

Journalists Are Burning Out

Between COVID-19, the election, and protests against police brutality, journalists have been caught in an endless cycle of traumatic news for the past year-plus. 

How the New Sitcom "Rutherford Falls" Goes Far Beyond Token Native Representation

The Takeaway speaks with "Rutherford Falls" co-creator Sierra Teller Ornelas and star Jana Schmieding about making a sitcom with multiple Native writers and actors. 

Derek Chauvin Found Guilty of Murdering George Floyd

After just ten hours of deliberation, a jury in Minneapolis found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges in the murder of George Floyd.

Illinois Expands Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Last week, Illinois became the first state in the nation to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage. 

How Notions of Masculinity Have Evolved in Hip Hop Over Time

Though often understood by the media, the late rapper DMX often displayed his vulnerability in his music. Now, a new generation of rappers have more range to explore their masculinity. 

How the Sikh Community is Processing a Shooting in Indianapolis

Americans Are Starting To Have Casual Sex Again—That Could Bring an Explosion in STIs

Community Science Blooms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Reaction to the recent police killing of a teenage boy in Chicago was immediately followed by local outrage, but newly released video that contradicts initial statements by law enforcement is now drawing national scrutiny. It also brings into focus the history of police violence against Latinos in the United States.

From Chicago, we turn to the suburbs of Denver where a community is all too familiar with being devastating by gun violence of a different kind: mass shootings. Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, founders of Survivors Empowered, share the lingering pain of losing their daughter, Jessica Redfield Ghawi, during the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.

Biden Administration Announces New Sanctions Against Russia

The actions against Russia represent one of the first major tests for the new administration on the international level. 

Biden Administration Emphasizes Commitment to Israel at a Chaotic Moment in Israeli Politics

A visit to Israel from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is once again fighting for his political future. 

What Withdrawing from Afghanistan Means for Veterans and Active Troops

This week, President Biden announced that U.S. troops would withdraw from Afghanistan by September 2021.

The Reality of Driving While Black

Today, Black drivers are 20 percent more likely to be pulled over than white drivers.

Derek Chauvin Trial: Chauvin's Defense Presents, and Rests, Its Case

This week, the defense presented and rested its case. 

President Biden Announces His Plan to Withdraw Troops from Afghanistan

The decision would mark the end of the U.S.’s longest-ever war. 

Documentary Filmmakers Push for PBS to Improve Commitment to Diversity Behind the Camera

This year, a growing number of filmmakers of color have critiqued PBS’s close ties with director Ken Burns. 

U.S. Pauses Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Following Six Cases of Rare Blood Clotting

Federal health agencies will investigate Johnson & Johnson's potential link to the rare blood clotting disorder “out of an abundance of caution.”

How the Federal Government Can Effectively Distribute Tribal Stimulus Funding

Advocates are hoping the $32 billion in stimulus funding to Native communities can help with current disparities, but also address longstanding issues of underfunding for Indian Country.

Pam Chatman, founder of Boss Lady Workforce Transportation, on How She's Getting Vaccines to the People of Mississippi

With so many people in red states hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine, one woman is working in the state of Mississippi to help get shots in arms.   

How the Media is Reporting on the Pause of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

What impact could reporting on the pause of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have on vaccine hesitancy?  

New York Approves Pandemic Relief for Undocumented Workers

Last week, lawmakers in New York state approved a historic $2.1 billion relief fund for undocumented workers and other workers with nontraditional jobs.  

Future of U.S.-Iran Negotiations Complicated by Attack on Iranian Nuclear Site

Iran’s government has been tight-lipped about the full extent of the damage at a nuclear facility, but multiple outlets are reporting that Israel was involved in the recent attack. 

Protests Erupt in Minneapolis Suburb After Fatal Police Shooting of Duante Wright

Over the weekend, a police officer in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, fatally shot the 20-year-old Black man during a traffic stop. 

How the Body Positivity Movement Was Co-Opted and Commodified

The “body positivity" movement has exploded in recent years, but for many, it's become nothing more than a buzzword.