

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

Oct 3, 2024 • 13min
The dark truth about China’s adoption program
Elizabeth Findell, a Wall Street Journal reporter, discusses the competitive dynamics between the Harris and Trump campaigns over working-class voters in Nevada. Barbara Demick, from the New Yorker, addresses the significant implications of China's decision to end its international adoption program, highlighting issues of abuse, trafficking, and the struggles of adoptees with their identities. The conversation intertwines political shifts with profound human rights concerns, offering a compelling view on current events shaping both local and global landscapes.

Oct 2, 2024 • 15min
The big takeaways from the vice-presidential debate
JD Vance and Tim Walz, two vice-presidential candidates, engage in a lively discussion about their recent debate. They dive into critical topics like abortion, where differing perspectives emerge, and the candidates share personal experiences related to gun control amid mass shootings. Gideon Resnick offers insights on how the debate's tone of cordiality contrasts with pressing global issues, such as escalating tensions in the Middle East. The trio also touches on the impact of current events, including legal troubles faced by a celebrity and the devastating effects of climate change.

Oct 1, 2024 • 14min
Helene is gone, but North Carolina’s nightmare isn’t over
Devastation looms in North Carolina as crews rush to restore power after Hurricane Helene's wrath. The challenges of reconnecting families amid chaos underscore the storm's impact on local communities. As the 2024 vice-presidential candidates strategize for a heated debate, tensions rise over military records and voter sentiments. Meanwhile, pivotal stories unfold globally, from conflict in Lebanon to dockworkers' strikes and reflections on Pete Rose's Hall of Fame woes, while celebrating Jimmy Carter's incredible longevity.

Sep 30, 2024 • 13min
Millions are in crisis after Hurricane Helene
Harold Daggett, a fiery union leader, discusses the looming strike that could shake the East Coast economy just before the elections. Meanwhile, Caroline Kitchener from the Washington Post dives into the challenges of post-Roe America, sharing a harrowing story of a woman facing life-threatening medical decisions due to restrictive abortion laws. The conversation highlights the dire consequences of these policies on healthcare access while touching on the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and the implications for local communities.

Sep 27, 2024 • 13min
New York City's mayor was indicted. What's next?
Gwynne Hogan, a reporter covering the criminal case against New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, discusses the serious allegations of bribery and fraud resulting from illegal campaign donations. The possible implications for local governance are explored. Joe Sexton, a journalist from the Marshall Project, sheds light on Florida's recent changes to death penalty laws after a jury spared the Parkland school shooter’s life, highlighting the debates around justice and the legal system. They also touch on the political turmoil surrounding immigration and its repercussions.

Sep 26, 2024 • 14min
Why a jury spared the Parkland school shooter’s life
Tony Briscoe from the Los Angeles Times, an expert on environmental issues, dives into California's lawsuit against Exxon Mobil. He reveals how the oil giant is accused of misleading the public about the recyclability of plastics, potentially deepening the plastic waste crisis. The conversation highlights the company's marketing practices and their broader implications for environmental accountability. Briscoe emphasizes the importance of truth in sustainability as public concern for plastic pollution grows.

Sep 25, 2024 • 15min
Beyond “freak offs”: a deeper look at the Diddy allegations
Cheyenne Roundtree, a journalist with insights into high-profile allegations, dives into the shocking accusations against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, exploring themes of power and abuse in the music industry. She reflects on how these allegations connect to broader issues of manipulation and trauma within the sector. Meanwhile, Gideon Resnick sheds light on stalled voting changes in Nebraska, discussing their implications for public trust in elections and political maneuvering. Together, they unpack vital stories impacting society today.

Sep 24, 2024 • 11min
How a GOP scandal could impact Trump
Danielle Battaglia, a Washington correspondent for News & Observer, and Benoît Morenne, a journalist at the Wall Street Journal, dive into the political fallout from a scandal involving a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. They discuss how this controversy could sway voter sentiment and impact Trump's campaign. The conversation also touches on the alarming lawsuit from an energy mogul against Greenpeace, and the shifting public perception of electric vehicles. Don't miss their insights on the turbulence ahead in both politics and environmental battles!

Sep 23, 2024 • 10min
Their bodies were sold for research. Families didn’t know.
Mike Hixenbaugh, an NBC News reporter known for his investigation into a Texas medical school leasing body parts, discusses alarming military escalations between Israel and Hezbollah. He delves into the troubling ethics of using unclaimed corpses for medical training without family consent. The conversation also touches on the implications of these actions and the impact they have on vulnerable families, shining a light on systemic failures in communication surrounding body donation practices.

Sep 20, 2024 • 11min
Overdose deaths are plummeting. Scientists aren’t sure why.
Emily Schultheis, a journalist specializing in election policies, discusses upcoming ballot measures like minimum-wage increases and marijuana legalization. Madeleine Baran highlights the U.S. military's troubling handling of war crimes, focusing on the Haditha Massacre and systemic issues in military justice. Additionally, recent data reveals a dramatic 10% drop in overdose deaths, igniting hope and discussions on the impact of addiction narratives. The conversation is a compelling mix of current events and deep dives into critical societal issues.