

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 18, 2025 • 16min
How lawmakers are responding to rising political threats
Political violence is on the rise in the U.S., prompting urgent discussions about lawmakers' safety. The dynamics between Israel and Iran intensify, with concerns over nuclear capabilities. Chaos unfolds in Los Angeles as federal raids disrupt immigrant communities, leaving families and lawyers grappling with communication challenges. Aggressive immigration policies emerge alongside personal stories revealing harsh realities. Meanwhile, a controversial arrest raises concerns about law enforcement practices, amid news of Tom Cruise receiving an honorary Oscar.

7 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 16min
What Iranians and Israelis think about their warring leaders
The podcast dives into the complex sentiments of Iranians and Israelis toward their leaders amid escalating conflict. It highlights public anxiety in Iran and strong Israeli support for military action. The chilling rise of political violence in Minnesota raises alarms for democracy. Legal troubles surface around lawmakers’ stock trading practices, fueling concerns about conflicts of interest. Moreover, the Louvre faces strikes due to overtourism, while a quirky trend emerges as fans dress up like Pitbull, showcasing the power of pop culture.

30 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 14min
Suspect found as Minnesota mourns killing of “irreplaceable” politician
Minnesota grapples with the shocking killing of a beloved lawmaker, highlighting political violence's impact on the community. Tensions flare between Israel and Iran, with unexpected military actions shaking the region. Meanwhile, California's Governor Newsom navigates national leadership amid protests, while the fallout from Trump’s policies continues to brew. The discourse also touches on mass demonstrations, shifting immigration enforcement priorities, and a hopeful message from the pope to sports fans. It's a complex mix of local and international crises.

Jun 13, 2025 • 14min
What to know about Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear program
The podcast dives into Israel's airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program, sparking discussions about regional tensions and military strategy. A heart-wrenching plane crash in Ahmedabad is recounted through eyewitness accounts, revealing the tragic aftermath. Meanwhile, a military parade in D.C. stirs up reflections on the use of military power domestically. Political updates include a contentious spending bill and a senator's dramatic encounter, alongside an inspiring tale of a dentist turned U.S. Open golfer.

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.