

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

6 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 14min
Trump froze federal spending. Confusion and disarray followed.
A federal spending freeze has thrown the government into chaos, raising legal and social concerns. Public trust in health institutions remains shaky, impacting vaccine rates and upcoming confirmations. The rise of AI company DeepSeek is causing ripples in the financial world. Meanwhile, essential services face uncertainty, and the iconic Mona Lisa is set to move within the Louvre as renovations take place. Plus, festive Lunar New Year celebrations hint at what the Year of the Snake might hold.

6 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 14min
What Trump’s early actions mean for public health
This discussion delves into the fallout from the Trump administration's public health policies, revealing deep concerns about national and global health standards. It also highlights the distress faced by returning Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian crises and political tensions. The anxiety among immigrant families in New York City escalates due to fears of deportation and school safety. Additionally, a Chinese AI company's disruptive influence and the increasing adoption of four-day workweeks in the U.K. add intriguing layers to the conversation.

7 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 15min
Who Trump has already fired
The discussion delves into Trump's sweeping changes in the federal government, including controversial federal immigration raids. It also tackles urban planning challenges in LA due to wildfires, raising questions on housing and safety. Colombia’s sudden policy shift on deported migrants is highlighted, while updates from Gaza provide context on current global tensions. And sports fans will get a preview of the exciting Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles!

7 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 14min
Trump campaigned on law and order. Then came the pardons.
The discussion kicks off with Trump's controversial pardons connected to the January 6 Capitol riot, raising questions about their historical implications. Wildfires in Los Angeles lead to a deep dive into price gouging by landlords, igniting community outrage. TikTok faces uncertainty as it grapples with national security concerns and potential bans. Transition trends in social media are highlighted, alongside nods to the Academy Awards and the Super Bowl matchup, stirring interest in AI's influence in film.

Jan 23, 2025 • 14min
Why Republicans are at odds over how to pass Trump's agenda
A high-stakes clash brews within the Republican Party over Trump’s agenda, with immigration policies at the forefront. The ACLU grapples with its past actions during a turbulent political climate. Amid wildfires, there's a debate about whether to hold award ceremonies, juxtaposing economic interests with empathy. Tensions rise at the Australian Open as media and players clash, highlighted by disrespectful comments aimed at athletes. Yet, a surviving mural emerges as a powerful symbol of hope amidst the devastation.

Jan 22, 2025 • 14min
Trump promised mass deportations. Cities are preparing.
Cities across the U.S. brace for looming immigration crackdowns, with advocates working hard to protect families. Meanwhile, Prince Harry scores a significant legal win against tabloids for their invasive practices, shedding light on the personal toll it takes. In Los Angeles, wildfires threaten efforts to combat homelessness, raising concerns about housing solutions. Controversial gestures from public figures stir debate, while Ichiro Suzuki's upcoming Hall of Fame induction celebrates Asian representation in baseball.

7 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 13min
Trump had a busy first day. Here’s what you missed.
Explore the whirlwind of Trump's first day in office, marked by a slew of executive orders aimed at reversing key policies. Delve into the controversial pardons related to the January 6th insurrection and shifts in immigration practices. Remember the impactful legacy of Cecile Richards, who championed reproductive rights with Planned Parenthood. Plus, consider the ethical dilemmas surrounding Trump's family’s crypto ventures and the implications for disaster recovery efforts. Also, witness Prince Harry's legal battle against the media empire of Rupert Murdoch.

14 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 16min
The state of America on Inauguration Day
The political climate shifts dramatically as Biden hands over power to Trump, with reflections on their legacies. The Israel-Hamas conflict sees a notable hostage release amidst ongoing negotiations. TikTok sidesteps a crisis just as severe weather warnings loom over the U.S. On MLK Day, a poignant message from Martin Luther King Jr.'s son resonates, urging unity. Comprehensive discussions cover immigration policies and economic strategies under the new administration, hinting at tumultuous times ahead.

5 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 14min
In Biden's final days, a flurry of last-minute moves.
Wildfires in California have dramatically affected the home insurance market, leaving many homeowners struggling for adequate coverage. The discussion dives into challenges posed by high home values and outdated policies. Meanwhile, the launch of a new women's basketball league aims to bridge gender pay gaps in sports. Exciting negotiations for better player salaries in the WNBA are also on the horizon. Additionally, insights into the intriguing series 'Severance' reveal its unique exploration of work-life separation and its impact on viewers.

Jan 16, 2025 • 14min
Biden exits with low public approval. Where did he go wrong?
The podcast dives into the precarious ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, revealing its fragile nature. It examines President Biden's farewell from the Oval Office amidst low approval ratings, unpacking the challenges that contributed to this decline, including economic struggles and immigration issues. Insights on America's gun violence epidemic highlight troubling trends and statistics. Finally, it discusses Starbucks’ new policy limiting gatherings in stores and the FDA's ban on a harmful food dye, stressing the importance of ingredient awareness.