
Apple News Today
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.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 15min
Are democratic checks and balances breaking down?
Ankush Khardori, an insightful attorney and former federal prosecutor, dives deep into the concerning decline of democratic checks and balances in America. He discusses the troubling tension between the judiciary and executive branches, and how political leaders' reactions to court rulings may threaten democracy. The chat also touches on the alarming rise of deportations without due process and the erosion of congressional authority. Lastly, Khardori reflects on Trump's executive order regarding the Department of Education and the historic election of Kirstie Coventry as head of the International Olympic Committee.

4 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 14min
The family mourning America’s first measles death in a decade
A tragic measles outbreak in Texas leads to the first death in a decade, prompting a discussion on the dangers of vaccine skepticism. A heartbroken father shares his personal loss, underscoring the urgent need for higher immunization rates. In political news, the White House’s unexpected involvement in TikTok’s potential sale reveals a complex dance between government and corporate interests. March Madness excitement is palpable, with standout players and fierce competition on the horizon. The latest roundup also covers legal battles, economic updates, and the rise of H-Mart.

Mar 19, 2025 • 14min
Their mission was eight days. They ended up in space for nine months.
Two astronauts returned after a remarkable nine-month mission in space, facing challenges like thruster failures. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in Ukraine and Gaza as missile strikes continue. Legislative changes in Florida provoke a debate on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in universities, affecting campus culture and free speech. Legal controversies arise with significant Supreme Court remarks and a ruling regarding Elon Musk. Plus, expert tips for mastering your March Madness brackets are shared, emphasizing a fun approach to selections.

Mar 18, 2025 • 16min
Trump says he’s not defying court orders. A judge says otherwise.
Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement early Tuesday after a wave of military strikes in Gaza killed more than 400 people, Palestinian authorities said.A federal judge pressed Justice Department officials to explain why flights carrying Venezuelan migrants were allowed to land in El Salvador despite a ruling he issued to turn the flights back. ABC News reports that the judge was skeptical of the administration’s argument justifying its action. The Wall Street Journal’s Shelby Holliday joins to explain what’s happened with Trump’s plan to temporarily house migrants at Guantánamo Bay.Eric Umansky of ProPublica examines a secretive NYPD unit and how it earned the support of New York City’s mayor.Plus, a Houston-area midwife was arrested for allegedly performing illegal abortions, the astronauts stuck in space for nine months are on their way back to Earth, and how real-life companies named “Lumon” are responding to the hit show Severance.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Mar 17, 2025 • 13min
Why immigration agents detained tourists and green-card holders
The U.S. apprehended and deported valid visa and green-card holders over the past few months. Newsweek reports that among them was a doctor from Brown University’s medical school. Business Insider says the administration’s hardline immigration policy and trade war are scaring away tourists.
Trump invoked a wartime law to deport hundreds of migrants allegedly affiliated with a Venezuelan gang over the weekend. NBC News reports that a judge blocked the law’s use, but not before the deportations had already taken place.
The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn explains how the congressional spending bill could have broad impacts on Washington, D.C.
Plus, deadly weather claimed the lives of dozens of people across the country, the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Houthi rebels, and the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament brackets are set.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Mar 14, 2025 • 14min
The key Democrats forming a resistance to Trump
On today’s show: David Weigel of Semafor joins to talk about the various responses to the Trump administration from Democrats and those forming an early opposition to his moves.
Plus, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer changes his position and backs the GOP’s funding bill, Trump’s effort to ban birthright citizenship makes it to the Supreme Court, and Donatella Versace steps down.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Mar 13, 2025 • 15min
Protests, arson, trade-ins: inside the Tesla backlash
In recent weeks, there's been rising consumer backlash against Tesla. The Wall Street Journal’s Becky Peterson explains how Elon Musk's role in Trump's government is impacting his businesses.The Washington Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan examines Trump’s relationship with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.A judge says Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in a Louisiana immigration jail for now. There's been widespread condemnation of his arrest by human rights lawyers and first amendment experts, but Democrats in Congress haven't fully rallied around his case.Plus, The White House withdraws its nomination of anti-vaccine activist Dave Weldon for director of the CDC, why a congressional hearing came to an abrupt end over gender identity, and the surprising outcome of Greenland’s election.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

6 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 15min
Amid the tariff frenzy, what are Trump’s actual goals?
Dive into the complexities of Trump's tariff strategies and their real economic impacts. Discover how the Department of Education investigates antisemitism on college campuses amidst campus protests. Reflect on the 2019 measles outbreak and the crucial lessons learned in community responses and vaccine trust. Stay updated on important legislative actions to prevent a government shutdown, the latest in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, and new safety recommendations following a recent plane crash.

Mar 11, 2025 • 15min
How Trump’s obsession with Canada has changed its politics
On today’s show: Immigration authorities arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate who led demonstrations on campus. NBC News reports on how Trump has promised that it’s the first of many such arrests to come.
Amanda Coletta, Canada correspondent for the Washington Post, explains how Trump’s actions have affected politics in the country.
Justine Calma, science reporter with The Verge, joins to discuss the impact of cuts at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Plus, the Supreme Court will hear a case challenging a ban on “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ minors, U.S. fentanyl death rates are dropping, and relief may be at hand for sufferers of long COVID who lost their sense of smell.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Mar 10, 2025 • 13min
Why RFK Jr. wants to ban Trump’s favorite drink
On today’s show: House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a stopgap spending bill to avoid a partial government shutdown scheduled for Friday. NBC News reports that Trump is on board but that it’s unclear if Republicans have the votes to pass the bill in either chamber.
Sanne Wass, a reporter in Denmark for Bloomberg, joins to discuss how Trump’s comments about taking over Greenland have shaken up the territory’s upcoming elections.
The Wall Street Journal’s Kristina Peterson explains the push to eliminate soda from SNAP benefits.
Plus, the measles outbreak in Texas gets worse, violence in Syria has killed more than 1,300 in just a few days, and Canada’s Liberal Party chooses Trudeau’s successor.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.
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