

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

18 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 30min
Samin Nosrat doesn’t love Thanksgiving food. Here’s what she says will improve it.
Samin Nosrat, the acclaimed chef and author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, dives into redefining cooking with her latest book, Good Things. She candidly shares how personal loss shaped her culinary journey and emphasizes that food should foster connection, not just consumption. Samin sparks creativity in the kitchen by urging listeners to add acid and texture to traditional holiday dishes, like her fried sage salsa verde. With tips on hosting and cultivating personal recipes, she encourages joy over stress in holiday cooking and gatherings.

9 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 12min
Trump reveals his plan for ending the war in Ukraine
In this engaging conversation, Alexander Ward, a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, delves into a new peace proposal for Ukraine that demands significant concessions from Kyiv. He discusses the potential diplomatic hurdles, especially from Europe. Meanwhile, Samin Nosrat, celebrated cook and author, shares her insights on enhancing Thanksgiving flavors, offering delicious tips like using fried sage salsa verde. Together, they tackle serious international issues alongside the art of culinary excellence.

25 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 15min
Why the fate of the U.S. economy could depend on this company
Greg Ip, chief economics commentator at the Wall Street Journal, dives into Nvidia's game-changing role in the U.S. economy, raising questions about AI's potential bubble. Jeremy Kohler from ProPublica discusses the Trump's administration's unconventional clemency practices, highlighting favoritism among presidential pardons. Hayes Gardner from Baltimore Banner shares gripping details of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, shedding light on the stranded crew still stuck in the U.S. This discussion hints at larger implications in technology, politics, and infrastructure.

25 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 14min
What happens now the Epstein files are being forced open
Lawmakers voted to release the Epstein files, revealing intense political dynamics and survivor advocacy for transparency. Meanwhile, President Trump opposes extending healthcare subsides, sparking urgent policy debates. Iran faces a grim water crisis, with experts highlighting the danger of 'water bankruptcy.' The podcast also touches on Trump deflecting queries about Jamal Khashoggi's murder and a court ruling against Texas’s gerrymandered map. Lastly, urban raccoons show signs of adaptation, hinting at early domestication.

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.


