“Skimm This” is a weekly news program that breaks down important stories from the past week and adds context and clarity to answer the questions on your mind. Every Thursday evening.
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Monumental Change: The Fight To Take Down Confederate Symbols In the US
In recent weeks, there’s been a renewed push to remove symbols of the Confederacy: including flags, statues and the names of some military bases. Some protestors have been tearing statues down. And local officials are also making moves to remove them. We’ll break down why the debate around getting rid of these statues is really a debate about how we understand history- and the legacy of slavery in the US. Also: all 50 states have started reopening. But health experts are warning: COVID-19 is still here. And as cases spike, state and local governments are at odds. And finally, we ‘press pause’ with some sea turtle news. Here are some soothing sea turtles videos to kick off your weekend. On this episode, you’ll hear from: - LeAndrea Mack, Miss Juneteenth 2019 in Kansas City - Dr. Jalane Schmidt, associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia, co-founder of the Charlottesville, VA chapter of Black Lives Matter Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at audio@theskimm.com or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Different Things To Different People”: How Calls to ‘Defund the Police’ Could Play Out
As protests continue in the US, some demonstrators are now calling to ‘defund the police.’ And those calls are already having an impact. Cities like Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles are considering some major changes to their police departments. We’ll break down what it actually means to defund the police, and why some protestors say that doesn’t go far enough. Also: we’re still in a global pandemic. But many public health experts don’t think protests should stop. We’ll explain why medical professionals say it’s important that demonstrators are still able to protest against racism and police brutality. And finally, you may have seen that viral video from former NFL athlete Emmanuel Acho, host of the new online series, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” We spoke to Acho about why these conversations are necessary, and how he plans to grow the series. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Lynda Garcia, Policing Campaign Director for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, former trial attorney in the Special Litigation Section in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice Kimberly Burke, research fellow at the Center for Policing Equity Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey, social epidemiologist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Emmanuel Acho, former NFL athlete, current NFL analyst and host and creator of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at audio@theskimm.com or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“A Stopgap for a Much Larger Problem”: What Police Reform Could Look Like
People across the US have flooded into the streets to protest police violence against black Americans. We’ll break down some of the concerns protests are highlighting, including disparities in how law enforcement treats black Americans, as well as police militarization. We’ll also talk to an expert about some potential solutions. Also: if you’re seeing calls to donate to a bail fund and wondering how those work, we’ll explain. And finally, we’re ‘pressing pause’ to highlight the creative ways people are documenting their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Kimberly Burke, research fellow at the Center for Policing Equity Bernadette Rabuy, senior policy analyst at the Prison Policy Initiative Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at audio@theskimm.com or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Female-Led Recession’: How Economists Think Unemployment Will Impact Women and Minorities
As of this week, one in four US workers has filed for unemployment benefits. But economists say the historic numbers don’t tell the whole story. And they’re warning that women, and in particular women of color, are being disproportionately affected. We’ll break down what this record unemployment means, how the situation compares to past recessions, and what the impact is on women and women of color. Also: now that unemployment is at a record-high, a lot of people are looking for work. We spoke to a career expert to get some tips on how to job search during a pandemic. And finally, you asked and we Skimm’d: who’s even hiring right now? Not a trick question. Think: anyone who’s seeing an increase in demand. Like food and delivery services. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Kathryn A. Edwards, associate economist at the RAND Corporation Amanda Augustine, career expert for TopResume What’s something about the COVID-19 pandemic that you’ve been looking for more answers on? Email us at audio@theskimm.com and call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show and have your question answered. If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More To Come: What Experts Say Congress Should Focus On
Back in March, Congress passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus bill that reached millions of Americans. You may have received a check in the mail or a boost in unemployment insurance. But researchers and economists are saying the money Congress spent so far may not be enough. We’ll break down what still needs work, and what experts say Congress should prioritize. Also: you may have seen some headlines this week about some big stores going bankrupt. We’ll tell you why COVID-19 has pushed them into bankruptcy. And why it could impact what your next trip to the mall looks like. And finally, you asked and we Skimm’d: how is COVID-19 more dangerous than the seasonal flu? We’ll tell you why experts say it’s not a fair comparison. Hint: even though the symptoms are similar, they’re caused by different viruses. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Jay Shambaugh, director of the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution and former member and chief economist of the White House Council of Economic Advisers Henrietta Treyz, founder, managing partner and the director of economic policy at Veda Partners Dr. Gloria Gonzalez-Rivera, professor of economics at University of California-Riverside Nancy Rapoport, Garman Turner Gordon Professor of Law, William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Vince Tibone, retail sector head at Green Street Advisors On next week’s episode, we’re devoting our entire show to the topic of unemployment. Have you recently been impacted? If so, we’d love to hear your story and perhaps include it on next week’s show. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Not So Fast: Creating A COVID-19 Vaccine Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint
The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is underway. But don’t hold your breath. This race could take years. We’ll tell you why, and what’s being done to try to speed up the process. Also: you may have seen some headlines this week about COVID-19 and children. New research shows kids are more at risk of getting sick than realized. On top of that: a mysterious illness that could be linked to COVID-19 is infecting children around the country. We’ll break down what this means for parents on the lookout. And finally, you asked and we Skimm’d: why is it taking so long to get your stimulus check? Hint: you may need to check your mailbox. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi, co-director of Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and Associate Dean, National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Dr. Rinke Bos, Principal Scientist at Janssen Vaccines & Prevention in Leiden, the Netherlands Dr. Roderick Slavcev, Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo Dr. Lawrence Kleinman, professor and vice chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and attending physician at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital What’s something about the COVID-19 pandemic that you’ve been looking for more answers on? Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show and have your question answered. If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Bigger Picture: Beyond The Record Unemployment Rate
The CDC has been working on new guidelines for how states should start to reopen. But the White House is putting them on ice and telling the agency to make some changes. Meanwhile: the unemployment rate is now the highest it’s been since the Great Depression. We’ll tell you why the real picture might be even more bleak. Also on today’s show: Tara Reade’s allegations against former VP Joe Biden make more headlines, and an update on the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Putting on the Pressure: Ahmaud Arbery’s Death Sparks Public Outcry
The latest unemployment numbers are in, and no surprise: they’re not very good. We’ll explain why -- despite all the bad economic news -- the stock market is doing relatively okay. Meanwhile: some small schools in Montana are among the first to reopen since the pandemic began. But local superintendents are finding ways to enforce social distancing measures in the classroom. Also on today’s show: we’ll dive into why the death of Ahmaud Arbery in February sparked widespread public outcry this week. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A First For Everything: The Supreme Court Literally Phones It In
The White House coronavirus task force is getting a makeover. Sort of. We’ll explain what today’s change-up is all about and how it impacts you. Meanwhile: major grocery and fast food chains are showing cracks in the food supply chain as meat processing plants are forced to close. Also on today’s show: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is in the hospital. But she was able to call into oral arguments today -- along with the rest of the Supremes -- to hear a case regarding free birth control coverage. We’ll explain why this case is a big deal. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Skimm Special: COVID-19 and Climate Change (Rebroadcast)
This is a rebroadcast of our Skimm Special that originally aired on April 18th. We’ll be back tomorrow with new episodes. Across the world, economies have essentially been on pause due to COVID-19. The unintended consequence? A significant decrease in air pollution and carbon emissions. We talked to climate experts about how the pandemic is highlighting the human impact on the planet. And what that can teach us about the steps individuals and governments need to take to tackle climate change. You’ll hear from: Dr. Elizabeth Sawin, co-director of Climate Interactive, a think tank that builds computer simulations related to climate change solutions. Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, which specializes in understanding Americans’ attitudes toward climate change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At the Stroke of Midnight: What Happens When Federal Stay-at-Home Guidelines End?
Federal stay-at-home guidelines are officially expiring tonight. But since it’s states that call the shots on reopening, not much is going to change when the clock strikes midnight. Meanwhile: there’s encouraging news from the world of medicine. We’ll break down two headlines about a COVID-19 treatment and a possible vaccine, and why America’s top infectious disease expert says things are looking up. Also on today’s show: Los Angeles is testing almost everyone for COVID-19, and France is planning a fancy charity auction to support local hospitals. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Turn Down For...Months: Falling US GDP Expected to Keep Dropping
We knew the economy wasn’t doing well. But a new report out today shows us just how bad it really is. We’ll dive into what ‘gross domestic product’ is all about and why it matters that it’s down. Meanwhile: a new poll says a lot of Americans are worried that COVID-19 will disrupt this year’s presidential election. We’ll explain why one proposed solution — voting by mail — isn’t exactly easy. Also on today’s show: the recent shake up of the film industry has the Oscars changing its ways. Earlier this month, we hosted a live online presentation called Recessions, Skimm’d. We explained what recessions are, why they’re a big deal, and how you can be prepared for when one comes up. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fasten Your...Masks?: First US Airline to Require Face Coverings
The White House released new guidelines for how states should ramp-up their testing programs. We’ll explain how this could impact your state. Meanwhile: the Federal Reserve is coming to the rescue for cities and states. We’ll tell you how the new moves could help you. Also on today’s show: JetBlue Airways just became the first major airline to require passengers to wear masks. We’ll look at why this didn’t happen earlier. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
All The Rage: Antibody Tests Are ‘In’ But Do They Work?
We’re starting to learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing. But these tests might not be ready for primetime yet. We’ll explain what they are and why researchers are telling us to slow our roll. Meanwhile: more Georgia businesses opened their doors today. We’ll tell you what that could mean for your state. Also on today’s show: the CDC added new COVID-19 symptoms to look out for. We’ll dive into what that could mean for the future of testing. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Million Dollar Question: How Many of us Have Had COVID-19?
President Trump signed the bill to re-up the Paycheck Protection Program. But: there might be another snag. We’ll dive into why it still may not get small businesses the help they need. Meanwhile: a new study out of New York says that the outbreak may have been more widespread than initially thought. We’ll tell you why that might actually bring some good news to the fight against the virus. Also on today’s show: a survey of artists finds nearly all have been impacted by COVID-19. We’ll tell you how. If you or someone you know is an artist or creative worker who needs help, the National Endowment for the Arts has a list of resources you can check out, including Artist Relief. If you’re interested in helping seniors who need help shopping for groceries, you can donate to Meals on Wheels, which has a COVID-19 response fund. You can also join Nextdoor, where lots of communities are discussing how to help local seniors. This morning we hosted a live online presentation called, “How to Save Money During COVID-19.” We talk about how to cut back expenses, negotiate with businesses you pay every month, and lower your debt payments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices