Skimm This

After massive terror attacks in Sri Lanka killed nearly 300 people on Sunday, the gov there has blocked Facebook and other social media sites. Their goal: to prevent more sectarian violence. But does going dark on social media actually work? Meanwhile, in the US, the FBI arrested the leader of a vigilante group in New Mexico. Which has drawn a lot of attention to armed militias at the southern border. We’ll tell you what you need to know. Also on today’s episode: LA says ‘later, bruh’ to plastic straws, and other ideas on how to show the planet you care. Right in time for Earth Day.  

A young journalist was killed last night during a riot in Northern Ireland. Her death is highlighting tensions along the Irish border. And it comes on the anniversary of a decades-old agreement that’s now at risk. Because Brexit. Then - tomorrow is 4/20. And support for marijuana is at an all-time high. But not everyone’s stoked. Also on today’s show: a Seder with a guest list in the thousands, and a place where dancing is illegal for one night only.

The Mueller report is here. It’s long. It’s complicated. And some of it’s still secret. We’ve Skimm’d what we know so far, and we’ll tell you what to expect next. Meanwhile, North Korea is getting all fired up again. But they’re telling Trump - it’s not you, it’s him. Also on today’s episode: Facebook’s saying “sorry” for mining contacts, and Apple’s trying to give Mother Earth a hand.

The Justice Department is changing policies for asylum seekers waiting for immigration hearings. We’ll explain why fleeing persecution in one country...could mean being detained in another. In Colorado, a massive manhunt for a woman “infatuated” with the Columbine tragedy is over. We’ll tell you why lawmakers there believe new red flag laws could prevent tragedies. Also on today’s episode: why hair is setting off alarms at TSA, and how laser data could help rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

The measles virus is still spreading, and tight-knit communities are more vulnerable than others. We’ll explain why -- and tell you what’s being done to help. Also: Trump’s not the only GOP candidate in the 2020 race anymore. We’ll tell you why primary contenders can make things messy. Also on today’s episode: climate change protesters in London are getting arrested, and a new study explains why we’re all so distracted. Wait, what?

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris went up in flames today -- we’ll tell you what we know so far. In the US: 2020 presidential candidates are showing us their donation receipts. We’ll explain why the dollar signs are not all that matters. Also on today’s episode: SCOTUS hears a case about the brand that must not be named, and taxpayers are experiencing Instagram vs. reality: Tax Day edition.  

Georgetown students want to help make amends for history. They voted to add a little extra to their tuition to pay reparations to the descendants of Georgetown’s former slaves. President Trump is also trying to help people who have been underserved. By the Internet. He announced initiatives to expand 5G and help people in rural America. Also on today’s episode: how millennials are saving houseplants and how Game of Thrones is going to save our Sunday. 

There were a couple of big arrests today in London and Sudan. And both men could be leaving on a jet plane to face charges. The U.S. wants Wikileaks founder Julian Assange stateside to face a conspiracy charge. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has an open invite to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and genocide. Also on today’s episode: Nipsey Hussle’s funeral in Los Angeles and signs of voting in India. 

President Trump flew to Texas today to visit the heart of the oil and gas industry, and he signed two controversial executive orders while he was there. They’re meant to make it easier to build oil and gas pipelines - which some states have not been happy about. Another thing not getting easier: taxes. Congress just banned the IRS from ever offering a free tax filing service. Also on today’s episode: a legend in the NBA is retiring and we finally get a peek at a black hole. 

Crazy high drug prices have gotten bipartisan attention lately. Back in February, drug companies pointed fingers at Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Today, five PBM execs were on Capitol Hill and pointed the finger back. Attorney General William Barr was on the Hill, too, getting grilled about the Mueller Report. Also on today’s episode: a duchess’ tax dilemma and a marathon on ice.

Israel is getting ready to head to the polls, and Prime Minister Netanyahu is giving voters one more thing to think about: the West Bank. The region at the center of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. NBD. In the US, more shake-ups in the Trump Administration. DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and her Secret Service Director are out. There are a lot of questions about Nielsen’s replacement. Also on today’s episode: why more defense might make for a March Madness dud, and huge pythons in Florida caught by a honey pot.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the US are heating up. Congress voted to end US military support for the kingdom’s proxy war in Yemen after the Saudi-American journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated last year. Putting President Trump in an awkward spot. In other diplomatic tension, Julian Assange may have overstayed his welcome at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Packing his bags could land him in jail. And in the US. Also on today’s episode: a Final Four Cinderella story and rude cats. 

President Trump has gotten a lot of heat for keeping his tax returns under lock and key. Now, Dems are cutting out the middle man and asking the IRS to show them the receipts. But why are the president’s tax returns such a big deal? In other money news, the Dept of Education has been cutting down on who’s eligible for a public student loan forgiveness program. Also on today’s episode: science wants you to take a walk and chill, and Airbnb’s inviting you to a sleepover at Mona Lisa’s house.

Human rights groups all over the world are calling out Brunei for harsh new laws. People caught participating in gay sex could now be stoned to death. So we’re breaking down Sharia law and how it’s interpreted across the Muslim world. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is visiting Capitol Hill. Just in time for NATO’s bday. But don’t expect a big party. Also on today’s episode: people are seeing red over taxes, and a spy in Mar-a-Lago’s saying ‘sorry about that, Chief.’ 

 India is headed to the polls soon. Social media there has turned into a mess of fake news. Sounds familiar. Facebook is trying to avoid a repeat of the 2016 U.S. elections. But that’s harder than it sounds. Meanwhile, the US Senate can’t agree on a budget for Puerto Rico relief funding. Also on today’s episode: it’s Equal Pay Day (but not for everyone), and Chicago gets ready to make history.