

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

27 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 15min
Will the Supreme Court allow Trump to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell?
A looming Supreme Court case could challenge the independence of the Federal Reserve, raising concerns about economic stability. Immigrant families are reconsidering their futures, with some even opting for self-deportation amid shifting policies. The challenges against Google's monopoly are heating up, as legal battles unfold over its advertising practices. In a parallel discussion, parental rights in education are under scrutiny, while Earth Day brings a spotlight on renewable energy advancements and a weakening dollar.

20 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 16min
The pope’s legacy, plus a second Signal chat with war plans
Pope Francis has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of progressive change in the Vatican, including his focus on social issues. In a surprising twist, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly discussed sensitive military plans over Signal, revealing chaos in the Pentagon. The Supreme Court intervenes to halt deportations in Texas, while Google faces an antitrust case. The podcast also highlights a tragic military incident in Gaza and celebrates Bob Hall’s historic achievements in wheelchair racing at the Boston Marathon.

8 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 15min
The foreign leader helping Trump defy the Supreme Court
Vera Bergengruen, a national-security reporter at the Wall Street Journal, dives into the controversial leadership of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. She discusses Bukele's authoritarian crime policies and his strategies to reshape El Salvador's image in the U.S. The conversation highlights the troubling ties between Bukele and the Trump administration, especially regarding deportations and human rights implications. Bergengruen sheds light on how Bukele's extreme rhetoric resonates with a fearful public, raising important questions about democracy and ethics.

13 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 14min
What to know about RFK Jr.’s plan to research autism
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is focusing on autism research, stirring controversy with claims on environmental links that have caught the attention of anti-vaccine advocates. Democratic governors are strategizing how to navigate federal policies, critiquing the initiative's resource allocation. The podcast also discusses the challenges faced by former Marine Paul Whelan in reintegrating into society after his release from a Russian prison, the hurdles created by bureaucracy, and touches on significant political and environmental updates, including Paris's improved air quality.

25 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 15min
Why Harvard is leading the higher-ed fight against Trump
Tensions between universities and the Trump administration intensify, with Harvard defying demands while Columbia complies. Trade war repercussions with China strain global alliances, complicating diplomacy. The troubling case of a mistakenly deported individual highlights human rights issues in El Salvador. Additionally, looming cuts to public media funding threaten rural support, while a Columbia student faces arrest over protests. Meanwhile, California’s earthquake alert system proves vital as residents sense a quake seconds before it strikes.

13 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 14min
Trump is considering sending U.S. citizens to El Salvador
El Salvador's President refuses to help return a man wrongly deported to his country. Discussions heat up about potential Medicaid cuts amid rising maternal mortality rates in the U.S. Legal news includes Harvey Weinstein's retrial and contentious debates about the deportation of a Tufts University student. In sports, former NCAA champion Paige Bueckers is drafted first in the WNBA. Plus, the IRS extends tax deadlines for certain states, highlighting ongoing shifts in public policy.

5 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 14min
The legal fight that could reshape social media
A high-stakes antitrust trial against Meta has begun, questioning its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The clash between the FTC and Meta offers a glimpse into the future of social media regulation and competition. Meanwhile, alarming reports reveal that the Trump administration has misclassified numerous living immigrants as deceased. The impact of funding cuts on universities and agricultural research highlights broader systemic challenges. Current events, such as upcoming tariffs on electronics and violence in Gaza, add to the pressing global landscape.

19 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 15min
What is the market mayhem all for?
Shawn Donnan, a Senior writer for economics at Bloomberg News, dives deep into the chaos of recent market fluctuations fueled by President Trump's tariff policies. He provides insights into how these tariffs reshaped market dynamics and poses critical questions about the sustainability of economic gains. Additionally, Donnan discusses the challenges of reviving American manufacturing, contrasting policies of the Trump's and Biden’s administrations. He also touches on the legal rulings affecting deportation cases and their impacts on international artists.

9 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 14min
China hits back at U.S. tariffs
China pushes back against U.S. tariffs with strategic implications, especially regarding rare earth minerals. A new agreement allows the IRS and DHS to share taxpayer data, raising concerns for immigrants. International students face sudden visa revocations, particularly impacting those involved in pro-Palestinian activism. The chilling effects of targeted detentions on civil rights are highlighted, alongside funding cuts affecting climate research. Additionally, a historic milestone is celebrated, marking the 50th anniversary of Lee Elder's participation in the Masters.

10 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 15min
The infighting inside the White House over tariffs
Tensions rise in the White House over tariff policies, highlighting internal conflicts among advisors and backlash from figures like Elon Musk. A new deportation point system introduces critical errors affecting those seeking asylum, particularly unaccompanied minors. Legal representation is urgently needed for children in immigration courts, as illustrated by the plight of Itzel, a girl fleeing violence. Plus, the National Weather Service halts translations for alerts, and court rulings affect federal employment. A reminder about real ID deadlines rounds out the discussion.