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.
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This episode delves into a dramatic day in D.C., beginning with the government reopening deal and immediately shifting to the fallout from new Jeffrey Epstein emails naming former President Trump. It also examines the significant shift in Latino voting patterns, where Democrats have reclaimed support after previous losses, analyzing the underlying reasons from voter sentiment to immigration policy. Additionally, the podcast explores a brewing international trade battle over proposed high tariffs on Italian pasta, which could see popular brands disappear from U.S. shelves.
Following the government shutdown deal, the fight over Affordable Care Act subsidies continues, impacting millions. The podcast also explores the implications of the US's withdrawal from the COP30 climate summit and its historical role in emissions. Additionally, it examines the alarming resurgence of measles in Canada and the US due to declining vaccination rates, and touches on other notable news stories.
Despite the government shutdown ending, air travel faces continued disruptions due to FAA air traffic controller shortages and logistical challenges for airlines. Meanwhile, the BBC is in crisis following an edited Trump speech controversy, leading to resignations and a legal battle. The episode also highlights rising car loan delinquency rates, revealing struggles for lower-income Americans and the dangerous realities for "repo men".
This episode covers the Senate's procedural vote to advance a deal to end the government shutdown, detailing bipartisan compromises and lingering debates over healthcare subsidies. It then explores how massive investments in AI data centers are transforming small American towns, bringing economic booms but also rising costs. The podcast also discusses the harassment of Mexico's president, reigniting conversations about widespread sexual harassment against women in the country and efforts to achieve gender equality.
Journalist Irin Carmon discusses her book "Unbearable," revealing why the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with over 80% of deaths being preventable. She shares harrowing stories from women navigating fertility, pregnancy, and loss, exposing a healthcare system that frequently fails them. The episode delves into systemic problems, historical biases stemming from figures like J. Marion Sims, and the disproportionate impact on Black women, emphasizing the need for profound change to ensure respectful and safe maternal care.
Explore the impactful legacy of Nancy Pelosi, who retires after nearly four decades in Congress, including her role as the first woman Speaker and her policy achievements. Delve into Trinidad and Tobago's risky alliance with the Trump administration regarding military strikes in the Caribbean, driven by economic and security interests. Also, examine the ongoing dispute between YouTube TV and Disney that has led to a blackout of ESPN and other channels for millions of subscribers.
The Trump administration has ordered a reduction in flights at 40 major airports across the country. Reuters reports on how the flight cuts could begin as soon as Friday unless Congress reaches a deal on the government shutdown. The paramilitary RSF has taken control of the city of El Fasher in Sudan. BBC analyst Alex de Waal explains why it marks a turning point in the country’s civil war. Food delivery has overtaken restaurant dining in a big way. The Atlantic ’s Ellen Cushing joins to discuss...
Democrats won big in last night’s election results. Zohran Mamdani won the race for New York mayor, and there were victories in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races. Plus, California voted Yes on a key redistricting measure. ABC offers key takeaways. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments over Trump’s signature tariff policy. Greg Stohr of Bloomberg explains why some businesses that have already paid steep import taxes might get a refund if Trump loses. Plus, the latest on a Kentu...
The Trump administration says it will partially restore SNAP food aid to tens of millions of recipients. NPR reports there could be lengthy delays in receiving the benefits. Californians are voting on new congressional maps that could decide control of Congress in next year’s midterms. Politico ’s Melanie Mason explains how the issue is galvanizing voters and donors. More than 30 states now have stand-your-ground laws on the books. Mark Maremont of the Wall Street Journal joins to discuss how th...
Tuesday is Election Day, and voters are deciding on contests for governor and mayor, and new congressional maps. NPR reports what the results might mean for the larger political atmosphere across the country. The Trump administration over the weekend carried out its 15th confirmed strike against a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The Washington Post ’s Dan Lamothe breaks down the potential endgame as U.S. forces continue to build up in the region. More than 1,000 Afghans who helped the U.S....
From Apple News In Conversation : Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, has become one of the most influential figures shaping Trump’s second term. He’s the main driver of efforts to weaken federal agencies and push through sweeping government layoffs. In a recent piece copublished by ProPublica and the New Yorker , reporter Andy Kroll reveals how Vought’s ideas about federal bureaucracy are being put into action. Kroll joins Apple News In Conversation host Shumita...
King Charles stripped his brother Prince Andrew of his last royal title and will evict him from his mansion. The BBC has the full story. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a trade deal that eases tensions over tariffs. The Wall Street Journal ’s Lingling Wei explains how Trump is rebuilding the U.S.-China playbook. The World Series and Major League Baseball have been dominated this year by Japanese stars. The Athletic ’s Evan Drellich joins to discuss how Japan’s influences go beyo...
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates again but Fed Chair Jerome Powell had a warning for Wall Street. The Wall Street Journal reports rates are now at their lowest in three years. The Chicago Tribune ’s Jason Meisner discusses how a judge in Chicago ordered the CBP commander leading operations in the city to report to court daily to brief on the use of force — an order that was paused just before the first check-in. Police in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, carried out the largest raid against a drug ...
Jamaica is contending with the aftermath of a historic hurricane. The BBC reports on the damage. Tens of millions of Americans could lose their food stamps by the weekend as a result of the government shutdown. Politico ’s Meredith Lee Hill explains why the Trump administration won’t tap an emergency fund to pay for the benefits. The gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia could determine how Democrats approach key races in 2026. CNN ’s Jeff Zeleny breaks down both contests. Plus, Netanya...
Hurricane Melissa made made its way toward Jamaica on Tuesday as sustained winds topped 160 mph. The Weather Channel is tracking the storm live. Trump wants to be compensated for damages he says he incurred during the Russia investigation and the case involving his handling of classified documents. Perry Stein, reporter at the Washington Post , breaks down the president’s claims. Beef has become a political pressure point for the administration as prices remain high. Politico ’s Grace Yarrow exp...
It’s a big week for international trade as the presidents of the U.S. and China prepare to meet. Bloomberg reports that the two sides have agreed to a framework trade deal. Meanwhile, Trump took punitive measures against Canada over an Ontario government ad that criticized his tariff policy. The Wall Street Journal reports. More than 170 U.S. citizens have been swept up in Trump’s immigration crackdown. ProPublica ’s Nicole Foy describes some of the violent encounters between ICE agents and citi...
Zohran Mamdani, leading the New York City mayoral race, has ignited political change with his democratic socialist platform, promising rent freezes, free transit, and universal childcare. His campaign effectively uses social media to connect with voters, particularly mobilizing underrepresented South Asian and Muslim communities. While facing challenges regarding the feasibility of his policies, his lack of extensive experience, and his stance on issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict, Mamdani's approach is drawing national attention as a potential blueprint for other Democrats.
The FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a sweeping gambling investigation involving the Mafia. The Athletic ’s Zach Harper breaks down the case. As the shutdown continues, Republicans claim that Affordable Care Act subsidies Democrats want renewed would pay for medical care for immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally. The Washington Post ’s David Ovalle explains how the reality is much more complicated. President Trump pard...
Construction crews were seen demolishing large parts of the the East Wing at the White House this week. The work is in preparation for the construction of Trump’s new ballroom. Dan Diamond, White House reporter at the Washington Post , joins to discuss how the president moved ahead on the project with no prior approval. Soybeans have become a central part of the tariff dispute between China and the U.S. The Wall Street Journal ’s Patrick Thomas breaks down how American farmers are affected. Demo...
A power struggle is going on at NASA as it struggles to keep one of its most ambitious projects on schedule. Emily Glazer, enterprise reporter at the Wall Street Journal , discusses the back-and-forth over who should lead the agency — and how Elon Musk is involved. In Israel, Vice President JD Vance this week said he is optimistic about the Gaza ceasefire. NPR reports on how his visit comes as Israel changes rules over aid groups working in the region. Around 200,000 Afghan refugees have come to...
A massive outage of Amazon Web Services downed hundreds of popular websites and apps around the world. Ben Goggin from NBC News breaks down how the incident illustrates the interconnected nature of the modern internet. As authorities continue the search for the thieves who stole crown jewels from the Louvre, details on the brazen heist are coming to light. The Times reports. The Supreme Court heard arguments over whether drug users should be allowed to legally own guns. Maureen Groppe, Supreme C...
In the Caribbean, U.S. forces struck a seventh boat alleged to have been involved in illegal drug-trafficking. CNN reports on rising tensions in the region, and The Atlantic ’s Gisela Salim-Peyer talks about how the Trump administration is attempting to tie Venezuelan leadership directly to these boats. Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in Gaza over the weekend, placing further strain on the fragile ceasefire with Hamas. Enforcement of the ceasefire is now back on, according to AFP , while A...
From Apple News In Conversation : Sports betting has exploded in the U.S.: The Supreme Court gave states the power to legalize it in 2018, and, by the end of this year, it will be allowed in 39 states and Washington, D.C. In his book Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling , author Jonathan D. Cohen unpacks how this industry got so big and what its rise says about American culture. He spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about the draw and dangers of sports gambl...
Today's episode explores the political stalemate behind the ongoing government shutdown, examining why both Republicans and Democrats believe they have the upper hand. It also delves into the New York City mayoral race, highlighting the unexpected surge of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani and his platform's potential national implications. Additionally, the discussion uncovers the economic realities and societal impact of the booming sports betting industry since its 2018 legalization. Finally, the podcast provides brief updates on John Bolton's indictment, President Trump's strong warning to Hamas, and the German museum drawing Taylor Swift fans.
Justices heard arguments Wednesday over a case concerning a key provision of the Voting Rights Act related to congressional district maps in Louisiana. Lawrence Hurley with NBC News discusses how the pending decision could drastically change voting maps in the South. Journalists from major news outlets refused to sign onto a new policy restricting who they can talk to and what type of information they can report on at the Pentagon. Melissa Korn with the Wall Street Journal explains how the move ...
President Trump met with President Javier Milei of Argentina at the White House to discuss the details of a $20 billion bailout for the financially ailing country. Bloomberg reports that the lifeline hinges on upcoming elections there. Buenos Aires–based journalist Natalie Alcoba joins to discuss the deal and Milei's waning support at home. New tariffs on timber and furniture took effect this week. CNN ’s Matt Egan breaks down how the industry is reacting and what it could all ultimately mean fo...
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire is underway as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners were released Monday. PBS News has stories of the freed hostages. ABC News reports on the big unanswered questions about what comes next. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping sparked concerns in financial markets with their latest back-and-forth over tariffs and export restrictions. Politico ’s Phelim Kine explains what’s at stake. Local lawmakers across the country are having trou...
The 20 living hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas were released after two years in captivity. President Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to meet with their families. The Wall Street Journal ’s Anat Peled joins to discuss what comes next. Thousands of federal workers received layoff notices over the weekend, as the government shutdown continues. The Washington Post reports on how the closure’s impact will start this week to affect the general public in a more significant way. Trump has describe...
From Apple News In Conversation : The rise of the Make America Healthy Again movement reflects a larger trend: declining trust in public-health institutions in the U.S. In response, the creators of a new podcast, Why Should I Trust You? , bring MAHA supporters and health experts together in a rare forum to foster understanding and explore solutions. Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu sat down with two of the hosts, Brinda Adhikari and Maggie Bartlett, to talk about what they’re learnin...
President Trump said hostages could be released early as Monday, as details about how the peace deal between Israel and Hamas will proceed come to light. The BBC reports on what was agreed. Border czar Tom Homan is required to recuse himself from business dealings with former associates for a year after entering government. ProPublica ’s Avi Asher-Schapiro details how Homan remains deeply entrenched and why that may violate ethics rules. The Wall Street Journal ’s David Uberti explains why the r...
