President Trump pardoned Army officers accused of war crimes, and the decision has sparked a heated debate over whether this is a good idea for the military justice system. We’ll explain the reasoning behind this move, and why some in the military are saying this is a bad idea. Meanwhile, student protesters in Hong Kong are starting the week off with a bang. We’ll explain how young people are leading the pro-democracy movement: on campus. Also on today’s show: confusion over a potential e-cigarette ban, and we say ‘bye-bye’ to a national treasure.

Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testified in the ongoing impeachment hearings today. She described how her anti-corruption efforts earned her powerful enemies in Ukraine, and led to a smear campaign against her inside the Trump Administration. We’ll explain how Yovanovitch’s testimony today also got under Trump’s skin. Meanwhile, Chanel Miller stopped by Skimm HQ this week and shared a powerful message for other survivors of sexual assault. Also on today’s show: why the most interesting thing about a fancy new Starbucks isn’t the coffee.

Thanks to the ongoing impeachment inquiry, we’re hearing about Ukraine a lot lately. Turns out: the US and Ukraine have a history. We’ll explain why the diplomats you’re hearing from during public impeachment hearings are so concerned about the US’s relationship with Ukraine. Also on today’s show: Google tries to get ahold of your cache, and how wild cows are much better swimmers than we thought.

The impeachment inquiry hearings into President Trump finally went public today. There was the usual partisan drama, but also some important new developments. We’ll break down the case Democrats hope to make and how a second phone call with Ukraine could strengthen their impeachment push. Meanwhile, privacy activists are cheering a new court ruling that could have an impact on international travel. Also on today’s show: climate activist Greta Thunberg sets sail back to Europe, and a shipwreck stuffed with liquor.

The Supreme Court heard one of the biggest cases of the term: whether the Trump admin can end DACA. That’s the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program started by  President Obama in 2012. We’ll explain the Trump administration’s case for getting rid of it, and how hundreds of thousands of immigrants could be affected. Meanwhile, Bolivia’s president has fled the country. We’ll connect the dots between his controversial election, and the protests that pushed him to accept political asylum in Mexico. Also on today’s show: what to expect when you’re expecting the first public impeachment hearing, and really cold weather.

The pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong took a dark turn this week, amid the death of a young student and two violent attacks on politicians. After five months of demonstrations, protesters and the government don’t look anywhere close to making nice. We’ll explain what continued unrest means for the city and its long-storied reputation. Meanwhile, former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is thinking about getting into the 2020 presidential race. We’ll break down why Bloomberg’s path to 2020 could start in Alabama. Also on today’s show: new concussion research on female soccer players, and why the impeachment inquiry is starting to literally stink.

The US government is suing a major pharmaceutical company over its HIV prevention drugs. We’ll tell you why, and explain how it’s spotlighting a larger movement to make life-saving drugs easier to access. Meanwhile, the governor's race in Kentucky is over. Except: not really. The current governor is challenging the results of Tuesday’s vote — and asking for a ‘recanvass.’ We’ll explain what that means. Also on today’s show: how the housing market might affect your wallet, and another reason why there are #NoExcuses not to vote.

The outlines of a power struggle between US diplomats and President Trump’s personal attorney are emerging out of transcripts from the House impeachment investigation. We’ll connect the dots on why Rudy Giuliani’s ‘shadow diplomacy’ upset diplomats and caused some to ask the State Department for help that they didn’t end up receiving. Meanwhile, the murder of nine American citizens in Mexico this week is putting the Mexican government in the hot seat over its inability to put an end to cartel violence. And finally, we’ll break down ranked-choice voting and how an alternate way of picking candidates could improve American elections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three senior US officials have answered questions from House lawmakers in recent days, even as the White House has pushed to limit or block officials from complying with an ongoing impeachment probe. We’ll explain how Marie Yovanovitch, Fiona Hall, and George Kent fit into the investigation of President Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. Meanwhile, the sports world is up in arms after players on England’s men’s national soccer team were targeted with racial slurs at a match in Bulgaria. We’ll look at the ways sports officials are trying to rid hate from the game. Also on today’s show: good news for sleepy California teens, and the Booker Prize makes a big exception for two exceptional women.

The Supreme Court got back to work this week for a potentially historic term. The court’s reinforced conservative majority is expected to dish out big rulings on cases concerning abortion, immigration policy and maybe even Obamacare. We’ll break down how the court’s changed in recent years, the cases it’s planning to take on and how Chief Justice John Roberts could get roped into DC’s other big political drama.

Turkey launched an attack on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria this week, bringing violence to a region where thousands of ISIS fighters are held in makeshift prisons. We’ll explain how the international community is reacting to the risk that those terrorists could escape. Meanwhile, climate activists are embracing new and diverse tactics to make their voices heard. We’ll look at the Extinction Rebellion’s disruptive tactics and a new climate lawsuit in Alaska. Also on today’s show: Americans’ average commute time is longer than ever, and Sesame Street teaches an important lesson. 

The White House’s refusal to cooperate with an impeachment inquiry in the House of Representatives is setting the stage for a constitutional crisis. We’ll look at what a constitutional crisis actually means, and how Congress could respond here. Meanwhile, protests are going down in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. We’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the latest demonstrations. Also on today’s show: hundreds of thousands of Californians are finding themselves in the dark, and the inventors of the lithium battery get their 15 minutes.

The US government is taking names. The Commerce Department says its adding 28 Chinese companies to a trade blacklist. We’ll connect the dots on what this has to do with reported human rights violations in China, and what it could mean for the ongoing US-China trade war. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is back on the bench. The Supremes heard two big cases today that could affect millions of LGBTQ-plus workers across the country. Also on today’s show: millennials want to talk about mental health at work, and the latest Nobel Prize award is out of this world. 

Democrats and Republicans are speaking out against the surprising pullback of US troops from northern Syria, saying the Kurdish forces that helped defeat the Islamic State could be at risk. We’ll explain the pushback Trump’s big move is facing on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile: efforts to keep President Trump’s tax returns a secret hit a legal snag on Monday. We’ll survey the pressure he’s under to make the documents public. Also on today’s show: Millennial investment habits and how the secret life of red blood cells could offer clues about treating cancer.

The former US special envoy to Ukraine has handed over some of his texts as evidence in the House’s impeachment inquiry into President Trump. And now Trump is pulling China into the action, too. Meanwhile, protests in Hong Kong got kicked up a notch. The region’s leader invoked an old law to ban people from wearing masks while protesting. Turns out: there’s history here. Also on today’s show: Haiti’s president is facing some heat, and a dinosaur makes a surprise appearance. 

A federal judge just gave a boost to supervised injection sites, saying a clinic in Philadelphia doesn’t violate drug laws. Activists say the ruling could mark a turning point in the fight to reduce drug overdoses. Meanwhile, Swiss cheese and French wine just got dragged into a US-EU trade spat that’s actually about … airplanes. We’ll connect the dots. Also on today’s show: we’ll break down the rough year for IPOs, and how one adventurous eagle is documenting glacial melt in the Alps.

House Democrats are ratcheting up the impeachment inquiry. And now, all eyes are on the State Department, which is trying very hard not to get involved in the Democrats’ investigation. Meanwhile, Boeing is back in hot water after a whistleblower complaint alleges some rifts in the company’s culture when it comes to safety. Also on today’s show: algae’s new party trick.

Today marked 70 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the country threw a huge birthday party for itself. China’s economic and military rise is impressive, but there are some storm clouds on the horizon, too. We’ll put it all in perspective. Meanwhile: another phone call between President Trump and a foreign leader is under scrutiny. Also on today’s show: the IMF gets a new boss, and why ‘Planet 9’ may not be a planet at all. 

Four years after the European migrant crisis reached its peak, European leaders are being called on to once again to address a situation that’s never fully been fixed. Meanwhile, Montana Governor and democratic presidential candidate Steve Bullock wants to set up public financing for his campaign -- but the agency that needs to sign off on it is kinda busy right now. Also on the show: why economists say it could be a great time to buy a home, and our raison d'être. PS: Where do you like to listen to our show? When do you listen? Tell us what you think about Skimm This by leaving a voicemail at (646) 461-6370. You could hear your voice on our show.

Protesters tried to mobilize across Egypt today for a second week of anti-government demonstrations. But security forces were out in force after days of making arrests. We’ll explain why President el-Sisi is coming under fire. Meanwhile, it was supposed to be the UN’s big week, but the General Assembly meetings got buried under news of drama in DC. We’ll bring you up to speed. Also on the show: the US is cutting back its refugee admissions program, and Prince Harry walks in his mother’s footsteps.

The mysterious whistleblower complaint everyone’s talking about...is finally public. So: we got lots of new details. And lawmakers in Congress had lots of questions – especially about why it took so long to see the complaint. Meanwhile, we could be one step closer to figuring out who will govern Israel after last week’s do-over election. Also on today’s show: income inequality is at a new high, and one Skimm’r who’s making her finances work. 

It’s the phone call heard ‘round the world: the White House released what it says is a rough transcript of President Trump’s controversial chat with the president of Ukraine. But not everyone is saying ‘case closed.’ In fact, some are saying ‘case wide open.’ Meanwhile: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave her blessing to an impeachment inquiry. We’ll explain what that means IRL. Also on today’s show: a big-name e-cigarette company has a new leader, and McDonald’s has a new way to say ‘you’re hired.’

The UN General Assembly kicked into high gear today and President Trump urged world leaders to take a page out of his ‘America First’ playbook. UN chief Antonio Guterres had a slightly different idea of how to tackle global problems. We’ll compare and contrast. Meanwhile: the UK’s top court has thrown a wrench in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s political agenda, saying his move to shut down Parliament in the final weeks before Brexit was unlawful. Also on today’s show: it’s National Voter Registration Day, and step aside Atlantis – there’s a new lost continent in town.

It’s only Monday, but President Trump probably can’t wait for the weekend. A mysterious whistleblower complaint is still dominating the headlines, reportedly for a phone call he had with the President of Ukraine. But Trump would prefer people talk about Ukraine … and former VP Joe Biden. We’ll explain what this is all about. Meanwhile, a bunch of countries got together at the United Nations for a special summit on climate. They talked a strong game about going greener, but was it enough? Also on today’s show: millennials share their concerns about retirement, and a royal family outing in South Africa. 

The world was gripped by massive student-led climate strikes today. Some say the demonstrations were the largest climate protest in history. We’ll let you know what strikers want and what they’ll be watching for at a big UN climate summit on Monday. Meanwhile: Taiwan’s friend group got a bit smaller this week, as it loses support from two of its traditional backers in the Pacific. Also on today’s show: a quick update on Israel’s election, and the truth about Japanese whisky.

A whistleblower is sending Washington into a tizzy today. The House Intelligence Committee is demanding information about a complaint that reportedly has to do with President Trump. Meanwhile: an actor’s arrest is making waves in Russia. And other actors are staging protests. Also on today’s show: a big Chinese tech company is launching a new smartphone model in the middle of a trade war, and the Washington Monument is making it easier to make it to the top. 

The Trump Administration is unveiling new immigration courts that look a little different than what you might expect. They’re actually tents and shipping containers built right near the US-Mexico border as a part of a big new immigration policy. We’ll explain. Also: the Fed slashed interest rates for just the second time since the Great Recession today, heeding a request by President Trump. Also on today’s show: Greta Thunberg turns the tables in DC, and the dictionary gets nonbinary.

Autoworkers across the country are joining the picket line in a strike against General Motors. They say the company needs to give them better wages and benefits. Meanwhile, President Trump’s former campaign manager was on Capitol Hill today for the first official impeachment hearing. Also on today’s show: Indonesia is making a big change to its child marriage laws, and an American is making waves across the pond. 

Israelis might be feeling a little déjà vu: they’re heading back to the polls tomorrow to vote for parliament for the second time this year. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has put a lot of issues in play, from the annexation of West Bank settlements to mandatory military service. Meanwhile, half of Saudi Arabia’s oil production was cut off after drones reportedly attacked the country’s largest oil plant on Saturday. Global oil markets are feeling the heat as the plant tries to get up and running again. Also on today’s show: we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and we share some weird science. 

The top ten Democrats in the presidential primary faced off last night for their third debate, and three big ideas emerged from their conversation on gun control. We’ll break them down for you. Meanwhile, the Bahamas is still recovering from Hurricane Dorian, and now they’re preparing for a new potential storm. Also on today’s show: two reporters whose work helped kickstart the #MeToo movement, and why some people aren’t saying ‘TGIF’ today. 

The House Judiciary Committee formalized its process for potentially impeaching President Trump. Everyone on Capitol Hill has something to say about it. We’ll tell you what’s new here. Meanwhile, the makers of Oxycontin say they’ve reached a tentative settlement with states and local governments across the country, to avoid going to court. But some state officials say the potential settlement isn’t enough to make up for the effects of the opioid epidemic. Also on today’s show: what to expect when you’re expecting a(nother) debate, and Meghan Markle’s back from maternity leave. 

California lawmakers are making moves to reform how businesses treat their gig economy workers. Election season is underway, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a tough reelection campaign. Lucky for Canada, election season is only six weeks long. Also on today’s show: 18 years after the 9/11 attacks, teachers continue to wrestle with how to teach students about a pivotal event that happened before they were born. PS – We’re hosting an event at Skimm HQ on Friday featuring New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. They won a Pulitzer for reporting on allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein. If you’re in town, join us by RSVPing here. If you can’t make it, call and leave us a voicemail with a question to ask Kantor and Twohey at 646-461-6370.

White House National Security Advisor John Bolton is turning on his ‘out of office’ – for good. President Trump tweeted that he fired Bolton, while Bolton says that he quit. We’ll break down the foreign policy drama that’s led up to today’s news. Meanwhile, voters in North Carolina’s 9th congressional district are experiencing major déjà vu today. They went back to the polls after election officials called for a 'do-over' of the 2018 congressional race. Also on today’s show: Apple’s latest effort to separate you from $1,450. If you have a few extra minutes, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please take our survey.