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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

Mar 7, 2025 • 12min
Speaker Johnson has a roommate — and he has a big agenda
On today’s show: Aaron Wiener of the Washington Post joins to discuss the confusion among federal workers as some returned to offices with canceled leases.
ProPublica’s Joshua Kaplan explains how an evangelical pastor and House Speaker Mike Johnson came to share a home in Washington, D.C.
Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins joins this week’s Apple News In Conversation to talk about a bitter succession drama in the Murdoch family.
Plus, Trump backs off certain tariffs, the first execution by firing squad in South Carolina is scheduled for tonight, and how daylight saving time impacts health.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

5 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 14min
The black-spatula debate changed our kitchens. Companies noticed.
Discover the implications of IRS staffing cuts on tax fraud detection, revealing potential revenue losses for the government. Explore a Supreme Court case on nuclear waste disposal and learn about the backlash against toxic black plastic kitchenware, prompting a shift to safer materials like stainless steel. As D.C. officials remove Black Lives Matter Plaza, the ethical debate around reviving woolly mammoths through genetic engineering sparks discussions about conservation priorities. A blend of politics, consumer health, and scientific ambition.

Mar 5, 2025 • 13min
Trump’s speech to Congress is met with cheers and protests
On today’s show: President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress last night, for the first time in his second term. In his speech he covered a wide range of topics as Republicans cheered and Democrats staged small protests. NBC News has the key takeaways.
Trump has said he wants Palestinians out of Gaza. NPR breaks down a plan proposed by Egypt to keep them there and rebuild.
Plus, Republicans are being advised not to hold in-person town-hall events after angry constituents confronted a number of GOP lawmakers, two American astronauts stuck in space are set to come home, and how warming temperatures and too little snow have changed this year’s Iditarod dog sled race.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Mar 4, 2025 • 15min
Trump’s tariffs are here. What you need to know.
On today’s show: Trump’s tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China went into effect Monday night, and China and Canada quickly retaliated. The Washington Post examines what it could all mean for the price of goods, and Bloomberg looks at the possible economic fallout in Mexico.
Ann Marimow from the Washington Post joins to discuss an unusual case before the Supreme Court today pitting Mexico against U.S. gun manufacturers.
The Wall Street Journal’s Tarini Parti explains how the push to increase immigration arrest numbers is ensnaring migrants without criminal records.
Plus, Trump halts all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, the man whose blood saved 2 million babies, and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James prepares to make more basketball history.

10 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 16min
How Musk built his empire off of government contracts
Europe is stepping up support for Ukraine following a heated Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, with new military and economic aid on the table. Elon Musk's ventures, while often critical of government funding, have profited significantly from taxpayer dollars. The Oscars showcased 'Anora' sweeping major awards, including an unexpected Best Actress win for Mikey Madison. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Israel suspends humanitarian aid to Gaza, prompting urgent calls to address the ongoing crisis.

5 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 14min
Why environmentalists are so worried about this lawsuit
Zelenskyy and Trump discuss a crucial mineral-sharing deal that could reshape U.S.-Ukraine relations. Meanwhile, Greenpeace faces a lawsuit that could threaten its advocacy mission, stirring concerns among environmentalists. In the realm of film, the Oscars approach with controversies over nominations, including the historic recognition of the first openly transgender nominee. Highlights also include the discovery of Gene Hackman's passing, a rare planetary alignment, and news about an all-female space crew led by Katy Perry.

5 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 14min
Yes, it’s safe to fly. So why have there been so many crashes?
Amid a recent spate of airplane incidents, an aviation safety expert reassures listeners that flying remains statistically safe, while examining staffing shortages and outdated systems. The podcast also dives into a significant Supreme Court case concerning reverse discrimination and shares chilling firsthand accounts from Guantanamo detainees regarding dismal treatment. Additionally, updates on a measles outbreak in Texas and government efforts to tackle rising egg prices due to bird flu offer a glimpse into a range of pressing contemporary issues.

6 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 14min
Inflation helped Trump win. Now it’s becoming a headache.
Republicans are grappling with a contentious budget framework amid deep divisions. Inflation is becoming a thorny issue for Trump as discontent grows among voters regarding rising prices. Families of trans children face uncertainty as the administration implements restrictive policies. Meanwhile, the fallout from Musk’s DOGE resignations adds to the turbulence of governmental changes and media access. With tensions rising, lawmakers are under pressure to prevent a government shutdown and address public concerns.

Feb 25, 2025 • 14min
Republicans feel the heat from voters over Trump and Musk’s cuts
Republican lawmakers are facing angry constituents at town halls, signaling a decline in support. Concerns arise over personnel cuts at the Pentagon and their potential impacts on national security. In Texas, a disturbing rise in maternal health issues linked to new abortion laws raises alarm. Amid international tensions, the U.S. votes against a U.N. resolution condemning Russia. Additionally, after a storm of controversy over tweets, a filmmaker decides to attend the Oscars, showcasing the ever-turbulent intersection of politics and culture.

6 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 14min
Musk’s latest email to federal employees sows more confusion
Elon Musk's recent email to federal employees stirred confusion, prompting pushback from several agencies. Meanwhile, the U.S. sees increased federal troop deployments at the border despite a drop in migrant crossings. In Germany, the conservative Democratic Union's election win hints at future leadership shifts, with the far-right gaining ground. The podcast also highlights tensions in the Middle East and a tragic plane accident, all while celebrating skier Mikaela Shiffrin's incredible 100th World Cup title with a female-led team.