

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

20 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 13min
Markets plummet, a House revolt, and other big Washington news
Elana Schor, Senior Washington editor at Semafor, dives into the latest political happenings. She discusses Sen. Cory Booker's marathon speech, which aims to honor legacy while pushing for voting reforms. The conversation shifts to Trump’s tariffs and their surprising effects on Lesotho, sparking debate on global economic shifts. They also touch on personal finance strategies amid looming recession concerns and the excitement around the NCAA basketball Final Fours, blending sports and politics in a compelling way.

9 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 14min
How an “administrative error” sent a man to a Salvadoran prison
A Maryland father faces an unjust deportation to El Salvador, sparking outrage over the administration's mistakes. Farmers express deep concerns about tariffs affecting their livelihood, as many reconsider their political support. The podcast also highlights a high-stakes Planned Parenthood case before the Supreme Court. Additionally, it discusses the rising gold prices amid economic uncertainty and draws parallels between recent earthquakes in Myanmar and California's fault lines, while offering allergy relief tips for the season ahead.

16 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 14min
What new election results tell us about how attitudes are shifting
Americans are growing anxious about the economy, grappling with low consumer confidence despite low unemployment. Recent election results in Wisconsin and Florida reveal shifting voter sentiments towards Trump and Musk. Protests against Hamas in Gaza demonstrate rising dissent among Palestinians, while in the U.S., the Justice Department seeks the death penalty in a high-profile case. The podcast delves into political shifts and highlights urgent threats to democracy, showcasing a pivotal moment for public discourse and activism.

8 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 14min
Tips to protect the data on your phone at airports
Travelers need to know their rights regarding phone searches at airports, as Customs and Border Protection has been known to deny entry after device inspections. A troubling case highlights the legal ramifications women face after miscarriages, linking back to impending Supreme Court decisions. The impact of state judiciary decisions on critical issues like abortion rights is also addressed. Meanwhile, the discussion touches on economic downturns and lighthearted anecdotes about notorious April Fool's pranks that backfired.

8 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 14min
How Trump’s DEI crackdown is impacting women in science
The discussion delves into the Trump administration's rollback of inclusion policies, affecting federal funding for vital scientific research. There's a focus on how this impacts women's health research, particularly regarding uterine fibroids, and the consequences for marginalized communities. Politically, special elections in Florida stir concerns for Republican leaders about their fragile majority. The podcast also touches on the troubling history of fraudulent adoptions in South Korea, shedding light on adoptees' struggles and calling for systemic change.

14 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 13min
Inside the fallout of a stunning national-security leak
Dasha Burns, Politico’s White House bureau chief, dives deep into the chaotic aftermath of a major national-security leak involving Trump administration war plans. She discusses the political fallout, including Rep. Elise Stefanik's controversial nomination withdrawal and mass layoffs at the HHS. The conversation also touches on the Department of Defense's investigation into communication platforms and the ramifications of recent immigration policies. Additionally, new archaeological findings of ancient footprints are highlighted, offering a glimpse into human history.

8 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 14min
How Social Security is changing
Dive into the heated discussion on Social Security, where claims of rampant fraud are debunked. Explore new rules for overpayments that could change how benefits are managed. The podcast also unveils the Trump administration's attack on law firms and press freedom, revealing a climate of intimidation. Hear about the ongoing battle over public media funding and notable headlines, including tariffs on the auto industry and the future of robot umpires in baseball. Tune in for a mix of politics and pressing social issues!

Mar 26, 2025 • 15min
On the ground in El Salvador with the men deported there by the U.S.
Recently, Venezuelans were unjustly labeled as gang members by the U.S. and deported to El Salvador, where they faced dire detention conditions. A photojournalist provides a harrowing account of their traumatic arrival. The podcast also discusses a contentious congressional hearing about the mishandling of classified information and the Trump administration's aggressive stance on deporting pro-Palestinian student protesters. From personal stories to political implications, the struggles of these deported individuals echo broader societal issues.

9 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 15min
Top Trump officials leaked war plans to a journalist by mistake
A texting blunder led Trump officials to leak sensitive military plans to a journalist on a non-secure messaging app, raising serious security concerns. Immigration policies are causing unexpected detentions, impacting individuals, including an academic, caught in the crossfire. The chaotic messaging on tariffs could affect both consumers and businesses. Also discussed are mounting wildfires in the Carolinas, the government’s reluctance to release flight data on deported migrants, and why many might want to rethink their 23andMe data.

24 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 14min
What dismantling the Education Department means for students
The podcast dives into the controversial deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, highlighting the lack of due process. It discusses the potential dismantling of the Education Department and its threatening impact on low-income and rural schools. The conversation also contrasts the rising egg prices in the U.S. with the stability in Canada’s agricultural sector. Additionally, listeners are updated on various news bites, including a snap election call from Canada's prime minister and support for a teacher advocating inclusivity.