

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
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.

Sep 19, 2024 • 11min
The Fed just cut rates. Here’s what that means for you.
Kavitha Surana is a journalist covering critical health issues, alongside Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, both survivors of restricted abortion access in Georgia. They discuss the tragic deaths of two women linked to the state’s strict abortion laws, highlighting the urgent need for reform. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of economic policies like the Fed’s rate cut and its effects on healthcare accessibility. Their personal stories reveal the dire consequences of legal restrictions and the fear among healthcare professionals.
5 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 11min
The future of Fox News hinges on a bitter family feud
David Folkenflik, a seasoned journalist covering media dynamics, dives into the intense legal battle within the Murdoch family over control of Fox News. He reveals how this family feud could drastically impact the media landscape. The discussion also touches on the rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Hezbollah. Additionally, Folkenflik explores Instagram's new safety measures for teens, emphasizing the need for digital media literacy to protect younger users in an increasingly complex online world.
Sep 17, 2024 • 12min
How did a gunman get so close to Trump — again?
Miriam Berger, a seasoned journalist, weighs in on a recent assassination attempt targeting Trump, exploring shocking security lapses. She dives into how new evidence challenges previous accounts of a U.S. activist's death in the West Bank, urging the need for transparency. The conversation shifts to TikTok’s legal battle against a potential U.S. ban, questioning the clash between digital rights and national security. Berger also touches on the investigation into the Titan submersible tragedy, linking it to broader themes of accountability and governance.

Sep 16, 2024 • 13min
Another gunman caught near Trump. What to know.
A recent assassination attempt on a former president raises questions about security at golf courses. Iran is reportedly using criminal gangs to target critics, revealing a chilling trend of violence. The podcast explores the surge in religious films in Hollywood, capturing investor interest. There’s a shocking admission from the Israeli military about potential hostages killed in Gaza. Additionally, family-friendly filmmaking emerges as a growing counter-narrative in the entertainment industry, reflecting changing cultural values.
Sep 13, 2024 • 12min
Thanks to COVID, more Americans are single
Ben Steverman, a journalist from Bloomberg Businessweek, examines how the pandemic has caused a significant recession in social lives, leading to increased loneliness and its economic repercussions. Jesselyn Cook, an author, shares poignant stories of families torn apart by QAnon conspiracies, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with loved ones. Together, they discuss the lasting impact of these crises on romantic and platonic relationships, highlighting the urgent need to rebuild social connections in a changed world.


