Skimm This

The Supreme Court got back to work this week for a potentially historic term. The court’s reinforced conservative majority is expected to dish out big rulings on cases concerning abortion, immigration policy and maybe even Obamacare. We’ll break down how the court’s changed in recent years, the cases it’s planning to take on and how Chief Justice John Roberts could get roped into DC’s other big political drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turkey launched an attack on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria this week, bringing violence to a region where thousands of ISIS fighters are held in makeshift prisons. We’ll explain how the international community is reacting to the risk that those terrorists could escape. Meanwhile, climate activists are embracing new and diverse tactics to make their voices heard. We’ll look at the Extinction Rebellion’s disruptive tactics and a new climate lawsuit in Alaska. Also on today’s show: Americans’ average commute time is longer than ever, and Sesame Street teaches an important lesson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White House’s refusal to cooperate with an impeachment inquiry in the House of Representatives is setting the stage for a constitutional crisis. We’ll look at what a constitutional crisis actually means, and how Congress could respond here. Meanwhile, protests are going down in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. We’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the latest demonstrations. Also on today’s show: hundreds of thousands of Californians are finding themselves in the dark, and the inventors of the lithium battery get their 15 minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US government is taking names. The Commerce Department says its adding 28 Chinese companies to a trade blacklist. We’ll connect the dots on what this has to do with reported human rights violations in China, and what it could mean for the ongoing US-China trade war. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is back on the bench. The Supremes heard two big cases today that could affect millions of LGBTQ-plus workers across the country. Also on today’s show: millennials want to talk about mental health at work, and the latest Nobel Prize award is out of this world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats and Republicans are speaking out against the surprising pullback of US troops from northern Syria, saying the Kurdish forces that helped defeat the Islamic State could be at risk. We’ll explain the pushback Trump’s big move is facing on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile: efforts to keep President Trump’s tax returns a secret hit a legal snag on Monday. We’ll survey the pressure he’s under to make the documents public. Also on today’s show: Millennial investment habits and how the secret life of red blood cells could offer clues about treating cancer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The former US special envoy to Ukraine has handed over some of his texts as evidence in the House’s impeachment inquiry into President Trump. And now Trump is pulling China into the action, too. Meanwhile, protests in Hong Kong got kicked up a notch. The region’s leader invoked an old law to ban people from wearing masks while protesting. Turns out: there’s history here. Also on today’s show: Haiti’s president is facing some heat, and a dinosaur makes a surprise appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge just gave a boost to supervised injection sites, saying a clinic in Philadelphia doesn’t violate drug laws. Activists say the ruling could mark a turning point in the fight to reduce drug overdoses. Meanwhile, Swiss cheese and French wine just got dragged into a US-EU trade spat that’s actually about … airplanes. We’ll connect the dots. Also on today’s show: we’ll break down the rough year for IPOs, and how one adventurous eagle is documenting glacial melt in the Alps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Democrats are ratcheting up the impeachment inquiry. And now, all eyes are on the State Department, which is trying very hard not to get involved in the Democrats’ investigation. Meanwhile, Boeing is back in hot water after a whistleblower complaint alleges some rifts in the company’s culture when it comes to safety. Also on today’s show: algae’s new party trick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today marked 70 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the country threw a huge birthday party for itself. China’s economic and military rise is impressive, but there are some storm clouds on the horizon, too. We’ll put it all in perspective. Meanwhile: another phone call between President Trump and a foreign leader is under scrutiny. Also on today’s show: the IMF gets a new boss, and why ‘Planet 9’ may not be a planet at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four years after the European migrant crisis reached its peak, European leaders are being called on to once again to address a situation that’s never fully been fixed. Meanwhile, Montana Governor and democratic presidential candidate Steve Bullock wants to set up public financing for his campaign -- but the agency that needs to sign off on it is kinda busy right now. Also on the show: why economists say it could be a great time to buy a home, and our raison d'être. PS: Where do you like to listen to our show? When do you listen? Tell us what you think about Skimm This by leaving a voicemail at (646) 461-6370. You could hear your voice on our show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protesters tried to mobilize across Egypt today for a second week of anti-government demonstrations. But security forces were out in force after days of making arrests. We’ll explain why President el-Sisi is coming under fire. Meanwhile, it was supposed to be the UN’s big week, but the General Assembly meetings got buried under news of drama in DC. We’ll bring you up to speed. Also on the show: the US is cutting back its refugee admissions program, and Prince Harry walks in his mother’s footsteps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The mysterious whistleblower complaint everyone’s talking about...is finally public. So: we got lots of new details. And lawmakers in Congress had lots of questions – especially about why it took so long to see the complaint. Meanwhile, we could be one step closer to figuring out who will govern Israel after last week’s do-over election. Also on today’s show: income inequality is at a new high, and one Skimm’r who’s making her finances work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the phone call heard ‘round the world: the White House released what it says is a rough transcript of President Trump’s controversial chat with the president of Ukraine. But not everyone is saying ‘case closed.’ In fact, some are saying ‘case wide open.’ Meanwhile: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave her blessing to an impeachment inquiry. We’ll explain what that means IRL. Also on today’s show: a big-name e-cigarette company has a new leader, and McDonald’s has a new way to say ‘you’re hired.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The UN General Assembly kicked into high gear today and President Trump urged world leaders to take a page out of his ‘America First’ playbook. UN chief Antonio Guterres had a slightly different idea of how to tackle global problems. We’ll compare and contrast. Meanwhile: the UK’s top court has thrown a wrench in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s political agenda, saying his move to shut down Parliament in the final weeks before Brexit was unlawful. Also on today’s show: it’s National Voter Registration Day, and step aside Atlantis – there’s a new lost continent in town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s only Monday, but President Trump probably can’t wait for the weekend. A mysterious whistleblower complaint is still dominating the headlines, reportedly for a phone call he had with the President of Ukraine. But Trump would prefer people talk about Ukraine … and former VP Joe Biden. We’ll explain what this is all about. Meanwhile, a bunch of countries got together at the United Nations for a special summit on climate. They talked a strong game about going greener, but was it enough? Also on today’s show: millennials share their concerns about retirement, and a royal family outing in South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world was gripped by massive student-led climate strikes today. Some say the demonstrations were the largest climate protest in history. We’ll let you know what strikers want and what they’ll be watching for at a big UN climate summit on Monday. Meanwhile: Taiwan’s friend group got a bit smaller this week, as it loses support from two of its traditional backers in the Pacific. Also on today’s show: a quick update on Israel’s election, and the truth about Japanese whisky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A whistleblower is sending Washington into a tizzy today. The House Intelligence Committee is demanding information about a complaint that reportedly has to do with President Trump. Meanwhile: an actor’s arrest is making waves in Russia. And other actors are staging protests. Also on today’s show: a big Chinese tech company is launching a new smartphone model in the middle of a trade war, and the Washington Monument is making it easier to make it to the top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump Administration is unveiling new immigration courts that look a little different than what you might expect. They’re actually tents and shipping containers built right near the US-Mexico border as a part of a big new immigration policy. We’ll explain. Also: the Fed slashed interest rates for just the second time since the Great Recession today, heeding a request by President Trump. Also on today’s show: Greta Thunberg turns the tables in DC, and the dictionary gets nonbinary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Autoworkers across the country are joining the picket line in a strike against General Motors. They say the company needs to give them better wages and benefits. Meanwhile, President Trump’s former campaign manager was on Capitol Hill today for the first official impeachment hearing. Also on today’s show: Indonesia is making a big change to its child marriage laws, and an American is making waves across the pond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israelis might be feeling a little déjà vu: they’re heading back to the polls tomorrow to vote for parliament for the second time this year. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has put a lot of issues in play, from the annexation of West Bank settlements to mandatory military service. Meanwhile, half of Saudi Arabia’s oil production was cut off after drones reportedly attacked the country’s largest oil plant on Saturday. Global oil markets are feeling the heat as the plant tries to get up and running again. Also on today’s show: we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and we share some weird science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The top ten Democrats in the presidential primary faced off last night for their third debate, and three big ideas emerged from their conversation on gun control. We’ll break them down for you. Meanwhile, the Bahamas is still recovering from Hurricane Dorian, and now they’re preparing for a new potential storm. Also on today’s show: two reporters whose work helped kickstart the #MeToo movement, and why some people aren’t saying ‘TGIF’ today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House Judiciary Committee formalized its process for potentially impeaching President Trump. Everyone on Capitol Hill has something to say about it. We’ll tell you what’s new here. Meanwhile, the makers of Oxycontin say they’ve reached a tentative settlement with states and local governments across the country, to avoid going to court. But some state officials say the potential settlement isn’t enough to make up for the effects of the opioid epidemic. Also on today’s show: what to expect when you’re expecting a(nother) debate, and Meghan Markle’s back from maternity leave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California lawmakers are making moves to reform how businesses treat their gig economy workers. Election season is underway, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a tough reelection campaign. Lucky for Canada, election season is only six weeks long. Also on today’s show: 18 years after the 9/11 attacks, teachers continue to wrestle with how to teach students about a pivotal event that happened before they were born. PS – We’re hosting an event at Skimm HQ on Friday featuring New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. They won a Pulitzer for reporting on allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein. If you’re in town, join us by RSVPing here. If you can’t make it, call and leave us a voicemail with a question to ask Kantor and Twohey at 646-461-6370. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White House National Security Advisor John Bolton is turning on his ‘out of office’ – for good. President Trump tweeted that he fired Bolton, while Bolton says that he quit. We’ll break down the foreign policy drama that’s led up to today’s news. Meanwhile, voters in North Carolina’s 9th congressional district are experiencing major déjà vu today. They went back to the polls after election officials called for a 'do-over' of the 2018 congressional race. Also on today’s show: Apple’s latest effort to separate you from $1,450. If you have a few extra minutes, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please take our survey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress is back to work after summer vacation. One big issue lawmakers could tackle? Gun control. It’s been a couple of decades since the last meaningful gun reform was passed, but some lawmakers think it’s time to dive back into the issue after a series of mass shootings last month. Meanwhile: state attorneys general in 48 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, are launching investigations into Google’s advertising practices. Also on today’s show: Bahamians evacuating after Hurricane Dorian face issues getting to the US, and ‘covfefe’ gets the Wall Street treatment. PS - GV (formerly Google Ventures) is a minority investor in theSkimm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump Administration wants to spin off Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as private companies. We’ve got the A to Z on Fannie and Freddie and what these proposed changes could mean for you, especially if you’re house shopping or hope to be one day. Meanwhile: Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the US today, after wreaking havoc in the Bahamas. If you want to help relief efforts, you can make a donation to one of these organizations. Also on today’s show: Republican officials in four states may cancel their presidential primaries, and can Facebook be trusted to keep your ‘secret crush’ secret? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s almost the end of the week, and deadlines are looming – in Iran. They’re giving major players in Europe until tomorrow to help them out financially before they stop complying with more parts of the 2015 Nuclear Deal. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential hopefuls spent seven straight hours yesterday talking about climate change. We’ll break down where candidates actually differed. Also on today’s show: fantasy football water cooler conversations are about to start back up again, and artificial intelligence is going wild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Blimey’ isn’t the only British phrase being thrown around in the UK today. All kinds of parliamentary phrases have been flying as the debate over how-to-Brexit heats up. Today, members of Parliament voted to avoid a no-deal Brexit, and against holding snap elections. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s leader is hoping to cool down protests. She formally withdrew controversial legislation today, but some protesters still aren’t happy. Also on today’s show: a potential new member of Congress, and a new record for a tennis legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US and Taliban negotiators are reportedly closing in on a deal that lead to a drawdown of US troops in Afghanistan. The deal could be a way to help the US end the longest war in its history, but some worry it could put Afghanistan on a path back to Taliban control. We’ll break down what we know about the deal so far. Meanwhile, the latest round of US tariffs have just kicked in against Chinese products – and these tariffs could hit your wallet. Also on today’s show: another app wants your face, and a new cruise is testing just how much time you want to spend with your friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Automation and artificial intelligence are supposed to make jobs easier, but sometimes they can take away jobs altogether. This Labor Day weekend, we’re taking a look at the current and future impact of AI on American jobs. Then: the Hong Kong government has arrested protest leaders ahead of a large demonstration planned for this weekend. We’ll explain how the government is changing its tactics. Also on today’s show: Florida is bracing for impact as Hurricane Dorian approaches, and 250 pigs on the run in Vermont. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today President Trump announced the lift-off of a new part of the military: the United States Space Command. We’ll explain what it might look like, and what its role could be. Then: this summer, 22 states have reported cases of people suffering from respiratory illnesses after vaping. We’ll look into what doctors are saying, and why the e-cigarette industry is under pressure. Also on today’s show: Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro takes steps to prevent more fires in the Amazon, and NASA’s chief thinks Pluto should be considered a planet again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked the Queen to suspend parliament, and she said she would. We’ll explain why this is a controversial move, and what this has to do with Brexit. Then: Hurricane Dorian is threatening Puerto Rico, and could continue to Florida this weekend. We’ll look at how Puerto Rico and the federal government are preparing. Also on today’s show: the Democrats might actually be able to fit all their presidential debate candidates on one stage, and Greta Thunberg sails into New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnson & Johnson was hit with a $572 million penalty for its role in fueling the opioid crisis in Oklahoma. The drug company says it will appeal. We’ll discuss how the judgment was reached, and how it could affect similar cases throughout the country. Then: Jeffrey Epstein’s victims were given a day in court in Manhattan, as prosecutors asked the judge to formally drop the charges against him following his suicide. Also on the show: women’s rights advocates scored a victory in Bangladesh, and scientists make a last ditch effort to save the northern white rhino from extinction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

G7 leaders are heading home after their latest summit in France. We’ll take a look at three of the big issues they tried to tackle, and what to expect next. Then: former US Rep. Joe Walsh is challenging President Trump in the 2020 Republican primary. We’ll Skimm his résumé for you. Also on today’s show: the 19th Amendment turns 99, and tennis legend Althea Gibson is honored with a statue at the US Open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As fires continue to burn across the Amazon, Brazilan President Jair Bolsonaro has blamed NGOs for starting the fires and is picking fights with other countries for telling him how to do his job. We’ll give you the latest on the fires and how the international community is responding. Then: G7 leaders are holding their annual meeting this weekend in Biarritz. But the outlook at this beachside meeting isn’t sunny. Also on today’s show: Taylor Swift dropped her new album ‘Lover’ – and said she’s fighting for her music rights. Note: We mistakenly said on this episode that São Paulo is the capital of Brazil. Brazil's capital is actually Brasilia. Skimm This regrets the error. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, South Korea said it will stop sharing military intelligence with Japan. We’ll look at the reasons why, and examine the possible fallout for the U.S. Then: Planned Parenthood pulled out of the Title X federal funding program, losing access to millions of dollars. We’ll discuss why it’s no longer getting the funding, and what it means for patients. Also on today’s show: cattle ranchers are burning huge swathes of the Amazon to make way for animals, and why our brains find round numbers so satisfying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The UK’s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson flew to Berlin this afternoon for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In a quick press conference, they listed a bunch of topics they wanted to cover, but the one everyone is obsessing over: is Brexit. Then: the Trump administration has announced a replacement rule for the Flores Settlement Agreement - which sets standards for how migrant children should be treated in detention. We’ll cover the reasons for the change, as well as critics’ concerns. Also on today’s show: why a bunch of 2020 hopefuls are heading to San Francisco, and why YouTube’s got issues with robot fighting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

France wants big tech firms to pay a 3 percent tax on profits they make in the country. We’ll explain why the companies are siding with President Trump to push back. Then: authorities in Texas reported a coordinated cyberattack on computer systems in 23 towns. We’ll tell you what we know – and why this is becoming a thing across the US. Also on the show: your warm-up for the new college football season, and scientists are turning apple peels into eco-friendly plastics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dueling protests by right-wing and anti-fascist groups in Portland, Oregon over the weekend are raising questions about the definition of domestic terrorism. We’ll break down what happened, and where the law currently stands. Then: Italy is refusing to take in over 100 migrants stuck on a rescue ship. We’ll look at the situation on the boat and in Italian politics. Also on today’s show: the UN is celebrating World Humanitarian Day and scientists have found evidence of a black hole swallowing a neutron star...900 million years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today North Korea called off peace talks with South Korea and launched its sixth missile test in a month. We’ll examine when and why diplomatic talks turned sour. Then: President Trump has reportedly been floating his most ambitious real estate purchase to date… all of Greenland. It’s put the island in the headlines, but we’ll tell you why we should actually be talking about Greenland. Also on today’s show: state officials are freaking out over election infrastructure, and super-deep diamonds could hold the clues to what Earth looked like billions of years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thousands of residents in Newark, NJ are grappling with a growing crisis over lead in drinking water. Officials are handing out bottled water instead - and trying to figure out how to fix the pipes. We’ll discuss why lead in drinking water has been a problem across the US, and what officials say should happen next. Then: Israel told Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib that they can’t come to the country. We’ll look at why, and how it might affect US-Israeli relations. Also on today’s show: a look back at the 1969 Woodstock music festival, and tracking Greta Thunberg as she sails across the Atlantic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration is changing immigration rules to make it more difficult for welfare recipients to obtain green cards. We’ll break down the new rules and the arguments being used to defend them. Then: New York is opening a one-year window for survivors of child sex abuse to bring civil lawsuits against their alleged abusers – no matter how long ago the abuse occured. We’ll look at the possible consequences for institutions linked to abuse. Also on today’s show: people are struggling to keep up with massive student loan debt, and amateur beekeepers are causing a buzz in Berlin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protesters and riot police clashed at Hong Kong’s International Airport today in ongoing demonstrations against the government. We’ll examine the background of the protests, and how the world is responding. Then: President Trump visited a cracker plant in Pennsylvania today. We’ll explain what cracker plants do, and why Trump was on site. Also on today’s show: scientists are one step closer to a chlamydia vaccine, and two gay penguins are hoping to make a family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey Epstein’s apparent suicide has left his accusers and the public demanding answers about why he was removed from suicide watch. We’ll explain why the federal facility that held him – and the Justice Department – are under scrutiny. Meanwhile, Russia keeps changing its story about a nuclear-powered rocket explosion that killed seven people last week. We’ll examine how Russia’s mysterious actions fit into a possible new arms race. Also on the show: the Trump administration is limiting protections for endangered species, and a new perfume claims to recreate the scent of Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a computer downloading footage or photos of you from the internet and using them to create a video of you saying something you’ve never said. Sounds more than a little sinister, right? It might not be a sci-fi thing of the future anymore, thanks to advances in deepfakes. On today’s episode, we take a deep dive into deepfakes – what they are, how they are made, and the headaches they can cause. We’ll look at why lawmakers are concerned about their possible effect on elections, but also how researchers are enlisting other computers in the fight to help us spot - and stop - these videos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The UN’s latest climate change report says the way we are using land is seriously damaging the planet. We dive into the main findings, what problems we are causing, and what we really need to change. Then, ICE agents arrested some 680 workers at food plants in Mississippi, saying they were not allowed to work in the US. We’ll look at what this means for the workers, their families, and the plants. Also on the show, presidential hopefuls are set to descend on the Iowa State Fair, and scientists are creating ‘Atomik’ vodka from rye grown around Chernobyl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump admin still has issues with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro -- and it’s using new sanctions to try to squeeze him out of office. Venezuela calls it “economic terrorism.” We’ll look at whether these sanctions could have their intended effect. Also: today President Trump visited survivors and first responders of the mass shootings in Dayton, OH and El Paso, TX. We’ll look at gun laws in both states. And finally: Monica Lewinsky is producing a TV show about a certain presidential impeachment, and how toilet paper is going eco-friendly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re still learning more about the two mass shootings that took place in Texas and Ohio over the weekend. Lawmakers are placing blame for these acts of violence on a bunch of things: from violent video games, to mental illness, to anti-immigrant hate speech. We’ll explain the arguments being made. Meanwhile: the US is calling China a ‘currency manipulator’. We’ll explain why China weakening its currency is getting people riled up and how it’s connected to the ongoing trade war. Finally, we wrap up with a few words from Toni Morrison – the groundbreaking African American author who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Her books and essays transformed her into an icon of American literature. We will miss her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend in the US, there were two deadly mass shootings: one in Texas, and one in Ohio. They were less than 13 hours apart, and at least 31 people were killed. From increasing background checks, to shutting down websites hosting white supremacist content, to making ‘domestic terrorism’ a federal crime, we’ll explain who is calling for what. Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan are running extremely high, after the Indian government announced a plan to revoke the ‘special status’ of the disputed – and until now, largely autonomous – border region of Kashmir. Also on today’s episode: anti-government protesters block the streets of Hong Kong, and Japan is going back to the future with flying cars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US officially pulled out of a historic Cold War arms control deal today. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty helped the US and Soviet Union reduce their nuclear stockpiles. But these days, President Trump wants to spend more on new weapons, and so does Russian President Vladimir Putin. We’ll explain why there’s no need to build a bunker just yet. The US has also just made its next move in its trade war with China, and China isn’t thrilled. Also on today’s episode: Saudi women are gaining a bit more freedom, and AI is changing happy hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices