

Apple News Today
Apple News
Join Shumita Basu every weekday morning as she guides you through some of the most fascinating stories in the news — and how the world’s best journalists are covering them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

21 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 15min
The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing is charged. What we’ve learned.
A suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk faces charges that could lead to the death penalty. Unemployment remains a pressing issue, with many people jobless for over half a year. Reports reveal toxic fumes are increasingly affecting airline cabins, sparking safety concerns. Additionally, a U.N. report alleges genocide by Israel, while ICE is accused of violating standards at a detention center. Fascinating discoveries of ancient mummies add a historical twist to the conversation.

10 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
The new GOP plan for D.C. crime: charging kids as adults
Legislation in D.C. proposes trying kids as adults, stirring debate amid falling crime rates. Kentucky introduces a groundbreaking custody law, sparking discussions on family dynamics and potential risks. The podcast also delves into an immigration case linked to alleged terrorism and critiques the legal system's handling of domestic violence. Highlights include a fascinating medical procedure called 'tooth-in surgery' that restores vision, plus a look at remarkable stories from a notable news app's tenth anniversary.

24 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 16min
What’s at stake in a crucial week for the Federal Reserve
This week, the Federal Reserve faces tough calls as inflation rises and political tensions soar. Insights emerge on the tragic influence of a conservative figure in the Republican Party and their evolving legacy. The ban on transgender troops gains attention, revealing heartbreaking personal stories of those discharged. Discussions of military policy intersect with human rights in the backdrop of the Gaza crisis. Meanwhile, a fascinating marine discovery captures interest, showcasing the unexpected wonders of nature.

30 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 15min
What to know about the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing
The tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk raises alarming concerns about political violence in the U.S., highlighting calls for stricter gun laws. A deep dive reveals the hidden dangers of phthalates, common chemicals linked to unwanted health outcomes, especially for pregnant individuals. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny's concerts in Puerto Rico spark a whopping $196 million in local economic activity, while his choice to skip the mainland U.S. shows emphasizes cultural connections. Additionally, Jair Bolsonaro faces conviction, U.S. mortgage rates hit a low, and the WNBA playoffs loom.

31 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 15min
How Charlie Kirk transformed the American conservative movement
The shocking shooting of a conservative figure in Utah sparks urgent discussions about safety at public events. Political leaders react swiftly, with a focus on the influence of rhetoric on violence. Tensions rise as Russian drones invade Polish airspace, prompting NATO's call for a unified response. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial health plan faces backlash, reflecting deep divides in political opinion. Plus, newly discovered signs of life on Mars add an intriguing twist to the day's events.

12 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
Child care is incredibly expensive. This state just made it free.
New Mexico is making headlines by becoming the first state to offer free universal childcare, potentially saving families around $12,000 annually. Meanwhile, Israel has launched air strikes on Hamas leaders, complicating peace talks. The podcast also delves into the rising trend of using beta blockers, initially meant for heart issues, as a solution for anxiety, while highlighting the risks involved. Additionally, protests in Nepal led to a prime minister's resignation, and challenges in the U.S. job market signal economic uncertainties.

10 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 15min
ICE is escalating operations in Chicago. What to know.
Federal authorities have ramped up immigration enforcement in Chicago, primarily targeting individuals with criminal records. A recent Supreme Court ruling allows their powers to expand, raising concerns about civil liberties. In Washington, D.C., Trump’s approach to law enforcement is criticized, especially regarding the unmet promises to the homeless. Meanwhile, rural hospitals are finding innovative ways to collaborate for better care, showcasing success stories that enhance patient efficiency. And in a lighter note, what does tossing baby puffins off a cliff have to do with conservation?

11 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 15min
Why ICE raided a company that invests billions in the U.S.
Massive ICE raids at a Hyundai plant in Georgia have sent shockwaves through U.S.-South Korea relations and raised concerns over job security. Economic reporters discuss the troubling state of the labor market, with rising unemployment despite a lack of layoffs, highlighting challenges for Black workers. Meanwhile, legal challenges against the Trump administration are making headway, as grassroots coalitions push back. The episode also touches on recent protests against federal actions and significant global events, like strikes in Ukraine.

12 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 15min
Was Trump’s strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat legal?
A recent military operation by U.S. warships raised questions about legality after killing 11 people in a suspected drug trafficking interception. Tensions flared during a Senate hearing on vaccine integrity, spotlighting political accountability. The Democratic Party is strategizing to regain voter trust ahead of the midterms while facing declining support. Tragedy struck in Portugal with a cable car disaster, and there's buzz around a new Federal Reserve board nomination and iconic memorabilia auctions, including Darth Vader's lightsaber.

8 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
RFK Jr. tore up vaccine policy. Now for a Senate showdown.
Vaccine policy is in flux as Florida eliminates mandates, sparking debate on public health. Victims of Jeffrey Epstein push for transparency in legal documents at a Capitol Hill press conference. Courts in D.C. are overwhelmed with rising cases linked to Trump's initiatives. A federal judge's ruling unfreezes funding for Harvard, while sports news highlights the NFL's upcoming season. Meanwhile, mysterious discussions continue between Xi and Putin.