

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

Jun 12, 2025 • 15min
The damage that “less lethal” police weapons can really do
A tragic Boeing crash in India claimed over 200 lives, sparking discussions about aviation safety and community impact. Protests in L.A. highlight the controversial use of 'less lethal' police weapons during civil unrest. Trade talks between the U.S. and China are heating up over rare earth minerals, vital for tech industries. Additionally, a surprising correlation surfaces between stricter state gun laws and reduced pediatric fatalities, showcasing the urgent need for better regulations. Shocking news includes Weinstein's guilty verdict and diplomatic shifts between North and South Korea.

13 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 15min
Inside the White House’s detention strategy
Amid protests against ICE raids, an L.A. curfew was imposed, revealing the escalating crackdown on migrants. Unsanitary conditions in overcrowded ICE facilities in Florida are spotlighted. The discussion transitions to 'Les Misérables,' exploring its unexpected resonance with Trump and its themes of social justice during his presidency. Additionally, the Smithsonian's commitment to address bias in its museums is noted, along with promising trends in reducing fentanyl use and the surprising health benefits of singing.

10 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 15min
RFK Jr. ousts his entire vaccine advisory group
Tensions escalate in Los Angeles with military involvement amid immigration raids. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shakes the health landscape by dismissing the entire vaccine advisory panel, stirring debates on vaccine trust. Meanwhile, emotional reunions unfold as Ukrainian soldiers return from captivity. On the entertainment front, a defamation lawsuit involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively gets dismissed. In a stark cultural clash, Iran enforces a crackdown on dog owners, highlighting youth dissent against strict regulations.

24 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 13min
What to know about the L.A. protests over immigration raids
Tensions erupted in L.A. as protesters clashed with ICE agents while the National Guard was deployed. The conflict between Trump and Musk adds intrigue to the political landscape, particularly affecting transgender rights and pride parades. Families, like Chase's, face emotional upheaval relocating for gender-affirming care amid hostile policies. Meanwhile, political violence escalates in Colombia following an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, while fans celebrated an unforgettable finish at the French Open.

15 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 15min
What to know about Trump and Musk’s epic breakup
Trump and Elon Musk are in a public spat, with their conflict shaking up personal ties and business ventures. The struggles of Afghans affected by the U.S. travel ban reveal harsh immigration realities. Venezuelan migrants face deportations amidst misleading narratives about their backgrounds. Meanwhile, significant Supreme Court rulings address discrimination and hold U.S. gun makers accountable. The dynamic between Trump and Xi Jinping also unfolds as their first conversation comes to light.

8 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 14min
How Trump’s travel ban expands on his first-term efforts
Trump's latest travel ban sparks debate and legal challenges, mirroring his earlier efforts. Meanwhile, hazardous air quality from Canadian wildfires poses health risks in the Midwest, urging vulnerable populations to take precautions. On the sports front, the NBA Finals feature the Thunder’s disciplined defense against the Pacers' fast-paced offense, promising an exhilarating clash. Additionally, Columbia University's accreditation woes and a small town's support for an ICE detainee highlight significant current events.

18 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 15min
Musk rages at GOP as he returns to an uncertain business empire
Elon Musk launches a scathing attack on a GOP tax bill, calling it an “abomination” as he navigates an uncertain future for Tesla. Amid ongoing chaos, Israel's aid distribution faces challenges in Gaza, revealing the humanitarian crisis. The podcast also tackles the Trump administration's deportation tactics for uncooperative countries. Additionally, it discusses Saudi Arabia's balancing act during the Hajj pilgrimage and the latest developments in the NHL as Canada hopes to break a long Stanley Cup drought.

15 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 14min
Inside the unlikely alliance to make childbirth free in the U.S.
There's a surprising bipartisan push in Congress to make childbirth free in the U.S., spotlighting the challenges and implications of such a bold move. On the legal front, the ongoing trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs reveals dramatic accusations and courtroom intrigue. Meanwhile, a rise in violent attacks against crypto executives raises alarm, with insights into the vulnerabilities of the digital currency world. The podcast also touches on FEMA's confusing remarks about hurricane season and introduces historic reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

14 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 13min
Marchers for Israeli hostages attacked in Colorado. Here’s what to know.
A violent incident in Colorado saw a man using a flamethrower at a march for Israeli hostages, with the FBI classifying it as a terror attack. Tensions escalate as humanitarian struggles in Gaza unfold, amid chaotic ceasefire talks. Meanwhile, Ukraine surprises Russia with a drone strike, shedding light on its military challenges. Additionally, concerns grow over NATO’s view of Ukraine's future, while wildfires in Canada worsen air quality in the U.S., and a truck crash in Washington sets millions of bees loose.

8 snips
May 30, 2025 • 14min
Elon Musk’s legacy on the federal workforce
Explore the chaos in the federal workforce following leadership changes, revealing the deep mental health impacts on laid-off employees. Discover the heated discussions among Republican senators about Medicaid cuts and their potential electoral ramifications. Uncover the shocking rise in prescription drug prices, especially for cancer patients, and the challenges of reform. Plus, learn about a glacier's catastrophic collapse in Switzerland and celebrate the centennial of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.