“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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One Day You're In: Paris Agreement, Election Day, Being 'Single'

November 05, 2019 0:12:27 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

The Trump administration formally told the United Nations that it’s pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, making the US the only country in the world to bow out of the landmark deal on climate change. We’ll connect the dots between the international response to the move, and its potential effect on the US economy. Meanwhile, it’s Election Day. We’ll break some of the big races to watch tonight. Also on today’s show: the benefits of having a long weekend every weekend, and a new way to define your relationship status… with yourself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Smoldering: PG&E’s Future, Iraq Protests, Party Houses

November 04, 2019 0:13:14 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

Firefighters are gradually putting out California’s wildfires, but the state’s big power company is just starting to feel the heat as lawmakers call for a government takeover. We’ll explore the challenges facing PG&E and why some politicians argue the utility shouldn't be a for-profit company. Meanwhile, protesters in Iraq are increasingly directing their frustration at Iran. We’ll look at the types of Iranian influence some Iraqis would prefer to live without. Also on today’s show: AirBnB cracks down on ‘party houses’, and a stuck, century-old boat that really wants to break free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Getting Started: 5G in China, Cystic Fibrosis Drug, NaNoWriMo

November 01, 2019 0:13:18 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

Earlier today, China turned on the fifth generation of super-fast Internet, AKA 5G. We’ll connect the dots between what the tech can do – for better and worse – and why there’s been a race to see who can press ‘on’ first. Meanwhile, a new drug treatment could change the lives of a lot of people with cystic fibrosis. We’ll explain why doctors are celebrating. Also on today’s show: we’re kicking off National Novel Writing Month, and saying goodbye to a gem in the UK Parliament.  Here are those links we promised you about 5G health concerns, from The New York Times and the BBC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spooktacular: Impeachment Rules, Twitter Ads, Dressed-Up Pets

October 31, 2019 0:11:32 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

The House of Representatives set the ground rules for its impeachment investigation into President Trump today. The next phase of the process – televised impeachment hearings – could start in less than two weeks. We’ll break down what to expect going forward and how Democrats and Republicans voted today. Meanwhile, Twitter says it’s so over politics and will start banning political ads next month. We’ll look at how that move affects Twitter’s bottom line. Also on today’s show: grocery delivery wars are becoming a thing, and so is dressing up your pet for Halloween. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Heights: Middle East Protests, Sea Levels, Phone Bills

October 30, 2019 0:12:18 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

Anti-government protests have erupted in Lebanon and Iraq. Young people are leading the charge, and are calling for major economic reforms. We’ll explain what protesters want, and how a key player in the region is getting involved. Meanwhile, new research warns rising sea levels could affect way more people than previously thought. We’ll look at what updated forecasts could mean for future ‘climate refugees.’ Also on today’s show: the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates once again, and some eagles are racking up a really high phone bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the Record: The Armenian Genocide, Impeachment, Palladium

October 29, 2019 0:12:33 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

The US House of Representatives is taking a historic vote today to recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915. We’ll break down why mass atrocities dating back more than a century remain a hot-button political issue, and why the US is just getting around to this now. Meanwhile, lawmakers involved in the ongoing impeachment inquiry heard from someone with a front-row seat to President Trump’s phone call with the leader of Ukraine. We’ll fill you on what you need to know about Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman. Also on today’s show: a new Brexit meltdown, and the world’s priciest precious metal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Say Goodbye?: ISIS Leader, Missouri Abortion Clinic, Phishing

October 28, 2019 0:13:56 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

The leader of ISIS died during a US military raid in Syria over the weekend. We’ll explain who Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was, and what his death means for ISIS – and for the world. Meanwhile, there’s only one clinic in Missouri that can perform abortions, and it could soon be forced to close. We’ll explain how a hearing this week could lead to Missouri becoming the first state in the country without access to abortion services. Also on today’s show: California’s wildfires are heating up, and phishing scams are becoming fishier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More Than Meets The Eye: Impeachment Inquiry, Chile Protests, TikTok

October 25, 2019 0:11:07 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

It’s been a busy week for the impeachment investigation into President Trump. Some key witnesses testified about the US-Ukraine relationship and Republicans staged a controversial walk-in of a secure conference room. We’ll break it all down and describe the White House’s plans going forward. Meanwhile, protests in Chile are entering their second week. They started in part because of transit fare hikes but are about a lot more than that. Finally, US lawmakers are worried TikTok could pose national security risks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cancel It?: Student Loans, Revenge Porn, Trading Fees

October 24, 2019 0:12:29 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

A top Education Department official is calling it quits, and on his way out the door he’s urging the federal government to cancel most of the country’s student loan debt. We’ll explain why that’s become a popular rallying cry, and what plans are being put forward. Meanwhile, a freshman congresswoman is under a House ethics investigation. We’ll connect the dots on the allegations against her, and why supporters claim she’s a victim of revenge porn. Also on today’s show: how commission-free investing can affect your wallet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turn Around: Facebook Updates, Teachers Strike, Bird Alerts

October 23, 2019 0:12:27 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

It’s October 23rd. Today, we Skimm’d This:  Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has been in the news a lot recently, and today he was in the hot seat on Capitol Hill. He faced tough questions about political accounts, political ads and the company’s jump into finance. We’ll break down how Zuckerberg and Facebook are trying to stay on the right side of lawmakers and US officials. Meanwhile, Chicago’s teachers are on strike for the fifth-consecutive school day. We’ll explain what’s behind their fight for better pay, more support staff, and smaller classes. Also on today’s show: rethinking Brexit’s scary-soon deadline, and how one bird is flying high again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Questionable: Ceasefire, Drone Deliveries, the ‘World’ Series

October 22, 2019 0:12:02 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

After five days, the ceasefire between Turkey and Kurdish fighters in Syria has come to an end. As the clock ran down, the Kurds said they had moved away from the border as promised, while Turkey’s president flew to Russia to strike a new deal. We’ll explain how the power dynamics in the region are starting to shift. Meanwhile, CVS and UPS are the latest companies to get into the drone delivery game. The future could be landing on your front porch soon. Also on today’s show: the origins of the World Series, and one emperor’s new groove.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Making Changes: Canadian Elections, Opioid Settlement, and Floppy Disks

October 21, 2019 0:13:28 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

It’s Election Day in Canada, and polls are showing a virtual tie between the two biggest parties. We’ll connect the dots between the issues party leaders want to talk about, and the scandals that have dominated the campaign cycle. Meanwhile, the first federal trial in the opioid epidemic was supposed to start today. We’ll explain why a new settlement put that court date on hold. Also on today’s show: one unexpected place is legalizing abortion and same-sex marriage, and another is finally getting rid of floppy disks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Vocab: Impeachment Latin, El Chapito, All-Female Spacewalks

October 18, 2019 0:11:15 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

The impeachment inquiry is forcing us to dust off our Latin dictionaries and look up “quid pro quo” and “emolumentum.” These words are coming up as we learn more about President Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, and his decision to host the G7 summit at one of his Florida resorts. Meanwhile, infamous drug lord El Chapo may be behind bars in the US, but his Sinaloa Cartel is back in the news after battling with Mexican security forces yesterday. Also on today’s show: a message for anyone undergoing cancer treatments, and one giant leap for womankind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's Make a Deal: Brexit, Syria Ceasefire, Auto Worker Strike

October 17, 2019 0:11:31 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

With just days to go before a Brexit deadline, UK and EU leaders shook hands on a new withdrawal agreement today. But that hardly means a Halloween Brexit is guaranteed. We’ll explain what could happen when British lawmakers vote on the deal on Saturday. Meanwhile, US pressure on Turkey to halt fighting in Syria appeared to pay off today, as Turkey agreed to a ceasefire to spare US-allied Kurdish fighters. Also on today’s show: how a picket line update could affect you, and something that happened in Vegas that maybe shouldn’t stay there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Getting Involved: Russia in Turkey, Hong Kong Solidarity, and Good Samaritans

October 16, 2019 0:12:09 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

Russian and Syrian troops swooped into parts of northern Syria this week, just days after US troops pulled out. Given the history between Russia and Syria this isn’t much of a surprise, but it could still have a big impact on the future of the ongoing Syrian civil war. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s leader tried to deliver her ‘state of the union’ speech today, only to have opposition lawmakers shout her off the stage. Now, she’s facing fresh pushback from across the Pacific – in the US Congress. Also on today’s show: Ronan Farrow opens up on the process of reporting the Harvey Weinstein story, and one good Samaritan's clever move to help return a wallet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices