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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

Nov 4, 2024 • 15min
The polls are as close as can be. The result might not be.
Gideon Resnick, a political analyst and colleague of Shumita Basu, dives into the latest polling trends ahead of the 2024 election. He reveals surprising insights from Iowa and discusses why both Trump and Harris might be closer to significant polling errors than we think. With the election becoming the most expensive in U.S. history, they explore the influence of PACs and the heightened security measures for Election Day. Plus, discover why voters are making pilgrimages to Susan B. Anthony's grave and tips for calming election-related anxiety.

Nov 1, 2024 • 13min
She needed care. A Texas abortion ban cost her her life.
A tragic story emerges from Texas, where a woman lost her life after being denied medical care due to strict abortion laws. Experts discuss the widening political divide in America and the implications for future elections. Arizona's upcoming election faces challenges as officials work to combat misinformation and ensure secure voting. Meanwhile, Young Thug's shifting plea adds drama to Georgia's longest-running criminal case. Plus, the impact of technology on marathon times leaves fans curious about the future of the sport.

Oct 31, 2024 • 14min
Why Virginia removed voters from rolls — including U.S. citizens
Donald Trump's potential return to power could significantly reshape America, prompting an emotional divide among his supporters. Recent Supreme Court rulings have allowed Virginia to purge voters from its rolls, including U.S. citizens, raising concerns about voter rights. Meanwhile, child care costs in the U.S. continue to rise, igniting discussions on community solutions. In other news, Spain is facing devastating flooding while U.S. hospitals experience a critical shortage of IV fluids following Hurricane Helene. Baseball fans celebrate the Dodgers' World Series victory, adding to the mix of current events.

Oct 30, 2024 • 14min
Young people are voting in droves. Their priorities may surprise you.
Evan Osnos, a seasoned staff writer for The New Yorker, joins to discuss the shifting landscape of political priorities among young voters. He delves into their key concerns, such as affordability and gun violence, that are shaping their voting behavior. Osnos highlights the need for candidates to connect authentically with this demographic, moving beyond traditional platforms. He also reflects on Kamala Harris’s campaign strategies and the urgency of addressing complex social issues as Election Day approaches.

5 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 13min
Spiraling over the election? You’re not the only one.
As Election Day looms, anxiety grips Americans, with divided sentiments between Democrats and Trump supporters. Discussions swirl around a Republican push to abolish the Federal Department of Education, sparking fierce debate. Boeing workers strike for better pensions amid financial strains. The episode also highlights Israel's ban on a U.N. agency aiding Palestinians and the political fallout from controversial remarks about Puerto Rico. Turmoil at a major news outlet raises questions about journalistic integrity in these turbulent times.

Oct 28, 2024 • 13min
What to know about secret calls between Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin
Dive into the intriguing secret phone calls between Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin, raising serious national security questions. Explore the real effects of false election fraud claims on voting processes and election integrity as staff shortages complicate matters. Discover the stark financial inequalities in college athletics stemming from recent NIL policies, highlighting the disparities between male and female athletes. Also, catch up on heated political rallies and the latest on Shohei Ohtani's performance in the World Series.

4 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 15min
Food recalls are everywhere. Here’s what to know.
Tom Dreisbach, an NPR journalist known for his investigative work on political threats, reveals that Trump has threatened prosecution over 100 times since 2022, posing risks to democratic discourse. The discussion also highlights recent food recalls affecting everyday items like eggs and McDonald's burgers, emphasizing concerns over E. coli and listeria outbreaks. Insights on voter confidence and security are shared, addressing the reliability of U.S. voting systems and debunking myths about election integrity.

5 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 13min
Inside the oil industry’s plan to get Trump reelected
Gideon Resnick, a political analyst and colleague of Shumita Basu, delves into the intriguing dynamics of the upcoming presidential election. They discuss the widening gender gap influencing voter behavior, especially among women supporting Harris versus men leaning toward Trump. Resnick reveals how oil lobbyists are gearing up to back Trump, aiming to undo significant climate policies. The conversation also touches on the long-term economic recovery of Gaza and the surprising decline in college enrollment this fall.

6 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 14min
For swing-state voters, the rent is (still) too damn high
Abha Bhattarai, a Washington Post reporter specializing in economics, dives deep into the growing housing affordability crisis affecting key swing-state voters. She discusses how skyrocketing rents and home prices are pressing issues, especially post-pandemic. The conversation also touches on the impacts of remote work reshaping housing markets and contrasting political responses to these challenges. Additionally, insights from Bob Woodward’s book on Trump and Putin add a fascinating layer to the discussion.

7 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 13min
The one big thing driving some Republicans to back Harris
Sahil Kapur, a Senior national political reporter with NBC, shares insights on Kamala Harris's innovative campaign strategy that targets undecided voters by leveraging support from former Republicans like Liz Cheney. He discusses her appeal to educated suburban voters, revealing surprising polling improvements. The conversation also touches on the complex relationship between Texas politicians and undocumented workers in the construction industry. Additionally, issues such as Florida's insurance struggles following storms and rising infant mortality rates post-Roe are highlighted.