
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

25 snips
May 8, 2025 • 15min
People are noticing “recession signs” everywhere. What does the data say?
Discover the latest signs pointing to a potential recession, with economists struggling to interpret mixed economic data. Dive into the Vatican's financial turmoil as it grapples with its deficits and the complexities of reform. Explore the controversial ban on fluoride in Utah and Florida's drinking water and its implications for public health. Plus, hear about intriguing developments in U.S. intelligence regarding Greenland and the innovative use of AI in courtrooms, along with cardinals' cinematic insights into papal elections.

28 snips
May 7, 2025 • 13min
The 90 seconds that shook air-traffic controllers
A critical 90-second communication failure at Newark Airport highlights the importance of effective air traffic control. Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan as military strikes raise global concerns. Meanwhile, the intricate and secretive process of electing a new pope begins, revealing fascinating traditions like the use of smoke signals. Also discussed are recent Supreme Court rulings affecting transgender military service and discussions between Canadian and U.S. leaders, along with updates on travel ID regulations.

32 snips
May 6, 2025 • 15min
How RFK Jr. has overhauled U.S. health care
A health reporter uncovers troubling cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting their impact on public health and vulnerable communities. Tensions rise as Israel escalates military operations in Gaza, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis. The looming threat of tariffs on international film production causes unrest in Hollywood, with many fearing job losses. Finally, the podcast touches on the latest Pulitzer Prize winners and travel updates, including looming deadlines for Real ID requirements.

15 snips
May 5, 2025 • 15min
The reason Americans aren’t having more babies
The trial of Sean Combs opens with serious federal charges, spotlighting his principled defense attorney, Brian Steele. Warren Buffett announces his step down as CEO, reflecting on economic challenges and his legacy as an investor. Meanwhile, the Trump administration faces scrutiny over policies impacting family expansion amidst a push for a baby boom. From thwarted bomb threats at a Lady Gaga concert in Brazil to the cultural significance of Black dandyism at the Met Gala, this discussion captures critical current events and their broader implications.

22 snips
May 2, 2025 • 14min
How Democrats are trying to win back voters
The podcast dives into the Democratic Party's strategies to regain voter support amid the turbulent political landscape. It discusses internal debates over aggressive versus passive tactics in response to Trump. Generative AI's role in creating non-consensual deepfake porn is also a hot topic, highlighting significant societal implications. Additionally, it addresses recent judicial decisions affecting immigration and global press freedom. The conversation is timely and sheds light on the complexities of modern political challenges.

10 snips
May 1, 2025 • 15min
Why Nike is a cautionary tale when it comes to tariffs
Kamala Harris makes waves with her first speech after leaving the White House, directly addressing Trump. The discussion dives into Trump's tariff strategy and its economic fallout, despite looming recession. The complexities of automating shoe manufacturing are explored, highlighting Nike's challenges. Additionally, the podcast examines Republican divisions over Medicaid cuts alongside looming budget bills, while also touching on the impact of recent political events in Michigan and Mississippi. The need for greater female political representation is also a key theme.

26 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.

18 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.

26 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.

12 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.