Apple News In Conversation

David Armstrong, a ProPublica health-care reporter battling a rare blood cancer, dives into the shocking pricing of the cancer drug Revlimid. He reveals how this lifesaving medication, costing mere cents to produce, is sold to patients for nearly $1,000 per pill. Armstrong discusses the monopolistic tactics of pharmaceutical companies that keep prices high and access low. He also explores the troubling history of related drugs and the broader implications of America's drug pricing crisis, urging a need for reform in the healthcare system.

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of 'Original Sin', teams up with Axios' White House correspondent Alex Thompson to unveil the concealed truth about Joe Biden's cognitive decline. They discuss how his inner circle masked serious health concerns amidst a looming re-election campaign. The two journalists reveal the turmoil within Biden's team following key debates, highlighting internal struggles and the need for media accountability. Their insights emphasize the importance of transparency in the health of public figures and its implications for democracy.

Mariah Blake, an investigative journalist and author of 'They Poisoned the World', dives into the alarming world of PFAS, or forever chemicals, and their pervasive presence in our lives. She reveals their links to serious health issues like cancer and infertility, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and activism. Blake also shares inspiring stories of grassroots movements pushing against these toxic substances and offers practical tips for reducing exposure in our daily lives. A call to action for informed living in a chemically laden world!

In this gripping discussion, Madeleine Baran, host and lead reporter of the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative podcast In the Dark, delves into the Haditha massacre, where U.S. Marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians in 2005. She reveals the chaotic realities surrounding the incident and the failures of military justice in holding anyone accountable. Baran highlights the chilling dehumanization of victims during trials and portrays the profound emotional trauma experienced by survivors. The podcast calls for greater transparency and accountability in military actions.

Olivia Carville and Margi Murphy, investigative reporters from Bloomberg, delve into a disturbing deepfake-porn scandal affecting young women in Levittown, New York. They discuss the emotional trauma experienced by the victims and highlight the shortcomings of law enforcement in dealing with such digital crimes. The conversation explores the urgent need for legal reforms, particularly the controversial Take It Down Act, which aims to combat non-consensual digital content. Their insights reveal the dark intricacies of generative AI and its potential hazards in society.

Millions of Americans cannot afford housing despite working full-time jobs. They live in cars, shelters, or extended-stay hotels and often don’t qualify for assistance programs. Journalist and anthropologist Brian Goldstone follows five Atlanta families who are stuck in this cycle in his new book, There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. Goldstone reveals how these parents and children are prevented from securing housing by steep rents, red tape, and predatory schemes. He spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about how this crisis arose and ways to address it. Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts. Correction: A previous version of this episode misstated when the federal minimum wage was last raised. We have removed that line from the interview. The last federal minimum-wage raise was in 2009, not the 1990s.

Michael S. Roth, President of Wesleyan University, critiques the Trump administration's interference with academic freedom. He discusses how recent investigations into top universities impact diversity programs and threaten funding. Roth emphasizes the importance of defending free speech and the necessity for universities to embrace ideological diversity. He highlights the challenges faced by international students amid political pressures and urges the importance of resilience in defending personal liberties for future generations.

Jonathan Blitzer, a seasoned immigration staff writer for The New Yorker and author of 'Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here', sheds light on the troubling deportation of Venezuelan migrants. He highlights the harrowing journey of Andrew, a gay makeup artist, wrongfully detained for supposed gang affiliations. Blitzer critiques ICE's practices, revealing the lack of criminal records among deportees. The discussion exposes political silence amid community efforts to support those affected, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy in the face of injustice.

Gardiner Harris, an investigative journalist and author of 'No More Tears,' exposes the troubling history of Johnson & Johnson. He reveals the dark realities behind their baby powder scandal, including contamination with asbestos. Harris discusses the company's role in the opioid epidemic and highlights systemic failures in healthcare oversight. He calls for ethical reforms to hold corporations accountable, emphasizing the need for transparency to protect public health. A riveting exploration of corporate malfeasance and its real-world consequences.

Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, and Zoë Schiffer, Head of Business and Industry at Wired, dive into the tumultuous changes within federal agencies sparked by Elon Musk's controversial initiatives. They share insights from over 150 sources, revealing the confusion and upheaval affecting federal workers. Topics include Musk's 'Doge' efforts to inject startup-style management, alarming data privacy threats, and the real human impacts of these technological transformations, urging a shift towards personal stories amid broader political narratives.