“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.
Similar Podcasts
In Machines We Trust
A podcast about the automation of everything. Host Jennifer Strong and the team at MIT Technology Review look at what it means to entrust artificial intelligence with our most sensitive decisions.
The Cynical Developer
A UK based Technology and Software Developer Podcast that helps you to improve your development knowledge and career,
through explaining the latest and greatest in development technology and providing you with what you need to succeed as a developer.
You're Wrong About
Mike and Sarah are journalists obsessed with the past. Every week they reconsider a person or event that's been miscast in the public imagination.
Results Pending: The Plan to Increase COVID-19 Testing
President Trump declared a national emergency today over the COVID-19 outbreak, and said more Americans should be able to get tested soon. We’ll explain why the US has been facing a testing shortage and how the plans announced today could address that. Then, 30 million US students rely on school meal programs. But what happens when school’s closed? We’ll dive into the latest plans to feed students being told to hunker down at home. Also on today’s show: we’ll preview what could be an unusually quiet Democratic debate on Sunday, and introduce you to the fiercest bug around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hold The Plane: The US Preps for COVID-19
Last night President Trump addressed the nation to explain how the US is responding to COVID-19. He talked up the importance of keeping the disease out of the country. But remember: it’s already here. We dive into the complications with testing and treating, and why there’s a lot more work that the US needs to do to be prepared. Meanwhile: if you’re still considering traveling, we’ll tell you what you might need to know when it comes to booking it. Also on the show: it’s Census season, and the government is rolling out a new online option to help you out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Let’s Touch Base: Why Working From Home Doesn’t Work For All
COVID-19 is now officially a pandemic. But as more and more companies are telling their employees to work from home, many people don’t have that luxury. We’ll explain why the lack of unemployment insurance and universal paid sick leave is a pain for the gig economy and for some hourly workers. Meanwhile, a New York judge just handed down a prison sentence for movie producer Harvey Weinstein. We’ll break it down. Also on today’s show: how Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is faring in the Democratic presidential primary, and a career pro-tip from supermodel Karlie Kloss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Going the Distance: Italy on Lockdown Mode Over COVID-19
Italians woke up this morning under a nationwide quarantine as the country attempts to stop the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Italy is the latest country to follow China’s playbook by using “social distancing” policies to contain the disease, and it might not be the last. We’ll explain why putting a little space between you and others might buy public health systems some time to figure out how to respond to this unfolding outbreak. Also on today’s show: Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders duke it out in Michigan’s Democratic primary, and India’s Prime Minister skips out on celebrating Holi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pump the Brakes: The Stock Market and COVID-19
The markets took a nosedive today. And in response, Wall Street found the brakes and stepped on them. We’ll explain what happened and what it means moving forward. Meanwhile, the beginning of the week might have you dreaming about taking a vacation. But heads up: the US government is warning people against booking their dream cruise. Also on the show: Mexico City finds out what a day without women looks like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When Your Side Hustle is Free: Female Unpaid Labor
The Supreme Court heard its first major case on abortion access with a strong new conservative majority on the bench. We’ll dive into what the outcome of this case could mean for the future of abortion access in the US. Meanwhile, this Sunday is International Women’s Day. We talked to some women – and their partners – about how they share the workload at home. Also on the show: how people around the world are getting creative when it comes to telling people to wash their hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Warren Has a Plan… To Find The Nearest Exit
Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Her next big plan is TBD. Meanwhile, countries around the world are planning stimulus packages to help people and businesses recover from the economic hit of COVID-19. But economists aren’t convinced of their value. Also on the show: the US-Taliban peace deal is getting tested. And now the International Criminal Court is launching a formal investigation into possible war crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
And Then There Were Two-ish: Democratic Field Narrows
With Super Tuesday behind us and nearly all the results in, the 2020 Democratic presidential field is narrowing even more. We’ll explain who won and lost big last night, and what happens next. Meanwhile: health officials are schooling the media on how to talk about COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. It’s part of an effort to combat misinformation that’s been causing an ‘infodemic’. Also on the show: a potential women’s history museum in DC, and a pro-tip for commanding any room. Click here for info on COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Super-Sized: Primary Day, COVID-19’s Olympics Impact
It’s Super Tuesday. The biggest primary day so far where voters in 14 states plus American Samoa cast their ballots to pick their preferred nominee. This time around, California has a starring role with the most delegates up for grabs. Meanwhile: COVID-19 is impacting major events around the world, which has some worried about what this could mean for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Also on the show: Apple admits to causing your iPhone to lag on purpose, and the Democratic Republic of Congo discharges its last Ebola patient. Click here for more on what you need to know about COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Not a Test: Why COVID-19 Cases Could Spike
At least six people in the state of Washington have died from COVID-19. As the US government ramps up testing efforts, experts warn to expect a big jump in confirmed cases as results start coming in. Meanwhile: over the weekend, former VP Joe Biden scored a major win in the South Carolina primary -- thanks in part to a big endorsement. Also on the show: Israel heads to polls for the third time in less than a year, and this time around there are a lot more complications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the Red: The COVID-19 Market Downturn
This week, the stock market has been feeling the pain of COVID-19. We’ll look at what the current economic impact is and what a ‘market correction’ has to do with it. Meanwhile, the US and the Taliban are on the verge of a major peace deal. We’ll break down how the agreement could lead to the end of the US’s longest war. Also on today’s show: a look at pedestrian safety, the annual convention of conservative activists, and a leap-year tradition that could be skipped over. PS: Click here for more pedestrian safety tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Scotland’s Quest to End ‘Period Poverty’
Scotland is about to make your ‘time of the month’ a lot easier on your wallet. It will soon become the first country to make tampons and pads free and available for everyone. We’ll explain how that policy aims to tackle the ‘period poverty’ affecting girls and women around the world. Meanwhile, a patient in California has been diagnosed with coronavirus – aka COVID-19. And this case is raising questions about the way the US government is testing for the disease. We’ll tell you why. Also on the show: measuring how companies ‘go green,’ and why seagulls can’t get enough of your lunch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COVID-19: Coming to a Community Near You?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to prepare for COVID-19 to spread within the US. (That’s the new disease caused by coronavirus.) When the CDC says ‘this could be bad,’ they mean major disruptions to your everyday life. But health experts want to make it clear that preparing doesn’t mean panicking. Meanwhile, the Syrian civil war made a surprise appearance in last night’s Democratic primary debate. We’ll explain why the current situation in Syria is so dire, and why millions of people there still need help. Also on the show: Gretchen Carlson shares her advice for what to do if you’re dealing with harassment at work, and talks about her new organization, Lift Our Voices. Click here to learn more about the situation in Syria and how you can help children and families fleeing conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Out Front: Bernie Sanders Leads the Pack
Must feel good to be first. Bernie Sanders has achieved front-runner status in the 2020 Democratic primary. How is that possible after just three states have voted? We’ll explain the money (and delegate) math involved. Then: President Trump wrapped up a quick trip to India to talk trade with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But the huge welcome party Trump got doesn’t necessarily mean that the US and India are locking down a trade deal anytime soon. Also on the show: a Zamboni driver hits the ice MVP-style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Verdict Reached: The Harvey Weinstein Trial
A jury in New York has found Harvey Weinstein guilty of third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual assault. He could face more than two decades in prison. We’ll dive into what today’s verdict means, what the jury didn’t convict him on, and what to expect next in the trial that was propelled by the #MeToo movement. Meanwhile: as coronavirus continues to spread, fears are growing that the outbreak is reaching the level of a pandemic. Also on today’s show: we remember NASA mathematician legend Katherine Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices