

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

18 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 18min
Trump finally names his nominee for Fed chair. Here’s what to know.
Ashlea Ebeling, WSJ reporter on personal finance and tax policy, and Caitlin Dickerson, Atlantic writer on immigration and DHS policy, join to discuss ICE funding and congressional options. They cover operational shifts after protests and key 2025 tax changes filers should watch. Short news bites include a crackdown in Rasht and other notable headlines.

17 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 15min
What the Fed’s latest decision reveals about the U.S. economy
A deep dive into the Fed’s decision to keep rates steady and what officials say about inflation, tariffs, and dollar risks. A tense Senate hearing on U.S. activity in Venezuela and debate over whether it amounted to an act of war. Coverage of pardoned Jan. 6 participants seeking refunds, an FBI raid in Georgia, recent shootings, and an unexpected boom in bean demand.

24 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 15min
Why the new wave of ICE recruits is raising alarm bells
Reporting on sudden leadership shakeups at border enforcement and concerns about a faster, smaller training pipeline for new recruits. Coverage of multiple detainee deaths and questions about treatment and investigations at detention sites. A major social app faces technical turmoil after ownership changes. Short news hits on slowing U.S. population growth, grocery store closures, and changes to airline seating.

24 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 15min
Trump is sidelining his top Border Patrol commander. What to know.
Leadership changes and federal involvement at the border after a high-profile demotion. Legal barriers to prosecuting law-enforcement officers and how qualified immunity plays a role. Parents suing social-media companies over teen addiction and the uphill legal battle. A deep freeze after a winter storm, differing vaccine guidance for kids, and the mystery behind WD-40's recipe.

22 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 16min
Backlash grows after the latest fatal shooting by federal agents
A tense account of a fatal shooting by federal immigration agents and the growing local protests it sparked. Political fallout heats up as lawmakers clash over funding and investigations. A brutal winter storm causes widespread outages and travel chaos. Quick global updates touch on a major Chinese military probe, Venezuelan prisoner releases, and the Super Bowl matchup.

12 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 24min
This science writer has seen Earth’s most amazing places. Here’s what she’s learned.
Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer-winning environmental reporter and author, shares stories from decades of field reporting. She describes cataloging vanishing insects, probing whale communication with AI, and the rise of rights-for-nature laws. She also discusses carbon removal, U.S. climate policy swings, and why noticing local nature matters.

20 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 16min
How a 5-year-old boy got caught up in the ICE crackdown
Elizabeth Shockman, an education reporter for Minnesota Public Radio, shares insights on the controversial detention of a 5-year-old boy by ICE in Minneapolis, sparking community outrage. She discusses the family's asylum history and reports of poor conditions faced in detention. The conversation dives into the impact on local schools, including issues of absenteeism and fear among students. Meanwhile, Henry Grabar highlights a nationwide drop in crime and links it to funding from recent stimulus initiatives.

11 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 14min
Threats, insults, signs of a deal: inside a dizzying 24 hours in Davos
Tensions rise at the World Economic Forum as hints of a potential deal on Greenland emerge. Meanwhile, frigid winter weather is set to blanket much of the U.S., with experts offering essential preparedness tips. In Iran, post-protest sentiments shift as some citizens express interest in potential U.S. intervention against the Supreme Leader, despite concerns over foreign influence. The podcast also touches on controversial statements from NATO leaders and headlines related to immigration enforcement and the Uvalde shooting verdict.

12 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 14min
Why older workers are taking more entry-level jobs
Chris Rugaber, an Economics writer for the Associated Press, discusses the Supreme Court case involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook and its potential implications for the Federal Reserve's independence. He explains how a ruling against Cook might threaten the stability of Fed leadership. Meanwhile, Taylor Telford, a reporter for The Washington Post, highlights the challenges Gen Z faces in the job market, emphasizing competition from older workers and the impact of economic uncertainty on entry-level positions.

17 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 16min
How Trump’s Greenland threats could spark a new trade war
President Trump's assertions about Greenland tie into his Nobel Peace Prize frustrations, prompting European leaders to consider their response. As polls show Democrats ahead in the midterms, Trump seeks ways to influence election rules, raising fears about voter trust. Meanwhile, California proposes a billionaire tax to support healthcare, provoking backlash from tech elites. Tensions escalate with the recent Spanish train disaster and the hacking of Iran's state TV, marking significant global incidents.


