

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

20 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 15min
Why Trump is rolling out the red carpet for the Saudi crown prince
Matthew Martin, Saudi Arabia bureau chief for Semafor, dives into President Trump's upcoming meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He discusses the implications for U.S.-Saudi relations, focusing on potential defense deals and the Crown Prince's efforts to rebuild his international image post-Khashoggi. Martin also sheds light on Saudi Arabia's strategic use of Israel normalization as leverage for Palestinian concessions. Additional insights on FEMA's leadership crisis and the Louvre heist reveal vulnerabilities in securing cultural artifacts.

33 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 14min
Inside Marjorie Taylor Greene’s spectacular fallout with Trump
Tensions bubble between Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as his support for releasing Epstein files strains their relationship. Meanwhile, Pope Leo’s criticism of U.S. immigration policies influences bishops to stand against mass deportation. Silicon Valley startups spark ethical debates with their ambitions in reproductive genetics, pushing boundaries in embryo editing. In other news, Charlotte faces ICE arrests amid local fears, and Tehran braces for potential evacuations due to severe water shortages.

10 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 34min
She documents war’s darkest truths — then returns home to her family
Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario shares her gripping experiences capturing conflict from Iraq to Ukraine. She discusses her emotional approach to photography, emphasizing vulnerability to depict frontline journalism's realities. Addario opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her high-risk career and the impact of her work on real-world change, particularly regarding maternal health. Her insights reveal the complexity of being an empathetic journalist while navigating life at home with her family.

12 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 13min
The swipe-fee settlement that could spell trouble for your rewards card
A potential settlement between Visa and Mastercard may lead merchants to stop accepting popular rewards cards, causing a stir among consumers. The government shutdown has created significant economic data gaps, leaving employers and policymakers in the dark. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario shares harrowing experiences from her career, including how her impactful images of the Ukraine conflict changed global perspectives. Plus, a rundown of recent news highlights, including an ICE detention ruling and a hotel bankruptcy.

30 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 15min
Trump is named in new Epstein emails. What happens next?
Exciting developments unfold in Washington as Trump’s name surfaces in Epstein emails, sparking political turmoil. Latino voters begin shifting back to Democrats, prompting discussions on economic policies and deportation enforcement. In a surprising twist, tariffs threaten the availability of Italian pasta, causing industry concerns and fierce political backlash from Italy. Additionally, a report highlights troubling abuses in El Salvador's prisons, while stunning auroras light up the skies across unexpected regions. South Korea temporarily halts daily life for its grueling college entrance exams.

16 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 14min
The shutdown is nearly over. The fight over health care isn’t.
Government reopens, but the health care battle continues as ACA subsidies are left out of the deal. World leaders gather at COP30 with no U.S. officials present, which may undermine global climate efforts. Canada loses its measles-elimination status due to an outbreak, highlighting a concerning trend in vaccination rates. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald Ford is deployed near the Caribbean targeting drug trafficking. In sports, fallout from a controversial NBA trade leads to a major leadership shakeup, while Bob Ross paintings help support public television funding.

12 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 14min
Why flight cancellations could drag on long after the shutdown ends
Lori Aratani, a national transportation reporter for The Washington Post, shares insights on the ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry after a government shutdown. She highlights a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, which could delay recovery efforts. Aratani also discusses the logistical hurdles airlines face in restoring schedules, as well as the impact of pay and morale issues among controllers. Additionally, she touches on the rise in car-loan delinquencies and the evolving landscape of the repossession industry, showcasing its human costs.

22 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 15min
How senators finally came to a deal that could end the shutdown
A rare Sunday Senate session leads to a potential end to the government shutdown, driven by pressure on senators from various fronts. Heavy investments in AI data centers are reshaping small towns like Umatilla, fostering economic growth but also rising housing costs. A shocking incident of street harassment against Mexico's president sparks national outrage and a debate on gender violence. Plus, Trump’s recent pardons, a scandal in MLB, and the surprising end of the 207-year-old Farmer's Almanac add to the mix.

16 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 25min
The hidden dangers of being pregnant in America
Journalist Irin Carmon, author of 'Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America,' discusses the shocking maternal mortality rate in the U.S. and the preventable nature of most deaths. She highlights systemic failures in maternal healthcare that treat pregnant individuals as less than human and the disparity Black women face in medical settings. Irin contrasts the care quality between midwives and hospitals, sharing harrowing stories of women like Maggie and Christine to underscore the urgent need for reform and advocacy.

24 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 14min
Nancy Pelosi’s legacy after nearly four decades in Congress
Nancy Pelosi's retirement after nearly four decades prompts a reflection on her groundbreaking role in politics. The discussion highlights her legislative successes, including the Affordable Care Act and banking reforms. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's controversial support for U.S. military strikes sparks debate about regional impact. A blackout of ESPN on YouTubeTV raises concerns for sports fans, while Tesla shareholders approve a staggering pay package for Elon Musk. Last but not least, a security breach in the Louvre heist garners attention for its alarming simplicity.


