

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
Jul 29, 2025 • 14min
Inside the IRS’s plans to share highly confidential taxpayer data with ICE
The IRS is considering a controversial plan to share taxpayer data with ICE, raising serious privacy concerns. Economic updates suggest significant effects from Trump’s tariffs on inflation and consumer confidence. Investigative reports reveal a troubling history of forced labor in Brazil associated with a major corporation. Additionally, recent tragedies include a shooting in Manhattan and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alongside new legislative efforts in mental health awareness. Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing issues.

24 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 14min
What millions of student-loan borrowers need to know this week
Israel has paused military operations in Gaza, raising hopes for humanitarian aid amid alarming conditions for children. The discussion also sheds light on the complex challenges of aid distribution and accusations against Hamas regarding aid mismanagement. Meanwhile, borrowers face new federal student loan repayment options as interest begins to accrue. The podcast also touches on the troubling accounts of Venezuelan deportees and explores various news stories including recent violence and music trends.

21 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 15min
What the numbers reveal about Trump’s mass-deportation plan
The podcast explores Trump's ambitious immigration plans, revealing a disconnect between rising arrests and actual deportations amid legal hurdles. Elizabeth Bruenig discusses the troubling rise in U.S. executions, advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. It also highlights shifting European attitudes towards air conditioning as extreme heat intensifies. Additionally, it touches on France's groundbreaking recognition of the Palestinian state and innovative shark tracking methods, all while addressing urgent global issues.

11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 15min
Three new developments in the Epstein saga to know about
Explore the implications of Trump's name surfacing in the Epstein files as Congress ramps up its investigation. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans are looking to reshape electoral maps to gain an advantage in the upcoming midterms. The podcast also discusses a Los Angeles hospital withdrawing crucial healthcare options for transgender youth amid federal pressure. Legal updates include a high-profile murder sentencing and rulings on citizenship rights, highlighting the intersection of politics, health, and social justice.

30 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 14min
The unspoken threat in Trump’s Wall Street Journal lawsuit
Donald Trump has made headlines by suing the Wall Street Journal for libel, marking an unprecedented move for a sitting president. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens amid ongoing military actions, raising concerns for civilian safety. A tragic Air India plane crash investigation reveals shocking cockpit dynamics and potential mishaps. Additionally, Barack Obama counters Trump's treason claims, and there are intriguing revelations about our planet's mysteriously shortening summers.

13 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 14min
They wrote Project 2025. Now they’re dictating some U.S. policy.
Explore the intertwining of Project 2025 with Trump's policies and how it shapes U.S. conservativism. Legal battles unfold over Harvard's funding in the face of accusations of anti-Semitism. The deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles reveals rising boredom among soldiers amid protests. A courtroom drama highlights complex tensions over education, rights, and societal norms. Plus, trending discussions on rising beef prices and the odds of having a baby boy or girl add a lighter touch to the serious themes.

30 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 14min
Six months in, how do Americans grade Trump?
Americans largely disapprove of Trump's deportation policies, raising questions about his support among his base. The new GOP tax-and-spending bill cuts Medicaid and SNAP spending, leaving states worried about the financial repercussions. A new investment account for kids, introduced in the same bill, is analyzed for its potential benefits. Current events include a call for peace after tragic violence in Gaza, WNBA players advocating for fair compensation, and fascinating research suggesting a link between Amish lifestyles and lower allergy rates.

21 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 15min
Why some of Trump’s big Supreme Court wins remain a mystery
The House has approved a controversial cut of $8 billion in foreign aid, raising eyebrows over the lack of evidence for claims of waste. The Supreme Court is delivering unexplained wins for Trump, leaving many baffled by their decision-making process. Immigration policies are under scrutiny as the administration pushes for faster deportations, complicating the legal landscape for detainees. Meanwhile, The Late Show announces its end, prompting reflections on its legacy and the changing media landscape.

20 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 13min
From Elmo to emergency alerts: The impact of public media cuts
Tensions rise as Trump wavers on firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, exploring the legal landscape of presidential power over the Fed. PBS faces potential funding cuts, raising alarms about the future of local media. The challenges Los Angeles faces in rebuilding after devastating fires are highlighted, shedding light on broader community resilience issues. Trump’s controversial comments on the Epstein files and significant developments in IVF technology that could prevent disease are also discussed, offering a mix of political and scientific intrigue.

9 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 14min
Why Congress might claw back money it already approved
A severe flood warning led to a chaotic evacuation effort at a Texas girls' camp, drawing attention to systemic failures. The Trump administration's lack of transparency on federal spending has left Congress in the dark, impacting crucial funding. Advancements in women's health discussions are addressing the management of pain during IUD insertions, marking a shift in medical perspectives. The podcast also touches on military troop reductions in L.A., a theft involving Beyoncé's music, and an auction of Martian rock, blending serious news with entertainment.


