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 from our Apple News In Conversation archives is our most-listened-to interview of the year. It was originally published in June 2025. In his 22-year career in the FBI, undercover agent Scott Payne infiltrated some of the most dangerous criminal and extremist groups in America, from a motorcycle gang called the Outlaws to a white-supremacist group known as the Base. Payne shares his firsthand case accounts of gathering intelligence and stopping illegal activity in his memoir, Code Na...
It’s the first holiday season since President Trump’s tariffs came into effect. NBC ’s Kayla Steinberg explains why some shoppers received a big surprise on their online orders. Congress left Washington for the holidays after one of the least productive years in modern history. NPR ’s Barbara Sprunt breaks down the factors that have caused the stagnation. Former ICE officials say families are being detained for prolonged periods of time to speed up deportations. Anna Flagg of the Marshall Projec...
The Department of Justice released a trove of heavily redacted documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Atlantic ’s Charlie Warzel explains why they left many people unsatisfied. The U.S. military pursued a third oil tanker near Venezuela after taking previous action against two other ships. Benoit Faucon of the Wall Street Journal breaks down the latest escalation in the region. Some conservatives say they will support a run by Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election if he en...
From Apple News In Conversation : The end of the year is a moment to reflect on the art and culture that stood out. Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu sat down with two culture critics — Sam Sanders, the host of The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, and Anne Helen Petersen, creator of the podcast and newsletter Culture Study — to break down their top releases. They talk about the music, film, and TV they loved most in 2025. Plus, our listeners share their own picks for this year’s can’t-miss s...
Police say the man suspected of carrying out the deadly mass shooting at Brown University is dead. NBC News reports on how he is also suspected of the killing of a professor at MIT. A Russian envoy is set to meet with U.S. officials over the weekend in Miami for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal ’s Max Colchester explains why many European leaders are now preparing their citizens for a potential conflict with Russia. Trump has issued more executive orders in 2025 than h...
In a prime-time address, President Trump said the economy has vastly improved since he took office. The Washington Post ’s Jacob Bogage joins to discuss why everyday Americans don’t feel the same way. Trump wants a former county clerk who was convicted of tampering with voting machines freed from prison. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez of The Atlantic explains why that’s unlikely. A statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Emancipation Hall in Washington, D.C, has been replaced by one of civil-rights ...
House Republican leadership says there will be no vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire. Politico ’s Jordain Carney joins to discuss why the GOP hasn’t been able to rally behind a health-care strategy. Funeral services for some of the Bondi Beach victims were held in Sydney, and an alleged gunman has been charged with 59 offenses. The Washington Post reports on why the black flag of ISIS keeps showing up at scenes of immense violence. Authorities in Rhode Island ...
Authorities in Los Angeles will soon consider charges in the killing of iconic film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer. Politico reports on Reiner’s life as a political activist. Jimmy Lai, a major pro-democracy leader in Hong Kong, was convicted of collusion and sedition. Hong Kong Free Press editor Tom Grundy breaks down the case and its implications. An investigation revealed how major dollar-store chains routinely overcharge customers. The Guardian ’s Jocelyn Zuckerman explains...
Australians are in shock after two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing at least 15 people. CBS News reports that the suspects are a father and son. Talks over ending the war between Russia and Ukraine accelerated over the weekend. The Wall Street Journal ’s Laurence Norman details why big differences remain for both sides. Authorities in Rhode Island are still searching for a suspect in the deadly mass shooting on the campus of Brown University. The Washington Post reports that ...
From Apple News In Conversation : Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one of the most influential — and controversial — figures in American public health. And some of the changes he’s pushing, especially around vaccines, have drawn sharp criticism and resistance from many scientific experts. In a recent Atlantic profile, staff writer Michael Scherer examined how Kennedy’s background, including immense privilege and trauma, has shaped the perspective he now brings to his ...
Venezuela’s opposition leader made a daring escape to Oslo shortly after the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony. The Wall Street Journal ’s Vera Bergengruen details the perilous journey. Lawmakers in the Senate failed to pass separate bills aimed at easing health-insurance costs that are set to skyrocket at the end of the year. Axios reports on what happens next. The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer has spent hours talking to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In this week’s Apple News In Conversation , Scherer expl...
The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, in an escalation in tensions between Caracas and Washington. Bloomberg ’s Eric Martin explains how the move further ramps up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Indiana is the latest state in the spotlight over redistricting, as lawmakers there prepare to vote on a new congressional map requested by President Trump. Indianapolis Star reporter Kayla Dwyer joins to discuss why the measure is dividing Republicans in the state. A nationwide initi...
Australia’s social-media ban for under-16s takes effect today. NBC News reports on how the law is dividing Australians between those who see it as an overreach and those who view it as necessary protection. The Federal Reserve is expected to make another rate cut today despite opposition from some members of its board. The Wall Street Journal ’s Nick Timiraos explains how both internal and external pressures are shaping the decision. President Trump has accused political foes of mortgage fraud f...
This episode explores President Trump's struggle with economic affordability concerns as midterm elections approach, alongside Russia's unique strategies for maintaining its military force in Ukraine. It also delves into Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. and the potential for Trump's influence on the deal. Finally, the podcast covers recent resignations in the Justice Department, congressional efforts to ensure Pentagon transparency, and a challenging year for the Louvre Museum.
President Trump's administration released its National Security Strategy, outlining a new foreign policy vision focused on homeland defense and a softened stance on China, while criticizing European domestic policies. In Hollywood, Netflix announced a massive $83 billion acquisition of Warner Brothers, raising questions about industry consolidation and the future of theatrical releases. The Supreme Court also heard a major case on presidential authority to fire federal regulators, with implications for government independence.
From Apple News In Conversation : At a time when interest in history is surging, millions of listeners are tuning in to hear historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland dive into the past on their hit podcast The Rest Is History . Known for sharp banter, vivid details, and engaging narratives, the show has become the world’s most popular history podcast and was named Apple Podcasts’s Podcast of the Year. Sandbrook and Holland join Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to reflect on their...
President Trump suggested that a land strike in Venezuela may be imminent. Politico ’s Megan Messerly joins to discuss how the MAGA camp is getting used to the idea of regime change in Caracas. The World Cup draw is today, when fans learn who the nation they are rooting for will match up against in next year’s tournament. The Athletic ’s Adam Crafton explains how the event came to be at the Kennedy Center, and what that says about the way Trump has shaped the institution. The effects of budget c...
A Pentagon inspector general reportedly concluded that Pete Hegseth violated regulations when he shared sensitive information over Signal. The Wall Street Journal ’s Michael Gordon explains why the White House has so far stuck by the defense secretary. Texas’s “bathroom bill” goes into effect today. Texas Tribune reporter Ayden Runnels joins to discuss why enforcement might prove tricky. Trump pardoned sitting Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was facing bribery charges. USA Today report...
Pressure is mounting for transparency on a “double tap” boat strike in the Caribbean that critics say may constitute a war crime. NBC News reports on how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending the administration’s actions. Trump pardoned the former Honduran president who was convicted of taking bribes from cartels that flooded the U.S. with cocaine. BBC News reports that the clemency comes as Hondurans are electing a new president. Services like 23andMe have revealed the existence of “surpr...
People in Tennessee are voting to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. House. The BBC ’s Anthony Zurcher explains why the GOP-leaning district is competitive this year. More than 150 people are confirmed dead after a fire ripped through a Hong Kong apartment building. The Washington Post ’s Christian Shepherd joins to discuss the major questions facing authorities. Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s racing team is suing NASCAR. The Athletic reports on how the case could alter NASCAR in big ways. Plus,...
A strike against a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean has prompted bipartisan scrutiny. The Washington Post ’s Alex Horton details why lawmakers on both sides are seeking greater transparency. The suspected shooter of two National Guard troops in Washington D.C. arrived in the U.S. via a program meant for Afghans to resettle after the war. The Wall Street Journal ’s Michelle Hackman joins to discuss how Trump is now expanding his immigration crackdown. Americans return a lot of purchases. As w...
From Apple News In Conversation : This is an episode from our archives. Even before the divisive presidential election, family estrangement was on the rise. Now, as holiday gatherings approach, many people are grappling with difficult family dynamics. Psychologist Joshua Coleman, the author of Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict , talks to Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about how to navigate strained relationships and what steps you can...
Chef Samin Nosrat explores her journey since Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, revealing how personal loss reshaped her connection to cooking. Her new book, Good Things, focuses on gathering with loved ones, inspiring collaborative meals and cherished rituals. She also shares practical tips to alleviate holiday cooking stress, encourages creative approaches to traditional dishes, and helps listeners embrace joy in the kitchen.
A proposed peace plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine would require major concessions from Kyiv. The Wall Street Journal ’s Alexander Ward joins to discuss how the plan will likely face opposition from Ukraine and other European countries. The Las Vegas economy is grappling with a decline in visitor numbers. The Athletic ’s Luke Smith explains how the city hopes this weekend’s Formula 1 race will save an otherwise bleak year. Renowned cook Samin Nosrat says that to her, Thanksgiving fo...
This episode delves into Nvidia's recent record earnings, examining how the chipmaker's AI dominance is driving the U.S. economy and sparking comparisons to the dot-com bubble. It also exposes the Trump administration's unconventional pardon process, which bypasses traditional channels for connected individuals. Additionally, the episode provides an update on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, highlighting the often-overlooked plight of the ship's crew members still stranded in Baltimore.
This episode covers the stunning bipartisan vote to compel the release of the Epstein files, despite past resistance and presidential rhetoric. It also delves into the political battle over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, with Republicans seeking alternatives to extensions and experts warning of potential coverage loss. Additionally, the podcast highlights Iran's severe water bankruptcy caused by drought and poor management, before touching on other current events like Trump's stance on Khashoggi's killing, Texas's gerrymandered map, and raccoons showing signs of domestication.
President Trump is rolling out the red carpet for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signaling a restoration of US-Saudi relations and potential F-35 deals despite past controversies and Israel's concerns. Domestically, FEMA is in crisis with its second acting head resigning this year after issues during the Texas floods, raising questions about the agency's future. Internationally, the Louvre heist highlights the surprising vulnerability of French museums to low-tech robberies due to old buildings and budget shortfalls, prompting calls for security upgrades. The episode also touches on the UN Gaza plan, Larry Summers' connections to Jeffrey Epstein, and rising Thanksgiving food prices.
This episode explores the surprising rift between Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene, sparked by Trump's reversal on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files and Greene's subsequent public apology for divisive rhetoric. It also examines how Pope Leo's stance on migrants is influencing U.S. Catholic bishops and their condemnation of mass deportations. Finally, the episode delves into the ethical debates surrounding Silicon Valley startups pushing genetic embryo editing and polygenic screenings for "designer babies," alongside updates on immigration crackdowns, Iran's water crisis, and Oscar voting practices.
From Apple News In Conversation : Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario has spent the past two decades on the front lines of many of the world’s defining conflicts and humanitarian crises — from Iraq and Afghanistan to the Arab Spring, the Libyan civil war, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A new documentary from National Geographic, Love+War , explores not only her extraordinary career in conflict zones but also her life at home in London with her husband and their two young son...
Apple News Today examines the economic repercussions of the recent government shutdown, including lost activity and stalled jobs reports, impacting the Federal Reserve's decisions. The episode also delves into a potential credit card swipe-fee settlement that could allow merchants to decline premium rewards cards, creating consumer friction. It features an interview with acclaimed photojournalist Lynsey Addario on her new documentary "Love+War," exploring her dual life covering conflicts and raising a family. Finally, it provides updates on an ICE detention, a new U.S. military operation, and the abrupt bankruptcy of a hotel chain.
