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Days after a deadly plane crash in Iran, questions remain over what exactly happened. We’ll explain why major media outlets and western leaders are pointing to Iran. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico is still recovering from two huge earthquakes this week. We’ll look into how the devastation following Hurricane Maria two years ago is affecting the island’s recovery efforts. Also on today’s show: the buzziest...

First there was Brexit, now there’s Megxit. If you checked Instagram (or just the internet) this week, you probably saw the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are stepping back from their roles as senior royals. So, what does this actually mean? Can they do that? In this Skimm Special, we explain the decision that shocked the world.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

Members of Congress had a heated debate today over limiting President Trump’s ability to start a war with Iran. We’ll explain who holds the war-fighting cards in Washington and why Congress rarely raises its voice. Meanwhile, the White House is rolling back rules concerning environmental impact assessments for key infrastructure projects. We’ll dig into why President Richard Nixon thought they wer...

At times this week, it looked like the US and Iran were heading toward an all-out war. And those concerns only intensified last night after Iran attacked a pair of Iraqi military bases where US troops are stationed. We’ll explain the likelihood of war at this moment, or whether it’s possible the two foes will stand down. Meanwhile, we’ll explain why a a CEO-turned-fugitive in Lebanon is making hea...

The latest drama between the US and Iran is catching Iraq in the crossfire. After a deadly US drone strike in Iraq, Iraq’s parliament wants US troops out of the country. We’ll explain how America’s relations with key ally are suddenly at risk. Meanwhile, lawmakers are back at work in the US and the UK. We’ll break down how they plan to tackle two big agenda items – impeachment and Brexit. Also on...

The year is off to a rocky start for the US and Iran. Last week, the US killed a top Iranian general linked to attacks on hundreds of Americans. Now, Iran is threatening to retaliate. We’ll dive in. Meanwhile, it’s day one for the Harvey Weinstein trial in New York, more than two years after an explosive report detailed allegations of decades of sexual assault. We’ll explain why bringing him to ju...

Last year brought with it some big stories about change - stories that we’ll probably see more of in 2020. So before we ring in the new year, here are some of the major ‘sea change’ stories that were on our radar: the impeachment of the President of the United States, huge protests against climate change, and a wave of anti-government fervor around the globe. Editor's Note: this is a pre-recorded...

When the history books are written, we think a few names from 2019 will stand out. Greta Thunberg helped make climate change protests mainstream. Boris Johnson won a big election and pushed Brexit toward the finish line. Volodymyr Zelensky catapulted from comic actor to Ukrainian president, only to find himself embroiled in an American political drama. Carrie Lam became the target of mass pro-demo...

With New Year's resolutions right around the corner, we want to talk about money. If you’re looking to make a fresh start, knowledge is power. New year, new you, right? And what better place to start fresh than with your wallet. We’re going to take a look at the big economic stories of the past year – from a trade war to changing interest rates to employment data – and explain how they could affec...

We asked our listeners which 2019 story you still want explained. At the top of the list: Brexit. Totally fair. British voters chose to leave the European Union in 2016, but here we are three years later and … that still hasn’t happened. So we’re gonna get into why Brits wanted to Brexit in the first place, why that was easier said than done, and where the Brexit process currently stands. Learn mo...

Some election officials are making a list, checking it twice – and cutting hundreds of thousands of people from their voter registration rolls. We’ll explain why those moves are making people nervous ahead of the 2020 elections. Meanwhile, impeachment is heading to the Senate. Or is it? We’ll break down what’s holding up the process. Also on today’s show: another big Brexit vote, and a picture tha...

The future of Obamacare is limbo again, after a federal court struck down the individual mandate as unconstitutional. We’ll explain how this decision could impact you, and the future of health insurance in America. Meanwhile, tonight is the sixth Democratic primary debate. But the lineup on stage has some people wondering if the frontrunners reflect the diversity of voters. Also on today’s show: A...

Today the House of Representatives prepared to impeach a President of the United States for the third time in US history. The Constitution doesn’t exactly provide a ‘how-to’ guide for what happens next, but lawmakers in the Senate are already preparing for a trial. Meanwhile, a new study shows a dramatic rise in teen vaping, particularly when it comes to vaping marijuana. Also on today’s show: awa...

The House just passed a budget bill to fund the federal government through next September. The budget was only possible after lots of behind-the-scenes dealmakings, and the finished product includes some measures on election security and gun violence research that could have a big impact. Meanwhile, Boeing says it’s pushing ‘pause’ on production of its 737 Max aircraft. We’ll break down why this p...

The Trump administration reached two blockbuster trade deals last week – or so we thought. Turns out there are still some big question marks surrounding the future of the US-China trade war and the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Meanwhile, people across India are protesting a controversial new citizenship law. We’ll break down what the law says and why people are speaking out against it for very diff...

Today the House Judiciary Committee gave the go-ahead for a full House vote on impeachment, but the process was anything but tidy. Committee members were at each other's throats last night, and this morning’s committee vote was along strict party lines. We’ll explain what’s next in the process. Meanwhile, UK voters took a lot of the guesswork out of Brexit last night when they handed the ruling Co...

The World Trade Organization’s top court stopped functioning this week after the US blocked the appointment of new judges. That means major trade disputes may go unresolved. We’ll explain how that could give the US new weapons in its trade battle with China, but could also inject uncertainty into the global economy. Meanwhile, it turns out Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time: the House...

People on both sides of the aisle in DC might finally be on the same page about something: a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada. We’ll explain what you need to know. Meanwhile, President Trump announced he’s signing an executive order aimed at combating anti-Semitism that could affect how the US interprets Judaism. We’ll explain what this has to do with the Civil Rights Act. Also on today’s sho...

The government of Myanmar is in court this week over allegations of genocide, and the actions of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader is raising some eyebrows. We’ll explain why this case could have international implications. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House of Representatives have officially decided on two articles of impeachment against President Trump. We’ll break down what’s in the...

If you thought you were done hearing about Russian interference in the 2016 election – think again. The Justice Department Inspector General dropped a 476-page report today on the origin story of the probe. We’ll explain why his team decided to investigate the investigation. Meanwhile, Russia got a pretty big slap on the wrist today. We’ll explain how a history of doping scandals got Russia uninvi...

Health officials in the island nation of Samoa are fighting a deadly measles outbreak. We’ll explain why anti-vaxxers in Samoa and in the US could be complicating their efforts. Meanwhile, Uber just released a massive safety report on incidents that occurred during trips in the US. We’ll dig into the company’s latest efforts to make its service safer. Also on today’s show: Airbnb cracks down on pa...

A handful of states are passing laws to help victims of child sexual abuse seek justice. We’ll explain why one new law in New Jersey could end up helping victims across the country. Meanwhile, French workers took to the streets to protest a proposed change to the pension system. We’ll connect the dots between France’s recent history of protests and how this new one is playing out. Also on today’s...

The impeachment inquiry into President Trump jumped to a new House committee today, and it’s starting to feel a bit like law school. We’ll explain where the impeachment process stands and what’s still to come. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration wants hospitals and insurers to share their price lists for medical treatments, but hospitals aren’t having it. We’ll crunch the numbers on why hospitals...

President Trump is handing out tariffs left and right, and countries aren’t psyched about it. The latest target? French champagne, among other things. We’ll explain why tariffs have become the President’s economic weapon of choice. Meanwhile, the House Intelligence Committee has released its report on the impeachment inquiry. We’ll tell you what happens next. Also on today’s show: how to give back...

The UK is hosting a big NATO summit this week to celebrate the alliance’s 70th birthday. But budget fights and membership debates could kill the festive atmosphere. We’ll break down what to expect when the alliance gathers for tea in the English countryside. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a major case today that could shape the future of gun rights in America. Also on today’s...