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President Trump’s defense lawyers have wrapped up opening arguments. We’ll break down the case they made, and what’s next for the Senate impeachment trial. Meanwhile, the White House has finally unveiled its plan for peace in the Middle East. But a key player to the deal wasn’t part of it, so TBD on whether the plan will work out. Also on today’s show: a new mobile app to track votes at the Iowa caucuses has security experts concerned.

President Trump’s defense team is launching into day two of their opening arguments at the Senate impeachment trial. But leaked excerpts from former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s upcoming book are adding more pressure on senators to consider calling new witnesses. Meanwhile, Trump hosted two back-to-back meetings with Israel’s top two political rivals today. We’ll explain what this has to do with peace in the Middle East. Also on today’s show: the latest updates on coronavirus, and a thing to know when doing your taxes and growing your family.

House Democrats are wrapping up three days of opening arguments in the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump. Before Trump’s defense lawyers take the mic on Saturday, we’ll take a look at how Democrats laid out the case, and whether it changed anyone’s minds. Then, President Trump became the first sitting president to speak at the March for Life rally today in DC. We’ll explain why his timing is everything. Also on today’s show: how drama over the head of the Recording Academy is overshadowing the biggest night in music.

China is turning to massive quarantines to stop the spread of coronavirus. Now, millions are impacted as transportation comes to a halt ahead of the Lunar New Year. We’ll explain why some experts say quarantines don’t always work as intended. Then, a UN court has ordered Myanmar to take steps to protect its persecuted Rohingya Muslim population. That demand couldn’t have come on a more timely day. Also on today’s show: Delta Airlines shares its profits with employees, and how to get ‘Tinder Verified.’ Here’s a link to our December show on the Myanmar case at the International Court of Justice.

Hundreds of people have been infected by a virus that originated in China. Now, a case has been diagnosed in the US, too. We’ll explain what the coronavirus is and how officials are handling it. Meanwhile, the impeachment trial is back in session, so expect some long nights ahead. We’ll look into how the first day of oral arguments by the House Managers kicked off. Also on today’s show: how life updates can impact your taxes, and a pro-tip on career negotiations.

The world’s biggest movers and shakers are packing up their skis and heading to a place called Davos in the Swiss Alps. That’s right: it’s time for the annual World Economic Forum. We’ll explain what that is and why it’s a big deal. Meanwhile, the Senate spent the day laying out the rules of President Trump’s impeachment trial. We’ll look into what a trial looks like on Capitol Hill. Also on today’s show: why the New York Times’ 2020 endorsement is making headlines. If you have a few extra minutes, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please take our survey.

All eyes are on the Senate in the run up to next week’s impeachment trial. But new rules could make it difficult, or even impossible, to keep up with what’s going on. We’ll tell you why. Then, we’ll dive into your inbox to help explain all those privacy policy emails you’ve probably been receiving. Also on today’s show: the story behind China’s falling birth rate, and Michigan’s place in the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.  If you have a few extra minutes, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please take our survey.

Something new started today: the impeachment trial of the President of the United States. We’ll explain how a one-man media circus gave the start of the trial a run for its money. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin just watered down the powers of his own office. Or, did he? We'll break down why Putin might be up to one of his oldest tricks. Also on today’s show: we look at women who work, and rewind a century to relive a ‘Dry January’ that ended up lasting 13 years.

The “i” word is back in the headlines after the House of Representatives sent articles of impeachment to the Senate today. Did Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to hit ‘pause’ on impeachment for almost a month pay off? We’ll dive in. Meanwhile, the US and China signed  a “phase one” trade deal today. Whether it’s enough to settle the trade drama is a whole nother story. Also on today’s show: an unmissable debate moment, and career advice from Kate Upton.

One month after a deadly shooting in Florida, the Justice Department is still trying to figure out what happened. But there’s one thing standing in the way of investigators: Apple. We’ll explain why the government and big tech are fighting over data privacy. Meanwhile, tonight is the last democratic debate before the first voters head to the polls. We’ll break down what will and won’t be on stage. Also on today’s show: the WNBA makes money moves, and a record-breaking rapper.

Iran is suddenly on the defensive, facing critics inside and outside the country after it admitted to shooting down a passenger plane last week. We’ll explain how Iran is dealing with widespread protests and how the plane accident could impact the country’s diplomatic standing. Meanwhile, the Australian government is also on the defensive over its climate policies as wildfires continue to rage down under. Also on today’s show: a royal summit, and the big (corporate) winner from today’s Oscar nominations. PS: if you want to help the Aussie fire relief efforts, here’s the link we mentioned in the show.

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 new gadgets, and the (maybe) first humans on Mars. PS: if you want to help the earthquake relief efforts, here’s the link we mentioned in the show.

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. 

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 were important in the first place. Also on today’s show: tips on how to ask for a pay raise, and a check-up with RBG.

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 headlines for his unlikely escape from Japan. Also on today’s show: a big royal announcement, and a former ambassador’s advice about negotiating with your boss...even if your boss is the President of the United States.