“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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Easy as A, B, Cease: A US-Taliban Truce?
The US and the Taliban have agreed to a reduction of violence for the next seven days. It’s kinda like a test run to see if they can put down their weapons for good, and possibly end America’s longest war. But there’s still a lot that could get in the way and a long way to go. Meanwhile, Russian election interference is back in the news ahead of this year’s big vote. Also on the show: Nevada is crossing its fingers for a smooth caucus this weekend, and we remember the tech legend who gave us ‘copy and paste.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Not a Quiet Place: Nondisclosure Agreements in the #MeToo Era
Nondisclosure agreements were a big talker at last night’s democratic presidential debate. We’ll dive into what former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg had to say, and talk to former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson about ongoing efforts to curtail the practice of mandatory NDAs at the office. Meanwhile: President Trump’s longtime advisor Roger Stone was sentenced to over three years in prison today. But Trump’s recent ‘big pardon energy’ could mean that this prison sentence doesn’t mean prison time. Also on the show: the Trump Administration wants Americans step up their stock investment game, and why snapping shrimp are signaling a big problem in the ocean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Place Your Bets: Nevada’s Culinary Union and Medicare for All
Medicare for All is likely to come up in tonight’s big Democratic primary debate in Las Vegas. But Nevada’s powerful Culinary Union fought hard for its members to enjoy a top-notch private health care plan, and they’re resisting change. We’ll dive into the drama between the union and candidates pushing Medicare for All. Meanwhile, the coronavirus outbreak has led to travel restrictions for nearly half of China’s population, which means that a lot of people aren’t making it to the many manufacturing companies that support the global supply chain. Also on the show: a pro-tip from Love Wellness founder and CEO Lo Bosworth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Scout’s Honor: Why the Boy Scouts of America Filed for Bankruptcy
The Boy Scouts of America has officially filed for bankruptcy as it deals with an onslaught of sexual abuse lawsuits. We’ll dive into what this move means for the future of the organization and for thousands of victims seeking justice. Meanwhile: former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg has qualified for tomorrow night’s democratic presidential debate. Recent polls show him in second place behind Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Also on today’s show: why grasshoppers have proven to be a surprising ally for homeland security officials. Here’s a link to our December show on “look-back laws.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I’m Not Gonna Write You A Love Song: The US and Iran...and Switzerland?
As the coronavirus continues to spread, one of the affected groups has been healthcare workers on the frontlines in China. We’ll dive into how a vaccine could be on the horizon, but still has a long way to go. Then: the Senate votes to rein in President Trump’s power to conduct military strikes in Iran. As tensions increase between the US and Iran, an unlikely middleman is helping the two countries work out their issues and bring much needed humanitarian aid to the Iranian people. Also on the show: why the US government wants to remind you on Valentine’s Day … to take things slow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Party in the USA: Attorney General Bill Barr RSVP’s Yes
Attorney General William Barr has RSVP’d to a hearing with the House Judiciary Committee. And Dems have a lot of things they want to ask him about. Think: Roger Stone, Jessie Liu, and Rudy Giuliani. Meanwhile: all eyes were on Federal Reserve nominee Judy Shelton today at her confirmation hearing. Her controversial ideas – like bringing back the gold standard – have some senators scratching their heads. Also on the show: why a surge in home sales might not be great for your wallet, and why today is Galentine’s Day. Cheers to you and your beautiful tropical fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Juan Guaidó: Started From the Bottom, Now We’re Here
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó is back home after a whirlwind trip throughout Europe and the US to drum up support for his cause. It’s been over a year since he defied current president Nicolás Maduro and declared himself the rightful president. And even though Guaidó has the US and over 50 other countries on his side, Guaidó’s campaign may be losing steam. As that political battle rages, the people of Venezuela continue to suffer through a refugee crisis of massive proportions. Also on today’s show: author and entrepreneur Erica Williams Simon talks about big life changes and the power of storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Merger Story: The New T-Mobile
Today, after years of lawsuits and red tape, a federal judge approved the merger of wireless network giants T-Mobile and Sprint. We dive into why states are making calls to stop this from happening and what it could mean for your next phone bill. Meanwhile, the Philippines is scrapping a decades-old military agreement with the US called the Visiting Forces Agreement. We’ll tell you why that could have major implications for global security. Also on today’s show: the New Hampshire primary is underway, but the midnight vote in Dixville Notch got off to a surprising start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sticking Points: Budget Plans, Cruise Ship Quarantine, CROWN Act
Today, the Trump administration unveiled its budget proposal for 2021. But since Congress holds the purse strings and Democrats have the majority in the House, it’s likely that this plan might not work out. We’ll dive into the plan’s winners and losers, and why the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico is back in the spotlight. Also on today’s show: China sees its deadliest day of the coronavirus outbreak, and why some of last night’s Oscar winners gave a nod to a new anti-discrimination law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the Spotlight: Dem Debate Preview, Weinstein Trial, Oscars
It’s Friday night, and some 2020 democratic candidates will be spending theirs in...New Hampshire for the eighth democratic debate. We’ll tell you why some of the candidates are hoping to put this ‘No Good, Very Bad’ week behind them. Meanwhile, football season is already making a comeback with a brand new league called the XFL. And this one’s taking your bets (legally). Also on today’s show: Harvey Weinstein’s defense team calls its first witnesses, and a historic first to keep an ear out for at the Oscars on Sunday. To receive gambling addiction help 24/7/365, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Not a Joke: More Investigations, Mask Shortages, Traffic as Art
President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial is over, but that’s not the end of political investigations in 2020. We’ll explain what info Democrats and Republicans in Congress want to track down now. Then, the coronavirus outbreak is causing a global shortage on protective face masks. We hear from one expert on what this could mean for the healthcare workers who need those masks the most. Also on today’s show: Tensions ease in the U.S.-China trade war, and a performance artist fakes a traffic jam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Now What?: Impeachment’s Final Act, ERA, ‘Cheer’
President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial has come to an end. So, what happens now? Meanwhile, if you spotted members of Congress last night wearing pins with the letters E-R-A and asked W-H-Y, there was a reason for it. We’ll dive into the Equal Rights Amendment and the latest push to ratify it into the U.S. Constitution. Also on today’s show: tips for tax freshmen, and a preview of our chat with Coach Monica Aldama from ‘Cheer’ on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Head-Scratching: Caucus Confusion, Censure, Lonesome George
A day after the Iowa Democratic Caucus, we’re told results are still just around the corner. But the damage from a historic vote-counting fail is already being felt, and Iowa could be the biggest loser. Meanwhile, we’ll look at the big issues that might come up in tonight’s State of the Union Address by checking out the guest list. Also on today’s show: Democrats float an alternative to impeachment, and why one lonely creature might not have been the last of his kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Huddle Up: Iowa Caucuses, Impeachment Check-in, Shakira Memes
The 2020 primary season kicks off tonight with the Iowa caucuses. But how does a caucus actually work – and why does Iowa get so much clout? Meanwhile, the Senate impeachment trial continues but the end is in sight. We’ll break down what to look for in the coming days. Also on today’s show: why the World Health Organization has a problem with countries imposing travel bans in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, and why there might be more to Shakira’s viral Super Bowl moment than just another meme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s Been a Long Road: Brexit Day, Impeachment Trial, Super Bowl Firsts
After more than three years, Brexit is actually happening. We’ll break down what’s next for the UK. Spoiler: there’s still a long road ahead. Meanwhile, the debate over witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial is headed toward a vote. Which means the end is in sight. Also on today’s show: a lot of firsts will be happening on and off the field on Super Bowl Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices