

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

10 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 13min
What the government shutdown could mean for your next flight
Flight delays are on the rise as air-traffic controllers call in sick during the government shutdown. The Supreme Court is considering a challenge to conversion therapy bans, possibly reshaping national law. There's controversy brewing over the FDA's approval of a generic abortion pill, stirring backlash from anti-abortion advocates. Meanwhile, an off-the-grid scientist discovered he won a Nobel Prize while hiking. Denmark plans to limit social media access for kids, sparking discussions on child safety and online platforms.

9 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 15min
Why the Gaza ceasefire talks feel different this time around
Ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel have raised hopes but remain fraught with challenges. The impact of the government shutdown on FEMA has left communities vulnerable, igniting discussions about local recovery efforts. A new Medicare pilot leveraging AI promises to streamline prior authorization, but concerns linger about potential delays in patient care. Additional topics explore the CDC's updated vaccine guidelines, a harrowing blizzard on Mount Everest trapping hikers, and intriguing research on falling techniques to enhance longevity.

9 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 15min
How the fight over Trump’s use of federal troops just escalated
The podcast dives into the controversial deployment of federal troops in Chicago, attracting strong reactions from local officials. It explores the Supreme Court's new term, where significant cases may redefine presidential power. The ongoing government shutdown is causing crucial Medicare services to be cut, impacting many seniors. Internationally, mediators are meeting over Trump’s peace deal with Hamas, while Japan is on the brink of electing its first female prime minister. Archaeologists make an exciting discovery in Milan, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's historic sketches.

10 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 29min
Schools blocked ChatGPT. Now they embrace it. What changed?
Vauhini Vara, a contributing writer for Bloomberg Businessweek, explores the rapid shift in U.S. schools from blocking to embracing AI tools. She discusses the pressures that drove this change and compares the current AI rollout to earlier educational technologies. Vara highlights innovative uses in classrooms, like lesson planning and feedback, while cautioning about potential harms, such as student privacy issues. Emphasizing the need for teaching AI literacy, she also questions the implications of industry ties in education.

7 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 15min
How a deadly attack unfolded on Yom Kippur
A tragic vehicle attack at a Manchester synagogue leaves at least two dead, raising alarms about rising anti-Semitism in the UK. The podcast explores how the Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid disrupted critical medical supply chains, leading to delays in delivering essential treatments. In a lighter segment, schools are shifting from AI skepticism to active chatbot implementation, sparking debates about educational benefits and potential biases. Additionally, the community response to a church shooting and Taylor Swift's impact on artists reclaiming their music rights are highlighted.

16 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 15min
While the shutdown is temporary, Trump is eyeing permanent changes
The government shutdown enters Day 2, with no funding agreement in sight. Legal action against ICE heats up following violent encounters, as citizens seek accountability. In sports, Kawhi Leonard faces scrutiny over a questionable endorsement deal potentially sidestepping salary cap rules. Additionally, Israeli forces intercept aid headed to Gaza, and a mysterious two-day internet blackout grips Afghanistan. The podcast also honors the legacy of Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work in primatology changed the scientific landscape.

21 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 15min
Government shutdown officially begins. What to know.
A government shutdown is underway following Congress's failure to reach a spending agreement. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's unusual meeting with military leaders stirs up political tensions and critiques of military culture. Major cuts to federal public media funding loom, threatening the future of broadcasting. Additionally, breakthroughs in fertility research have scientists turning skin cells into human eggs, while legal battles unfold for international students facing ICE. Stay tuned for more intriguing updates!

9 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 14min
Behind Trump’s winning streak at the Supreme Court
A proposed peace plan for Gaza by Trump and Netanyahu faces major challenges. Experts discuss how the Supreme Court's recent decisions have bolstered the Trump administration. Exciting news emerges about the launch of a new women’s baseball league, highlighting its appeal and upcoming tryouts. Meanwhile, a looming government shutdown raises political tensions, while an enormous buyout in the gaming world stirs financial discussions. Lastly, Fat Bear Week captures attention with its quirky competition celebrating conservation.

11 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 14min
The shutdown deadline is looming. Here’s what could happen.
As Congress inches closer to a government shutdown, potential mass firings in federal agencies loom large. Health experts clarify misconceptions about rising autism diagnoses following a controversial announcement. Meanwhile, New York's Mayor Adams has dropped his reelection bid, and Oregon is taking legal action against troop deployment. Plus, the Ryder Cup sees Team Europe best the U.S. in an intense showdown. Dive into the latest hot topics shaping today's news!

36 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 27min
What we get wrong about political violence in the U.S.
In this engaging discussion, Sean Westwood, an associate professor at Dartmouth College and director of the Polarization Research Lab, dives into the nuances of political violence in the U.S. He clarifies what constitutes political violence and discusses how the rarity of such events is often overshadowed by media attention. Westwood reveals that most Americans reject violence, citing polls showing less than 3% support for partisan murder. He emphasizes the role of inflammatory voices in distorting perceptions and suggests tangible actions for individuals and media to lower political tensions.