Apple News Today
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.
The U.S. is turning 250. These songs unexpectedly changed American history.
From Apple News In Conversation: The United States turns 250 years old this summer — and there’s no shortage of ways to mark the moment. One of the most revealing lenses through which to view the country’s history may be music. Anna Harwell Celenza, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of On the Record: Music That Changed America, joined Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to discuss the hidden political history of American music — from why “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem to how “Strange Fruit” helped pass anti-lynching legislation — and what music still has to say about democ
The story we’ve been told about Juneteenth is wrong
Our team is off today for Juneteenth. But we are bringing you something special in place of our usual daily show: a narrated News+ article from Texas Monthly that we are making free for everyone.
An award-winning historian and professor takes us back to 1865 to tell the true story of Juneteenth. A story that’s been oversimplified over the years, but in reality is much messier — and much more inspiring — than you might know.
Subscribers to Apple News+ can get narrated articles like this one every day. Your News+ subscription also includes access to more than 5...
Trump unveils his Iran deal. Some Republicans are already attacking it.
Iran hawks in Congress say President Trump’s agreement with Iran gives away too much too soon. The Wall Street Journal’s Philip Wegmann joins to discuss where Trump is losing support on the deal.
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for a fourth consecutive meeting. Despite a unanimous vote, Reuters reports, nearly half of the central bank’s governors said they’d be open to a rate hike before the end of the year.
A former mining town in England could upend British politics. Politico’s Jack Blanchard explains how roughly 75,000 people could select the...
Millions in free college money is coming. Most Americans don’t know about it.
President Trump signaled at the G7 summit that he’s open to reinstating oil sanctions on Russia. Politico’s Megan Messerly explains how that might play into European efforts to bring Putin to the negotiating table.
Georgia lawmakers banned QR-code ballots two years ago but never settled on a replacement. Kate Brumback of the Associated Press breaks down what comes next as a July 1 deadline to decide that replacement looms.
The biggest expansion of federal financial aid for higher education in 50 years takes effect next month, but most Americans have never heard of it. Jon Marc...
These Social Security benefits are at risk. What that means for you.
A new report from Social Security trustees is flashing warning lights about benefits running dry. ABC News reports that beneficiaries could see a pay cut as early as 2032 if Congress doesn’t act.
President Trump arrived at the G7 summit in France fresh off a framework deal with Iran. The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Ward breaks down some of the questions U.S. allies are asking.
The White House directed AI giant Anthropic to limit its most powerful models. Reed Albergotti of Semafor explains why.
Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he and...
The U.S. and Iran finally reach a deal. What comes next.
The U.S. and Iran agreed on a framework for peace talks. Phil Stewart of Reuters joins to discuss what’s in it.
The World Cup began with a host nation at war with one of the tournament’s competitors. The Guardian’s Robert Tait walks us through the circumstances surrounding Iran’s participation.
The city of New York erupted Saturday night as the Knicks clinched a title that ends an epic drought. The Athletic’s Fred Katz explains what this moment means for the city.
Plus, President Trump made another endorsement that puts him a...
TV’s most beloved assistant coach says the World Cup is about to change America. Here’s how.
From Apple News In Conversation: This year’s World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches — and, for the first time in more than 30 years, the tournament is being played on American soil. Brendan Hunt, co-creator, writer, and star of Ted Lasso and cohost of the Apple News Original podcast After the Whistle, joins Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to talk about how he fell in love with soccer as an adult, the U.S. Men’s National Team players he’ll be watching, and whether the United States is finally a soccer co...
Trump once again says an Iran deal is close. What’s changed?
President Trump said a potential deal to end Iran war is close, but skeptics say it could be another false start. Aamer Madhani of the Associated Press breaks down what’s different this time.
Voters in Switzerland head to the polls Sunday to decide whether their country should cap its population at 10 million. The New Yorker’s Jessi Jezewska Stevens joins to discuss how the vote could transform the Swiss economy and its relationship with the E.U.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is leaning hard into originalism, the idea that the Constitution means what i...
Inflation jumps again. Here’s where you might be feeling it most.
Inflation has risen to its highest level in three years as the war in Iran disrupts oil supplies and tariffs drive up prices across the board. Barron’s senior economics writer Megan Leonhardt explains what consumers are feeling right now.
President Trump signed the Secure America Act, directing roughly $70 billion to ICE and Border Patrol through fiscal year 2029. The Washington Post’s Jarrell Dillard explains why funding ICE for that long was an unusual step.
The largest World Cup in history kicks off today across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Rebecca Lowe, cohost of the...
Rescue and retaliation after a U.S. chopper is downed in the Strait
The U.S. carried out strikes against Iran after President Trump blamed Tehran for downing a U.S. Army helicopter. The Wall Street Journal’s Shelby Holliday details the dramatic rescue of two U.S. soldiers that followed.
Election betting is on track for record highs this cycle, and the prediction markets are dealing with a surge of insider trading. Reuters’s Douglas Gillison walks through the cases already emerging.
Dozens of families who were separated during the first Trump administration have been separated again, despite a landmark settlement meant to reunify them. Garance Burke of t...
Why Trump is bringing a cage fight to the White House
Strikes between Iran and Israel have stopped for now. But the back-and-forth between Israel and Hezbollah has complicated President Trump’s pursuit of a deal with Iran. The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Ward explains what’s at stake.
On Sunday, the White House will host UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn. The Hollywood Reporter’s Alex Weprin joins to discuss how the event came together.
As the World Cup kicks off in North America, U.S. public-health officials are preparing for potential infectious-disease outbreaks with fewer resources than they had during the pandemic. Politico’s Rachel B...
How Elon Musk’s space race could shake up your 401(k)
SpaceX is set to become one of the 10 biggest companies in the world when it goes public on Friday. The Atlantic’s Matteo Wong explains why the record-breaking IPO is less about rockets and more about the AI race.
Maine voters head to the polls Tuesday for a consequential primary race. ABC News reports on how some Democrats are worried their chosen candidate’s past could cost them in November.
America’s largest pediatric hospital has agreed to create the country’s first gender-detransition clinic as part of a settlement with the Texas attorney general...
How the Texas floods forever changed one family
From Apple News In Conversation: On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flooding tore through Central Texas, killing more than 130 people and destroying communities along the Guadalupe River. Aaron Parsley, a senior editor at Texas Monthly, was there — and though he survived, his family suffered a devastating loss. His harrowing account of what happened when floodwaters overwhelmed their house and ripped them apart won the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. Now he’s out with a new essay and a podcast about what their recovery has looked like. Parsley joined Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to talk about grief, the evolu...
How Trump is remaking D.C. in his own image
The Washington Post’s Dan Diamond explains how President Trump is attempting to remake Washington, D.C. in his image, through various construction and beautification projects.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is set to be nominated for the role permanently, and ABC News details how he could face a tough confirmation fight.
Americans are struggling to pay their $1.25 trillion credit-card debt. Dan Frosch of the Wall Street Journal told us about the forces putting so many people behind.
Plus, 18 Republicans in the House defied their leadership with a vote to back Ukraine, a pa...
Strikes, a truce, and a GOP revolt: inside a big day for the Iran war
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are at odds over the war in Iran. The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Ward explains where the two leaders differ.
CBS fired ‘60 Minutes’ correspondent Scott Pelley after a tense meeting with the show’s new executive producer. NPR’s David Folkenflik joins to discuss the chaos going on at the program.
The AI boom has resulted in some data centers in Northern Virginia using diesel generators to provide power. The Washington Post’s Evan Halper shares analysis that found that the resulting smog may cause harmful respiratory symptoms.
How a Republican revolt killed off Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund
The Department of Justice abandoned its plan for a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. The Wall Street Journal reports the fund had threatened to sink Trump’s broader immigration priorities.
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Reuters’s Jonathan Landay joins to explain why he’s a controversial pick.
The NBA Finals begin tonight. Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press breaks down the matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Plus, why the Pentagon hired a Jan. 6 rioter for sensitive counterterrorism work, Secretary of State Marco Rubio publ...
The two Supreme Court cases that could still shape the midterms
California voters head to the polls today in a statewide primary election. Kevin Rector of the Los Angeles Times joins to discuss the biggest races.
It was a consequential day for the country’s leading AI companies. Anthropic filed for an initial public offering, the Wall Street Journal reports. Meanwhile, NPR reports that the state of Florida sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, over safety concerns.
The Supreme Court will soon rule in two significant cases that could have major implications for November’s midterm elections. Jan Wolfe of Reuters explains what’s at stake...
This is why your groceries keep getting more expensive
As more Americans struggle with food insecurity, there appears to be little relief in sight. Bloomberg’s Mark Niquette explains why consumers should prepare for another wave of inflation at the grocery store.
A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund. The Wall Street Journal’s Siobhan Hughes joins to discuss why the fund also faces an uphill battle in Congress.
After violence erupted between police and protesters at an ICE facility in New Jersey over the weekend, family visitations have now resumed. The Associated Press reports on how the mayor imposed a curfew.
How to navigate summer air travel when everything costs more
From Apple News In Conversation: The summer travel season is upon us — and this year is more complicated and more expensive than most. The war in Iran has driven up jet-fuel prices globally, and Spirit Airlines, one of the biggest budget carriers in the country, has just shut down. On top of that, a possible super El Niño could cause widespread disruptions. Zach Wichter, a consumer travel reporter at USA Today, joins Apple News In Conversation guest host Sam Sanders to explain what it all means for travelers this summer — and his tips for how to fly smarter.
Meet the Iranian hard-liner shaping the peace deal with the U.S.
The U.S. and Iran appear to be nearing a framework for a deal. Axios reports that the agreement would extend the ceasefire and kick off negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Big questions remain about who is leading negotiations from the Iran side. Jon Gambrell of the Associated Press joins to discuss an influential voice on the rise in Tehran.
Summer-travel season has begun, but this year’s is going to be pricier than most. On this week’s Apple News In Conversation, USA Today’s Zach Wichter explains how to navigate air travel in an er...
How the White House quietly made a big change to immigration policy
The Trump administration quietly changed rules for certain green-card applicants. Rebecca Santana of the Associated Press explains how the move could force hundreds of thousands of people to go back to their home countries.
Russia warned Ukraine that it will strike Kyiv with “systematic strikes” after heavy bombardments at the weekend. But Moscow is struggling on the battlefield. Guy Faulconbridge of Reuters joins to discuss whether that means Putin will change up his tactics.
American skepticism over AI is on the rise. The Wall Street Journal’s Amrith Ramkumar lays out why.
Plus, the Ju...
What the Texas primary reveals about Trump’s power over the GOP
Texas AG Ken Paxton won the GOP Senate primary against Sen. John Cornyn after an 11th-hour endorsement by Trump. Gabby Birenbaum of the Texas Tribune breaks down the two very different campaigns.
Political insecurity and public distrust are making it hard for officials in Congo and other countries to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak. The Washington Post’s Lauren Weber explains.
Long wait lists at some colleges and universities are leaving thousands of students wondering whether they’ll ever be admitted. The Wall Street Journal’s Roshan Fernandez discusses why it can be harder to get of...
U.S. strikes at Iran targets even as peace talks intensify
The U.S. and Iran appeared close to a deal over the holiday weekend. The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Ward explains why plenty of questions and skepticism remain.
Texas Republicans vote today in a Senate primary runoff between incumbent John Cornyn and Trump-backed Ken Paxton. Steven Sloan of the Associated Press joins to discuss why some inside the party are worried about a Cornyn loss.
Very little is known about Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund. Brian Schwartz of the Wall Street Journal breaks down why friends and foes of the president are lining up to file cla...
Route 66 is turning 100. One writer drove all 2,448 miles of it — and watched it burst with new life.
Apple News Today is off for Memorial Day. In place of our usual show, we’re bringing you something special: a story from Los Angeles Times staff writer Christopher Reynolds about the epic road trip he took on Route 66 — driving all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica — and the people he met along the way. Narrated by Dan Bittner for Apple News+.
Why America has more billionaires than ever (From the archives)
This episode originally aired on July 5, 2025.
From Apple News In Conversation: Americans have a long history of obsession with the ultrarich, from Carnegie and Rockefeller to Bezos and Musk. And today, the gap between the rich and the poor is bigger than ever as the billionaire class has ascended to new heights. In his book, The Haves and Have-Yachts, New Yorker staff writer Evan Osnos explores the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy and their outsize influence on politics. He sat down with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to talk about this unique moment — when billionaires are b...
Republicans revolt over Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund
A number of Republicans have come out against Trump’s DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund. Mary Clare Jalonick of the Associated Press explains the backlash.
A 3-year-old boy was killed after ICE detained his mother. The Washington Post’s Maria Sacchetti explores the absence of standards to protect the children of detainees.
Millions of Americans are driving out of town for the Memorial Day weekend. USA Today’s Keith Laing joins to discuss how the high gas prices are changing some travelers’ plans.
Plus, a flight from Paris to the U.S. was diverted to Canada over Eb...
Why the DOJ just charged Cuba’s Raúl Castro with murder
The U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro 30 years after two civilian planes were shot down near the island nation. Luc Cohen of Reuters breaks down what the charges signal about U.S.-Cuban relations.
China’s President Xi hosted Putin a week after Trump’s visit to Beijing. The Wall Street Journal’s Lingling Wei explains why Xi hosted the U.S. and Russian leaders so close together.
‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ ends this week. CNN’s Brian Stelter joins to discuss the show’s legacy.
Plus, police who protected t...
Trump sued the IRS. Now it’s banned from auditing his past tax returns.
House Republican Thomas Massie is paying the price for defying the White House after he lost his Kentucky primary to a Trump-backed candidate. The Wall Street Journal has analysis for last night’s result.
As part of a lawsuit settlement, the IRS is “forever barred” from investigating past tax claims against Trump. Eric Tucker of The Associated Press joins to discuss how the settlement is tied to a compensation fund for people who believe they’ve been wronged by the Justice Department.
Fractures forming between justices on the Supreme Court could affect consequential cases pending before the...
What Trump’s approval ratings say about his hold on the GOP
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican critic of Trump, faces a primary challenge today. Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report joins to discuss how the president’s falling approval ratings are affecting some primary races.
In response to an Ebola outbreak, the U.S. has temporarily barred foreign travelers from entry if they’ve been to Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan recently. Helen Branswell of Stat breaks down the international response to the outbreak.
Elon Musk lost his lawsuit against OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The Verge’s Elizabeth Lopatto explains what the decision means for the AI l...
How another Republican targeted by Trump lost a primary
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican targeted by Trump to lose in a primary. Bloomberg’s Rachel Cohrs Zhang explains how Cassidy lost his bid for reelection.
Judges across the country have ruled against the Trump administration more than 10,000 times in immigration cases. Politico’s Kyle Cheney breaks down the losses.
Iran’s internet blackout is putting an immense strain on the everyday lives of Iranian citizens. Golnar Motevalli of Bloomberg joins to discuss the toll the outage is taking.
Plus, an outbreak of Ebola has hit Congo and Uganda, Trump’s ballro...
How one Supreme Court decision could shift political power for decades
From Apple News In Conversation: At the end of April, the Supreme Court’s ruling on Louisiana v. Callais significantly weakened the Voting Rights Act. The decision made it easier for states to legally draw districts that reduce the voting power of Black voters and other minority groups. In response, several Republican-controlled Southern states have moved to redraw their congressional maps. Adam Serwer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Apple News In Conversation guest host Sam Sanders to help explain this pivotal moment and the long history of voting rights in America.
Vessels attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as sailors grow desperate
Two ships were hit in a fresh round of strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Parkinson joins to discuss the dire conditions faced by sailors stuck in the region.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision on redistricting could shift political power for decades. On this week’s Apple News In Conversation, The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer explains how the battle over electoral maps is reshaping American democracy.
The mayor of Arcadia, California, will plead guilty to being an unregistered foreign agent for China. Rebecca Ellis of the Los Angeles Times br...
Trump touches down in Beijing — and gets a warning from Xi
President Trump arrived in Beijing for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Aamer Madhani from the Associated Press is there.
Trump said he wants to suspend the federal gas tax but it will take an act of Congress to make that happen. Politico’s Andy Picon joins to discuss why some lawmakers are hesitant.
Meteorologists say a super El Niño could hit the globe this year. Ben Noll of The Washington Post explains what scientist have learned from past El Niño events.
Plus, the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the ne...
Inflation is soaring. How consumers are feeling the squeeze.
Inflation hit its highest rate in close to three years, driven by the war with Iran. Andrew Ackerman of the Washington Post breaks down how rising costs are squeezing consumers.
Many of the American passengers who were aboard the cruise ship struck by hantavirus are now in a specialized quarantine facility in Nebraska. The Washington Post’s Lauren Weber explains what life is like on the inside.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense pressure to step down. Reuters reports on how his potential downfall comes less than two years after he ushered in on...
Trump heads to China for high-stakes talks — but Iran looms large
President Trump is set to visit Beijing this week for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trevor Hunnicutt of Reuters joins to discuss what to expect from the summit.
The war with Iran is hitting U.S. farmers in especially hard. Kayla Steinberg of NBC News breaks down how the rising costs of fuel and fertilizer are presenting them with big challenges.
After drastically shortening its training program for new recruits, ICE will now restore previous standards. The Washington Post’s Sarah Blaskey joins to discuss how training will change.
Plus, th...
“Totally unacceptable”: Trump rejects Iran’s latest negotiation offer
President Trump firmly turned down Iran’s counter proposal to restart negotiations with the U.S. to end the war. The Wall Street Journal reports Iran’s nuclear program is a main sticking point.
Virginia’s Supreme Court rejects a referendum result to redraw the electoral map in Democrats favor, as USAToday reports. And Politico’s Alec Hernandez explains how wins for Trump-backed candidates in Indiana is putting pressure on Republicans elsewhere to redraw their maps.
Health Security Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a number of initiatives aimed to wean Americans off of antidepressants. The Wall Stre...
Rebroadcast: They work full-time jobs. Why are they homeless?
From Apple News In Conversation: This week, Brian Goldstone was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his book, There Is No Place for Us, which is featured in this episode from our archives.
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 ar...
How the world is racing to contact trace a rare virus
Health officials are rushing to complete contract tracing of passengers onboard the cruise ship struck with an outbreak of hantavirus. Stat’s Helen Branswell joins to discuss what experts are looking out for.
After Trump launched Project Freedom, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait barred the U.S. from using their bases and airspace. The Wall Street Journal’s Shelby Holliday explains why the two Gulf countries have since reversed course.
Many thought the Sphere in Las Vegas would be a failure after huge budget overruns and construction delays. The Wall Street Journal’s Katherine Sayre details how th...
The U.S. and Iran inch closer to peace talks. What to know.
The U.S. and Iran are working on a memorandum of understanding to begin negotiations on ending the war. The Wall Street Journal’s Benoit Faucon breaks down the details.
Victory Day, Russia’s celebration of the defeat of Nazi Germany, takes place on Saturday. Samya Kullab of the Associated Press joins to discuss why Russia is worried about how Ukraine might disrupt its most important secular holiday.
Travel forecasts for 2026 indicated that demand would be high for air travel. The The Wall Street Journal’s Alison Sider explains how a jet-fuel crisis is now becomi...
Trump reverses course on helping ships transit the Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said his recently announced plan to help ships cross the Strait of Hormuz is now on pause. The Hill reports that the move came hours after U.S. officials said combat operations in Iran have concluded.
Three people died on a cruise ship after an outbreak of deadly hantavirus. Tim Cocks of Reuters joins to discuss what went on aboard the ship.
A vast array of American schools use YouTube for educational purposes. The Wall Street Journal’s Shalini Ramachandran explains how the Google-owned platform integrated so deeply into the education system.
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