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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

Dec 21, 2022 • 9min
As Zelenskyy meets Biden, a look at a key Ukraine battle
As Ukrainian president Zelenskyy visits Washington, Reuters analyzes the fierce battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut.
Politico has a preview of today’s final report from the January 6 committee. Read more at Bloomberg, including the document’s executive summary.
Stat investigates why incarcerated people keep dying from hepatitis C, despite the existence of an effective cure.
The Washington Post breaks down research that shows that you don’t need to drink eight cups of water a day.

Dec 20, 2022 • 11min
What’s next for immigration after a big Supreme Court move
The January 6 panel said Trump should be charged with four crimes related to the Capitol attack. Reuters has details.
USA Today reports on the Supreme Court temporarily pausing the lifting of Title 42, a Trump-era immigration policy targeted by the Biden administration. Meanwhile, many American communities say they’re struggling to provide for incoming migrants. The Texas Tribune describes the situation in El Paso.
China is experiencing a COVID surge that could see 800 million people infected over the next few months. NPR has the story.
Bloomberg crunches the numbers on how the global bird-flu outbreak is helping drive up the cost of eggs. And Vox asks: Why don’t we vaccinate more chickens and turkeys?
‘Titanic’ director James Cameron is sick of hearing fans complain that Jack didn’t have to die. He tells the Toronto Sun that he has scientific proof that Jack and Rose couldn’t have both survived the shipwreck.

Dec 19, 2022 • 9min
A World Cup final that lived up to the hype
Argentina defeated France in a thrilling World Cup final. After the Whistle recaps a memorable end to the tournament.
The final public hearing of the January 6 committee is expected to include a vote on whether to recommend that Trump be prosecuted. Bloomberg has more.
Even though billions were pledged to bolster Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, residents continue to lose water and power after hurricanes. The Washington Post investigates.
A new law in France requires owners to cover large parking lots with solar panels. Time break down what that would look like in America.

Dec 16, 2022 • 11min
What microplastics are and why you should worry
Microplastics are everywhere. This week’s In Conversation discusses what that means for your health.
The Wall Street Journal examines alleged campaign-finance violations by disgraced crypto star Sam Bankman-Fried.
Online retailers have many tricks to get you to buy more. Vox has tips on how to avoid being manipulated.
After the Whistle previews the World Cup final between France and Argentina.

Dec 15, 2022 • 8min
More severe weather expected after deadly tornadoes
As tornadoes rip through the South, CNN reports on how the climate crisis may be changing the way they behave.
USA Today looks at Biden’s announcement of trade and infrastructure investments in Africa, which took place at a summit with the continent’s leaders. NPR explains how the event comes as the leaders are also being heavily courted by China, Russia, and other nations.
The Atlantic breaks down why the housing market is so tough right now.
Have you ever wondered what Mars dust devils sound like? Popular Science has the tape, and explains why scientists are so excited.

Dec 14, 2022 • 12min
How Washington’s failures exacerbated the fentanyl crisis
A Washington Post goes inside U.S. government failures to address the fentanyl crisis — and the missteps that allowed it to get significantly worse.
Ten years after the Sandy Hook shooting, gun-safety advocates can point to some wins. NBC News takes stock, while the Trace looks at how victims’ families turned their grief into advocacy.
Babies who were born into pandemic lockdowns and extreme-hygiene rules will have different microbiomes. But does different mean bad? The Atlantic has the story.
There’s a new phenomenon in air travel: the holiday-travel blob. And airlines and hotels are ready to cash in. Wired explains.

Dec 13, 2022 • 11min
FTX founder charged with defrauding investors
Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed FTX cryptocurrency exchange, was arrested in the Bahamas and will face criminal charges from U.S. prosecutors. The Washington Post has the story. The Guardian reports on new civil charges from the SEC saying Bankman-Fried defrauded investors and customers.
The Washington Post reports on a breakthrough in the quest to harness nuclear fusion for mass consumption.
Vox reports on the upswing in pedestrian fatalities, which has come as vehicles have got larger while U.S. city design continues to prioritize drivers over those on foot.
After the Whistle breaks down everything you need to know about the World Cup semifinals.

Dec 12, 2022 • 10min
New drone strikes reveal growing Russia–Iran military ties
NBC reports on drone strikes by Russia that plunged more than 1.5 million people in Odesa, Ukraine, into darkness over the weekend. The Wall Street Journal explores warnings from U.S. officials that military ties between Russia and Iran are deepening.
Vox explains why the U.S. keeps running out of medicine.
The Atlantic pays tribute to Grant Wahl, the renowned American soccer journalist, who died covering the World Cup from Qatar.
The Washington Post reports on changes in animals’ mating behavior as climate change warms the planet.

Dec 9, 2022 • 12min
Iran escalates plots to kidnap, assassinate critics
Western intelligence officials say Iran is escalating efforts to kidnap and assassinate journalists, activists, and government officials who have spoken out against the regime. The Washington Post has the story.
Kyrsten Sinema talks to Politico about switching her party affiliation from Democrat to independent. The move is shaking up the Senate.
Thousands of nursing homes across the U.S failed to meet federal staffing requirements, putting residents at risk. A USA Today investigation finds that nearly all of them are getting away with it.
NPR explains why South Koreans are about to instantly get a year younger.
Yahoo Sports ranks the World Cup quarterfinalists.

Dec 8, 2022 • 12min
WNBA star Brittney Griner freed in prisoner swap
WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from Russian detention in a prisoner swap. She is now in U.S. custody. CBS has the story.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could impact 2024 races. Reuters reports on how justices reacted.
Peru’s president was removed from office and charged with “rebellion” after attempting to shut down Congress. The Guardian reports from Lima.
A Washington Post reporter investigates a string of overdose deaths in her hometown of Greenville, North Carolina.
Hyperallergic has some things to consider before you jump on the A.I.-portrait trend.