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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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Explaining Trump’s latest move against Harvard
May 23, 202515 min<p>The Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students. <a href="https://apple.news/A9abylu9eQUm8aX8BAen35A">Reuters</a> breaks down the impact of the move.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Trump held a behind-closed-doors gala for top investors of his cryptocurrency coin. Declan Harty from <a href="https://apple.news/AFPjkNg2bRKy5aiD_jhVogA">Politico</a> discusses the ethical ramifications.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>It’s nearly five years since the murder of George Floyd. The <a href="https://apple.news/A0u27NDhKT92_u71qnHnifQ">Marshall Project</a>’s Jamiles Lartey joins to assess where police reform is in the country.</p> <p>Plus, the <a href="https://apple.news/AGTvxtEmUQ4SEc8lG15iZ2w">Supreme Court</a> in a split decision blocked an effort to establish the first taxpayer-funded religious charter school, another major ruling against Trump’s efforts to dismantle the <a href="https://apple.news/AnCG5a3i6QRy9-w-7SYQGyA">Department of Education</a>, more details emerged about the suspect in the <a href="https://apple.news/AOAQua0r7QfmQYf-pWhhMYw">Israeli Embassy staffer shootings</a>, and the U.S. is getting rid of the <a href="https://apple.news/Awq3upZm7Sk-yaURHi8RnAQ">penny</a>. <span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Update: Two Israeli Embassy staffers were killed in D.C. What to know.
May 22, 202515 min<p>Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., last night. The man and woman — a couple — had been attending a reception for young diplomats. <a href="https://apple.news/AXb9uTtZQTXiIWBqpWtVfRA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CBS</a> has the latest.</p><p>The FDA announced a change in its framework for approving new COVID vaccines for healthy individuals under 65. Usha Lee McFarling, a national science correspondent with <a href="https://apple.news/ASzpYSB0YQkyae1iIkrieiw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stat</a>, discusses the impact of the move, while <a href="https://apple.news/AB9cLi14HSJS8tmQCRDU-rw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NPR</a> reports on how some of the CDC’s main channels for communicating health information to the public have gone silent.</p><p>Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson join this week’s <a href="https://apple.news/ASJ2Bd7rlTYmpAeOhWLZ3eg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple News In Conversation</a> to talk about their book ‘Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.’</p><p>Plus, the <a href="https://apple.news/AeKkfUDeNQqOs6aWu7gF_-A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House passed</a> Trump’s massive tax-and-spending-bill, what to know about his <a href="https://apple.news/AkyDbtz5LSu-Dix3RYbJucQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contentious meeting</a> with South Africa’s president, and the Defense Department <a href="https://apple.news/AHx07Bq-1TDWWs23TpVjiJA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">officially accepted a Qatari jet</a> to serve as Air Force One. Also, how the <a href="https://apple.news/A6zRkYkzvQRGooFPJwXaTvw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 richest Americans</a> got significantly richer in the past year — and how they stand to gain more from the GOP tax bill.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p> <p>Correction: A previous version of this episode cited comments the U.N. humanitarian chief made to the BBC that 14,000 babies in Gaza would die in the next 48 hours if they do not receive aid. The BBC has since <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crk2264nrn2o">updated</a> that reporting to reflect that a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates that 14,100 severe cases of acute malnutrition could occur among children in Gaza ages 6 to 59 months between April 2025 and March 2026.</p>
A brain-dead pregnant woman is being kept alive, raising ethical questions
May 21, 202515 min<p>A pregnant woman in Georgia is being kept alive as a hospital navigates the state’s abortion laws. The family is speaking out. <a href="https://apple.news/Az2hx75TnRlyhysqXhLmiqA">The Guardian</a> has the story.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Kentucky is still grappling with the aftermath of intense tornadoes, as well as dealing with more storm systems. <a href="https://apple.news/AOmEWVr5lTuGv8OPF0C1Opg">USA Today</a> reports on how cuts to the National Weather Service have led to scrambles to cover important shifts. And <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-staffing-shortages-at-the-national-weather-service-could-put-lives-at-risk">PBS Newshour</a> also highlights the impact of cuts on the service.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>New Oklahoma school standards include a requirement to teach students misinformation about the 2020 presidential election. Beth Wallis, education reporter with <a href="https://apple.news/AF-tTOM_bRxGW5d9bl9PA8Q">StateImpact Oklahoma</a>, joins to discuss how and why this happened.</p> <p>Plus, France, the U.K., and Canada united to <a href="https://apple.news/AoRCjtOx-SuO9gS7bRQvonw">condemn Israel</a>, lawyers accused Trump administration of defying courts to <a href="https://apple.news/AxdBKOlF_TUy5M0pU4Ec7mw">send migrants to South Sudan</a>, and the <a href="https://apple.news/AVwZWr9wRQmCn9sBahrhDUA">NBA conference finals</a> are set to begin.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p> <p><i>Correction: A previous version of this episode cited comments the U.N. humanitarian chief made to the BBC that 14,000 babies in Gaza would die in the next 48 hours if they do not receive aid. The BBC has since </i><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crk2264nrn2o" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><i>updated</i></a><i> that reporting to reflect that a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates that 14,100 severe cases of acute malnutrition could occur among children in Gaza ages 6 to 59 months between April 2025 and March 2026.</i></p>
The GOP’s tug-of-war over spending cuts
May 20, 202515 min<p>Mark Chiusano writes for <a href="https://apple.news/AUPBt1L_tSCCZZRJXawZ4DA">New York</a> magazine about a mother who took her sons to a routine ICE check-in. They were scheduled for deportation and she hasn’t seen them since.</p> <p>House Republicans want to extend tax cuts and lower the deficit. The <a href="https://apple.news/AzqsFaNTlR-OAyp4GBL1rqg">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Richard Rubin describes why doing both at the same time might be impossible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Are incidents involving air-traffic-controller communications happening more frequently? <a href="https://apple.news/ATMyFQeuVRVyTDnJdtlS9SA">USA Today</a>’s Zach Wichter explains what might be causing them and how we should contextualize the issue.</p> <p>Plus,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Trump <a href="https://apple.news/AMVTfkyYqQhK-6Mlmt96vxA">spoke to Putin</a> and claims peace talks will begin “immediately,” another news executive <a href="https://apple.news/AjIXIAvGvQVKTEfG97luU-w">quit CBS News</a>, and what to know about the <a href="https://apple.news/A0Y-2dHrlR3uMzUcZCsIQCQ">new Take It Down Act.</a></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Joe Biden has prostate cancer. Here is what we know.
May 19, 202514 min<p>Former President Joe Biden announced that he has prostate cancer. <a href="https://apple.news/Ai-QLq9onRNWMX8oinuEosA">CNN</a> has the latest news and reaction.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Israel agreed to allow a basic amount of aid into Gaza, as it launches a new ground offensive. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://apple.news/AYHeCx3zaTSyNqRgjDdNX_Q">New Yorker</a>’s Ruth Margalit reports that fewer Israeli reservists are showing up for service, because they are exhausted and increasingly skeptical of the government’s claims for continuing the war.</p> <p>There are nearly half a million open manufacturing jobs right now. Greg Rosalsky with <a href="https://apple.news/AVWq1eb3aT0y4n3tL4Tctow">NPR</a> explains why the industry is having a hard time filling them.</p> <p>Plus, a tornado <a href="https://apple.news/AkhlGfGsLQTO5FmFJdFgCAg">devastated Kentucky</a>, what we know about <a href="https://apple.news/An2lSTqVRTdCSvgacUkwpag">a fertility-clinic bombing</a> in Palm Springs, and how a Mexican navy ship <a href="https://apple.news/ARsIOij6-ROOcU21Rrh7JqA">crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge</a>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
The winners and losers of the GOP tax bill
May 16, 202515 min<p>A look at where things are on the GOP’s tax bill, and who stands to benefit and lose. Tax-policy reporter Richard Rubin with the <a href="https://apple.news/AZKWc7iyhShq55Wybr7ls7A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> has the details.</p><p>After oral arguments, the Supreme Court appeared divided over how much power lower courts should have to issue nationwide injunctions. The <a href="https://apple.news/AdpT07HxUT7CwfdMgZu_QqQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> unpacks the issue.</p><p>The Trump administration is rolling back some protections against forever chemicals. Mariah Blake tells <a href="https://apple.news/AejdJGBQWQNCqOau-z6xT5Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple News In Conversation</a> why there’s still optimism on the state level, and suggests some ways to protect yourself.</p><p>Plus, a Milwaukee judge pleaded not guilty to attempting to block <a href="https://apple.news/AHE59oUuVTRC0DQA6iPJBJA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">immigration arrest</a>, a landmark moment in <a href="https://apple.news/AtoPUdyHTQhC7OdxRweCfQg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gene editing</a>, and what to know about the <a href="https://apple.news/AJfZRC5YtTYOOq9miVk9Bbg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WNBA’s</a> new team.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
What the Supreme Court's birthright-citizenship case is really about
May 15, 202514 min<p>A case before the Supreme Court about birthright citizenship could have larger ramifications for the limits of judicial power. Maureen Groppe with <a href="https://apple.news/AH8BOjGIRR4KrET6lp_44Ew" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">USA Today</a> has the story.</p><p>Trump says he’s getting a free luxury <a href="https://apple.news/AOSh4mIKJRbODjhrmuBYOag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">aircraft </a>from Qatar’s royal family — but it's actually far from it. And the announcement has prompted <a href="https://apple.news/AJ2J4FBspT9-iRYRdzE1U8A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">political</a> backlash from both sides of the aisle.</p><p>The <a href="https://apple.news/AfuzPGMABSMygZZX6s59ODA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>’s Hannah Knowles unpacks how a Pennsylvania manufacturing hub is responding to Trump’s tariff policy.</p><p>Plus, highly anticipated Russia-Ukraine talks are happening today but Putin is <a href="https://apple.news/AHKDcydmiT_eIhidW09_i6Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nowhere to be seen</a>. Healthy and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. <a href="https://apple.news/ALATpDOJqRAWt9AzLQn8GOw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">told Congress</a> "I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me." And how alcohol <a href="https://apple.news/AN28qNT2wSZqrvzF3z7AY7g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">can harm</a> women’s bodies.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Why “self-defense” insurance is becoming big business
May 14, 202515 min<p>The Trump administration is resettling white South Africans in the U.S. The <a href="https://apple.news/A3uDbC6mtReObTNWipsYjtQ">Washington Post</a>’s Teo Armus has the story.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>With ceasefire talks set to begin, Netanyahu resolved to use “full force” in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. <a href="https://apple.news/AXA01qz18S7yth0ytQ8WoUA">Bloomberg News</a> has more.</p> <p>The <a href="https://apple.news/AjVrPNJTaQ_CyJrn6BFa-ew">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Mark Maremont explains how a nationwide rise in gun ownerships and stand-your-ground laws contributed to an increase in self-defense insurance policies.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Plus, a former girlfriend of Sean Combs <a href="https://apple.news/AuW5Iq-r-S1eYZpQqTQ4kYQ">gave evidence</a> at his criminal trial, the Menendez brothers were resentenced and <a href="https://apple.news/AndfNo2c8Q7SltQ6Xot7uyg">could get parole</a>, and why Pete Rose’s baseball Hall of Fame ban <a href="https://apple.news/A674u4w5pR1eEtIShR6_NiQ">has been lifted</a>.</p>
Property, golf, and crypto: the Trump family strikes deals in the Middle East
May 13, 202513 min<p>President Trump is making the first extended foreign trip of his term in the Middle East. The <a href="https://apple.news/Ala2TJbdYQL27jPUGUsWoSQ">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Eliot Brown discusses how parts of his personal business empire are also striking deals in the region.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/AHQZs5LG-RjqvyR2w0gRlXw">USA Today</a> looks at opening statements in the criminal trial for Sean “Diddy” Combs, and the legal arguments expected from the defense and the prosecution.</p> <p>Using batteries for grid-scale energy storage will improve how Americans get their power. <a href="https://apple.news/A1jWfR7G3QR6GkxhIOuslpg">Vox</a>’s Umair Irfan tells us about the benefits.</p> <p>Plus, what to know about Republicans’ <a href="https://stocks.apple.com/Aal4VTxVZSva7cvhUBSmuBg">proposed Medicaid cuts</a>, Trump’s <a href="https://apple.news/AOxztmeqHR7y5I6pkIGvtIA">executive order</a> instructing drug companies to lower<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>prices, and the unlikely winner of the <a href="https://apple.news/AcoT6VFKXTSi4JxpcMljrRg">NBA draft</a> lottery.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
The U.S. and China agree to cut tariffs for 90 days. What to know.
May 12, 202514 min<p>The U.S. and China reached an agreement to<a href="https://apple.news/AxZMFuZOCTiS0JIXJBAtlxg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> temporarily lower tariffs</a> on each other’s products. </p> <p>After another radar outage affecting Newark airport, the secretary transportation warned that flight disruptions could spread to other U.S. airports. <a href="https://apple.news/AXr2IZbmpT1K938CgJKIIBQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NBC News</a> reports.</p> <p>Also, a roundup of recent immigration news, as the Trump administration welcomes a group of <a href="https://apple.news/Ajn_tT1DNRWOQdKpVXRGRnA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">white South Africans to the U.S</a>.</p> <p>Plus, Hamas <a href="https://apple.news/A6IB7PlJoQ1mQ5eJFWcxehQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">is releasing</a> its last living American hostage, Trump is planning to accept a <a href="https://apple.news/As-uIlmloQqSjQE5FmHU9kw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$400 million jet from Qatar</a>, and what the pope said in <a href="https://apple.news/AquJ5-eMqRTGagZM2Av6ZbQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">his first Sunday sermon</a> as pontiff.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Any day now, an old Soviet spacecraft will crash-land on Earth
May 9, 202514 min<p>It’s a busy month for college graduations. <a href="https://apple.news/AwpKXW0OCR3ib3D0MynvrQg">USA Today</a>’s Rachel Barber joins to discuss what graduates are looking for in the job market and how they’re feeling about it.</p> <p>Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope yesterday, becoming the first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Joshua McElwee, Vatican correspondent for <a href="https://apple.news/A3Pl8FpyJR4C5elhV4OJAcg">Reuters</a>, discusses the new Pope Leo XIV’s biography and positions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>A decades-old Soviet-era spacecraft is set to crash-land on Earth any day now. <a href="https://apple.news/AWAdbz23iQke3SgC6bz3waQ">ABC News</a> has more. Eric Roston, sustainability editor for <a href="https://apple.news/AvuchSfR1Rc6HTuNOO2_tiw">Bloomberg News</a>, talks about the potential environmental impacts of decommissioned satellites that burn up in the atmosphere.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, why the head of <a href="https://apple.news/At5IS1hxiSlKkad4u0EQM7g">FEMA was fired</a>, major U.S. cities are <a href="https://apple.news/AMEp_bj6DQ9KdNEM9awo-yg">sinking</a>, and a mom and her son who plan to <a href="https://www.fox4news.com/news/mom-son-graduate-from-tcu-mothers-day-weekend">graduate together</a>.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
People are noticing “recession signs” everywhere. What does the data say?
May 8, 202515 min<p>Fed Chair Jerome Powell held interest rates steady on Wednesday, and said the economic path ahead is unclear. The <a href="https://apple.news/A-GbKrK6LQPSt52W2xN6eoA">Washington Post</a> reports on how economists are trying to sort through the warning signs they’re seeing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>The <a href="https://apple.news/A7RgdEnhaSEWZFXoU3MvzlQ">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Drew Hinshaw joins to discuss a complicated problem the next pope will inherit: how to handle the Vatican’s messy finances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Yesterday Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. The <a href="https://apple.news/AlEYWqX-sQfKsPC0x_xFvfg">Utah News Dispatch</a> has more, while the <a href="https://apple.news/ABpBeVNeHQS2yObjioAqcdQ">Tallahassee Democrat</a> details a similar ban set to take effect in Florida. <a href="https://apple.news/A1HhtVEgMQQyTOvYIDN7H7Q">Vox</a> breaks down the science about fluoride’s benefits and risks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new <a href="https://apple.news/Aq_bbLpu_Q8KQ0m2lYBHQOw">autism database</a>, why the Trump administration is <a href="https://apple.news/A6n2LZpskSmuIbYPv1kIl1A">spying on Greenland</a>, a <a href="https://apple.news/AoLeiTnYKSuq1iWOd0JjU5w">unique use of AI</a> in the courtroom, and some cardinals are in fact <a href="https://apple.news/AwKF57GoqRhSsbibDE4lO2Q">watching</a> the movie ‘Conclave.’</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
The 90 seconds that shook air-traffic controllers
May 7, 202513 min<p>The <a href="https://apple.news/AOX70RVNvRqaH67QX8Odxlg">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Andrew Tangel discusses a troubling recent communication loss for air-traffic controllers, and how it has served as a wake-up call.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>India struck sites in Pakistan, causing global concern. The <a href="https://apple.news/A8Mbz3ZlmTLu0d02bQ659Zw">Washington Post</a> has more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Today the conclave to elect a new pope begins. <a href="https://apple.news/AAD4cl87MR9WC3Z9376R79Q">NPR</a>’s Bill Chappell takes us inside the secretive process.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump <a href="https://apple.news/AiIxTu40IQCagFB96ShxrXg">administration’s ban</a> on transgender people in the military to take effect, Canada’s <a href="https://apple.news/AHeCdbNtMRYOuhXv3bu4t_A">new prime minister</a> met with Trump, and another update about <a href="https://apple.news/A32kyUwRAT9GGx8F5Ft1VLQ">Real ID</a>s.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
How RFK Jr. has overhauled U.S. health care
May 6, 202515 min<p>Aria Bendix, health reporter for <a href="https://apple.news/AUWkJZGoWTvWRuAwesHYRRw">NBC News</a>, discusses the impact of cuts and changes at the Department of Health and Human Services. The <a href="https://apple.news/AQap4D4mlSDep5y1IdpTuKg">Washington Post</a> examines the overall impact on public health of Trump’s first 100 days in office.</p> <p>Gerry Shih<strong>, </strong>Jerusalem bureau chief for the <a href="https://apple.news/AnNaVMCIMTiW26MdJN40fRQ">Washington Post</a>, joins to talk about Israel’s plans to occupy more of Gaza and fully control <a href="https://apple.news/AI-bM9SQLT9C6zjTbnkmEfw">distribution of aid</a> there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Trump has threatened massive tariffs on movies produced overseas. Meg James, senior entertainment-industry reporter for the <a href="https://apple.news/AR-BdDp_VRcqFvRcEkdCslw">Los Angeles Times</a>, discusses the studios’ response.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Plus, the winners of this year’s <a href="https://apple.news/ARqHv6VkLSx23dvUNo_Vm5Q">Pulitzer Prizes</a>, the issues plaguing <a href="https://apple.news/AWrWxc3CxRdOdR9QCLbMBMQ">Newark’s airport</a>, and what to know about the <a href="https://apple.news/AnxHiE3ZrSWqZTWrvf_BE4Q">Real ID deadline</a>.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
The reason Americans aren’t having more babies
May 5, 202515 min<p>The Trump administration wants a baby boom, but many of its policies are making it harder for American families to expand. <a href="https://apple.news/AWhfjq6PZQyqgcxU2LIQK5g">Vox</a>'s Rachel Cohen explains.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>The trial of Sean Combs, the music mogul known as Diddy, starts today. He faces federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Charles Bethea, a staff writer with the <a href="https://apple.news/AIGz6u7_JTlS4uLm0qqOnFQ">New Yorker</a>, spent several months profiling one of the lead attorneys defending him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Warren Buffet is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway as he warns of economic hardship ahead under President Trump’s tariff agenda. The <a href="https://apple.news/AMBMh08irSrCnc-EvAyivHQ">Wall Street Journal</a> has the details of his announcement and argues <a href="https://apple.news/AjblvhkMWRhWY83_IYtYhDw">there will never be another investor like him</a>. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, Israel’s security cabinet approves a new ground operation that includes <a href="https://apple.news/AgkFhE3YxSRG-hRAwu800Sg">occupying</a> the Gaza Strip, the president told <a href="https://apple.news/AFwXS-DJNSAG0TqSNpMAhcw">NBC</a> "I don’t know" when asked if he’s required to uphold the Constitution, and the <a href="https://apple.news/Aud1-wc9ARoOOpFHXdMOEgw">Met Gala</a> celebrates Black dandyism.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
How Democrats are trying to win back voters
May 2, 202514 min<p>The Democratic Party is strategizing over how to respond to Trump. Perry Bacon Jr. with the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/03/17/democrats-trump-resist-sanders-aoc-murphy-walz/">Washington Post</a> walks us through how that’s going.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Mike Waltz is out as national-security adviser. <a href="https://apple.news/A4QxwLAHdThS5keyq7h1eOA">ABC</a> has the story.</p> <p></p> <p>Generative AI is making nonconsensual deepfake porn incredibly easy to make and much more difficult to prevent and prosecute. Reporters Olivia Carville and Margi Murphy speak to <a href="https://apple.news/Adu0c7ddQSfWVtsEJ2IjTLA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In Conversation</a> about the scale of the problem.</p> <p>Plus, a judge <a href="https://apple.news/A9d0w-fFBQqG2YahIh68NgQ">struck down</a> Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, a Haitian woman died in ICE <a href="https://apple.news/AWOFMbYJKSg6y4E9UjwQb5Q">custody</a>, and the <a href="https://apple.news/AzB9wxu9hR4O2X-l2rUAt0g">names</a> of imprisoned journalists to know for World Press Freedom Day.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Why Nike is a cautionary tale when it comes to tariffs
May 1, 202515 min<p>Kamala Harris delivered her first speech since leaving the White House. The <a href="https://apple.news/A1hFKOTChT92mwy-bVEQwNA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> has the details. </p><p>Trump wants to use tariffs to boost U.S. manufacturing. The <a href="https://apple.news/AsJ8I_vD-Q8arHYDBvNnX4w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Jon Emont describes what happened when Nike tried to move part of its manufacturing to North America. Plus, the Journal reports on how the <a href="https://apple.news/AiaAD_XJVQn2h2LSskbSWgA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trade war</a> is putting pressure on China’s economy.</p><p>Republicans need to agree to pass Trump’s budget bill. Will they?<a href="https://apple.news/AIcaSDjuYSPqCVouXHKlqvQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> NBC</a>’s Sahil Kapur weighs in. </p><p>Plus, what we know about the U.S.-Ukraine<a href="https://apple.news/Aa8bEiLBnTqi08YGuTgPL6A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> mineral deal</a>, the Supreme Court <a href="https://apple.news/ACG-2eg22Raym2Q6u2fbfjA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">heard</a> arguments over religious charter schools, a detained Columbia student was <a href="https://apple.news/Abbs6aXQ5TTCmFlvfjBDpUQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freed</a>, and why one town in Mississippi can’t see one of the buzziest <a href="https://apple.news/An1yX1eRGTNmlYs3dMH5tjA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">films</a> of the year.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
DOGE set out to save trillions. Here are the results.
Apr 30, 202515 min<p>A look at the first 100 days of DOGE.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://apple.news/AYoL6iYsJQLyqsv6CCKjUtg">Wired</a>’s Makena Kelly has the details.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Israel has prevented almost all aid from reaching Gaza for close to two months. This week, the International Court of Justice began to weigh in. The <a href="https://apple.news/A3GhbSvOlS5yEhM5nplEvVg">Washington Post</a> reports. <a href="https://apple.news/AzPGe8OgmTE2N7Wl6XOo7sw">Reuters</a> also finds that community kitchens in Gaza may close due to dwindling supplies.</p> <p>The Trump administration’s deportations and detainments have left families shattered. <a href="https://apple.news/AA5aBOtAIQHO_iOGfVsur2g">Time</a> looks at some of the more prominent cases.</p> <p>Plus, Trump <a href="https://apple.news/AScBAsFHpQoWP3wnfrlvhTw">scales back</a> auto tariffs, a <a href="https://apple.news/AP7XPaiioSKODlDArgstizQ">detained</a> Columbia University student speaks, and Bob Ross gets his own museum <a href="https://apple.news/AD3jrE3NCRs2yfoW9Nue5BA">exhibition</a>.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
How voters feel about Trump’s first 100 days
Apr 29, 202514 min<p><a href="https://apple.news/ABio7VHT7R42v27nnvBO20A">Reuters</a> speaks to voters about their views on Trump’s second term so far.</p> <p>The <a href="https://apple.news/AHcBos3-0QvyVQ_lEZ-vZzw">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Nick Timiraos discusses the state of the economy and how businesses are coping with turbulence.</p> <p>This week the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a case expected to have considerable implications on both<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span> education and the separation of church and state. <a href="https://apple.news/AXI4PYRHrRxyafenBW8DARw">USA Today</a>’s Maureen Groppe has the details.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, Canada’s Liberal party <a href="https://apple.news/AoNqQ_q3ERdGSUGSnQxiOjw">won</a> national elections, why lawyers are <a href="https://apple.news/Aamt_-EeSQhCvURVnditJsw">departing</a> the DOJ’s civil-rights division en masse, and a massive <a href="https://apple.news/AmiSpWo1NTrCpG-9vWn9kAw">power outage</a> hit Spain and Portugal.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
How public opinion has shifted in Trump’s first 100 days
Apr 28, 202515 min<p><a href="https://apple.news/AF7CqfEuiSPyZ-V1YZnomwA">CNN</a> chief data analyst Harry Enten joins to discuss recent polling and why Trump’s honeymoon period didn’t last long.</p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/AcHoU45K_TF-HTqR8PI6r-g">NPR</a> reports that 114 immigrants were arrested in a raid at a Colorado nightclub on Sunday. Meanwhile, a judge in Milwaukee was <a href="https://apple.news/A8PLAfowoQjyh8ClW7QmaQQ">arrested</a> for allegedly helping a man evade immigration authorities at a courthouse.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/Any0sPmWNSd2u_I0tdj9bVw">Toronto Star</a> columnist Althia Raj breaks down what’s at stake as Canadians head to the polls for federal elections today.</p> <p>Plus, an SUV rammed into crowds at a Filipino heritage festival in <a href="https://apple.news/AA_2gjEBvQqqBmc7SKN_zXg">Vancouver</a>, Trump and Zelenskyy <a href="https://apple.news/AQeX7flgcRFmuYEg3OLo2lg">met</a> at the Vatican before Pope Francis’s funeral, and Wrexham AFC moved one step <a href="https://apple.news/AnJzz3DZ5SnuMIYDlcY4IGw">closer</a> to the Premier League.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
An alarm bell for American democracy
Apr 25, 202515 min<p>In a recent pulse-check on the health of our democracy by <a href="https://brightlinewatch.org/accelerated-transgressions-in-the-second-trump-presidency/">Bright Line Watch</a>, hundreds of scholars warned that the U.S. is heading swiftly toward authoritarianism. <a href="https://ruthbenghiat.com">Ruth Ben-Ghiat,</a> a professor of history at New York University who specializes in the subject, explains how we got here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Plus, <a href="https://apple.news/AUaDlQje-RKqVTCnTIRqnbg">setbacks</a> for Trump in court, pregnant people in states with abortion bans are almost <a href="https://apple.news/A4kVqQPsGT_yW_rs6gq5cMQ">twice as likely to die</a> during pregnancy or soon after giving birth, and the <a href="https://apple.news/A8LUDpuxfThOFZMELOVzgrg">hidden costs</a> of being polite to a chatbot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Their travel generates billions for the U.S. They’re rethinking their plans.
Apr 24, 202515 min<p>Travel to the United States is a multibillion-dollar industry. The <a href="https://apple.news/AjzGQVeTlTSCyGUyeIv6fNw">Washington Post</a> examines how and why it is decreasing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Pope Francis kept up a routine of near daily calls to a church in Gaza throughout the Israel-Hamas war. The <a href="https://apple.news/AkKchl5iRQ56ZFg7K_sTOyw">Wall Street Journal</a> has more. And <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/22/europe/pope-francis-funeral-everything-we-know-intl/index.html">CNN</a> details what to expect at his funeral.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/A38OFY7XSSHSw0TBW4qdYqQ">The Athletic</a>’s Mike Vorkunov joins to discuss an investigation into a sprawling sports-gambling scheme.</p> <p>Plus, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are at a <a href="https://apple.news/Alg-exOKCTl6pwU428PCT4A">standstill</a>, big-box CEOs raise <a href="https://apple.news/AOTH9qp9SQZKQySwreXLY2Q">concerns</a> about tariffs, and the ultrarich have been getting <a href="https://apple.news/AsnDLFIklSZyyRIH-v6Ja7g">richer</a>.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Why it’s time to delete yourself from the internet
Apr 23, 202514 min<p>The <a href="https://apple.news/AcQl29Qu0Tq6l_RTIcFrV3w">Wall Street Journal</a>’s personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen shares why it might be a good idea to delete certain personal data about yourself online.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on free speech and initiatives aimed at bolstering diversity, teachers are worried they might run afoul of new, vague rules around discussions of inclusivity. <a href="https://apple.news/AmlcQnGRnRR2ONZqW-o6SIA">NPR</a> has the story.</p> <p>The value of the dollar is in question as a result of Trump’s trade war. The <a href="https://apple.news/A5ds-ECHFQBmCYg7LJkkefw">Washington Post</a>’s David Lynch has the details.</p> <p>Plus, colleges <a href="https://apple.news/AN0FJRNZHTBaDda2YALJHpA">band</a> together to condemn Trump, the executive producer of ‘60 Minutes’ <a href="https://apple.news/APVsBYCQBRhi8dCmIXb8LpA">resigns</a>, Montana confirms the first measles <a href="https://apple.news/AWVKldrKeS2KSUnnVMTEd1g">infections</a> in the state in 35 years, and a woman <a href="https://apple.news/AvUCftdrESrOi--tKrwMuNA">forgives</a> and hugs the mass shooter who killed her brother.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Will the Supreme Court allow Trump to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell?
Apr 22, 202515 min<p>A number of agencies, like the Federal Reserve, operate independently from the party ruling Washington. The <a href="https://apple.news/ARoN42p8uSuOlWfTV4hAv_Q">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Greg Ip explains how a Supreme Court case could challenge that precedent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/A5jjh4w1xQBGcJrkZm8y8UA">NPR</a>’s Jasmine Garsd explains why some immigrant and mixed-status families are considering self-deportation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/AcipkhWbXTIOMc4Rp3s0Eqw">Bloomberg</a>’s Josh Sisco joins to discuss a major antitrust case against Google.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, the Supreme Court <a href="https://apple.news/AEEA5rBsyQH-4z1X39HxdTA">weighs</a> in on certain books in schools, the dollar <a href="https://apple.news/AG4w_sAVjQXSraSZLg_7RMQ">falls</a> to a three-year low, and how renewable energy is <a href="https://apple.news/AeonvGNyoT-Kl4Hn-ijbh9w">winning</a> on Earth Day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
The pope’s legacy, plus a second Signal chat with war plans
Apr 21, 202516 min<p><a href="https://apple.news/A5J2NQpg4QKaTK2_gRVGvNg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pope Francis</a>, who attempted to modernize the Vatican, has died. He was 88 years old. We remember his legacy with Reuters correspondent Joshua McElwee.</p> <p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly discussed sensitive military plans with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer over the app Signal. <a href="https://apple.news/AmpgNlw3XSP2ISsOOquxP1g" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Wall Street Journal</a> reports that it’s the latest news in what’s been a chaotic time at the Pentagon.</p> <p>The Supreme Court over the weekend <a href="https://apple.news/AJKegoBHMSKikjtfy3H8DGQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">issued</a> a rare overnight ruling barring the Trump administration from deporting migrants in Texas under the Alien Enemies Act. <a href="https://apple.news/Ak3JTPKyWTFSeeqe-ecxG8Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NBC News</a> reports it happened as busloads of deportees were headed to an airport for removal.</p> <p>Plus, Google’s latest <a href="https://apple.news/AcipkhWbXTIOMc4Rp3s0Eqw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">antitrust case</a>, Israel <a href="https://apple.news/ABAiwzPQFTd2lWHUXWzQzPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">releases</a> its review on the killing of 15 emergency responders in Gaza, and it’s been 50 years since the first wheelchair competitor <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2025-04-16/50-years-ago-one-man-made-history-as-boston-marathons-first-official-wheelchair-athlete" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">completed</a> the Boston Marathon.</p>
The foreign leader helping Trump defy the Supreme Court
Apr 18, 202515 min<p>Vera Bergengruen, national-security reporter at the Wall Street Journal, joins to discuss Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, his plans for his country, and his relationship with Trump. Bergengruen profiled Bukele for <a href="https://apple.news/A-0jKOKwESB6M_4AkpyV65g">Time</a> last year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, the U.S. may abandon its support to <a href="https://apple.news/AOy3_C3MxR4C1vmcTq15UCQ">Ukraine</a>, Luigi Mangione was <a href="https://apple.news/AqtGn3GgqRdOw6xIsU3idbg">indicted</a> on federal charges, a gunman killed two people on the campus of <a href="https://apple.news/AaVGu00Y7RASERnVKN3jXvQ">Florida State University</a>, the <a href="https://apple.news/AxOEQ3jLJTsOtf3wBCHwx5A">latest</a> from Gaza, and things other than eggs you can <a href="https://apple.news/AW7hOGGySTseWolsJO5tROQ">dye</a> this Easter.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
What to know about RFK Jr.’s plan to research autism
Apr 17, 202514 min<p>Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making research into autism one of his major initiatives. <a href="https://apple.news/AlXEzGhoyTiGRXPcc2S7t-A">NBC</a>’s Brandy Zadrozny explains how he’s reinvigorated the anti-vaccine movement in the process.</p> <p>The <a href="https://apple.news/A-Grt2SseRs6iwciIg1cFDw">Los Angeles Times</a> looks at how several Democratic governors, including California’s Gavin Newsom, are responding to and contending with the Trump administration.</p> <p><a href="https://apple.news/AfJJCT4dUTe2xC090fCVKxQ">NPR</a> explains how government bureaucracy has disrupted the reintegration of former Marine Paul Whelan, who was released from Russia last year in a prisoner swap coordinated by the Biden administration.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, a judge says there is <a href="https://apple.news/AEOOE8OZlSkK5VNOqQnAwHw">probable cause</a> to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt, the Federal Reserve chief <a href="https://apple.news/Aoo3Xq5iVSnCef9k6mqbfZA">addresses</a> tariffs, and how Paris dramatically <a href="https://apple.news/A9aQJWFxMRGWsCo2PP14Trw">improved</a> its air quality.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.</p>
Why Harvard is leading the higher-ed fight against Trump
Apr 16, 202515 min<p><a href="https://apple.news/APizuMiojRSG5R2V9a6BZkQ">Bloomberg News</a> reports on Harvard University’s pushback to demands from the Trump administration and the resulting retribution. <a href="https://apple.news/A-KspeyR0Svy6fHfZHSWlLg">CNN</a> examines how other universities have responded. And Wesleyan president Michael Roth talks about his own approach.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>The <a href="https://apple.news/Ap__enGS7RFa0yCu5AeUulQ">Wall Street Journal</a>’s Yaroslav Trofimov joins to discuss how some U.S. allies are hedging their bets in a trade war with China.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>As the White House and El Salvador have declined to help return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States, <a href="https://apple.news/A873u6T0nSLuG6aQ98zORxA">PBS Newshour</a> looks at conditions inside the prison in which he is being held. CBS’s <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-records-show-about-migrants-sent-to-salvadoran-prison-60-minutes-transcript/">60 Minutes</a> finds that a large majority of individuals deported from the U.S. to that prison do not have criminal records.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, Trump looks to <a href="https://apple.news/AbZqQRPFtTB2XiIM91G7R6g">rescind</a> public-media funding, another Columbia student is <a href="https://apple.news/A8rAg_3MbQkyDSPlKaLqoRg">detained</a> by ICE, and how some Californians knew an earthquake was <a href="https://apple.news/AP6-7pUoSSZiLPUsyLQCT4w">coming</a> seconds before it hit.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
Trump is considering sending U.S. citizens to El Salvador
Apr 15, 202514 min<p>El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said he will not help return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. after Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. <a href="https://apple.news/AMHDqIFcpRxiVIJOmS13Tlg">NBC News</a> has more. And <a href="https://apple.news/AHbtH4cHFQoOU3i2WYG0kxg">Rolling Stone</a> reports on private White House considerations about sending U.S. citizens there as well.</p> <p>Joseph Walker from the <a href="https://apple.news/AwnSCGxMCSkGL-nGFoKaHog">Wall Street Journal</a> joins to talk about a possible way that Republicans could cut Medicaid funding.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Anil Oza, Sharon Begley fellow at <a href="https://apple.news/ABTwn1M34QcOb_pF9tGh0bA">Stat News</a>, discusses the rise in U.S. maternal mortality rates.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Plus, Harvey Weinstein goes <a href="https://apple.news/Ax4Mlte9fTWeq73hKw0JVQA">back</a> on trial, an internal government memo <a href="https://apple.news/A0N6AQs6pS-m90Pc14gohsg">refutes</a> the narrative behind the detainment of a Tufts University student, UConn star Paige Bueckers was <a href="https://apple.news/AYQjSHIvSRcmQffh2Ac3-vw">selected</a> first in the WNBA draft, and why the IRS is <a href="https://apple.news/A7GdRbKbgSHe7t2m2qmA7Cw">extending</a> the tax-filing deadline for certain states.</p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
The legal fight that could reshape social media
Apr 14, 202514 min<p>The government says Meta broke the law when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial starts today. <a href="https://apple.news/Abwu87kFOR7aX-5lsaqs6tA">The Verge</a>’s Lauren Feiner details the case.</p> <p>The Trump administration has purposely classified thousands of living immigrants as dead. Lisa Rein from the <a href="https://apple.news/AW70I7s-uRfW6ywjN5KnOdA">Washington Post</a> explains why.<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p> <p>Universities are coming off a pandemic that closed campuses and reduced enrollment numbers. These days, they’re contending with the Trump administration’s disruptive cuts to research. <a href="https://apple.news/APg6kf8TWRGq5ZTY62yjozw">Bloomberg</a>’s Elizabeth Rembert discusses what affected researchers have told her.</p> <p>Plus, Trump said <a href="https://apple.news/A8XY7DFvGQJa4l28nJZeZ7A">tariffs</a> are coming for smartphones and other electronics,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gaza’s last functioning hospital was <a href="https://apple.news/A8hmA-Sk3QEWjZVq86FesQw">attacked</a>, and police made an <a href="https://apple.news/AnfqNkveQSxuv8CtZJvtmkg">arrest</a> after a man allegedly set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>
