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“Skimm This” tackles important topics that impact women, and empowers generations of women to live smarter. Listen to our miniseries throughout the year, airing on Thursdays.
New Admin, Who 'Dis?: Cabinet Picks and Challenges
We’re all pretty excited for a fresh start in 2021.
Before we get there, we’ve got some vaccine news for you and a look at who might get a dose before the end of the year.
Then, there’s one person who’s already making his intentions clear for 2021: President-Elect Joe Biden. We’ve got the who’s who on his cabinet picks and how he’s already making some contrasts between his team and President Trump’s.
Plus, we’re playing catch-up on two crises in Ethiopia and Iran that could cause headaches for Biden’s incoming team.
Finally, there’s a Christmas tree shortage this year, and it’s not the Grinch’s fault. We’ll tell you how to take care of your tree this year - if you can get your hands on one.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Michèle Flournoy, former US undersecretary of defense, co-founder, WestExec Advisors
Bronwyn Bruton, director of programs and studies, The Atlantic Council’s Africa Center
Ariane Tabatabai, Middle East fellow, Alliance for Securing Democracy
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
31:3303/12/2020
Kind of a Big Deal: Black Friday 2020
Once the Thanksgiving table is cleared, it’s shopping season. Black Friday may look a bit different this year, but it still kicks off a crucial period for online and real-world retailers as they try to end 2020 on a high note.
This week we’re stepping back from the news and looking at what makes the holiday shopping season so important in 2020 in particular, how marketers are making their sales pitch and why so much is on the line for small businesses.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Anne Roggeveen, professor of retailing and marketing, Babson College
Jordyn Holman, retail reporter, Bloomberg News
Kalyn Chandler Johnson, owner, “Effie’s Paper, Stationery and Whatnot”
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Ciara Long, with additional support from Peter Bonaventure, Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas.
19:5827/11/2020
You Can’t Sit With Us: COVID and Thanksgiving
A dangerous collision between a pandemic and America’s biggest family get-together is just around the corner.
Before we get to the main course, we’ve got an update on the presidential transition between President Trump and President-Elect Joe Biden (1:08). Quick Skimm: nothing’s really happened so far. We’ll also tell you about Amazon’s big move this week into the world of prescription drugs (7:50).
Then, we’re coming up on the last exit before Thanksgiving. It’s our final chance to rethink our plans as COVID cases in the U-S set new records every day. We’ll give you an update on where things stand and what’s contributing to this latest surge in cases (12:19).
Finally, if you find yourself having to be Top Chef at your holiday dinner this year, we’ve got you covered (22:06). Cue: a smaller feast… but the same well-deserved nap.
BTW: here’s a one-pan, one-pot Thanksgiving dinner that takes three hours or less to put together.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kristine Simmons, VP of government affairs, Partnership for Public Service
Dr. Fadia Shaya, director of the Center on Drugs and Public Policy, University of Maryland's School of Pharmacy
Vanessa Kerry, CEO, Seed Global Health
Zack Bruell, Cleveland-based chef and restaurateur
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
26:2920/11/2020
WFH: Is This Going To Be Forever?
In case you missed it last week, the U.S. just left the Paris Agreement on climate change. We’ve got the details on what could happen next. After that, we’ll explain the status of President Trump’s election lawsuits and what to make of Pfizer’s flashy new COVID-19 vaccine.
Then, as some major U.S. companies indefinitely delay the return to the office, it might be time to consider WFH our new reality. We’ll ask an expert for advice on how to make remote work productive and sustainable over the long-haul.
Finally, we know you’ve already heard about the humans heading to the White House. Well, we’ve got the skinny on the pets-elect headed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Caroline Polisi, legal analyst and an adjunct lecturer in law at Columbia Law School
Gigi Kwik Gronvall, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
Tsedal Neeley, professor of business, Harvard Business School
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
27:4013/11/2020
Deep Breath: Making Sense of a Crazy Week
It’s been a long week, but it’s not over yet. We’ve got the latest on the Trump campaign’s legal strategy as it tries to stop the vote counts in some states and control which ballots are counted in others. Then, we’ll explain why one state’s 2020 election is likely to spill over into January 2021. Sorry, Georgia!
Need a break from staring at the electoral map? We’ll tell you about some of the other history being made this year, because there really is a first for everything.
And finally: we’ve got some expert advice for dealing with anxiety. Not that we need it...
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Caroline Polisi, legal analyst and adjunct lecturer in law, Columbia Law School
Michele Swers, professor of government, Georgetown University
Sarah McBride, Democratic candidate-elect, Delaware Senate
Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and author, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone”
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
23:5806/11/2020
Skimm This: Election Update
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Skimm This, breaking down what we know – and don’t know – about the election results so far.
First, the race for the White House. Spoiler: we still don’t have a winner, but we’ll explain which states hold the keys for an electoral college victory and where the vote-count stands right now.
Then, we’ll bring you the latest on who’s likely to have majority control in the Senate and the House.
And finally, we’ll spotlight some key state laws that voters changed at the polling booth – from legalizing drugs to changing their flags.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
10:5304/11/2020
Last Call: Election Day Expectations
Up first, we’ve got the latest on three developing stories from this week. Including: Amy Coney Barrett officially joining the Supreme Court, a new study on COVID-19 antibodies, and why tech CEOs faced a grilling on Capitol Hill.
And for our main story, you’ve probably seen headlines that, by the end of election night, we might not know who won the presidential race. To prepare you for the different possible election and post-election scenarios, we created a roadmap of different options. Named after…cocktails. Meet: the Old Fashioned, the Spiked Seltzer, and the Long Island Iced Tea. We’ll speak to election experts about how these different scenarios could play out.
Then, we’ve got some tips on how to help some of the older folks in your life cast their ballots safely.
And finally, we’ve got some ideas for this weekend’s (politics optional!) movie night.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Elaine Kamarck, senior fellow in governance studies, Brookings Institution
Mary McCord, legal director, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, Georgetown University
Molly Krakowski, senior director of government affairs, JASA
Dawn Porter, director, “The Way I See It”
Beandrea July, freelance film and television critic
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
32:0130/10/2020
theSkimm’s Interview with Sen. Kamala Harris
This week, theSkimm sat down with Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, to talk about everything that’s on her mind in the week leading up to Tuesday’s election.
From how she and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden would tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, to the impact the Supreme Court’s new lineup might have on women, and her message to millennial women to get them out to the polls.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), Democratic vice presidential candidate
TheSkimm asked both Senator Harris and Vice President Mike Pence to join us in the lead up to election day. And while we haven’t heard back from Pence, we’ve got all the info you need to get to learn more about him, President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at theskimm.com/vote.
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Eugenia Cassidy, Justine Davie, and adapted for audio by Peter Bonaventure.
14:3628/10/2020
Awareness, Meet Action: Battling Breast Cancer During COVID-19
This week, we’ve got updates on three developing stories you’ve probably been hearing about. We’ll break down Pope Francis’s recent comments on same-sex civil unions. We’ve got the latest on new COVID-19 lockdowns happening around the world. And then, what’s going on with foreign interference in the home stretch of the election.
Then, we’ve got an important message from breast cancer doctors and breast cancer survivors about why COVID cannot be a reason to avoid staying on top of your breast health.
Also: there’s already enough focus on the presidential race. But with the Senate up for grabs, we’ll look at the down-ballot races worth paying attention to this November.
Finally, we’ve got the story on something you might notice the next time you log on to Disney+.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Gretchen Herrera, breast cancer survivor
Dr. Kelly Hunt, surgical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Deborah Lindner, chief medical officer, Bright Pink
Wendy J. Schiller, professor and chair of the department of political science, Brown University
Nathaniel Rakich, elections analyst, FiveThirtyEight
Hemant Shah, professor of journalism and mass communication, University of Wisconsin
Dr. Yaba Blay, scholar-activist
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
33:1123/10/2020
Are We There Yet? When to Expect a COVID Vaccine
Research teams from around the world have been hard at work on a COVID-19 vaccine for more than six months. But the big question still remains: When are we going to actually have a vaccine? This week, we spoke to the head of the National Institutes of Health and a leading researcher on the global hunt for a cure about what you need to know about where the search for a vaccine stands.
One thing we should note: while the race for a vaccine is happening at a historic pace, having a “normal” holiday season is probably off the table until most of us can actually get vaccinated. So, we’ve got some tips about dealing with the challenge of getting through the coming months.
Then, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett was in the hot seat this week during her Senate confirmation hearings, where she was grilled on everything from healthcare to her note-taking style. We’ll break down what this week’s hearings did and didn’t reveal about the next potential justice.
Finally, if you’re a dog person, we’ve got a piece for you. About the scientifically-proven ways to bond... with a cat.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Francis Collins, director, National Institutes of Health
Kalipso Chalkidou, director of global health policy, Center for Global Development
Dr. Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation, American Psychological Association
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
26:1516/10/2020
Skimm Special, Part 3: COVID, Women, and Their Wallets
Over the last few months, most of us have faced some sort of COVID-related lifestyle changes that have disrupted our everyday norms. On today’s Skimm Special, brought to you in partnership with Northwestern Mutual, we’ll hear from a Skimm’r contending with a drop in self-employment income after her counseling job went remote and her office sat empty. Managing new childcare expenses while making a career pivot hasn’t been easy, but she’s not afraid to think outside the box when it comes to making ends meet and still planning for the future.
Whether it’s saving for a rainy day or setting competitive rates for our work, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor Nicole Stokes walks us through the value of keeping expenses in check even while aiming for the stars in our careers.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kim Wheeler Poitevien, Philadelphia-based counsellor and licensed social worker
Nicole Stokes, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Ciara Long, Luke Vargas, Justine Davie, and Peter Bonaventure.
12:0812/10/2020
Whoa, We’re Halfway … Where?
It’s been a week since President Trump announced he’d tested positive for COVID-19. We’ll give you an update on his condition and how this health scare has increased interest in the role of Vice President, including at Wednesday’s VP debate.
And speaking of the election, over four million Americans have already cast their ballots. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. We’ll break down the challenges some voters are encountering and walk you through how to make sure your ballot gets counted.
Then, it’s time for a labor market update. Half of the jobs lost at the start of the pandemic have been brought back, but the road ahead is gonna be a long one. We’ll look at which jobs have come back, which haven’t, and what to watch for as the economic recovery continues.
Finally, we’ll get to the fly that launched a thousand memes. You know the one we’re talkin’ about.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Seritta Norige, former Disney World employee
Valerie Wilson, director of the Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy, Economic Policy Institute
Julie Schecter, Skimm’r
Tappan Vickery, director of voter engagement, Headcount
Salvatore Attardo, professor of linguistics, Texas A&M University
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
29:5309/10/2020
Skimm Special, Part 2: COVID, Women, and Their Wallets
Over the last few months, most of us have faced some sort of COVID-related lifestyle changes that have disrupted our everyday norms. On today’s Skimm Special, brought to you in partnership with Northwestern Mutual, we’ll hear from a Skimm’r whose job disappeared as the US economy slid into a recession earlier this year … just weeks after she signed an expensive new lease. Making ends meet hasn’t been easy, but she’s still optimistic and hopes more education or even entrepreneurship could be on the horizon.
Whether it’s revisiting our budgets or prioritizing savings, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor Nicole Stokes walks us through the value of going back to basics when the world feels upside down.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Chava Vietze, Skimm’r
Nicole Stokes, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Ciara Long, Luke Vargas, Justine Davie, and Peter Bonaventure.
12:3505/10/2020
Special Update: President Trump Tests Positive for COVID-19
President Donald Trump announced Friday morning that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. The news has already sent shockwaves around the world. We’ll break down what we know right now, and what we could expect in the days and weeks to come.
05:5702/10/2020
Tug of War: The Future of the Supreme Court
The President and First Lady have tested positive for COVID-19. We've got the latest on that developing story in this morning's Daily Skimm.
President Trump’s tax returns are also in the news after a big report by The New York Times. We’ll break down the report's key findings, and hear what Trump and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden had to say about the US tax system at this week’s presidential debate.
And speaking of that debate… if you found it hard to follow, you’re not alone. So now, the Committee on Presidential Debates is saying: “we've got to make some changes.”
Then, we’ll introduce you to Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s nominee to fill Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court. We asked three constitutional scholars to explain how her nomination could change the court for decades – and there’s a lot to cover.
We also talked to award winning director Julie Taymor about her new movie “The Glorias,” spotlighting the life of women's rights activist Gloria Steinem.
And finally, the CDC has outlined its health guidelines for having a safe Halloween.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Maya Manian, visiting professor of law, American University
Seema Mohapatra, professor of law, Indiana University, visiting professor, Florida A&M University
Fatima Goss-Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center
Julie Taymor, director, “The Glorias”
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
27:0802/10/2020
Skimm Special, Part 1: COVID, Women, and Their Wallets
Over the last few months, most of us have faced some sort of COVID-related lifestyle changes that have disrupted our everyday norms. Unemployment has skyrocketed, school closures have forced many moms to step back from work, and working from home has shut many women off from informal networking and mentorship opportunities that are key to career growth. On today’s Skimm Special, brought to you in partnership with Northwestern Mutual, we’ll hear from a financial advisor about how the pandemic is affecting the personal finances of millions of Americans, and women in particular. And we’ll also learn how financial planning can help Skimm’rs reach their goals and prepare for the future, even when the world feels upside down.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Chantel Bonneau-Stewart, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Ciara Long, Luke Vargas, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, and Peter Bonaventure.
***NOTE*** The reference made by Chantel Bonneau-Stewart at 4:40 regarding 45% of adults having to make changes in regards to debt management can be found in the 2020 Planning & Progress Study, an annual research study from Northwestern Mutual.
13:0428/09/2020
...Ready For It?: Voting Season is Here
As the nation mourns the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her death leaves a vacancy on the Supreme Court that Republicans are eager to fill ASAP. We’ll break down where the effort to nominate her replacement currently stands.
Then, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the United Nations General Assembly is back in action over Zoom. Luckily, they all remembered to unmute themselves before diving into the latest on a COVID-19 vaccine.
Also, the 2020 election is less than 40 days away. But in many states, ballots have already been mailed out already and are even getting sent back in. We asked some top Democratic and Republican officials how they’re making their pitch to voters in the home stretch of the campaign and how they’re trying to reach you, the voter, literally everywhere.
Finally, tomorrow is World Contraception Day. But while safe and reliable forms of contraception are more available now than ever, access and affordability remain a huge issue for women around the world.
PS: Have voting questions? We’ve got you covered. Head to theskimm.com/2020 to learn more.
And in case you’re curious, here’s more info on World Contraception Day from the official WCD campaign, the U.N. and the W.H.O.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Wendi Wallace, Deputy Executive Director, Democratic Governors Association
Ronna McDaniel, Chairwoman, Republican National Committee
Dr. Stephanie Frazin, Family Planning Fellow, University of California, San Francisco
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
30:1625/09/2020
Clearing the Air: Making Sense of the West Coast Wildfires
The saga over TikTok is back in the headlines this week. The Chinese-owned social platform is desperately looking for a match before Sunday - the deadline President Trump gave the company to find a buyer before it gets banned from the U-S. We’ll break down the drama over which company is getting TikTok’s final rose.
And: the fires on the West coast have created some of the most unhealthy air quality… in the world. We’ll talk to experts about what can be done to stop each fire season from being worse than the one before. And explain the health risks of breathing in all this smoke. And for info on how to prepare your home for a wildfire, you can learn more here.
Also: live sports are back. But while COVID-19 infections aren’t slowing down the rush to get back on the field, what kind of message does that send?
Finally: come on board… a flight to nowhere. We’ll explain why some airlines are hoping you miss everything about travel, including just being on a plane.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kate Andrews, Portland, OR resident
Lori Daniels, fire ecologist, University of British Columbia
Haverty Brown, Portland, OR resident
Dr. John Balmes, Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
Adamma Izuegbunam, volunteer with MasksOakland
Nicole Fisher, public health consultant, HHR Strategies
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long.
30:0118/09/2020
Back to School: C for Confusion
President Trump is in the hot seat this week regarding COVID-19. A new book - and some audio recordings - reveal him acknowledging the consequences of the virus behind the scenes while downplaying it to the American public. We’ll explain why this is making headlines eight weeks before the election.
And: the West Coast continues to battle severe fires. This year’s fire season is already almost 20 times more advanced than it was this time last year. We’ll break down why scientists say there’s a link between climate change and the drier conditions that help fires spread.
Also: back to school looks really different this fall. Think: less stress picking out your first day outfit. And more masks, confusion, and exhausted parents.
Finally: if 2020 has you asking, what season is it anyway? You’re not alone. We’ll tell you why travel agents and beach towns are hoping this will be the year of the “endless summer.”
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Chandar Lewis, assistant professor in the College of Education at Jackson State University
Skimm’r Stephanie
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, and Luke Vargas.
17:0211/09/2020
A Tale of Two Housing Markets
All eyes were on President Trump this week as he visited Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Jacob Blake was shot last month. The shooting prompted protests and reignited calls for police reform and racial justice. But the President’s mind was on something else: “domestic terror.” We’ll break down why criminal justice experts say that definition for protests in Kenosha and around the country doesn’t quite fit.
Also: new CDC guidance is causing some people to question the COVID-19 death rate. Now, epidemiologists are trying to separate fact from fiction so that misinformation doesn’t cloud this public health crisis.
And our big story of the week: a tale of two housing markets. On the one hand, mortgage rates are low and big cities are losing residents to the suburbs. But on the other: inventory is down, causing home prices to skyrocket. We’ll explain why this matters, whether or not you’re in the market for a new place.
And finally, we’ve got the latest on summer blockbuster season. Grab your popcorn.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Laura Dugan, professor of criminology, University of Maryland
Mahlissa Martin, first-time homebuyer
Diana C. Minshall, Sotheby's International Realty agent
Michael Neal, senior research associate, Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute
Jonita Davis, film critic, TheBlackCape.com
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Ellen Burke, Alex Carr, Marion Lozano, and Luke Vargas.
26:3504/09/2020
Movements Bigger than Fear: Kenosha and Belarus
Cellphone video of the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police has reignited Black Lives Matter protests around the country. And everyone – from the NBA to the Wisconsin legislature – is considering how to take action.
Also: severe weather is impacting the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, with COVID-19 changing virtually all aspects of emergency response. In California, thousands are being evacuated as wildfires blaze. And in Louisiana and Texas, COVID-19 testing has been suspended as concerns mount that an already-deadly hurricane could become a “super-spreader” event, too.
And our big story of the week: What do you get when you combine COVID-19, social media influencers and girl power? In the Eastern European nation of Belarus, the answer is revolution. We’ll break down what’s driving hundreds of thousands of protesters to call for the removal of “Europe’s Last Dictator.”
We’ve also got some news from the RNC and the latest on a surprise NASA says could come just in time for election day.
To read up on President Trump’s second term agenda, you can check it out here.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Walter Katz, Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures
Hanna Baraban, freelance journalist and international relations and security analyst
Dr. Alla Leukavets, independent political analyst
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, and Luke Vargas.
24:4128/08/2020
March, March: How The Fight For Suffrage Still Lives On
This week’s fastest developing story… is all about snail mail. That’s right. Some controversial new changes at the US Postal Service are causing mail delays and making some people worried about voting by mail this November. But now, the Postmaster General is hitting pause on those new changes until after the election. We’ll explain what happened and why some lawmakers are still concerned.
And our big story of the week: it’s the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. And we spoke to a few grandmas about their first time exercising that right. But the fight for suffrage… didn’t end with that amendment. That’s because the 19th Amendment didn’t give all women the right to vote. We’ll break down how the suffrage movement from the 1900s still lives on today.
Also: we’ll tell you about something you may have missed from this week’s Democratic National Convention that has climate activists speaking out. Hint: it’s a good lesson in always hitting “track changes.”
If you want to read more on the Democratic Party Platform, you can check it out here.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Ida Jones, university archivist at Morgan State University
Skimm’r Grandmothers: Florence Blatt, Arlene Krouner, and Ann German
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, Julia Nutter, and Luke Vargas
22:4321/08/2020
Skimm Special: Quarantine Memories Worth Keeping
Where were you when heard the country was in a national emergency because of COVID-19? If you can remember where you were, down to what Netflix you were binging, there’s a name for that. In today’s Skimm Special, brought to you in partnership with Shutterfly, we’ll speak with an expert who’ll explain why that memory is crystal clear. Then we’ll hear from Skimm’rs all over the U.S. who celebrated big milestones in quarantine, and made great memories regardless.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Linda Levine, Professor of Psychology and Social Behavior at UC-Irvine
Olivia Hall, recently married emergency medicine doctor in San Francisco
Maryan Adan, New Mission High School’s valedictorian ‘20 and incoming Harvard University freshman
Cydney Mitchell, recently pregnant Atlanta-based interior designer
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Olivia Reingold, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, and Julia Nutter
10:2116/08/2020
Breaking With Convention: Why This Year’s Democratic And Republican Conventions Are Making History
The Democratic and Republican national conventions typically represent a major moment in the lead up to an election. But this year - you guessed it - they’re going to look different. And some attendees might be joining from their couch. In this episode, we’ll break down why conventions matter. And talk to Democratic and Republican party officials about what the challenges are this year.
Also: this week was one for the history books. Because presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced his running mate: Kamala Harris. She’s the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent ever on a major party’s presidential ticket. We’ll tell you what to keep an eye on for the rest of the campaign.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Xochitl Hinojosa, senior advisor and communications director for the Democratic National Committee
Cassie Smedile, deputy communications director for the Republican National Committee
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
This podcast was Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Marion Lozano, Julia Nutter, and hosted by Justine Davie.
24:0714/08/2020
Gym, Class...COVID test?: How Colleges Are Getting Students Back To Class
It’s August. Which usually means college students are heading back for the fall semester. But this year, back-to-school tailgates and freshman orientation look a little different. Think: hand sanitizer relay races. We’ll break down how some of the biggest campuses in the country are planning to open safely. And what the concerns are from some faculty, parents, and students.
Also: we’re talking about TikTok. The app millions have become addicted to during the pandemic is back in the headlines this week, after President Trump threatened to ban it and US companies try to buy it. So: should you delete it? We’ll explain the privacy concerns surrounding the app.
(For more on the executive orders President Trump signed overnight about TikTok, check out this morning’s Daily Skimm.)
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Art Markman, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the Chair of the Academic Working Group for Fall Planning
Caroline Garrison, a sophomore journalism major at the University of Missouri
Audrey O’Shaughnessy, a sophomore American Studies major at Notre Dame
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Justine Davie, Marion Lozano, and Julia Nutter.
17:4207/08/2020
Escalation Nation: Federal Troops in Portland Have Other Cities on Edge
At the start of July, in an effort to protect federal monuments and buildings, President Trump started deploying federal agents to cities across the country. But in Portland, Oregon, that effort backfired. In a city where protests had started to calm down, thousands of people started turning out against what they saw as a federal occupation. We’ll break down what’s been happening in Portland, how things came to a boiling point this past week, and why the Trump admin is sending agents to more cities.
Also this week: the race for a COVID-19 vaccine reached a new milestone. Biotech company Moderna started its phase three trial in the US. We’ll tell you what this means for the vaccine timeline.
And finally: a record number of Black women are running for Congress this year. We talk to Kimberly Walker, who’s in the race for Florida’s 12th Congressional District, about why she decided to run.
On this episode you’ll hear from:
Esther Krofah, Executive Director of FasterCures at the Milken Institute
Kimberly Walker, candidate for Florida’s 12th Congressional District
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It has everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
This podcast was Skimm’d by Alex Carr, Hadley Malcom, Julia Nutter, Marion Lozano and hosted by Justine Davie.
20:3031/07/2020
Against The Clock: What A New Stimulus Package Could Mean For You
Congress is back in session. And the major topic up for discussion: another economic stimulus package. Some big deadlines are coming up (think: the $600/week federal unemployment benefit is about to expire). And as new COVID-19 cases continue to spike, states, small businesses, and families are looking for another economic boost. We’ll break down what economists say needs to be included in the next legislation - and why public health and economic health are one in the same right now.
Also: the late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis fought for voting rights for decades. We’ll explain why lawmakers say passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act could restore protections for millions of voters – and honor Lewis’s legacy.
And finally: we’ll introduce you to the Radical Monarchs - the subject of a new film on PBS. It’s like the Girl Scouts, but with a twist of social justice. Members earn badges for learning about climate change, and allyship, and other issues that impact their communities. We spoke to the group’s co-founders about why having these conversations with young women is crucial.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kathryn Edwards, associate economist at the RAND Corporation
Dr. Damon Jones, economist and associate professor at the University of Chicago
Anayvette Martinez, co-founder of the Radical Monarchs
Marilyn Hollinquest, co-founder of the Radical Monarchs
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It has everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
17:0224/07/2020
Varsity Blues: Why Everyone’s Talking About 'Back to School'
Even though it's the middle of summer, all eyes are on the fall. Specifically, how schools are supposed to reopen in the middle of a global pandemic. And as COVID-19 cases rise in a number of states, parents, teachers, and officials are at odds over how to do it. We’ll break down the debate over getting kids back to class, and what the challenges are to reopen.
Also: one of the biggest sports franchises in the United States announced: it's getting a name change. The Washington NFL team said it will retire its name, the Redskins, as well as its logo. We’ll explain why this name change is a long time coming for activists, and what to look for next in the fight to get rid of racist imagery and logos.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Sara Bode, pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health
Kathy Gebhardt, Vice President of the Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, CO
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
18:3517/07/2020
“In The Bubble”: How COVID-19 is Changing Sports
Now that you’ve made it through your Netflix queue, you might be wondering when sports are coming back. After sports leagues postponed their seasons back in March, some - like the National Women’s Soccer League - are stepping back onto the field for the first time. We’ll break down the efforts and challenges in keeping players safe. And talk to one league that’s knocking it out of the park: the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (aka: roller derby.)
Also, in case you missed it: the Chinese government has taken its boldest step yet in eliminating freedoms of Hong Kong residents. We’ll tell you how this latest move by China has a global impact.
And finally, we’re talking about getting into 'good trouble.' As in the new documentary "John Lewis: Good Trouble." The film’s producer Erika Alexander shared how lessons from Lewis’s life fighting for social justice starting in the 1960s are just as relevant to social movements today.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kelley O’Hara, two-time World Cup champion, Utah Royals FC defender and member of the US Women's National Team, and host of the new podcast, Just Women’s Sports
Dr. Jonathan Kim, chief of sports cardiology in the division of cardiology at Emory University
Erica Vanstone, Executive Director of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association
Erika Alexander, producer of "John Lewis: Good Trouble"
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
29:5610/07/2020
Voting From Home: How COVID-19 is Changing The Vote
In some states, primary voting during COVID-19 has been off to a rocky start. Long lines and crowds at the polls aren’t great for social distancing. And as cases continue to spike across the US, some states are looking to expand their ‘vote by mail’ options ahead of November. We’ll break down what voting for president could look like in a global pandemic and what experts say election officials and lawmakers should start doing now to prepare us.
Also: ahead of the fourth of July, some lawmakers are pushing to add a 51st state to the union. We’ll explain the (long) history of Washington DC’s quest for statehood and why it’s coming up again.
And finally, the new documentary “(In)Visible Portraits” has been described as “a love letter to Black women, from Black women.” We sat down with the filmmaker to discuss how she’s looking to reveal history you may not have learned about in school.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Myrna Pérez, Director, Voting Rights & Elections Program, Brennan Center for Justice
Oge Egbuonu, director of “(In)Visible Portraits”
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
21:5903/07/2020
“Mask Girl Summer”
As the number of new COVID-19 cases rises in some states, the debate continues about what role the government should play in helping people protect each other. And specifically: whether masks need to be required. We’ll explain why there’s been confusion over masks, what scientists and the CDC are saying now, and why local and state officials are at odds.
Also: a recent Supreme Court ruling has given the LGBTQ+ community something to celebrate during Pride Month. We’ll break down the SCOTUS decision about protecting LGBTQ+ Americans at work. And why activists and politicians are saying: there’s more to be done.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Jade Pagkas-Bather, infectious diseases attending physician, clinical epidemiologist and Instructor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Department of Medicine
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
17:4526/06/2020
Monumental Change: The Fight To Take Down Confederate Symbols In the US
In recent weeks, there’s been a renewed push to remove symbols of the Confederacy: including flags, statues and the names of some military bases. Some protestors have been tearing statues down. And local officials are also making moves to remove them. We’ll break down why the debate around getting rid of these statues is really a debate about how we understand history- and the legacy of slavery in the US.
Also: all 50 states have started reopening. But health experts are warning: COVID-19 is still here. And as cases spike, state and local governments are at odds.
And finally, we ‘press pause’ with some sea turtle news. Here are some soothing sea turtles videos to kick off your weekend.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
- LeAndrea Mack, Miss Juneteenth 2019 in Kansas City
- Dr. Jalane Schmidt, associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia, co-founder of the Charlottesville, VA chapter of Black Lives Matter
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
17:5419/06/2020
“Different Things To Different People”: How Calls to ‘Defund the Police’ Could Play Out
As protests continue in the US, some demonstrators are now calling to ‘defund the police.’ And those calls are already having an impact. Cities like Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles are considering some major changes to their police departments. We’ll break down what it actually means to defund the police, and why some protestors say that doesn’t go far enough.
Also: we’re still in a global pandemic. But many public health experts don’t think protests should stop. We’ll explain why medical professionals say it’s important that demonstrators are still able to protest against racism and police brutality.
And finally, you may have seen that viral video from former NFL athlete Emmanuel Acho, host of the new online series, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” We spoke to Acho about why these conversations are necessary, and how he plans to grow the series.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Lynda Garcia, Policing Campaign Director for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, former trial attorney in the Special Litigation Section in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice
Kimberly Burke, research fellow at the Center for Policing Equity
Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey, social epidemiologist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota
Emmanuel Acho, former NFL athlete, current NFL analyst and host and creator of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.”
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
21:3612/06/2020
“A Stopgap for a Much Larger Problem”: What Police Reform Could Look Like
People across the US have flooded into the streets to protest police violence against black Americans. We’ll break down some of the concerns protests are highlighting, including disparities in how law enforcement treats black Americans, as well as police militarization. We’ll also talk to an expert about some potential solutions.
Also: if you’re seeing calls to donate to a bail fund and wondering how those work, we’ll explain.
And finally, we’re ‘pressing pause’ to highlight the creative ways people are documenting their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kimberly Burke, research fellow at the Center for Policing Equity
Bernadette Rabuy, senior policy analyst at the Prison Policy Initiative
Let us know what questions you have about what’s going on in the news right now. Email us at [email protected] or call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
27:5605/06/2020
‘Female-Led Recession’: How Economists Think Unemployment Will Impact Women and Minorities
As of this week, one in four US workers has filed for unemployment benefits. But economists say the historic numbers don’t tell the whole story. And they’re warning that women, and in particular women of color, are being disproportionately affected. We’ll break down what this record unemployment means, how the situation compares to past recessions, and what the impact is on women and women of color.
Also: now that unemployment is at a record-high, a lot of people are looking for work. We spoke to a career expert to get some tips on how to job search during a pandemic.
And finally, you asked and we Skimm’d: who’s even hiring right now? Not a trick question. Think: anyone who’s seeing an increase in demand. Like food and delivery services.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Kathryn A. Edwards, associate economist at the RAND Corporation
Amanda Augustine, career expert for TopResume
What’s something about the COVID-19 pandemic that you’ve been looking for more answers on? Email us at [email protected] and call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show and have your question answered.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
26:5329/05/2020
More To Come: What Experts Say Congress Should Focus On
Back in March, Congress passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus bill that reached millions of Americans. You may have received a check in the mail or a boost in unemployment insurance. But researchers and economists are saying the money Congress spent so far may not be enough. We’ll break down what still needs work, and what experts say Congress should prioritize.
Also: you may have seen some headlines this week about some big stores going bankrupt. We’ll tell you why COVID-19 has pushed them into bankruptcy. And why it could impact what your next trip to the mall looks like.
And finally, you asked and we Skimm’d: how is COVID-19 more dangerous than the seasonal flu? We’ll tell you why experts say it’s not a fair comparison. Hint: even though the symptoms are similar, they’re caused by different viruses.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Jay Shambaugh, director of the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution and former member and chief economist of the White House Council of Economic Advisers
Henrietta Treyz, founder, managing partner and the director of economic policy at Veda Partners
Dr. Gloria Gonzalez-Rivera, professor of economics at University of California-Riverside
Nancy Rapoport, Garman Turner Gordon Professor of Law, William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Vince Tibone, retail sector head at Green Street Advisors
On next week’s episode, we’re devoting our entire show to the topic of unemployment. Have you recently been impacted? If so, we’d love to hear your story and perhaps include it on next week’s show. Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
24:5922/05/2020
Not So Fast: Creating A COVID-19 Vaccine Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint
The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is underway. But don’t hold your breath. This race could take years. We’ll tell you why, and what’s being done to try to speed up the process.
Also: you may have seen some headlines this week about COVID-19 and children. New research shows kids are more at risk of getting sick than realized. On top of that: a mysterious illness that could be linked to COVID-19 is infecting children around the country. We’ll break down what this means for parents on the lookout.
And finally, you asked and we Skimm’d: why is it taking so long to get your stimulus check? Hint: you may need to check your mailbox.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi, co-director of Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and Associate Dean, National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Rinke Bos, Principal Scientist at Janssen Vaccines & Prevention in Leiden, the Netherlands
Dr. Roderick Slavcev, Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo
Dr. Lawrence Kleinman, professor and vice chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and attending physician at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital
What’s something about the COVID-19 pandemic that you’ve been looking for more answers on? Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370. You might hear your message on the show and have your question answered.
If you want to add theSkimm to your daily routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
25:0915/05/2020
The Bigger Picture: Beyond The Record Unemployment Rate
The CDC has been working on new guidelines for how states should start to reopen. But the White House is putting them on ice and telling the agency to make some changes. Meanwhile: the unemployment rate is now the highest it’s been since the Great Depression. We’ll tell you why the real picture might be even more bleak. Also on today’s show: Tara Reade’s allegations against former VP Joe Biden make more headlines, and an update on the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
12:1408/05/2020
Putting on the Pressure: Ahmaud Arbery’s Death Sparks Public Outcry
The latest unemployment numbers are in, and no surprise: they’re not very good. We’ll explain why -- despite all the bad economic news -- the stock market is doing relatively okay. Meanwhile: some small schools in Montana are among the first to reopen since the pandemic began. But local superintendents are finding ways to enforce social distancing measures in the classroom. Also on today’s show: we’ll dive into why the death of Ahmaud Arbery in February sparked widespread public outcry this week.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
10:0207/05/2020
A First For Everything: The Supreme Court Literally Phones It In
The White House coronavirus task force is getting a makeover. Sort of. We’ll explain what today’s change-up is all about and how it impacts you. Meanwhile: major grocery and fast food chains are showing cracks in the food supply chain as meat processing plants are forced to close. Also on today’s show: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is in the hospital. But she was able to call into oral arguments today -- along with the rest of the Supremes -- to hear a case regarding free birth control coverage. We’ll explain why this case is a big deal.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
09:5706/05/2020
Skimm Special: COVID-19 and Climate Change (Rebroadcast)
This is a rebroadcast of our Skimm Special that originally aired on April 18th. We’ll be back tomorrow with new episodes.
Across the world, economies have essentially been on pause due to COVID-19. The unintended consequence? A significant decrease in air pollution and carbon emissions. We talked to climate experts about how the pandemic is highlighting the human impact on the planet. And what that can teach us about the steps individuals and governments need to take to tackle climate change. You’ll hear from:
Dr. Elizabeth Sawin, co-director of Climate Interactive, a think tank that builds computer simulations related to climate change solutions.
Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, which specializes in understanding Americans’ attitudes toward climate change.
18:3805/05/2020
At the Stroke of Midnight: What Happens When Federal Stay-at-Home Guidelines End?
Federal stay-at-home guidelines are officially expiring tonight. But since it’s states that call the shots on reopening, not much is going to change when the clock strikes midnight. Meanwhile: there’s encouraging news from the world of medicine. We’ll break down two headlines about a COVID-19 treatment and a possible vaccine, and why America’s top infectious disease expert says things are looking up. Also on today’s show: Los Angeles is testing almost everyone for COVID-19, and France is planning a fancy charity auction to support local hospitals.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
If you want to add theSkimm to your morning routine, sign-up for our free newsletter the Daily Skimm. It’s everything you need to know to start your day, right in your inbox.
10:2830/04/2020
Turn Down For...Months: Falling US GDP Expected to Keep Dropping
We knew the economy wasn’t doing well. But a new report out today shows us just how bad it really is. We’ll dive into what ‘gross domestic product’ is all about and why it matters that it’s down. Meanwhile: a new poll says a lot of Americans are worried that COVID-19 will disrupt this year’s presidential election. We’ll explain why one proposed solution — voting by mail — isn’t exactly easy. Also on today’s show: the recent shake up of the film industry has the Oscars changing its ways.
Earlier this month, we hosted a live online presentation called Recessions, Skimm’d. We explained what recessions are, why they’re a big deal, and how you can be prepared for when one comes up.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
09:2229/04/2020
Fasten Your...Masks?: First US Airline to Require Face Coverings
The White House released new guidelines for how states should ramp-up their testing programs. We’ll explain how this could impact your state. Meanwhile: the Federal Reserve is coming to the rescue for cities and states. We’ll tell you how the new moves could help you. Also on today’s show: JetBlue Airways just became the first major airline to require passengers to wear masks. We’ll look at why this didn’t happen earlier.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
10:3028/04/2020
All The Rage: Antibody Tests Are ‘In’ But Do They Work?
We’re starting to learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing. But these tests might not be ready for primetime yet. We’ll explain what they are and why researchers are telling us to slow our roll. Meanwhile: more Georgia businesses opened their doors today. We’ll tell you what that could mean for your state. Also on today’s show: the CDC added new COVID-19 symptoms to look out for. We’ll dive into what that could mean for the future of testing.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
10:1627/04/2020
Million Dollar Question: How Many of us Have Had COVID-19?
President Trump signed the bill to re-up the Paycheck Protection Program. But: there might be another snag. We’ll dive into why it still may not get small businesses the help they need. Meanwhile: a new study out of New York says that the outbreak may have been more widespread than initially thought. We’ll tell you why that might actually bring some good news to the fight against the virus. Also on today’s show: a survey of artists finds nearly all have been impacted by COVID-19. We’ll tell you how.
If you or someone you know is an artist or creative worker who needs help, the National Endowment for the Arts has a list of resources you can check out, including Artist Relief.
If you’re interested in helping seniors who need help shopping for groceries, you can donate to Meals on Wheels, which has a COVID-19 response fund. You can also join Nextdoor, where lots of communities are discussing how to help local seniors.
This morning we hosted a live online presentation called, “How to Save Money During COVID-19.” We talk about how to cut back expenses, negotiate with businesses you pay every month, and lower your debt payments.
10:4524/04/2020
Business, Unusual: Decoding Wall Street’s Unemployment Warnings
The House of Representatives is expected to pass another major stimulus bill to get more money into the hands of small businesses. We’ll dive into why convincing small businesses to put their names in the hat for this financial lifeline will still take some work. Meanwhile: this week’s new unemployment numbers are in. We’ll explain what “earnings season” is, and how the latest word from Wall Street could mean more bad news for workers. Also on today’s show: Georgia plans to take its first step towards normal life tomorrow. We’ll explain what that could mean for your state.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
09:1723/04/2020
Only as Good as the Data: Newly Discovered Death Complicates COVID-19 Timeline
Officials say the first known death from COVID-19 in the US happened weeks earlier than they realized. We’ll tell you what that might mean for the projection models everyone has been relying on. Meanwhile: a new study shows that a drug some were hopeful about might not actually help fight COVID-19. We’ll look at how the search for a COVID-19 treatment is going. Also on today’s show: a new software update you might not want to miss.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
10:3822/04/2020
Time for a Refresh: Small Business Relief Bill To Get a Vote
Last night, President Trump announced he’ll sign an executive order to suspend immigration into the US. But the administration has already made a number of changes to immigration procedures since the pandemic began. We’ll explain. Meanwhile: the Senate has reached a deal to refresh the Paycheck Protection Program. We’ll explain what that might mean for your favorite neighborhood bakery. Also on today’s show: an appeals court is allowing Texas to restrict abortion. We’ll dive into the debate over what medical procedures are considered ‘essential’ in the age of the pandemic.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
10:0021/04/2020
Low Lows: Oil Prices Go Negative For First Time
Most public health experts agree: we need more testing to start lifting stay-at-home orders. But in the US, officials disagree on how to get more tests. We’ll explain how this impacts you. Meanwhile: people across the country defied social distancing measures this weekend to protest. We’ll explain what message protestors are trying to send. Also on today’s show: the price of oil dips into the negatives for the first time. We’ll look at why that happened and why it’s such a big deal.
Call and leave us a voicemail at: 646-461-6370 to shout-out a loved one or share how you’re helping your community during the pandemic. You might hear your message on the show.
10:3020/04/2020