“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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Let’s Negotiate: War Powers, Impact Reports, Pay Raises
Members of Congress had a heated debate today over limiting President Trump’s ability to start a war with Iran. We’ll explain who holds the war-fighting cards in Washington and why Congress rarely raises its voice. Meanwhile, the White House is rolling back rules concerning environmental impact assessments for key infrastructure projects. We’ll dig into why President Richard Nixon thought they were important in the first place. Also on today’s show: tips on how to ask for a pay raise, and a check-up with RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Where To?: Iran-US Tensions, Great Escapes, ‘Megxit’
At times this week, it looked like the US and Iran were heading toward an all-out war. And those concerns only intensified last night after Iran attacked a pair of Iraqi military bases where US troops are stationed. We’ll explain the likelihood of war at this moment, or whether it’s possible the two foes will stand down. Meanwhile, we’ll explain why a a CEO-turned-fugitive in Lebanon is making headlines for his unlikely escape from Japan. Also on today’s show: a big royal announcement, and a former ambassador’s advice about negotiating with your boss...even if your boss is the President of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Another Look: The US in Iraq, Deepfakes, Christmas Trees
The latest drama between the US and Iran is catching Iraq in the crossfire. After a deadly US drone strike in Iraq, Iraq’s parliament wants US troops out of the country. We’ll explain how America’s relations with key ally are suddenly at risk. Meanwhile, lawmakers are back at work in the US and the UK. We’ll break down how they plan to tackle two big agenda items – impeachment and Brexit. Also on today’s show: how Facebook is fighting deepfakes, and how your Christmas tree could enjoy a second life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Heating Up: Iran Fallout, Weinstein Trial, Australia Fires
The year is off to a rocky start for the US and Iran. Last week, the US killed a top Iranian general linked to attacks on hundreds of Americans. Now, Iran is threatening to retaliate. We’ll dive in. Meanwhile, it’s day one for the Harvey Weinstein trial in New York, more than two years after an explosive report detailed allegations of decades of sexual assault. We’ll explain why bringing him to justice has taken so long. Also on today’s show: we’ll survey the damage from Australia’s deadly bushfires, and how celebrities spoke up about it at the Golden Globes. PS: if you want to help the fire relief efforts, here’s the link we mentioned in the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sea Changes: Impeachment, Climate Crisis, Anti-Austerity Protests
Last year brought with it some big stories about change - stories that we’ll probably see more of in 2020. So before we ring in the new year, here are some of the major ‘sea change’ stories that were on our radar: the impeachment of the President of the United States, huge protests against climate change, and a wave of anti-government fervor around the globe. Editor's Note: this is a pre-recorded episode. We'll be back with our regular programming on Monday at 5pm ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Power Players: The People Who Shaped 2019
When the history books are written, we think a few names from 2019 will stand out. Greta Thunberg helped make climate change protests mainstream. Boris Johnson won a big election and pushed Brexit toward the finish line. Volodymyr Zelensky catapulted from comic actor to Ukrainian president, only to find himself embroiled in an American political drama. Carrie Lam became the target of mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. And both on and off the soccer field, Megan Rapinoe cemented her reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Enjoy our recap of the power players of 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Money Moves: Trade War, Interest Rates, Unemployment Rate
With New Year's resolutions right around the corner, we want to talk about money. If you’re looking to make a fresh start, knowledge is power. New year, new you, right? And what better place to start fresh than with your wallet. We’re going to take a look at the big economic stories of the past year – from a trade war to changing interest rates to employment data – and explain how they could affect your money as we head into 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
And the most complicated story of 2019 was...
We asked our listeners which 2019 story you still want explained. At the top of the list: Brexit. Totally fair. British voters chose to leave the European Union in 2016, but here we are three years later and … that still hasn’t happened. So we’re gonna get into why Brits wanted to Brexit in the first place, why that was easier said than done, and where the Brexit process currently stands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Making the Cut: Voter Purges, Impeachment Trial, Brexit
Some election officials are making a list, checking it twice – and cutting hundreds of thousands of people from their voter registration rolls. We’ll explain why those moves are making people nervous ahead of the 2020 elections. Meanwhile, impeachment is heading to the Senate. Or is it? We’ll break down what’s holding up the process. Also on today’s show: another big Brexit vote, and a picture that’s leaving us at a loss for words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taxation and Representation: Obamacare in Limbo, Debate Diversity, and Wakanda
The future of Obamacare is limbo again, after a federal court struck down the individual mandate as unconstitutional. We’ll explain how this decision could impact you, and the future of health insurance in America. Meanwhile, tonight is the sixth Democratic primary debate. But the lineup on stage has some people wondering if the frontrunners reflect the diversity of voters. Also on today’s show: A new study finds dozens of Fortune 500 companies paid zero federal taxes in 2018, and why Wakanda and the USDA are breaking up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Rest is History: Impeachment Vote, Teen Vaping, Missy Robbins
Today the House of Representatives prepared to impeach a President of the United States for the third time in US history. The Constitution doesn’t exactly provide a ‘how-to’ guide for what happens next, but lawmakers in the Senate are already preparing for a trial. Meanwhile, a new study shows a dramatic rise in teen vaping, particularly when it comes to vaping marijuana. Also on today’s show: award-winning chef and restaurant owner Missy Robbins offers a pro tip on business partnerships. Click here for more on what to expect in the impeachment story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Big Deals: Budget Breakthroughs, Boeing, Happy Birthday Simpsons
The House just passed a budget bill to fund the federal government through next September. The budget was only possible after lots of behind-the-scenes dealmakings, and the finished product includes some measures on election security and gun violence research that could have a big impact. Meanwhile, Boeing says it’s pushing ‘pause’ on production of its 737 Max aircraft. We’ll break down why this plane has made major headlines this year, and what it means for the US economy that Boeing will no longer make it. Also on today’s show: why some Democrats are vying for the ‘impeachment manager’ track, and ‘The Simpsons’ turns the big 3-0. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Keep On Keepin’ On: Trade Deals, Protests in India, Climate Talks
The Trump administration reached two blockbuster trade deals last week – or so we thought. Turns out there are still some big question marks surrounding the future of the US-China trade war and the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Meanwhile, people across India are protesting a controversial new citizenship law. We’ll break down what the law says and why people are speaking out against it for very different reasons. Also on today’s show: why the latest UN climate summit ended with no new solutions, and one airport’s clever take on a Christmas tree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Two Roads Diverge: Late-Night Impeachment Quarrels, Brexit’s Open Road
Today the House Judiciary Committee gave the go-ahead for a full House vote on impeachment, but the process was anything but tidy. Committee members were at each other's throats last night, and this morning’s committee vote was along strict party lines. We’ll explain what’s next in the process. Meanwhile, UK voters took a lot of the guesswork out of Brexit last night when they handed the ruling Conservative Party a landslide election victory. That means Brexit’s back on track and dreams of a do-ever are all but dashed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Now Boarding: Trade Courts, Parental Leave, Ugly Sweaters
The World Trade Organization’s top court stopped functioning this week after the US blocked the appointment of new judges. That means major trade disputes may go unresolved. We’ll explain how that could give the US new weapons in its trade battle with China, but could also inject uncertainty into the global economy. Meanwhile, it turns out Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time: the House of Representatives just passed a bill granting 12 weeks of paid parental leave to federal employees. We’ll explore just how historic that would be. Also on today’s show: Sen. Bernie Sanders unveils an ‘internet for all’ plan, and another reason to celebrate ugly sweaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices