Skimm This

Today, the Supremes dropped the mic on two big issues: partisan gerrymandering and a citizenship question on the census. These rulings really came down to the wire. But they weren’t a simple “yea” or “nay.” We’ll break down what they mean. Meanwhile, we’re halfway through the first 2020 Democratic primary debate. Last night’s candidates covered a lot issues (think: health care and immigration) and there was some daylight between them. But we still have ten more candidates to hear from tonight. We’ll tell you what to watch for. Also on today’s episode: the G20 summit is on, and a certain group of grannies is here for it.

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The first 2020 Democratic primary debate begins tonight in Miami. But don’t forget: this is a two-night event. Featuring a total of 20 candidates. Some you may have already heard of. Others could be trying to make a good first impression. We’ll tell you what to look out for. Meanwhile, former special counsel Robert Mueller is making a comeback. Because Congress. Mueller dropped the mic a few weeks ago and told the world that he’s tapping out. The House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees said ‘not so fast’ – and subpoenaed him to testify. Now he’s saying ‘fine, I’ll come.’ These hearings are going to be huge. We’ll explain why. Also on today’s episode: NYC’s dueling pride marches, and moon rocks are coming out of a time capsule.

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The Trump administration is sanctioning top Iranian officials, including Iran’s Supreme Leader. The US has been sanctioning Iran for a while already, to get them to change course on nukes – but do sanctions ever actually work? We’ll get into it. Meanwhile, writer E. Jean Carroll has accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her back in the mid ‘90s. Her allegation is getting a lot of attention – in part for how little attention it’s getting. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: things are (literally) heating up for 2020 democratic candidates in Miami, and why a certain superfood is so good for you, it’s bad.

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement was scheduled to target 2,000 families in raids across the country this weekend. But with hours to spare before the raids: President Trump called them off. For now. This is all happening amid renewed focus on conditions for migrants - especially kids - being housed at the border. We’ll break it down. Meanwhile, the US is giving peace in the Middle East another go with a two-day ‘economic workshop’ this week. But the Trump admin isn’t necessarily on everyone’s good side at the moment. We’ll explain why. Also on today’s episode: the USWNT is goals, and a new kind of ‘female Viagra.’

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President Trump says he approved military strikes on Iran planned for last night – but that he called them off with ten minutes to spare. This is the latest move in the rocky relationship between the US and Iran, and it has the world’s attention. We’ll explain the complexities here. Meanwhile, dozens of police officers in Philadelphia have been put on desk duty after a group uncovered public social media posts that were racist, Islamophobic, and misogynistic. But Philly isn’t the only city where police are under fire for this. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: puppy love at Amazon HQ, and your Hogwarts acceptance letter is finally en route.

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Today, China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un kicked off a two-day summit with the red-carpet treatment. This is the first time in almost 15 years that a Chinese leader has visited North Korea. And some are saying this is China playing mediator between North Korea and the US. We’ll explain why that’s a big deal. Meanwhile, it’s off to the races for the next UK prime minister. Meet your final two contestants: former UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and current Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. We’ll tell you what to expect going forward. Also on today’s episode: a new UN report says more people are displaced than ever before, and a new 21st century problem is a real pain in the neck. 

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Hundreds of people showed up to a House subcommittee hearing today on Capitol Hill. The topic? A bill that would create a commission to study slavery and whether reparations for African Americans are in order. We’ll explain the conversation happening around reparations. Meanwhile, a UN investigator has released a new report about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The report says there’s evidence that points to top officials in Saudi Arabia – including the crown prince. We’ll break down what’s new in the report. Also on today’s episode: Joy Harjo is the first Native American US Poet Laureate, and why Adidas may be feeling a little directionless.

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It’s only June, but Facebook’s ready for Libra season. The social media giant is about to roll out a new global cryptocurrency called Libra. We’ll explain why Facebook thinks you should turn your $ into ≋. Meanwhile, President Trump will officially announce his re-election campaign tonight at a rally in Orlando. Technically he’s been running ever since he took office in 2017. But there are some nitty-gritty rules sitting presidents are supposed to follow on the campaign trail. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: pride flags abound, and Boaty McBoatface is making waves. Again.

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The Iran Nuclear Deal is on the rocks. This is the deal Iran, the US and a bunch of major EU and other powers signed back in 2015 to prevent Iran from making a nuclear weapon. Now, Iran’s says it’s about to break one of the promises it made in that deal. We’ll tell you why this is important. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court laid down the law today. We’re breaking down two of the big decisions: double jeopardy and racial gerrymandering. One may impact President Trump’s former campaign chairman, and one is just the first chapter from SCOTUS on the subject. Also on today’s episode: 2020 presidential candidate Cory Booker chatted with theSkimm about a potential question on the upcoming census, and we reflect on the life of the late fashion icon Gloria Vanderbilt.

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There were explosions on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman this week. The US is pointing the finger at Iran, who’s saying ‘not us.’ These two countries have been going at it for a while – but the implications of this latest fight are global. We’ll break it down. Meanwhile, Michigan prosecutors are dropping criminal charges against officials accused of contributing to the Flint water crisis. But prosecutors say they’re still investigating. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: Dads. We asked you to call in and tell us about the fathers or father figures in your life. Hear what our listeners had to say.

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