The Trump admin has announced they’re sending a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Persian Gulf - saying Iran has threatened US troops in the Middle East. It’s been nearly a year since the US pulled out of the Iran Nuclear Treaty -- and the beef keeps getting bigger. So where does it go from here? Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee has “contempt” on the brain after Attorney General Bill Barr skipped their congressional hearing. We’ll explain why that’ll be a whole process. Also on today’s episode: Denver’s deciding how to feel about magic mushrooms and California’s basking with sharks.

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A UN report is warning that one species - us - is threatening a million other species with extinction. Today, we’ll explain why biodiversity matters for humanity and how we can mitigate the damage. Meanwhile: the US and China were supposed to be close to a trade deal - but there are some new hurdles. We’ll tell you how the trade war is impacting folks here. Also on today’s episode: NBA center Enes Kanter is breaking fast for the playoffs and the Royals are celebrating new Baby Sussex. 

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Florida’s governor is set to sign a bill telling counties and towns they can’t offer sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. We’ll explain ‘sanctuary cities’ -- and how Florida’s soon-to-be law lines up with the rest of the US. Meanwhile: there’s a new study out that scientists say could stop the spread of HIV. Also on today’s episode: a new jobs report that’ll make your wallet feel full, and fun horse facts when you go Eliza Doolittle this weekend. 

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 Venezuela still doesn’t know who’s in charge. We’ll talk about why the US was predicting a peaceful transition of power - and why now they’re keeping all the cards on the table. Then: the US wants Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to cross the pond. Today he said: rather not. We’ll explain how the extradition process works. And finally: it’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Hebrew, that’s Yom HaShoah. A Holocaust survivor -- and the relative of a Skimm HQ’r -- shares his story.

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Democrats on Capitol Hill had a lot of questions about the attorney general’s pen pal - Robert Mueller. South African elite runner Caster Semenya has been fighting against allegations that she has an unfair advantage because of her high testosterone levels. A court announced this morning that she lost that battle. Also on today’s show: who’s representing on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Infrastructure across the US needs a reboot. President Trump met with top Democrats to try to figure out how to make – and pay for – the fixes. In Venezuela, two people are still calling themselves prez. The US says it wants a “peaceful transition” - but today, things weren’t looking that peaceful. Also on today’s show: Sports Illustrated is making history in its swimsuit issue, and Japan is making history in the Imperial Palace.

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The White House confirmed that North Korea sent them a bill for American prisoner Otto Warmbier – to the tune of $2 million. But the White House says: they didn't actually pay it. Why hostage ransoms are so controversial. Meanwhile, Boeing execs finally faced their shareholders – to explain how the company’s going to bounce back from the 737 Max turbulence. Also on today’s show: a new group of women are saying #NoExcuses, and Burger King is giving you another excuse to go vegan.

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Top officials from around the world met in China today to hear more about their Belt and Road Initiative — a reboot of the Silk Road to improve global trade routes. Here in the US: President Trump was also talking to the NRA about international trade. Of firearms. That was good news for the gun lobbying group, which has been going through a rough spot. Also on today’s episode: a fishy beverage option at the London marathon, and a cheesy celebration for the new royal babe. 

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Former VP Joe Biden is (finally) in. He announced today he’s running for president in 2020 - as the 20th candidate to join the race. So who – and what – is he up against? In Russia, NK leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down to talk nukes. We’ll tell you what you need to know about their summit. Also on today’s episode: why there are crayons scattered around your office today.

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Thousands of Boy Scouts leaders and volunteers have been accused of sexually abusing children - in cases that go back decades. Lawyers are now just scrambling to rep survivors in lawsuits. What’s changed: states have been expanding statute of limitations laws for child sex abuse. We’ll tell you what you need to know. Meanwhile, the feds are hitting a pharma co and two former execs with drug trafficking charges. They’re the first federal charges issued in the opioid epidemic. Also on today’s episode: news you’ll want to be standing up for, and the cast of “The Avengers” would like to thank… China. 

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