First up: So much for paid family leave. Democrats unveiled a more than $1 trillion spending bill this week, but it’s leaving a lot of people disappointed. We’ll catch up with one Capitol Hill reporter to find out why. Next: We’ve got the latest on Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for kids under 12, the coup in Sudan, the U.N.’s scary climate report and the U.S. asking passport holders: is your gender M, F or X? ICYMI: The midterm elections aren’t until 2022, but Election Day next Tuesday could set the tone for next year’s midterms. We’ll break down what to look out for. Then: October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. We’ll explain what miscarriages are, and we’ll ask two fertility specialists: what are the best things to say to someone who’s going through one? Let’s talk biz: A bunch of companies announced their Q3 earnings this week, and plenty of them announced more price increases for consumers. We’ll explain what’s driving that. Plus: Facebook has had so much bad press lately, but the headlines are barely making a dent in the company’s profits. We’ll talk to one reporter about Facebook’s handling of the “Facebook Papers” scandal. Finally: If the “nature is healing” memes got you through some dark moments last year, now there’s actual science to show you’re not alone. Literally, memes are good for our health. We’ll get into just why that is. P.S. We’ve got resources for anyone dealing with loss or grief after a miscarriage here. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Alice Miranda Ollstein, healthcare and Capitol Hill reporter, POLITICO Keach Hagey, investigative reporter for media and tech, The Wall Street Journal Dr. Natalie Crawford, fertility physician Dr. Temeka Zore, fertility specialist and board-certified OB/GYN Jessica Myrick , professor of media studies, Penn State University Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long. Additional support from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on COVID booster shots, over-the-counter hearing aids, a breakthrough organ transplant, and a high-profile kidnapping in Haiti.  Next: Congress’ January 6th investigation is picking up steam. We’ll break down what info they’re after, and why former Trump advisor Steve Bannon is coming up in all of this.  ICYMI: It’s flu season again, and experts are warning about a “twindemic.” We’ll Skimm what that could look like … in 60 seconds. Then: Netflix employees staged a virtual walkout this week, after the streaming giant defended the release of a controversial Dave Chapelle comedy special. We listened in on Netflix’s earning call to figure out where the company really stands. Plus: Workers are getting ready to walk all over the country, as labor unions prepare to strike for better pay, conditions and hours. We’ll look at why so many strikes are happening that this month has been dubbed “Striketober.”  Finally: We’ve spent the last year craving a vacation. And it seems like Saudi Arabia heard our prayers… although we can’t say hanging out on an oil rig is exactly our speed.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Kate Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research, Cornell University Alex Press, staff writer, Jacobin Kathryn Dill, early careers reporter, the Wall Street Journal  Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on I.C.E. ending worksite immigration raids, Social Security payments increasing, and the F.D.A.’s first approval of a vape pen.  Then: We’ve spent a lot of time talking about COVID-19 vaccines — but what about treatments? We’ll ask one expert about the difficult work of discovering COVID treatments, Merck’s new pill, and any new treatments we can expect. Next: Texas has made a lot of headlines this year, from restricting voting rights and abortion access to easing up on gun control. We’ll talk to one reporter about why Texas is testing so many hot-button issues right now. ICYMI: Millions of Americans are looking to switch careers, but actually making that switch can be tricky. We’ll explore what’s complicating “The Great Reshuffle,” and how some companies are trying to improve things. Finally: Is the #MeToo movement finally coming for big-league sports? We’ll talk to theSkimm’s own Bridget Armstrong about football’s dirty (and not little) secret, and why the music industry — and hip hop in particular – is also waiting for its #MeToo groundswell. P.S. We’ve got a whole new show dedicated to all things pop culture. Listen and subscribe here. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr Judith Currier, professor of medicine, UCLA Renuka Rayasam, Texas correspondent, Politico Kathryn Dill, early careers reporter, Wall Street Journal  Justina Nixon-Saintil, VP and global head of corporate social responsibility, IBM Bridget Armstrong, host, Pop Cultured with theSkimm Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on a groundbreaking new malaria vaccine, the Facebook whistleblower in front of Congress, the abortion battle in Texas, and how South Dakota became a global tax haven. Next: It might start taking longer — and costing more — to mail a letter. And that’s not all: it’s getting pricier to catch an Uber and heat your home (with natural gas). We’ll break down why. ICYMI: Tech companies are in a war for your attention at work, and Microsoft came to flex … with a lot of notifications. Then: Three coaches from the National Women’s Soccer League have been fired since August over allegations of misconduct, including one bombshell case of sexual coercion. We’ll talk to a former player about how the system leaves women’s soccer players vulnerable, and why that needs to change.  Finally: If you binged ‘Squid Game’ last weekend … us too. We’ll chat with a culture writer about why we’re all so obsessed. P.S., If Squid Game left you craving more, here are a few recs for what to watch next. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Alexandra Samuel, freelance tech correspondent and author, "Remote, Inc." Haley Kopmeyer, former NWSL goalkeeper, integrated partnerships manager, Just Women’s Sports Hanh Nguyen, senior culture editor, Salon Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on a major congressional hearing on Afghanistan, plus why March Madness isn't just for the boys anymore. Next: Congress is running up against a few key deadlines — from a resolution to fund the government and avoid hitting the debt ceiling. We asked a DC reporter: why are reps cutting it so close?   ICYMI: There’s been a lot of buzz (and confusion) about booster shots lately. We’ll break down who’s eligible … in 60 seconds. Then: We’ve got a roundup of this week’s most important tech stories, from Apple’s foray into depression diagnosis to Facebook hitting pause on Instagram for Kids and NYC’s new bill to protect food delivery workers. Plus: Supply chain woes mean it might already be time to start shopping for the holidays. We’ll look at why retailers are struggling to stock their shelves.  Finally: We’ve heard a lot about the importance of “the Latino vote” in 2020. But politicians keep missing the mark when it comes to engaging Latino voters. We’ll talk to two experts about what political campaigns should be doing differently, and why understanding Latino voters is good for all voters. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Kadia Goba, national politics reporter, Buzzfeed News Abha Bhattarai, retail reporter, The Washington Post Lisa García Bedolla, professor, UC Berkeley Stephanie Valencia, co-founder, Equis Labs Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Thousands of Haitian migrants are gathering at the U.S.-Mexico border. We’ll break down why they’re there and why the U.S. government’s response is stirring up controversy. Then: We’ve got the latest on Pfizer’s vaccine for kids under 12, new rules for travelers entering the U.S.., Canada’s elections, and the first legal challenges to the new abortion law in Texas. ICYMI: This week, we listened in on world leaders having a real life reunion at the U.N. General Assembly. We’ve got the details on their discussions. Plus: We’ve heard a lot of warnings lately about the U.S. hitting its “debt ceiling.” We’ll break down what the debt ceiling is, why it exists, and how Congress is responding. Next: The U.S. is facing a childcare shortage. And a nursing shortage. We’ll take a deep dive into both industries and explore why solving these staffing shortages won’t be easy.  Finally: The 2021 Emmys kicked off this year’s awards season. We’ll discuss the highs, lows, and expectations for other awards shows.   To share your story from the front lines of the childcare and nursing industries, leave us a voicemail at (646) 461-6370. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Lindsey Harris, president, Alabama State Nurses Association Heather Long, economics correspondent, The Washington Post Bridget Armstrong, senior audio producer, theSkimm, host of “Pop Cultured with theSkimm” Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got an exclusive interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, where we got the chance to ask about everything from vaccine mandates on airplanes and in schools to his biggest pandemic mistakes. Next: We’ll get into the latest headlines, from explosive revelations about the final days of the Trump administration, to the results of California’s recall election, and why college students are swapping wine for weed. Then: The federal government is trying to stop Texas’s restrictive new abortion law. We quizzed a legal expert on whether that and other legal efforts are likely to succeed. ICYMI: Remember the freakout over Google Glass? Facebook hopes you forgot. It’s launching Ray Bans featuring a hidden camera, and doing so at a time when it’s reputation already isn’t great.  Finally: We’ll look at the chillest new prescription some doctors are starting to write. Hint: there’s no co-pay. (Here’s how to find an outdoor space nearby if you’re itching to get outdoors. P.S., Here’s what happened when Joanna Stern tried out Facebook’s hybrid camera-glasses.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Anthony Fauci, director, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Caroline Polisi, legal analyst and adjunct lecturer at Columbia Law School Joanna Stern, senior personal technology columnist, The Wall Street Journal Jennifer D. Roberts, associate professor, kinesiology, University of Maryland Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on the week’s biggest headlines, from El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin to the removal of Virginia’s most prominent Confederate statue, the newest COVID-19 variant, and Britney’s conservatorship. Next: It’s back to school time… but there’s no vaccine for kids under 12. So, we called up an expert to find out everything we need to know about schools, kids and COVID-19. Then: It’s the 20 year anniversary of 9/11, and even if we were too young to remember all of it, the terrorist attack and our government’s response to it has shaped all of our lives. We’ll look at the legacy of September 11th, two decades later. ICYMI: California governor Gavin Newsom’s in trouble, and facing possible removal from office in an election next week. We’ve got the details you need to know on California’s recall election … in 60 seconds. Plus: We were glued to our gaming consoles growing up… but for kids in China, that might not be so easy any more: China’s banning kids from playing more than 3 hours of video games a week. We’ll explain what’s going on.  Finally: Match Group is going official with the S&P 500, a sign that dating apps are here to stay. But don’t worry, if they still make you nervous, we’ve asked an expert for some dating-app survival tips. P.S. Here’s a map of public symbols of the Confederacy around the U.S., and updates on their status. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Celine Gounder, clinical assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases, New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine Laura Dugan, professor of human security, Ohio State University Nastasia Griffioen, doctoral researcher, Games for Emotional and Mental Health Lab Lindsey Metselaar, influencer and host of the "We Met at Acme" podcast Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Peter Bonaventure. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the details on Texas’ new abortion law, and what experts say it could mean for abortion rights across the U.S. Next: We’ll take stock of the damage after Hurricane Ida caused damage from the Gulf Coast all the way to the Northeast.  Then: The U.S. has officially left Afghanistan. But what happens to the Afghans who were left behind and are hoping to leave? We get the latest details from PBS NewsHour’s Jane Ferguson. ICYMI: Forget cable news-style business updates. We’re bringing you the latest financial news on three companies that are here to stay: Zoom, IKEA, and Amazon. Plus: SCOTUS has a secret agenda — and it’s being put to use more and more frequently. We’ll dive into the “shadow docket” and some of the big decisions it’s being used to make. Finally: We don’t love breathing in wildfire smoke. We also don’t love drinking it. Luckily, one company has a plan to save California’s wine country from ashy bouquets — using artificial intelligence. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Caroline Kitchener, staff writer, The Lily Jane Ferguson, special correspondent PBS NewsHour and contributor The New Yorker Katerina Axelsson, founder and CEO, Tastry Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Peter Bonaventure. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on evacuations from Afghanistan, and the deteriorating security situation around Kabul airport. Next: We’ll break down this week’s biggest headlines, from a report on COVID-19’s origins to school closures — plus a big decision by streaming platform OnlyFans. ICYMI: The F.D.A. and Pfizer made it official this week, in the form of full approval for the pharma company’s COVID-19 vaccine. We’ll break down why that’s different to emergency authorization, and what it could mean for vaccine mandates. Then: Some millennials are living a double life - working two full time jobs while their bosses have no clue. We asked one reporter what’s behind this latest work trend - and why bosses may actually be the ones driving them to double up on Zoom calls.  Finally: COVID-19 has been debilitating for “long haulers”, who’ve suffered symptoms for months on end. We’ll talk to two women dealing with “long COVID” about their experience, and hear from a doctor about what we know now that we didn’t several months ago.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Anna Roberts Gevalt, long COVID patient Chimére L. Smith, long COVID patient and advocate Rachel Feintzeig, work and life columnist, The Wall Street Journal Dr. Hana Akselrod, COVID-19 Lead, GWU Medical Faculty Associates Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Peter Bonaventure. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: The week’s biggest story is Afghanistan. We’ll break down how the Taliban took over so quickly, whether more people can get out safely, and what’s next for the country. Next: We’ll bring you the latest on the major earthquake in Haiti and the latest data breach affecting over 40 million people. Hint: if you’re a T-Mobile user, tune in. And click here for tips on how to keep your information safe.  Also: Remember hot girl summer? Enter: shot girl fall, because boosters are coming soon to a pharmacy near you.  Plus: We finally have the latest Census data. We’ll tell you three things you need to know about how America’s changed in the last 10 years.  Finally: We’re trying our hands at true crime, for a story about a mystery that’s stumped the entire U.S. intelligence community for five years. P.S. Here are the orgs we mentioned helping in Afghanistan:  Volunteer to support Afghans being evacuated to the US Become an Airbnb host for resettled Afghans  For lawyers: help process special immigrant visas Donate airline miles with Miles4Migrants Donate to the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee Make your voice heard here at home On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Kelly Kennedy, managing editor, The War Horse  Lina Abirafeh, executive director, the Arab Institute for Women Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on Afghanistan, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation and the CDC’s new guidelines on getting vaxxed while pregnant. Next: Kids are heading back to school IRL. We’ll dive into why keeping kids safe is more complicated than it sounds, and is causing some political throwdowns. Also: Fire up your phones. Vaccine passport apps are coming. We’ll skimm the process of signing up for them, to see if it’s as easy as advertised. (Here’s a link to some apps that are started to get used in a lot of places.) Plus: Apple recently it’s gonna work with the U.S. government to stop child abuse. We’ll get into why the move is raising the eyebrows of some privacy advocates. Finally: Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers across the Western U.S. are drying up. We called up two experts to figure out why, and to learn about what the future could hold. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Laura Meckler, national education reporter, The Washington Post Sharon B. Megdal, director, Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona Becky Bolinger, assistant state climatologist, Colorado Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ll break down this week’s big stories, from the results of a sexual harassment investigation into Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to a new federal eviction moratorium, and what selling COVID vaccines means for pharma company profits. Next: We’ve got an exclusive interview with President Biden’s top doc, a.k.a. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. Also: We’ve been hearing a lot about COVID-19 vaccine mandates lately, from employers to universities. We’ll talk with a legal expert about who can actually issue mandates, and how. Plus: Have you heard politicians and athletes invoking “HIPAA” to dodge questions on their vaccine status. We’ll bring you up to speed on what really HIPAA means … in 60 seconds. Finally: Happy birthday, MTV. 40 years after its founding, we’ll look back at the history of a channel that revolutionized the music industry and reality TV. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Vivek Murthy, United States Surgeon General Diane Hoffmann, director, Law and Health Care Program, University of Maryland Carey Law School Amanda Ann Klein, author, "Millennials Killed the Video Star: MTV's Transition to Reality Programming" Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Bridget Armstrong, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We keep hearing about people getting COVID … who already got the vaccine. We’ll tell you what you need to know about these breakthrough infections, and why health rules around the country are changing fast. Next: We’ll break down this week’s big stories, from the first hearing on the January 6th Capitol riot to the possible end of a key pandemic economic lifeline. Also: U.S. troops are leaving Iraq before the end of the year... kinda. We’ve got the context on what’s changing and not changing. Then: Last week, drug distributors and the pharma giant Johnson & Johnson reached a $26 billion dollar settlement related to the opioid epidemic. Is it enough? Plus: There were a ton of new scams during the pandemic. We’ve got the lowdown on the most common consumer complaints of 2020, and how to avoid them. Finally: We’ll chat with a sports reporter about the biggest headline from the first week of a very busy Olympics, on and off the field of competition.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Valerie Bauman, senior investigative reporter, Bloomberg Law Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy, Consumer Federation of America Lindsay Czarniak, host, On Her Turf Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long, with support from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ll break down this week’s big stories, from COVID cases at the Olympics to chip shortages and Jeff Bezos’ big adventure. Next: COVID cases are soaring again in the U.S. – that is, among the unvaccinated. We’ll talk to a researcher about the factors that have (and haven’t) made hesitant Americans change their minds about the vaccine in recent months. If you want to check out the full study, you can find it here.  Also: What does “back to normal” even look like? We’ll ask one journalist who’s been tracking how far away 50 countries are from pre-pandemic life. Plus: Trying to fit two years worth of weddings into a single Wedding Season is crushing our meticulous budgeting skills. We’ll talk to an expert on how we can stay on track with all the wedding gifts we have to buy. Finally: We’re not seeing ghosts, but we’re hearing them. A new doc featured some deep-faked voice AI to mimic late chef Anthony Bourdain’s voice. Can that ever be ethical? On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Ashley Kirzinger, associate director for public opinion and survey research, Kaiser Family Foundation James Fransham, data journalist, The Economist Bola Sokunbi, founder, Clever Girl Finance Karen Hao, senior AI editor, MIT Technology Review Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ll break down this week’s big stories, from anti-government protests in Cuba to Texas Dems literally fleeing the state. Next: Between booster shots and new side effect warnings, we’ll break down this week’s COVID vaccine news … in 60 seconds. Then: More than 35 million tax returns are MIA. We’ll explain the delays at the IRS, plus what’s going on with Biden’s new Child Tax Credit program. (P.S. If you’re wondering where your tax refund is, this IRS tool might come in handy) ICYMI: Finding an affordable house right now feels impossible. We’ll speak to some experts about why the housing market is so bananas, and how long it’s gonna stay like this. Plus: 100 American cities just got their fitness report cards. We asked an expert to break down what makes a city healthy and how each of us can take control of our health regardless of where we live. Finally: We’ll catch up with a reporter at the Cannes Film Festival about the glitz, glamour and some upcoming releases. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  NiCole Keith, Ph.D., member of the American Fitness Index Advisory Board, American College of Sports Medicine Daryl Fairweather, chief economist, Redfin Tricia Lee, real estate broker (@SoldByTriciaLee) Anicee Gohar, film correspondent Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Haiti’s president was assassinated in his home this week. We’ll get into what just happened and what this could mean for the country.  Next: Gas prices are way up. We’ll break down why that is, and how long the new prices might last. Then: We’re checking in on three stories from recent episodes to see what’s changed -- about the Delta variant, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the job market. ICYMI: The Tokyo Olympics were already a hot mess. Now, simply qualifying for the games is causing drama. We’ll break down three controversies and look at the athletes whose performances could still save the day. Finally: It’s been 25 years since the Spice Girls spiced up our lives. We’ll ask a music writer about their legacy and why there aren’t more girl bands around today. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall, history professor, California State University San Marcos Kavitha Davidson, sports culture writer, The Athletic Brittany Spanos, staff writer, Rolling Stone Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Bill Cosby was released from prison yesterday. We’ll explain the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s shocking decision to release him early.   Next: We’ll break down this week’s other big stories, from the Supreme Court’s voting rights decision to why it’s been so hot on the West Coast. Then: It’s been a week since a condo building in Surfside, Florida collapsed. We’ll recap what went wrong, and also ask a housing expert: who’s supposed to make sure these things don’t happen in the first place?  ICYMI: We’re talking all things Delta variant. Like: do I need to mask up, even if I’m vaccinated? And does my vaccine protect against it?  Finally: We’re seeing “Help Wanted” signs everywhere — at restaurants, grocery stores, retailers, and more. We’ll get into why millions of Americans aren’t rushing back to work, and what companies and state governments are doing to change that. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO, National Women’s Law Center Kate Walz, senior staff attorney, National Housing Law Project Vanessa Kerry, CEO, Seed Global Health Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long and Peter Bonaventure. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ll break down what Britney Spears told a court about her conservatorship this week, plus two more big SCOTUS decisions on college athletes and Snapchat free speech. Next: No matter where you live, you’ve probably heard about an increase in “violent crime” lately. We’ll ask an expert why we’re seeing these trends and if President Biden’s new plan to combat crime could help. Then: Big Tech rules the world. But Congress is trying to change that. A bipartisan group of legislators introduced five antitrust bills this month to make Big Tech … a lot less big. We’ll break down both sides of the debate about whether to rein them in.  Plus: Earlier this year, President Biden promised to prioritize LGBTQ+ rights in America’s dealings abroad, via diplomacy, trade and immigration policy. We’ll investigate how well the U.S. is living up to that promise. ICYMI: A few days ago, the Goldman Prize gave us this year’s real-life superheroes — six people whose environmental work is saving the planet. We’ll speak to one winner about how she got the plastic industry to back down in her home country. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Louisa Aviles, director, Group Violence Intervention, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO, GLAAD Jessica Stern, executive director, OutRight Action International Gloria Majiga-Kamoto, winner, Goldman Environmental Prize Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Biden and Putin had their first face-to-face meeting. We’ll tell you what was on the agenda (hint: nuclear weapons and cyberattacks) and whether this meeting was more than just a photo op.  Next: We’ve got the context on recent reports about the Trump-era Department of Justice obtaining the info of journalists and politicians, and what’s going on with the latest heat wave out West.  Then: The Supremes are about to take their summer vacay, but before they go, they tend to drop some bombshells. And two major decisions broke today. We’ll explain the cases we have our eye on.  Finally: Saturday is Juneteenth. We’re taking a look at how companies have been thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion differently over the last year.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Torrey Taussig, research director for the Project on Europe and the Transatlantic Relationship at the Harvard Kennedy School Caroline Polisi, legal analyst and adjunct lecturer at Columbia Law School Evelyn Carter, Managing Partner, Paradigm  Janelle Jones, Chief Economist, Department of Labor Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Bridget Armstrong and Alex Carr. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ll break down Biden’s first overseas trip as president, how the U.S. hopes to stay the world’s top tech country, why its RIP for Keystone XL and what leaked docs show the ultra-wealthy really pay in taxes. Next: This week, the F.D.A. approved a new Alzheimer’s drug — but not everyone’s thrilled. We’ll get into why experts aren’t so sure about aducanumab. Then: Dozens of bills restricting voters’ rights have passed in states all over the U.S. this year. We’ll dive into some of the most common restrictions being passed, and the impact they’re likely to have. You can find theSkimm’s breakdown of voting rights bills by state here.  ICYMI: A 6-3 conservative majority in the Supreme Court and aging liberal judges has some calling for Justice Breyer to step down. We’ll break down why a guy with a lifetime gig might choose to throw in the towel early. Plus: What’s in a name? A lot, if you ask the W.H.O — which is asking news outlets to call COVID-19 variants by Greek letter nicknames. Finally: Hear ye, hear ye. There’s a new royal baby in town. So we’re talking royal baby names with an expert… and breaking down why Meghan and Harry’s choice of Lilibet Diana might be a diplomatic masterstroke. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Eliza Sweren-Becker, counsel, Brennan Center for Justice Omid Scobie, royals correspondent, Harper's Bazaar, author, “Finding Freedom” P.S. If your appetite for learning about the royals knows no bounds, check out our list of 9 essential royal reads. Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ll break down Israel’s (likely) government shakeup, Biden’s latest moves on the southern border, and new data about female CEOs. Next: We’ll look at why tennis star Naomi Osaka’s decision to take a break from competition is about so much more than sports. Then: While the U.S. deals with vaccine hesitancy, a lot of countries have no shots, period. We’ll talk to a health reporter about how the U.S. can (and should) turn the global vaccine shortage around. ICYMI: This week was the 100 year anniversary of the race massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We asked two experts why schools don’t teach students about that and the dozens of similar events that happened in what’s known as the “Red Summer.” Finally: We’ll get the lowdown from a book critic about why adding a kinda dark-sounding work of foreign fiction to our summer reading list is worth it. P.S. You can get your copy of this year’s International Booker Prize winner here. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Natasha Loder, health policy editor, The Economist, host, “The Jab” podcast Dr. Shanedra Nowell, associate professor of social studies education, Oklahoma State University Heather Goodenough, social studies teacher, Oklahoma Lily Meyer, writer, translator and book critic Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Let’s break down some headlines, from America’s top diplomat visiting Israel to Belarus faking an airline bomb threat. Next: President Biden wants U.S. intelligence to figure out the origins of COVID-19. That’s reviving an old theory that the pandemic could have come from a laboratory. Plus: It’s been a year since George Floyd was murdered. We’ll break down what progress has been made — and where activists say there’s more to do. ICYMI: In a bid to get past the partisan standoff in Congress, politicians are reconnecting with some old friends: earmarks. We break down how the controversial practice could help — or hurt — in Washington D.C. Finally: If you can’t stop sneezing … we know why. We’ll chat with a pollen expert about tips to cope and why pollen forecasting could offer some sweet relief. Interested in joining our team? Check out our audio producer job opening here. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Judith Browne Dianis, Executive Director, The Advancement Project Fiona Lo, pollen scientist, University of Washington Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Correction: A previous version of our story on earmarks featured an archival news audio clip claiming that $500,000 had been earmarked for studying "shrimp on a treadmill." That news clip failed to mention that funding was spent on a variety of scientific projects.

First up: We’ve got the context you need on the Mississippi abortion law heading to the Supreme Court, the new hate crimes bill that just passed Congress and President Biden showing off an electric pickup.  Next: Nearly two weeks of Israeli-Palestinian fighting has caused fighting… among US lawmakers. We’ll break down what’s going on with America’s diplomatic relationship with Israel, and what some politicians are hoping to change.   Plus: U.S. military intelligence says reports of UFOs are legit. But do we know anything about them? Then: If you’re thinking about planning a vacation this summer, you might want to act fast. We’ll tell you why everything from flights to rental cars is in extra high demand right now.  ICYMI: You may have heard the word “inflation” come up recently. If you need a quick refresher, we’ve got you. We’ll explain how inflation works, why people are talking about it right now, and ask an expert if it’s worth getting worried. Finally: On our other podcast, Skimm’d from the Couch, we sat down with Stacey Abrams this week to talk career goals. You can catch our full interview here. Interested in joining our team? Check out our audio producer job opening here. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Anna Palmer, founder and CEO, Punchbowl News Darlene Brown, Texas AirBNB operator, owner, Bonhost Dr. Kristen Broady, fellow, Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and former Georgia House representative Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Renewed Israeli-Palestinian conflict is threatening to spiral into all-out war. We’ll break down what you need to know.  Then: We’re giving you the context on two more events that have been making headlines this week: Liz Cheney’s demotion, and a Pfizer vaccine for teens.   Next: A major pipeline in the US got hacked over the weekend. We’ll tell you WTF a ransomware attack is, why they’re so common, and why the US is typically a major target.  ICYMI: We’re speaking with one of the cofounders of the nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate to talk about the hate crimes that Asian Americans have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally: We’ve been feeling kind of embarrassed about our screen time over the past year… but should we be? We investigated whether this pesky new habit is really so bad.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Lily Hay Newman, senior writer, WIRED Manjusha P. Kulkarni, co-founder, Stop AAPI Hate Wendy Zukerman, host, “Science Vs,” a podcast from Gimlet, A Spotify Studio Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the context on this week’s biggest headlines, from Trump’s Facebook ban to what’s going on with federal eviction protections and protests in Colombia.  Plus: This week, the White House said it supports waiving patent protections for COVID vaccines. Well break down whether that will help boost the global vaccine supply and why drug companies are annoyed.   Next: Can employers or colleges make people get vaccinated? We’ll take a look at the arguments on both sides. Then: Whether it’s burnout or boredom, low wages or Zoom fatigue, millennials are making some big professional and financial changes. The logic? YOLO. ICYMI: Who else knows you only live once? The billionaires competing in the 21st century’s new space race. We’re diving into what the battle between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos means for the future of space travel. Finally: It’s been a mother of a year. We’re passing the mic to five moms to hear how its been and what this Sunday means to them.  P.S. You can find theSkimm’s guide to Mother’s Day — from our survey results to gift guides and how to outsource your household work — here. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Lavanya Vasudevan, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University’s Global Health Institute Kevin Roose, technology and business columnist, The New York Times Marina Koren, staff writer, The Atlantic Jessica, Samii, Rochelle and Stephanie, Skimm’r moms  Stacy Rapacon, theSkimm’s finance editor Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: President Biden’s been in office for 100 days. And while he's giving himself an A for effort, we’ll break down his real report card with what he has – and hasn’t – accomplished so far.  ICYMI: We’ve got the latest on the 2020 Census data, the arrival of some pesky friends, and the drama between Facebook and Apple (pssst: you may have a front row seat).  Next: India is facing a COVID-19 crisis. We’ll explain what’s going on, and what the rest of the world is doing to help.  Later: The U.S. still hasn’t reached herd immunity. One reason? Vaccine hesitancy. We spoke to an expert to ask: how bad is this problem and how are public health agencies trying to change minds? Finally: Do the words “bedtime procrastination” resonate with you? We’ll break down the concept, and hopefully, help you catch some zzz’s.  PS: Those links we told you about in our sleep segment?  Check out Dr. Sirois’s research here Here’s the OG “revenge bedtime procrastination” article  And here’s our guide to help you sleep smarter On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Lavanya Vasudevan, assistant professor of family Medicine and community health, Duke University Global Health Institute Dr. Fuschia Sirois, researcher on health and human psychology, University of Sheffield Carly M., theSkimm’s health writer  Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Ciara Long and Peter Bonaventure. theSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

On this special episode of Skimm This, we wanted to take a break from the news for some comic relief, and get a chance to hear some of your voices. A few weeks ago, we asked you to fill out a survey about how the past year has been. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And we started getting a lot of must-read responses to one question in particular: what was your best or worst pandemic purchase?  First up: A wannabe survivalist builds out his basement to store lots and lots of powdered milk. We decided to check in with him...and his wife. Then: We heard about some toys for kids that didn’t exactly come as advertised.  Next: Millennials are becoming farmers, with new chicken coops and garden boxes sparking joy.  Later: Some purchases ended up being some serious silver linings. Looking at you, new mattress and blow-up swimming pool. And other pandemic buys became new hobbies that are hopefully sticking with us post-COVID.    Finally: We’ll break down the trends from the year’s purchases...and give you some tips on what makes a good one (and how to avoid the bad).  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Luke Vargas, senior audio producer, theSkimm Skimm’rs Dominique, Lisa, Heather, Mia, Julia, Shelby, Sara, Anissa, Jessica and Kelly  Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Check out Skimm Your Life, a newsletter giving your product recommendations and life hacks  Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Ciara Long and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

First up: A jury this week found Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. We’ll talk to the creator of Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability  about how this historic trial could impact law enforcement trials in the future.  ICYMI: We’ve got the latest news about fake vaccines, global travel warnings and a sleep study you may have texted to your parents in a panic. Next: The U.S. just set some big climate goals. We’ll break down what those promises actually mean. (Here’s the Daily Skimm’s big Earth Day newsletter) Later: So much for dolphins in the Venice canals. A year into the pandemic, global emissions are rising again. But there are some silver linings. We’ll talk to a climate reporter about the growing environmental justice movement and how we can make a difference.  Finally: We’ve got a viewer’s guide on Sunday’s Academy Awards and what to binge at the last minute. (P.S. Our team's favorite films last year were Promising Young Woman, First Cow, Bacurau, Greyhound and Emma) On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Sharon Fairley, professor, University of Chicago Law School, and creator of Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability Helen Mountford, vice president for climate and economics, World Resources Institute  Kendra Pierre-Louis, senior reporter and producer, “How to Save a Planet” Nicole Sperling, media and entertainment reporter, The New York Times Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Ciara Long and Peter Bonaventure. Our head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

First up: To help understand all of this week’s COVID headlines – including big news about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine – we phoned up a doctor to ask: “Hey did you read that thing?” Then: We’ve got the latest on the most recent incident of police violence in Minnesota, why Iran is increasing its uranium enrichment, and the latest beef between the U.S. and Russia. After that: If President Biden has his way, U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11th, 2021. We’ll break down why ending America’s longest war is so tricky. Quickly: We’ve got the details on a new plan to slow migration to the U.S. from Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Later: We got a call from the U.S. Commerce Secretary this week. A $2 trillion infrastructure plan is being debated in Congress, and she thinks millennials should be paying attention. Finally: We’re letting out some steam. And breaking down the science…of screaming.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Celine Gounder, clinical assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases, New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine Gina Raimondo, US Commerce Secretary Noreen MacDonald, chair, department of city and regional planning, UNC Chapel Hill Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got this week’s biggest headlines, from progress towards a new Iran nuclear deal to border clashes in Northern Ireland and Biden’s latest moves on gun control. (0:46) Then: This week, Arkansas’ Governor vetoed a bill banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors – only for lawmakers to overturn the veto. We’ll break down a rollercoaster week in the state. (5:22) Next: President Biden has some big infrastructure plans, but wants to raise corporate taxes to foot the bill. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of that hotly-debated tax hike. (7:55) ICYMI: Wondering what President Biden’s plan is for student loan forgiveness? We’ve got the deets on what we know so far … in 60 seconds. (13:09) Plus: 4,500+ Skimm'rs recently told us about the pandemic habit they most want to kick. One of the most common answers? ‘Drinking.’ We asked the experts: are we the only ones? And, how can we cut down if that’s something we want to do? (15:30) Finally: If you’re bored of hibernating and feeling ready for summer … so are billions of noisy cicadas. We’ll talk to a nature expert and an event planner about what to expect in the next few months. (24:34) P.S., Here are some of resources we in our show this week: The ACLU has a tracker where you can check up on any legislation affecting the transgender community in your state. If you’re looking for guidance on how to cut down on drinking, check out the National Institute for Alcoholism and Alcohol Addiction.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Joan Tucker, senior behavioral scientist, the RAND Corporation Sherry Price, host, 'Drink Less Lifestyle' podcast Jillian Smith, event planner and owner, One Touch Events Amy Moore, lead Teacher and naturalist, Potomac Valley Audubon Society Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Derek Chauvin’s trial began this week. He’s the former police officer accused of killing George Floyd. We’re taking a look at what we can expect in the courtroom in the weeks ahead. And we’ll break down why America doesn’t have a strong track record when it comes to convicting police officers.   Then: It’s time for headlines. We’re bringing you news from the WHO, Pfizer, Georgia, and New York… and giving you the context on why it all matters.  Next: There’s a tiny but historic election going on in Bessemer, Alabama. Amazon warehouse employees there have voted on whether or not to unionize. We’ll tell you why this one small town is really getting under Jeff Bezos’s skin.  ICYMI: The situation in Myanmar is only getting more dire. After the military took over in a coup back in February, people are continuing to protest, with many protests turning deadly. We’ll tell you about the global response (hint: barely any) and what’s expected to happen next.   Finally: We asked: which quarantine habit are you most trying to shake? And a lot of you said: snacking. Here’s the deal: snacking is good for us. So we asked an expert how we can snack … smarter.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Sharon Fairley, professor, University of Chicago Law School, creator, Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability Rebecca Rainey, labor reporter, Politico Krista Linares, registered dietitian, Nutrition con Sabor Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas, with additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

First up: Less than a week after a mass shooting in Atlanta, there was another massacre – this time in Colorado. We’re diving in to look at what’s changed – and what hasn’t – about gun violence in the US.  Then: From Israel’s elections and a ship stuck in the Suez Canal to Equal Pay Day and Virginia abolishing the death penalty, we’ve got the context on this week’s biggest headlines. Next: As spring breakers crowd the streets in Miami, we ask an epidemiologist: are we gonna see another surge in COVID outbreaks? And what can we start to enjoy safely? Plus: Evanston, Illinois just made history as the first city to approve reparations in the US. We’ll break down what reparations are, and how they could work in practice.  Finally: Endometriosis is tricky to diagnose, but it affects at least 10% of women (ages 15-44) in the US. So we asked an expert: what is it, how do we know if we have it, and how can we treat it?  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, medical director, Special Pathogens Unit, Boston Medical Center Dr. Natalie Crawford, fertility physician Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the context on this week’s deadly shootings around Atlanta, where a lone gunman murdered 8 people — 6 of them of Asian descent — in a time when attacks against Asian Americans are rising.  Then: Last weekend, police in London shut down a vigil for Sarah Everard, who was abducted and murdered while walking home from a friend’s house. We break down why Everard’s death matters — not just in the U.K., but everywhere. Next: We’ve got the context on some of this week’s other big headlines, including big news on same-sex marriage in Japan, a frosty summit in Alaska, and the IRS giving us another month to do our taxes. Plus: This week, some EU countries temporarily paused their rollout of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. We break down how regulators have reacted to concerns over blood clots — in 60 seconds. ICYMI: Is there a “crisis” at the US-Mexico border? We dive into what’s going on, and what’s changed about immigration policy so far in the Biden Administration. Finally: Every week, there’s a new financial acronym to learn. First it was SPACs. Now it’s NFTs. We’ll break down why all these new investment crazes are happening. P.S. Here are some of resources we mentioned if you’re struggling to cope with this week’s news: Stop AAPI Hate National Sexual Assault Online Hotline Mental Health Resources for the AAPI Community  Ignoring Your Emotions Is Bad for Your Health. Here's What to Do About It.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Izzy Capelin, London resident Valerie Gonzalez, staff reporter, The Monitor (TX) Kristie De Peña, vice president for policy and director of immigration, the Niskanen Center Rachel Lerman, technology reporter, The Washington Post Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

First up: Today, President Biden signed a long-awaited stimulus bill. We’ll break down three of the biggest wishes he granted and look at who’s gonna be affected. (Here’s the rest of theSkimm on the stimulus bill) Then: We’ll explain the CDC’s new guidelines about what we can do once we’ve been vaccinated. Plus: We’ll follow one Skimm HQ’er as she gets her first shot. Remember Me? TheSkimm sat down with former President Obama this week and asked him what it will take for Americans to truly get to a place of racial equality. ICYMI: It’s almost time to “spring forward” this weekend for Daylight Savings. We’ll share some tips to make losing an hour less difficult this year.  Finally: A year after the pandemic officially began, we’ll talk to a grief counselor about reckoning with the losses we’ve dealt with — from loved ones to jobs — and how to move forward. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Kat, Skimm HQ’er Carly M., Skimm HQ’er Barack Obama, Former President of the United States, author, “A Promised Land” Dr. Sonya Lott, licensed psychologist Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We had some questions for the new CDC director, like: if it’s my turn, how do I sign up to get vaccinated? Then: We’ve got the context on some of this week’s big headlines, including the latest on NY Governor Cuomo, why the Capitol is on high alert, and what’s up with Dr. Seuss. Next: We’ll explain the fate of the $15 minimum wage … in 60 seconds.  ICYMI: A new report found that political and economic freedoms are declining all around the world, including in the U.S. We’ll tell you why that’s happening — and why we’re still hopeful. Finally: We all know that Zoom fatigue is real, but now scientists are telling us just how real. We’ve got the scoop on why, and what you can do about it. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Amy Slipowitz, research manager, Freedom House Professor Jeremy Bailenson, founding director, Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas, with additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: A few places, including the U.K. and Israel, have successfully rolled out COVID-19 vaccinations. We want to know: how did they do it? And can we copy what they got right? Then: We’ll fill you in on what you need to know about Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, which should get FDA approval this week. Next: We’ve got the context on two of the week’s headlines, involving former President Trump’s taxes and Illinois eliminating cash bail. ICYMI: The racial wealth gap is still a huge obstacle for Black women. We’ll talk to one woman who’s helping make that gap smaller.  Finally: A lot of Texans are still without running water after last week’s winter storm. This week, we’re talking to one of the volunteers hoping to fix that — literally.  P.S. For more info on the racial wealth gap, check out this handy guide from the Skimm Money team. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Claire Hannan, executive director, Association of Immunization Managers Saskia Popescu, assistant processor, Biodefense Program, George Mason University Jala Eaton, founder, "On My Own Financial" Ryan Gossen, volunteer, Austin Guerilla Plumber Corps Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. theSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

On this bonus episode of Skimm This, we're following up our interview with Vice President Kamala Harris by diving into a topic that's been on our minds for a while now: the “she-cession,” a.k.a. how women have been impacted by the economic recession caused by the pandemic.  First up: We’ll hear how about the difficulties two Skimm’rs are facing juggling parenting and work.  Then: Our expert guests put those stories in context and share some of the other experiences they’re hearing about around the country. Next: The panel reacts to the White House’s COVID relief proposal and discusses the difference between “band-aid” solutions and long-term economic reform. Later: We’ll discuss the importance of paid family leave and whether a $15 minimum wage will get women back to work. Finally: Our guests share advice and strategies for changing workplace policies to benefit parents. Want to share your she-cession story? Email us at [email protected]. Or call and leave us a voicemail at (646) 461-6470. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Cherita Ellens, CEO, Women Employed  Kathryn Edwards, labor market economist, the RAND Corporation Skimm'r Faith Skimm'r Bergen Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure. 

First up: We’ll break down how one of America’s largest states was brought to its knees by a freak winter storm, and why most of the rest of the country has been so cold. Then: We’re bringing you the latest on stories from Australia, Tokyo...and at Walmart...and giving you the context on why they matter. Next: We saw a lot of COVID-related headlines this week. To clear the noise on what’s going on with the pandemic, we phoned a friend. A doctor friend.  ICYMI: “Vaccine passports” might be coming to a country near you. We’ll tell you the arguments for and against so you can decide for yourself.  Later: We’ll break down WTF Clubhouse is... in 60 seconds.  Finally: We’re taking a breaking from these earthly matters to tell you why everyone’s paying attention to Mars.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Stef Cantu, Texas resident Tayhlor Coleman, Texas resident Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, assistant professor of medicine, Medical University of South Carolina Mallory Brooke, owner and chief meteorologist, Nor’easter Weather Consulting  Chloe Sackier, EDL systems engineer, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. 

First up: Women are being pushed out of the workforce at an alarming rate. We interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris to learn how the next COVID relief bill could provide women with some relief. Then: We’re bringing you three headlines – Trump’s Impeachment trial, the rise in hate acts against Asian Americans, and a microchip shortage – and breaking down the context on why they matter.  Next: More than a year into the pandemic, COVID long-haulers (aka people who’ve shown symptoms for weeks or months after having COVID) are still struggling to receive adequate medical care. We’ll talk to two long-haulers and a doctor about why this group of patients is having a hard time getting the attention they need.  ICYMI: We’ll tell you why a cryptocurrency that started as a joke may have the last laugh...in 60 seconds. Thanks, Elon Musk.  Later: Get ready to mark your calendars, because tax season is here. In all seriousness, you’ve gotta do your taxes at some point. Don’t worry, we’ll break down what you need to know??? Finally: We’ll fact-check some pretty uncool statements from the guy running the Tokyo Olympics. If you’ve been impacted by the “she-cession” we talked about on today’s show, we want to hear your story. Click here to share. Or call and leave us a voicemail at (646) 461-6470.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Vice President Kamala Harris  Chelsea Alionar, COVID long-hauler Asia Durr, WNBA athlete and COVID long-hauler Dr. Monica L. Lypson, professor, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences Kesha JonTae, The Millennial Tax Expert Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. 

ICYMI, the last year has been stressful. But we can’t just unplug, wait a few seconds, and hope that everything returns to "normal" again. No matter how much we might want to. That's why today, we're gonna dig into something that’s been generating a lot of buzz over the last few months: mindfulness. First: We’ll hear from a Skimm’r who has used mindfulness to get through some tough moments – at home and in the classroom. Then: It’s time to dig into the science. As in: What even is mindfulness? Why is everyone telling me how great it is? And, is there any actual evidence that it works?  Later: We’ll explore how mindfulness can help us stay engaged with the world around us.  Finally: What better way to wrap things up than by talking tips, techniques, and ways to apply mindfulness to improve our day-to-day? On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Jennifer Hutchins, middle school English teacher and mindfulness practitioner Dr. Tara Brach, clinical psychologist, author, “Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of R.A.I.N.” Bea Arthur, psychotherapist and CEO, The Difference Jaclyn London, MS, RD, Head of Nutrition & Wellness, WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Skimm'd by Justine Davie, Ciara Long, Elizabeth Smith, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure. 

First up: We’ll ask an expert about whether we should be picky about which COVID vaccine we get, and break down why the COVID vaccines haven’t been distributed equitably so far.  Then: While the NFL is hoping for a safe Super Bowl on the field, doctors are more worried about the fans at home, and are hoping Sunday’s watch parties doesn’t turn into a public health nightmare. Next: We’re bringing you three headlines – from the US-Mexico border, Canada, and India – and breaking down the context on why they matter.  ICYMI: Some big changes went down this week in Myanmar. We’ll tell you what happened and what’s next...in 60 seconds.  Later: Did the Gamestop madness from last week make you feel like you missed out? We’ll explain the differences between trading and investing. And why you don’t need to make a Reddit account to make money.  Finally: Do you miss airplane wine? We’ve got the thing for you!  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Rhiannon Walker, NFL reporter, The Athletic Stacy R., finance editor for Skimm Money  Sabrina A. Assoumou, attending physician, Boston Medical Center Chasity Cooper, communication strategist and wine journalist (Insta) Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. 

First up: By now you’ve probably heard about some new strains of COVID-19… that kinda sound like spy names. Meet B117, B1351, and P-1. And some bad news: they’re potentially more harmful. We’ll break down what we know so far about how to protect yourself, and whether the vaccines will still be effective against them. (0:58) Then: This week, all eyes were on...GameStop. And no, that isn’t a typo. We’ll tell you why a lot of people on Reddit have made waves in the stock market. (8:58) ICYMI: Former President Trump’s second impeachment trial kicks off soon. We’ll tell you what to expect. (11:43) Next: President Biden repealed former President Trump’s ban on transgender Americans serving in the military. While that’s happening at the federal level, we’ll tell you why you need to keep your eye on legislation on the local level. (14:07) Later: Protests have broken out all over Russia. We’ll tell you why one man’s return has caused thousands to hit the streets. (18:33) Finally: We’re helping you Skimm your schedule. Because there are a ton of meetings that could have been emails, right? (23:59) On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Amber D’Souza, professor of epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Chase Strangio, deputy director for transgender justice, the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project Anna Borshchevskaya, senior fellow for Russia, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Dr. Kristen Shockley, associate professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the University of Georgia. Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.

First up: Before handing over the keys to the White House, President Trump made some final moves in office that could have a lasting impact. We’ll Skimm his final acts, from presidential pardons to foreign policy pivots.  Then: President Biden jumped right into the Oval on Wednesday to start rolling out his agenda. We’ll break down what he’s already done in office and what you can keep an eye out for next.  ICYMI: If you watched Wednesday's inauguration, you probably noticed thousands of National Guard troops stationed all over DC. We spoke to an expert about whether added security is here to stay and how Biden could take on the domestic terror threat.  Finally: We’re helping you Skimm your passwords. Seriously.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Brian J. Gerber, director of the emergency management and homeland security program, Arizona State University Steffanie A.K. Schilling, cybersecurity education and awareness expert Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.

First up: President Trump is now the first president to be impeached twice. We’ll tell you what happened this week and what to expect from a Senate trial. (:54) Then: It’s been more than a week since the attack on the U.S. Capitol, but the ripple effects are still being felt. We’ll break down last week’s security failure and look at what’s being done to stop something like this from happening again. (4:26) Quickly: The federal government has announced some big changes to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout policy. We’ll skimm what’s new … in 60 seconds. (11:42) ICYMI: 140,000 jobs were lost in the last month, and they were all held by women. We’ll explain how the fallout from this past recession disproportionately affects women. (14:01) Later: Let’s skimm your resume! We spoke to a career expert to break down how to put your best professional self forward on paper. (19:23) Finally: We’ve got a recap of the hottest (and strangest) tech coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show. Any takers for a $1,000 machine that makes margaritas and ice cream?! (29:20) PS: Want to tune up your own resume? Join TopResume's career expert, Amanda Augustine, for a free webinar and Q&A next week to learn the New Resume Rules for the New Year. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Jvette Klausen, professor of politics, Brandeis University  Brette Steele, director of prevention and national security, McCain Institute Kathryn Edwards, economist, RAND Corporation Yeerang Jang, Skimm’r Carolyn Nieberding, Skimm’r Amanda Augustine, career expert, TopResume Heather Kelly, technology reporter, The Washington Post Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. 

Welcome to Skimm This. Here’s what we’re covering this week:  First up: In D.C., as Congress gathered to certify President-elect Joe Biden's presidential win, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. We’ll break down what happened on Wednesday. Then: All eyes were on Georgia this week. We’ll tell you what Democrats winning both Senate seats there means for the Biden administration.  ICYMI: The COVID-19 vaccine rollout hasn’t been going according to plan. We’ll explain the holdup in getting vaccines into people’s arms.  Later: Iran made a major announcement this week: they’re enriching their uranium to 20% purity. We won’t give you a chemistry lesson, but we will tell you why this matters and what this means for U.S. diplomacy moving forward. Finally: Is your fridge a hot mess after the holidays? We’ll speak to an expert to help you Skimm your fridge…so you can finally find your ketchup again.  Fun fact: "Betriebsblindheit" is German for "business blindness." Basically, something you do over and over without questioning. Click here to fill out our podcast survey.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Josh Michaud, associate director for global health policy, Kaiser Family Foundation Leah Askarinam, editor-in-chief, National Journal’s The Hotline Holly Dagres, non-resident fellow, the Atlantic Council Rachel Gurjar, chef, recipe developer, and food writer (IG) Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. 

We all know 2020 has been a year. And while we may remember it as the year we started matching our facemasks to our sweatpants… it turns out 2020 can be remembered for a lot more than that. This week we’re looking back at the major developments that happened this year in medicine, foreign policy, and entertainment.  First up: It turns out COVID vaccines are not just a turning point for ending the pandemic, but also for fighting things like cancer and heart disease. We’ll break down this year’s medical breakthroughs.  Then: 2020 has been the year of global protests. Specifically, female-led global protests. We’ll explain the positive changes happening in Belarus, Sudan, and Poland, and why they could be a good sign for the future.   Finally: Anyone else miss going to the movies? We sure do. And so does the entertainment industry. We’ll tell you how they’ve pivoted because of the pandemic. And why videogames are making a major comeback.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent, author, "The New Normal" Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, author, “The Education of an Idealist” Giovanni Colantonio, video game reporter  Rebecca Rubin, film and media reporter, “Variety”  Skimm HQ’ers Hadley, Sam N., Maria M., Lindsay, and co-founder Carly Zakin Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. 

This week, we’re answering your questions about what’s going on in the news right now. Here’s what you wanted to know:  First up: What’s the deal with this new strain of COVID that’s been found in the UK?  Then: Why did Russia hack the United States again? And what information did they get?  Next: What’s in the new stimulus package?  And: What’s happening to our alcohol consumption during COVID? And how do we know if it’s a problem?  Also: Why am I seeing headlines about a “galactic federation”?  Finally: Are robots really coming for our jobs? PS: You can find the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Website, Rethinking Drinking, here. And here is the NIAAA’s Treatment Navigator.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Amber D’Souza, infectious disease epidemiologist, Johns Hopkins University Dr. George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Garrett Kenyon, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Yijing Watkins, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.