“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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Don’t @ Me: Social Media Summit, Student Loans, and World Population
Today, the White House hosted a social media summit. None of the big players (think: Facebook, Twitter) were reportedly on the guest list. President Donald Trump and his guests have claimed those companies have an anti-conservative bias. We’ll explain what this summit is all about, and why this is a love/hate relationship for the President. Meanwhile, one of the country’s biggest teachers unions is suing the Department of Education. It all comes back to something called the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Plaintiffs say the program is actually violating the Constitution. We’ll give you the details. Also on today’s episode: a candidate for state senate in Delaware is writing history, and we talk about all of humanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Free Falling: Interest Rates, UK Ambassador’s Resignation, and Ticker Tape
Today, the Federal Reserve’s top guy Jerome Powell spoke. He doesn’t do that much. But when he does - it’s important. Especially when it comes to interest rates. We’ll tell you what you – and your wallet – need to know. Meanwhile, there is drama going down across the pond. (Again.) Some comments the UK ambassador to the US made about President Trump leaked. Now, the ambassador is saying ‘cheerio’ to his post. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: why ticker tape parades are a thing, and the unexpected impacts of tariffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Picture This: ID Photos, Drug Prices, and Emojis
In a new study, researchers at Georgetown University say FBI and ICE agents are giving millions of people ID checks. Their focus: your photo. Congress never gave the OK on this. And now lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are saying ‘cut it out.’ We’ll explain why. Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced a new rule that would make drug companies advertise their prices in TV ads. This rule was supposed to shame drug companies into lowering those prices. But yesterday, a federal judge said ‘you can’t do that.’ We’ll tell you more. Also on today’s episode: the life of the late Ross Perot, and emojis in court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Big One: Jeffrey Epstein, The Census, and the World Cup
Jeffrey Epstein, a multimillionaire money manager, was in a New York federal court today to face sex trafficking charges. The indictment comes a decade after he served a light sentence in a Florida plea deal related to similar charges. Meanwhile down in DC, a court battle over the 2020 Census rages on. The Trump administration still wants to add a question about citizenship to the questionnaire, and is trying to make it happen after a confusing back and forth. Also on today’s episode: California’s waiting for the “Big One,” and what it really means to take home the World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Upping the Ante: Campaign Fundraising, Immigration, and Hot Dogs
‘Tis the season where all the 2020 candidates are letting us know what their campaign bank accounts look like. Some have a lot to brag about. But it isn’t all about the amount of cash – it’s also about who’s ponying up. We’ll break it down. Meanwhile, a federal judge says that migrants who illegally crossed the border seeking asylum can’t be held in detention centers indefinitely. Detention centers are already taking a lot of heat – including from the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: the backstory on the Nike sneakers controversy, and how some people plan to get their Fourth of July appetite on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Calls For Action: Border Facilities, Hong Kong, and Women’s World Cup
About a dozen lawmakers took a field trip to Texas yesterday. To visit two border facilities where migrants are being held. And some lawmakers did not like what they saw. Now there are protests being held around the country to close some migrant detention centers. We’ll break down what’s been happening on the border. Meanwhile, protesters in Hong Kong stormed the city’s Legislative Council and occupied the building. This was the latest in a series of protests concerning mainland China’s encroaching power over Hong Kong. We’ll tell you what’s next for the movement. Also on today’s episode: the US is headed to the Women’s World Cup finals on Sunday, and some celestial sights in South America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Visiting Hours: Trump in North Korea, OPEC, and Cori Gauff at Wimbledon
This weekend, President Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea. This was Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s first meeting since February, when a summit about nuclear weapons and sanctions fell apart. But now the two say: talks are back on. What next? We’ll get into it. Meanwhile, members of OPEC are at the table in Vienna. To talk oil production. And tensions are high – in part because of the US and Iran. We’ll break it all down for you. Also on today’s episode: why Taylor Swift says Scooter Braun is a threat to her ‘reputation,’ and 15-year-old Cori Gauff’s big first impression at Wimbledon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Heat Is On: Biden and Harris, G20, and the World Cup in Europe
Senator Kamala Harris is getting a lot of attention today after last night’s democratic primary debate. She called out former VP Joe Biden over his record on race. And: busing. There’s a lot of history here -- and for Harris, it’s personal. We’ll break it down. Meanwhile, President Trump is talking trade with world leaders at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. We’ll tell you how those chats are going -- and why some attendees are doing more than just talking. Also on today’s episode: an all-star on the US Women’s National Soccer Team, which probably needs some a/c right about now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Take Two: SCOTUS, Dems Debate 2.0, and Rapping G20 Grannies
Today, the Supremes dropped the mic on two big issues: partisan gerrymandering and a citizenship question on the census. These rulings really came down to the wire. But they weren’t a simple “yea” or “nay.” We’ll break down what they mean. Meanwhile, we’re halfway through the first 2020 Democratic primary debate. Last night’s candidates covered a lot issues (think: health care and immigration) and there was some daylight between them. But we still have ten more candidates to hear from tonight. We’ll tell you what to watch for. Also on today’s episode: the G20 summit is on, and a certain group of grannies is here for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Center Stage: 2020 Debates, Mueller’s Return, and Moon Rocks
The first 2020 Democratic primary debate begins tonight in Miami. But don’t forget: this is a two-night event. Featuring a total of 20 candidates. Some you may have already heard of. Others could be trying to make a good first impression. We’ll tell you what to look out for. Meanwhile, former special counsel Robert Mueller is making a comeback. Because Congress. Mueller dropped the mic a few weeks ago and told the world that he’s tapping out. The House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees said ‘not so fast’ – and subpoenaed him to testify. Now he’s saying ‘fine, I’ll come.’ These hearings are going to be huge. We’ll explain why. Also on today’s episode: NYC’s dueling pride marches, and moon rocks are coming out of a time capsule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s Personal: Sanctions, E. Jean Carroll, and Climate Change
The Trump administration is sanctioning top Iranian officials, including Iran’s Supreme Leader. The US has been sanctioning Iran for a while already, to get them to change course on nukes – but do sanctions ever actually work? We’ll get into it. Meanwhile, writer E. Jean Carroll has accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her back in the mid ‘90s. Her allegation is getting a lot of attention – in part for how little attention it’s getting. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: things are (literally) heating up for 2020 democratic candidates in Miami, and why a certain superfood is so good for you, it’s bad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No Quick Fix: Immigration, Middle East Peace, and Women’s Soccer
Immigration and Customs Enforcement was scheduled to target 2,000 families in raids across the country this weekend. But with hours to spare before the raids: President Trump called them off. For now. This is all happening amid renewed focus on conditions for migrants - especially kids - being housed at the border. We’ll break it down. Meanwhile, the US is giving peace in the Middle East another go with a two-day ‘economic workshop’ this week. But the Trump admin isn’t necessarily on everyone’s good side at the moment. We’ll explain why. Also on today’s episode: the USWNT is goals, and a new kind of ‘female Viagra.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Take It Back: US and Iran, Police on Social Media, and Harry Potter
President Trump says he approved military strikes on Iran planned for last night – but that he called them off with ten minutes to spare. This is the latest move in the rocky relationship between the US and Iran, and it has the world’s attention. We’ll explain the complexities here. Meanwhile, dozens of police officers in Philadelphia have been put on desk duty after a group uncovered public social media posts that were racist, Islamophobic, and misogynistic. But Philly isn’t the only city where police are under fire for this. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: puppy love at Amazon HQ, and your Hogwarts acceptance letter is finally en route. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meet Me In The Middle: China and NK, UK Prime Minister, and Phone Bone
Today, China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un kicked off a two-day summit with the red-carpet treatment. This is the first time in almost 15 years that a Chinese leader has visited North Korea. And some are saying this is China playing mediator between North Korea and the US. We’ll explain why that’s a big deal. Meanwhile, it’s off to the races for the next UK prime minister. Meet your final two contestants: former UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and current Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. We’ll tell you what to expect going forward. Also on today’s episode: a new UN report says more people are displaced than ever before, and a new 21st century problem is a real pain in the neck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Owning Up: Reparations, Jamal Khashoggi, and Joy Harjo
Hundreds of people showed up to a House subcommittee hearing today on Capitol Hill. The topic? A bill that would create a commission to study slavery and whether reparations for African Americans are in order. We’ll explain the conversation happening around reparations. Meanwhile, a UN investigator has released a new report about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The report says there’s evidence that points to top officials in Saudi Arabia – including the crown prince. We’ll break down what’s new in the report. Also on today’s episode: Joy Harjo is the first Native American US Poet Laureate, and why Adidas may be feeling a little directionless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices