Apple News Today

From Apple News In Conversation: The end of the year is a moment to reflect on the art and culture that stood out. Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu sat down with two culture critics — Sam Sanders, the host of The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, and Anne Helen Petersen, creator of the podcast and newsletter Culture Study — to break down their top releases. They talk about the music, film, and TV they loved most in 2025. Plus, our listeners share their own picks for this year’s can’t-miss shows and albums.

A deadly shooting at Brown University has led to the suspect's tragic demise, with links to a MIT professor's murder. Tensions rise as a Russian envoy heads to Miami for potential peace talks, while the EU backs substantial aid for Ukraine amidst looming threats. Meanwhile, Trump's ambitious use of executive orders sparks debate on governance and policy. Plus, discussions on renaming the Kennedy Center and notable cultural highlights from the past year add extra flair.

President Trump claims the economy has improved, but many Americans don't feel it. A push to free a convicted county clerk faces legal hurdles. A new statue of civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns replaces that of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in D.C. Four Republicans rebelled to push for a vote on ACA subsidies. NASA has finally confirmed a new administrator after a long wait, and the Oscars are set to stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029.

House Republican leadership faces internal strife over extending ACA subsidies, with moderates and conservatives struggling to find common ground. President Trump's ambiguous stance adds to the complexity. Meanwhile, the investigation into a tragic Bondi Beach shooting reveals disturbing ISIS symbols. In Rhode Island, frustration grows as police release images of a person of interest in the Brown University shooting, highlighting community safety concerns. Additionally, shifting trends show more people indulging in Christmas music for longer stretches.

The tragic news of film director Rob Reiner and his wife’s killings brings a spotlight to Reiner’s influential life as a political activist. A probe reveals alarming price discrepancies at dollar stores, affecting budget-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, the troubling case of pro-democracy leader Jimmy Lai highlights the diminishing freedom in Hong Kong. Plus, a JetBlue flight narrowly dodges disaster, and the heroic actions of a bystander during a beach attack are commemorated.

A shocking mass shooting at Bondi Beach, where a father and son killed at least 15, has left Australia's Jewish community reeling. Eyewitness accounts highlight acts of heroism amidst chaos. Meanwhile, high-stakes negotiations for peace in Ukraine are underway, with complex dynamics at play. Updates on a campus shooting at Brown University reveal tension and uncertainty. Plus, severe flooding in Washington prompts emergency responses, while sports and cultural updates include the surprise return of a veteran NFL quarterback and celebrations for Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday.

Michael Shearer, an investigative journalist known for his in-depth profiles, dives into the complexities of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s life. They discuss Kennedy's privileged yet troubled upbringing, his battle with addiction, and transformative recovery. Shearer explains how these experiences shaped Kennedy's controversial views on public health and vaccines. The conversation explores Kennedy's shift from environmental advocacy to challenging institutional norms and the implications of his role at HHS on national health policies.

Venezuela's opposition leader made a dramatic escape to Oslo just after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Detailed accounts reveal the covert operation that got Maria Corina Machado to safety and her plans for garnering international support. Meanwhile, the Senate grapples with a failure to prevent skyrocketing health insurance costs affecting millions. Additionally, explore Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial views shaped by personal tragedy, including his skepticism towards vaccines. In lighter news, Disney dives into the AI realm with a new licensing deal.

Bloomberg reporter Eric Martin sheds light on the dramatic U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, highlighting its implications for Nicolás Maduro's regime. He discusses the escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington and the congressional scrutiny that follows. The conversation also touches on Indiana's redistricting controversy, where GOP members are divided over Trump's demands, and Rachel Weiner explains why the Vision Zero initiative to curb pedestrian deaths has stumbled. A compelling mix of politics and public safety!

Nick Timiraos, Chief Economics Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, provides insight into internal divisions at the Federal Reserve as rate cuts loom. Justin Elliott, an investigative reporter at ProPublica, unpacks allegations against President Trump regarding mortgage claims and primary residences, noting the complexities involved. Meanwhile, Australia’s controversial social-media ban for teens sparks heated debate over safety versus freedom, while U.S. lawmakers look to similar restrictions amid a growing concern for youth online well-being.