Synopsis
In todays world, context is clarity. "Skimm This" breaks down the most important stories of the day and explains why they matter. All in 10 minutes. Every Monday through Friday. All at 5PM.
Episodes
-
Power Moves: Whistleblower Complaint, Israeli Politics, and ‘Gini Index’
26/09/2019 Duration: 12minThe mysterious whistleblower complaint everyone’s talking about...is finally public. So: we got lots of new details. And lawmakers in Congress had lots of questions – especially about why it took so long to see the complaint. Meanwhile, we could be one step closer to figuring out who will govern Israel after last week’s do-over election. Also on today’s show: income inequality is at a new high, and one Skimm’r who’s making her finances work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Call Me Maybe: Trump and Ukraine, Juul CEO, and 'Apply Thru'
25/09/2019 Duration: 13minIt’s the phone call heard ‘round the world: the White House released what it says is a rough transcript of President Trump’s controversial chat with the president of Ukraine. But not everyone is saying ‘case closed.’ In fact, some are saying ‘case wide open.’ Meanwhile: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave her blessing to an impeachment inquiry. We’ll explain what that means IRL. Also on today’s show: a big-name e-cigarette company has a new leader, and McDonald’s has a new way to say ‘you’re hired.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
What Lies Beneath: UN Speeches, Brexit Ruling, Lost Continent
24/09/2019 Duration: 11minThe UN General Assembly kicked into high gear today and President Trump urged world leaders to take a page out of his ‘America First’ playbook. UN chief Antonio Guterres had a slightly different idea of how to tackle global problems. We’ll compare and contrast. Meanwhile: the UK’s top court has thrown a wrench in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s political agenda, saying his move to shut down Parliament in the final weeks before Brexit was unlawful. Also on today’s show: it’s National Voter Registration Day, and step aside Atlantis – there’s a new lost continent in town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Words vs. Action: Trump and Ukraine, UN Climate Summit, and Retirement
23/09/2019 Duration: 13minIt’s only Monday, but President Trump probably can’t wait for the weekend. A mysterious whistleblower complaint is still dominating the headlines, reportedly for a phone call he had with the President of Ukraine. But Trump would prefer people talk about Ukraine … and former VP Joe Biden. We’ll explain what this is all about. Meanwhile, a bunch of countries got together at the United Nations for a special summit on climate. They talked a strong game about going greener, but was it enough? Also on today’s show: millennials share their concerns about retirement, and a royal family outing in South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Balancing Act: Climate Strikes, Pacific Islands, and Japanese Whisky
20/09/2019 Duration: 13minThe world was gripped by massive student-led climate strikes today. Some say the demonstrations were the largest climate protest in history. We’ll let you know what strikers want and what they’ll be watching for at a big UN climate summit on Monday. Meanwhile: Taiwan’s friend group got a bit smaller this week, as it loses support from two of its traditional backers in the Pacific. Also on today’s show: a quick update on Israel’s election, and the truth about Japanese whisky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Step Up: Whistleblowers, Russian Protests, and the Washington Monument
19/09/2019 Duration: 13minA whistleblower is sending Washington into a tizzy today. The House Intelligence Committee is demanding information about a complaint that reportedly has to do with President Trump. Meanwhile: an actor’s arrest is making waves in Russia. And other actors are staging protests. Also on today’s show: a big Chinese tech company is launching a new smartphone model in the middle of a trade war, and the Washington Monument is making it easier to make it to the top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
New Normals: Tent Courts, Interest Rates, and ‘They’
18/09/2019 Duration: 13minThe Trump Administration is unveiling new immigration courts that look a little different than what you might expect. They’re actually tents and shipping containers built right near the US-Mexico border as a part of a big new immigration policy. We’ll explain. Also: the Fed slashed interest rates for just the second time since the Great Recession today, heeding a request by President Trump. Also on today’s show: Greta Thunberg turns the tables in DC, and the dictionary gets nonbinary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Making Waves: Auto Strikes, Impeachment Hearings, and Channel Swimming
17/09/2019 Duration: 13minAutoworkers across the country are joining the picket line in a strike against General Motors. They say the company needs to give them better wages and benefits. Meanwhile, President Trump’s former campaign manager was on Capitol Hill today for the first official impeachment hearing. Also on today’s show: Indonesia is making a big change to its child marriage laws, and an American is making waves across the pond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Awaiting Results: Israeli Elections, Saudi Oil, and Science Prizes
16/09/2019 Duration: 13minIsraelis might be feeling a little déjà vu: they’re heading back to the polls tomorrow to vote for parliament for the second time this year. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has put a lot of issues in play, from the annexation of West Bank settlements to mandatory military service. Meanwhile, half of Saudi Arabia’s oil production was cut off after drones reportedly attacked the country’s largest oil plant on Saturday. Global oil markets are feeling the heat as the plant tries to get up and running again. Also on today’s show: we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and we share some weird science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Now What: Gun Control, The Bahamas, and #MeToo
13/09/2019 Duration: 12minThe top ten Democrats in the presidential primary faced off last night for their third debate, and three big ideas emerged from their conversation on gun control. We’ll break them down for you. Meanwhile, the Bahamas is still recovering from Hurricane Dorian, and now they’re preparing for a new potential storm. Also on today’s show: two reporters whose work helped kickstart the #MeToo movement, and why some people aren’t saying ‘TGIF’ today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Legal Speak: Terms of Impeachment, Opioid Settlement, and the Dem Debate
12/09/2019 Duration: 12minThe House Judiciary Committee formalized its process for potentially impeaching President Trump. Everyone on Capitol Hill has something to say about it. We’ll tell you what’s new here. Meanwhile, the makers of Oxycontin say they’ve reached a tentative settlement with states and local governments across the country, to avoid going to court. But some state officials say the potential settlement isn’t enough to make up for the effects of the opioid epidemic. Also on today’s show: what to expect when you’re expecting a(nother) debate, and Meghan Markle’s back from maternity leave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Making the Case: Gig Economy Reform and Canadian Elections
11/09/2019 Duration: 12minCalifornia lawmakers are making moves to reform how businesses treat their gig economy workers. Election season is underway, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a tough reelection campaign. Lucky for Canada, election season is only six weeks long. Also on today’s show: 18 years after the 9/11 attacks, teachers continue to wrestle with how to teach students about a pivotal event that happened before they were born. PS – We’re hosting an event at Skimm HQ on Friday featuring New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. They won a Pulitzer for reporting on allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein. If you’re in town, join us by RSVPing here. If you can’t make it, call and leave us a voicemail with a question to ask Kantor and Twohey at 646-461-6370. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
On the Market: John Bolton, NC Special Election, and New iPhones
10/09/2019 Duration: 12minWhite House National Security Advisor John Bolton is turning on his ‘out of office’ – for good. President Trump tweeted that he fired Bolton, while Bolton says that he quit. We’ll break down the foreign policy drama that’s led up to today’s news. Meanwhile, voters in North Carolina’s 9th congressional district are experiencing major déjà vu today. They went back to the polls after election officials called for a 'do-over' of the 2018 congressional race. Also on today’s show: Apple’s latest effort to separate you from $1,450. If you have a few extra minutes, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please take our survey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Back to Work: Gun Control Bills, Big Tech Investigations, and Volfefe
09/09/2019 Duration: 13minCongress is back to work after summer vacation. One big issue lawmakers could tackle? Gun control. It’s been a couple of decades since the last meaningful gun reform was passed, but some lawmakers think it’s time to dive back into the issue after a series of mass shootings last month. Meanwhile: state attorneys general in 48 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, are launching investigations into Google’s advertising practices. Also on today’s show: Bahamians evacuating after Hurricane Dorian face issues getting to the US, and ‘covfefe’ gets the Wall Street treatment. PS - GV (formerly Google Ventures) is a minority investor in theSkimm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Spin-Off: Mortgage Giants, Hurricane Dorian, GOP Primaries
06/09/2019 Duration: 11minThe Trump Administration wants to spin off Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as private companies. We’ve got the A to Z on Fannie and Freddie and what these proposed changes could mean for you, especially if you’re house shopping or hope to be one day. Meanwhile: Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the US today, after wreaking havoc in the Bahamas. If you want to help relief efforts, you can make a donation to one of these organizations. Also on today’s show: Republican officials in four states may cancel their presidential primaries, and can Facebook be trusted to keep your ‘secret crush’ secret? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Deadlines: Iran Deal, Climate Crisis, NFL Kickoff
05/09/2019 Duration: 13minIt’s almost the end of the week, and deadlines are looming – in Iran. They’re giving major players in Europe until tomorrow to help them out financially before they stop complying with more parts of the 2015 Nuclear Deal. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential hopefuls spent seven straight hours yesterday talking about climate change. We’ll break down where candidates actually differed. Also on today’s show: fantasy football water cooler conversations are about to start back up again, and artificial intelligence is going wild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Game-Changing: Brexit Lingo, Hong Kong Bill, and Cherokee Nation Delegate
04/09/2019 Duration: 12min‘Blimey’ isn’t the only British phrase being thrown around in the UK today. All kinds of parliamentary phrases have been flying as the debate over how-to-Brexit heats up. Today, members of Parliament voted to avoid a no-deal Brexit, and against holding snap elections. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s leader is hoping to cool down protests. She formally withdrew controversial legislation today, but some protesters still aren’t happy. Also on today’s show: a potential new member of Congress, and a new record for a tennis legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
At What Cost: Taliban Talks, China Tariffs, and a Very Long Cruise
03/09/2019 Duration: 12minUS and Taliban negotiators are reportedly closing in on a deal that lead to a drawdown of US troops in Afghanistan. The deal could be a way to help the US end the longest war in its history, but some worry it could put Afghanistan on a path back to Taliban control. We’ll break down what we know about the deal so far. Meanwhile, the latest round of US tariffs have just kicked in against Chinese products – and these tariffs could hit your wallet. Also on today’s show: another app wants your face, and a new cruise is testing just how much time you want to spend with your friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Out of Office: AI and Jobs, Hong Kong Arrests, and Pigs on the Run
30/08/2019 Duration: 12minAutomation and artificial intelligence are supposed to make jobs easier, but sometimes they can take away jobs altogether. This Labor Day weekend, we’re taking a look at the current and future impact of AI on American jobs. Then: the Hong Kong government has arrested protest leaders ahead of a large demonstration planned for this weekend. We’ll explain how the government is changing its tactics. Also on today’s show: Florida is bracing for impact as Hurricane Dorian approaches, and 250 pigs on the run in Vermont. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
Lift Off: US Space Command, Vaping, ‘Planet’ Pluto
29/08/2019 Duration: 12minToday President Trump announced the lift-off of a new part of the military: the United States Space Command. We’ll explain what it might look like, and what its role could be. Then: this summer, 22 states have reported cases of people suffering from respiratory illnesses after vaping. We’ll look into what doctors are saying, and why the e-cigarette industry is under pressure. Also on today’s show: Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro takes steps to prevent more fires in the Amazon, and NASA’s chief thinks Pluto should be considered a planet again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices