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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

35 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 15min
DOGE set out to save trillions. Here are the results.
A look at the first 100 days of DOGE. Wired’s Makena Kelly has the details.
Israel has prevented almost all aid from reaching Gaza for close to two months. This week, the International Court of Justice began to weigh in. The Washington Post reports. Reuters also finds that community kitchens in Gaza may close due to dwindling supplies.
The Trump administration’s deportations and detainments have left families shattered. Time looks at some of the more prominent cases.
Plus, Trump scales back auto tariffs, a detained Columbia University student speaks, and Bob Ross gets his own museum exhibition.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

27 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 14min
How voters feel about Trump’s first 100 days
Voters share their mixed feelings about Trump's second term, highlighting concerns over trade and healthcare. Economic turbulence sees a downturn in the stock market while businesses grapple with uncertainty. The Supreme Court hears a pivotal case on public funding for religious schools, sparking debate over church and state. Meanwhile, the DOJ faces a wave of lawyer departures, and a massive power outage disrupts Spain and Portugal's grid. Exciting discussions also touch on intriguing claims about non-speaking individuals with autism.

35 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 15min
How public opinion has shifted in Trump’s first 100 days
CNN's Harry Enten dives into why public opinion of Trump shifted quickly after an initial honeymoon. Immigrant enforcement actions spark debates, highlighted by a judge's controversial arrest. As Canadians head to the polls, the political stakes are examined amid significant public disapproval of Trump's policies. The impact of economic issues like inflation on voter sentiment is scrutinized, alongside international incidents including a meeting with Zelensky and a tragic event at a Filipino festival in Vancouver.

18 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 15min
An alarm bell for American democracy
In a recent pulse-check on the health of our democracy by Bright Line Watch, hundreds of scholars warned that the U.S. is heading swiftly toward authoritarianism. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor of history at New York University who specializes in the subject, explains how we got here.
Plus, setbacks for Trump in court, pregnant people in states with abortion bans are almost twice as likely to die during pregnancy or soon after giving birth, and the hidden costs of being polite to a chatbot.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

20 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 15min
Their travel generates billions for the U.S. They’re rethinking their plans.
The decline in international tourism to the U.S. poses significant economic challenges, fueled by political tensions and strict immigration policies. Pope Francis demonstrates resilience as he continues to support Palestinian Christians amid crises. An investigation into a sports-gambling scheme reveals troubling incidents of game manipulation involving NBA players. Additionally, insights on U.S. diplomatic tensions over Crimea and concerns about wealth disparity highlight ongoing economic issues affecting the nation.

31 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 14min
Why it’s time to delete yourself from the internet
Exploring the growing anxiety around digital privacy, the podcast discusses the urgent need to delete personal data from the internet to guard against identity theft. Educators face new challenges amid evolving government policies on diversity and inclusion. Current events, including a letter from a college president and a measles outbreak, highlight ongoing societal concerns. Practical tips for shrinking your digital footprint are provided, alongside insights into navigating the complex landscape of online safety.

35 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.

30 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.

12 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.

19 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.


