Apple News Today

In a 6-3 ruling along ideological lines, the Supreme Court determined a Tennessee state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors is constitutional, in a major setback for trans rights Political violence appears to be on the rise in the U.S. Aaron Blake with CNN unpacks what that says about the state of partisanship. Israel says Iran was very close to getting nuclear weapons. Now Trump agrees. The Washington Post has been assessing Iran's capabilities. Maanvi Singh with The Guardian describes the chaotic aftermath of sweeping federal raids on immigrant communities in L.A. — and what it’s been like for lawyers and families to try to communicate with people who were detained. Plus, the baby of a brain-dead Georgia mom has been delivered, ICE arrested another elected official, and the American icons getting honorary Oscars. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

As Iran and Israel trade missiles, The Economist explores how citizens might respond to their leaders’ actions. The suspect in the Minnesota killings is alleged to have visited other homes that night. The Minnesota Star Tribune covers the hunt to find him. Katy Stech Ferek with the Wall Street Journal discusses how stock trading by lawmakers around Trump's tariff announcements has revived calls for a ban. Plus, more deaths around aid centers in Gaza, tension from overwhelming tourism levels forces shut the world’s most popular museum, and why thousands of women are dressing up as Pitbull. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

Suspect found in Minnesota’s political killings. The Minnesota Star Tribune has the details. Israel and Iran intensify their strikes into each others’ territories. The Atlantic’s Isaac Stanley-Baker explains how Israel managed to take their neighbors by surprise, and what comes next. Molly Ball with the Wall Street Journal reports that in the midst of the protests in Los Angeles, Governor Newsom has taken center stage in a balancing act of state and national leadership. Plus, millions march in ‘No Kings’ demonstrations on day of military parade, the industries ICE may soon stop targeting, and the Pope delivers a message of hope to White Sox fans. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

CBS reports on Israel's strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. Bloomberg has more details of the Air India crash — and the remarkable story of the sole person on board to survive it.Ahead of an Army parade in D.C, Politico's Megan Messerly walks us through Trump's relationship with the military and displays of force.Plus, the House passed a bill to codify DOGE cuts, a senator's dramatic encounter with DHS, and the dentist turned golfer at this year's U.S. Open. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

As protests continue in L.A. and elsewhere over immigration raids, Reuters has been exploring the “less lethal” tactics that police are using. Rare earth minerals are at the center of U.S. and China trade talks. The Wall Street Journal’s Lingling Wei explains why. NPR reports that states with stricter gun laws have fewer teen and child deaths. Plus, an Air India flight carrying more than 200 people crashed, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of sexual assault after retrial, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are rehiring staff who were fired by DOGE efforts, and South Korea to stop blasting propaganda and K-Pop into the North. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

An L.A. curfew was implemented amid protests against ICE raids there. Elizabeth Findell from the Wall Street Journal looks at the marching orders from the White House that started the migrant crackdown. Reporting from NPR’s Jasmine Garsd details the unsanitary conditions migrants are facing in an overcrowded ICE facility in Florida. ‘Les Misérables' is a story of the downtrodden. It’s also a musical loved by Trump. The Atlantic looks at its appeal for him. Plus, the Smithsonian agreed to review all of its museums for bias, some promising news on fentanyl use, and the many benefits of singing. Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent Marines into Los Angeles, and California's governor sued Trump. CalMatters’s Nigel Duara has been following events in the city. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the CDC’s entire panel of vaccine advisers. Stat reports. Amid the public feuding between Musk and Trump, the federal government is attempting to rehire people that DOGE summarily cut from roles. Hannah Natanson from the Washington Post has the story. Plus, Ukraine and Russia’s prisoner swap began, Justin Baldoni’s claims against Blake Lively were thrown out, and how Iranian authorities are targeting dog walkers. Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.

It was a weekend of unrest in L.A. as protesters and ICE agents collided. Trump sent in the National Guard, defying the California governor’s wishes. The Los Angeles Times has been covering the scenes. Following their spectacular fallout, how could Trump and Musk hurt each other? We’ll speak to Bloomberg’s Ted Mann. Some families are moving from the U.S. due to policies aimed at transgender people. NBC News’s Jo Yurcaba joins to tell us their stories. Plus, Kilmar Ábrego García returnd from wrongful El Salvador deportation to face U.S. charges, a Columbian presidential candidate was shot while campaigning, and a thrilling end to the French Open. Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.

Trump and Elon Musk attacked each other on social media in an extraordinary public fight. Politico has the blow-by-blow. Afghanistan has a complex set of migration exemptions owing to the war. The travel ban could complicate that. The Washington Post’s Kabul bureau chief, Rick Noack, joins to explain. The deported Venezuelan migrants were said by Trump aides to be the “worst of the worst.” ProPublica’s Melissa Sanchez and colleagues have been digging to reveal a more complicated picture. Plus, Trump and Xi Jinping spoke for the first time, and we saw two significant Supreme Court rulings: a consequential judgement in a woman’s “reverse discrimination” case, and one regarding a move by Mexico to take gun companies to task for arming gangs. Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.

Trump announced a new travel ban. The Wall Street Journal breaks it down. As Canada’s wildfires continue to rage, dangerous air is sweeping across the U.S. PBS explores conditions in the worst-hit states. The NBA Finals begin tonight between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The Ringer’s Michael Pina tells us what to watch for. Plus, how Columbia University could lose its accreditation, the small Republican town that rallied to help an ICE detainee, and a mass evacuation after unexploded World War II bombs were found. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Elon Musk attacked the GOP tax bill, calling it an “abomination.” As he leaves government, the Wall Street Journal’s Becky Peterson explains how he is returning to an uncertain future for Tesla. Israel announced that its controversial aid center will be closed for a day, after death and chaos continued to surround the distribution sites. Amid the confusion, the BBC explores what we know and don’t know. The Trump administration is increasingly turning to a specific tactic for deporting migrants whose home country won’t accept them. NPR’s Ximena Bustillo joins to discuss it. Plus, Saudi Arabia is balancing safety with tourism as the mass pilgrimage to Mecca begins, ICE officials detained the family of the man charged with the Colorado attacks, and how Canada is hoping to end a 32-year Stanley Cup drought. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

There is unlikely bipartisan support in Congress around an effort to make childbirth free in America. Vox’s Rachel Cohen discusses the plan and how it would work. The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is in its fourth week. CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister, who’s been reporting from the courtroom, tells us the latest. There’s been an international series of brazen, violent crimes against crypto executives and their families. The Wall Street Journal’s Sam Schechner explains what's been happening. Plus, what we know about the man charged with the Colorado attack, a reparations package for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was announced, and confusion at FEMA after the acting head said he had no idea the U.S. has a hurricane season. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A man in Colorado has been arrested after setting fire to people marching for the release of Israeli hostages. The FBI are treating it as a terror attack. The Colorado Sun has the latest. Dozens were reported dead or severely injured in southern Gaza, reportedly near the controversial U.S.-Israeli aid sites. CNN has been following the conflicting reports. With Russia-Ukraine talks set to begin, a Ukraine drone attack took Putin by surprise. The Wall Street Journal’s Thomas Grove explains how Russia revamped its economy to be focused solely on efforts to advance the war. Plus, an ICE raid caused chaos in San Diego, Canada’s wildfires continue as the Midwest faces air-quality warnings, and beekeepers swarmed to the rescue after millions of honeybees escaped in Washington. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Elon Musk has left the government building, but DOGE remains. The Washington Post’s William Wan reports on what he learned speaking to federal-government employees who lost their jobs amid cuts. Some Republican senators have concerns about elements of the GOP megabill, such as what cuts to Medicaid could mean for election prospects in 2026. NBC’s Sahil Kapur breaks their objections down. David Armstrong with ProPublica speaks to In Conversation about how a life-saving pill’s eye-popping price tag tells the story of prescription-drug pricing in America — and why it’s so difficult to change. Plus, how a glacier broke off and engulfed an Alpine village, Texas legislators passed a bill defining what it means to be a man or woman, and a new Scripps National Spelling Bee winner was crowned. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A court struck down the bulk of Trump’s tariffs, in a major setback to his economic agenda. Bloomberg has the latest. Harvard has its university-wide commencement today, as it faces more funding threats. Its president speaks out in an interview with NPR. Trump has recently issued a number of pardons. Reporting from the Wall Street Journal provides a look at how politics factored into those decisions. Plus, Elon Musk announced that he’s leaving government, Israel said it has killed the leader of Hamas, and how an airline is fighting back against bad passenger etiquette. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Trump’s family empire is dramatically expanding its wealth during his presidency. Bloomberg News’s Max Abelson joins to discuss the deals that are powering this growth and the questions they spark. The controversial U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid effort got off to a tumultuous start. CBS reports. The Assad regime’s surveillance state relied on civilians to inform on their neighbors and colleagues. Now Syrians are reckoning with who among them quietly contributed to the tyranny. The Washington Post’s Salwan Georges has more. Plus, Robert F. Kennedy Jr announced changes to COVID vaccine guidance, Marco Rubio ordered a halt to student-visa interviews, and why Trump pardoned a reality-TV couple. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Trump said in a social-media post that Putin has “gone absolutely CRAZY,” after Russia's latest attack on Ukraine. Reuters reports. Police in New Orleans relied for years upon a live-facial-recognition program, an unprecedented surveillance method in the United States. The Washington Post’s Doug MacMillan explains how it worked and the controversy around it. For some 2025 grads, commencement ceremonies have become a place to protest the war in Gaza. CNN and The Guardian have the story. Plus, a car drove into a parade marking Liverpool’s Premier League soccer title, why the head of a U.S.-supported Gaza aid program resigned, and the older film titles breaking new holiday records. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students. Reuters breaks down the impact of the move. Trump held a behind-closed-doors gala for top investors of his cryptocurrency coin. Declan Harty from Politico discusses the ethical ramifications. It’s nearly five years since the murder of George Floyd. The Marshall Project’s Jamiles Lartey joins to assess where police reform is in the country. Plus, the Supreme Court 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 Department of Education, more details emerged about the suspect in the Israeli Embassy staffer shootings, and the U.S. is getting rid of the penny. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

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. CBS has the latest.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 Stat, discusses the impact of the move, while NPR reports on how some of the CDC's main channels for communicating health information to the public have gone silent.Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson join this week's Apple News In Conversation to talk about their book ‘Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.’Plus, the House passed Trump's massive tax-and-spending-bill, what to know about his contentious meeting with South Africa's president, and the Defense Department officially accepted a Qatari jet to serve as Air Force One. Also, how the 10 richest Americans got significantly richer in the past year — and how they stand to gain more from the GOP tax bill. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu. 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 updated 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.

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. CBS has the latest.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 Stat, discusses the impact of the move, while NPR reports on how some of the CDC's main channels for communicating health information to the public have gone silent.Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson join this week's Apple News In Conversation to talk about their book ‘Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.’Plus, the House passed Trump's massive tax-and-spending-bill, what to know about his contentious meeting with South Africa's president, and the Defense Department officially accepted a Qatari jet to serve as Air Force One. Also, how the 10 richest Americans got significantly richer in the past year — and how they stand to gain more from the GOP tax bill. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A pregnant woman in Georgia is being kept alive as a hospital navigates the state’s abortion laws. The family is speaking out. The Guardian has the story. Kentucky is still grappling with the aftermath of intense tornadoes, as well as dealing with more storm systems. USA Today reports on how cuts to the National Weather Service have led to scrambles to cover important shifts. And PBS Newshour also highlights the impact of cuts on the service. New Oklahoma school standards include a requirement to teach students misinformation about the 2020 presidential election. Beth Wallis, education reporter with StateImpact Oklahoma, joins to discuss how and why this happened. Plus, France, the U.K., and Canada united to condemn Israel, lawyers accused Trump administration of defying courts to send migrants to South Sudan, and the NBA conference finals are set to begin. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Mark Chiusano writes for New York 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. House Republicans want to extend tax cuts and lower the deficit. The Wall Street Journal’s Richard Rubin describes why doing both at the same time might be impossible. Are incidents involving air-traffic-controller communications happening more frequently? USA Today’s Zach Wichter explains what might be causing them and how we should contextualize the issue. Plus, Trump spoke to Putin and claims peace talks will begin “immediately,” another news executive quit CBS News, and what to know about the new Take It Down Act. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Former President Joe Biden announced that he has prostate cancer. CNN has the latest news and reaction. Israel agreed to allow a basic amount of aid into Gaza, as it launches a new ground offensive. Meanwhile, the New Yorker’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. There are nearly half a million open manufacturing jobs right now. Greg Rosalsky with NPR explains why the industry is having a hard time filling them. Plus, a tornado devastated Kentucky, what we know about a fertility-clinic bombing in Palm Springs, and how a Mexican navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

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 Wall Street Journal has the details.After oral arguments, the Supreme Court appeared divided over how much power lower courts should have to issue nationwide injunctions. The Washington Post unpacks the issue.The Trump administration is rolling back some protections against forever chemicals. Mariah Blake tells Apple News In Conversation why there's still optimism on the state level, and suggests some ways to protect yourself.Plus, a Milwaukee judge pleaded not guilty to attempting to block immigration arrest, a landmark moment in gene editing, and what to know about the WNBA’s new team. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A case before the Supreme Court about birthright citizenship could have larger ramifications for the limits of judicial power. Maureen Groppe with USA Today has the story.Trump says he's getting a free luxury aircraft from Qatar's royal family — but it's actually far from it. And the announcement has prompted political backlash from both sides of the aisle.The Washington Post's Hannah Knowles unpacks how a Pennsylvania manufacturing hub is responding to Trump's tariff policy.Plus, highly anticipated Russia-Ukraine talks are happening today but Putin is nowhere to be seen. Healthy and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Congress "I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me." And how alcohol can harm women's bodies. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Trump administration is resettling white South Africans in the U.S. The Washington Post’s Teo Armus has the story. With ceasefire talks set to begin, Netanyahu resolved to use “full force” in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. Bloomberg News has more. The Wall Street Journal’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. Plus, a former girlfriend of Sean Combs gave evidence at his criminal trial, the Menendez brothers were resentenced and could get parole, and why Pete Rose’s baseball Hall of Fame ban has been lifted.

President Trump is making the first extended foreign trip of his term in the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal’s Eliot Brown discusses how parts of his personal business empire are also striking deals in the region. USA Today looks at opening statements in the criminal trial for Sean “Diddy” Combs, and the legal arguments expected from the defense and the prosecution. Using batteries for grid-scale energy storage will improve how Americans get their power. Vox’s Umair Irfan tells us about the benefits. Plus, what to know about Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts, Trump’s executive order instructing drug companies to lower prices, and the unlikely winner of the NBA draft lottery. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The U.S. and China reached an agreement to temporarily lower tariffs on each other's products. After another radar outage affecting Newark airport, the secretary transportation warned that flight disruptions could spread to other U.S. airports. NBC News reports. Also, a roundup of recent immigration news, as the Trump administration welcomes a group of white South Africans to the U.S. Plus, Hamas is releasing its last living American hostage, Trump is planning to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar, and what the pope said in his first Sunday sermon as pontiff. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

It’s a busy month for college graduations. USA Today’s Rachel Barber joins to discuss what graduates are looking for in the job market and how they’re feeling about it. Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope yesterday, becoming the first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Joshua McElwee, Vatican correspondent for Reuters, discusses the new Pope Leo XIV’s biography and positions. A decades-old Soviet-era spacecraft is set to crash-land on Earth any day now. ABC News has more. Eric Roston, sustainability editor for Bloomberg News, talks about the potential environmental impacts of decommissioned satellites that burn up in the atmosphere. Plus, why the head of FEMA was fired, major U.S. cities are sinking, and a mom and her son who plan to graduate together. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell held interest rates steady on Wednesday, and said the economic path ahead is unclear. The Washington Post reports on how economists are trying to sort through the warning signs they're seeing. The Wall Street Journal’s Drew Hinshaw joins to discuss a complicated problem the next pope will inherit: how to handle the Vatican’s messy finances. Yesterday Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. The Utah News Dispatch has more, while the Tallahassee Democrat details a similar ban set to take effect in Florida. Vox breaks down the science about fluoride's benefits and risks. Plus, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new autism database, why the Trump administration is spying on Greenland, a unique use of AI in the courtroom, and some cardinals are in fact watching the movie ‘Conclave.’ Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Wall Street Journal’s Andrew Tangel discusses a troubling recent communication loss for air-traffic controllers, and how it has served as a wake-up call. India struck sites in Pakistan, causing global concern. The Washington Post has more. Today the conclave to elect a new pope begins. NPR’s Bill Chappell takes us inside the secretive process. Plus, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people in the military to take effect, Canada’s new prime minister met with Trump, and another update about Real IDs. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Aria Bendix, health reporter for NBC News, discusses the impact of cuts and changes at the Department of Health and Human Services. The Washington Post examines the overall impact on public health of Trump’s first 100 days in office. Gerry Shih, Jerusalem bureau chief for the Washington Post, joins to talk about Israel’s plans to occupy more of Gaza and fully control distribution of aid there. Trump has threatened massive tariffs on movies produced overseas. Meg James, senior entertainment-industry reporter for the Los Angeles Times, discusses the studios’ response. Plus, the winners of this year’s Pulitzer Prizes, the issues plaguing Newark’s airport, and what to know about the Real ID deadline. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Trump administration wants a baby boom, but many of its policies are making it harder for American families to expand. Vox's Rachel Cohen explains. 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 New Yorker, spent several months profiling one of the lead attorneys defending him. Warren Buffet is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway as he warns of economic hardship ahead under President Trump’s tariff agenda. The Wall Street Journal has the details of his announcement and argues there will never be another investor like him. Plus, Israel’s security cabinet approves a new ground operation that includes occupying the Gaza Strip, the president told NBC "I don’t know" when asked if he’s required to uphold the Constitution, and the Met Gala celebrates Black dandyism. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Democratic Party is strategizing over how to respond to Trump. Perry Bacon Jr. with the Washington Post walks us through how that’s going. Mike Waltz is out as national-security adviser. ABC has the story. 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 In Conversation about the scale of the problem. Plus, a judge struck down Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, a Haitian woman died in ICE custody, and the names of imprisoned journalists to know for World Press Freedom Day. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Kamala Harris delivered her first speech since leaving the White House. The Washington Post has the details. Trump wants to use tariffs to boost U.S. manufacturing. The Wall Street Journal'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 trade war is putting pressure on China's economy.Republicans need to agree to pass Trump's budget bill. Will they? NBC's Sahil Kapur weighs in. Plus, what we know about the U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal, the Supreme Court heard arguments over religious charter schools, a detained Columbia student was freed, and why one town in Mississippi can't see one of the buzziest films of the year. Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.

A look at the first 100 days of DOGE. Wired’s Makena Kelly has the details. 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 Washington Post reports. Reuters also finds that community kitchens in Gaza may close due to dwindling supplies. The Trump administration’s deportations and detainments have left families shattered. Time looks at some of the more prominent cases. Plus, Trump scales back auto tariffs, a detained Columbia University student speaks, and Bob Ross gets his own museum exhibition. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Reuters speaks to voters about their views on Trump’s second term so far. The Wall Street Journal’s Nick Timiraos discusses the state of the economy and how businesses are coping with turbulence. This week the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a case expected to have considerable implications on both education and the separation of church and state. USA Today’s Maureen Groppe has the details. Plus, Canada’s Liberal party won national elections, why lawyers are departing the DOJ’s civil-rights division en masse, and a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten joins to discuss recent polling and why Trump’s honeymoon period didn’t last long. NPR reports that 114 immigrants were arrested in a raid at a Colorado nightclub on Sunday. Meanwhile, a judge in Milwaukee was arrested for allegedly helping a man evade immigration authorities at a courthouse. Toronto Star columnist Althia Raj breaks down what’s at stake as Canadians head to the polls for federal elections today. Plus, an SUV rammed into crowds at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Trump and Zelenskyy met at the Vatican before Pope Francis’s funeral, and Wrexham AFC moved one step closer to the Premier League. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

In a recent pulse-check on the health of our democracy by Bright Line Watch, hundreds of scholars warned that the U.S. is heading swiftly toward authoritarianism. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor of history at New York University who specializes in the subject, explains how we got here. Plus, setbacks for Trump in court, pregnant people in states with abortion bans are almost twice as likely to die during pregnancy or soon after giving birth, and the hidden costs of being polite to a chatbot. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Travel to the United States is a multibillion-dollar industry. The Washington Post examines how and why it is decreasing. Pope Francis kept up a routine of near daily calls to a church in Gaza throughout the Israel-Hamas war. The Wall Street Journal has more. And CNN details what to expect at his funeral. The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov joins to discuss an investigation into a sprawling sports-gambling scheme. Plus, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are at a standstill, big-box CEOs raise concerns about tariffs, and the ultrarich have been getting richer. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Wall Street Journal's  personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen shares why it might be a good idea to delete certain personal data about yourself online. 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. NPR has the story. The value of the dollar is in question as a result of Trump’s trade war. The Washington Post's David Lynch has the details. Plus, colleges band together to condemn Trump, the executive producer of ‘60 Minutes’ resigns, Montana confirms the first measles infections in the state in 35 years, and a woman forgives and hugs the mass shooter who killed her brother. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A number of agencies, like the Federal Reserve, operate independently from the party ruling Washington. The Wall Street Journal’s Greg Ip explains how a Supreme Court case could challenge that precedent. NPR’s Jasmine Garsd explains why some immigrant and mixed-status families are considering self-deportation. Bloomberg’s Josh Sisco joins to discuss a major antitrust case against Google. Plus, the Supreme Court weighs in on certain books in schools, the dollar falls to a three-year low, and how renewable energy is winning on Earth Day. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Pope Francis, who attempted to modernize the Vatican, has died. He was 88 years old. We remember his legacy with Reuter's correspondent Joshua  McElwee. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth reportedly discussed sensitive military plans with his wife, brother and personal lawyer over the app Signal. The Wall Street Journal reports it’s the latest news in what’s been a chaotic time at the Pentagon. The Supreme Court over the weekend issued a rare overnight ruling barring the Trump administration from deporting migrants in Texas under the Alien Enemies Act. NBC News reports it happened as bus loads of deportees were headed to an airport for removal. Plus, Google's latest antitrust case, Israel releases its review on the killing of 15 emergency responders in Gaza, and it’s been 50 years since the first wheelchair competitor completed the Boston Marathon.

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 Time last year. Plus, the U.S. may abandon its support to Ukraine, Luigi Mangione was indicted on federal charges, a gunman killed two people on the campus of Florida State University, the latest from Gaza, and things other than eggs you can dye this Easter. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making research into autism one of his major initiatives. NBC’s Brandy Zadrozny explains how he’s reinvigorated the anti-vaccine movement in the process. The Los Angeles Times looks at how several Democratic governors, including California's Gavin Newsom, are responding to and contending with the Trump administration. NPR 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. Plus, a judge says there is probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt, the Federal Reserve chief addresses tariffs, and how Paris dramatically improved its air quality. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

Bloomberg News reports on Harvard University’s pushback to demands from the Trump administration and the resulting retribution. CNN examines how other universities have responded. And Wesleyan president Michael Roth talks about his own approach. The Wall Street Journal’s Yaroslav Trofimov joins to discuss how some U.S. allies are hedging their bets in a trade war with China. As the White House and El Salvador have declined to help return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States, PBS Newshour looks at conditions inside the prison in which he is being held. CBS’s 60 Minutes finds that a large majority of individuals deported from the U.S. to that prison do not have criminal records. Plus, Trump looks to rescind public-media funding, another Columbia student is detained by ICE, and how some Californians knew an earthquake was coming seconds before it hit. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

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. NBC News has more. And Rolling Stone reports on private White House considerations about sending U.S. citizens there as well. Joseph Walker from the Wall Street Journal joins to talk about a possible way that Republicans could cut Medicaid funding. Anil Oza, Sharon Begley fellow at Stat News, discusses the rise in U.S. maternal mortality rates. Plus, Harvey Weinstein goes back on trial, an internal government memo refutes the narrative behind the detainment of a Tufts University student, UConn star Paige Bueckers was selected first in the WNBA draft, and why the IRS is extending the tax-filing deadline for certain states. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The government says Meta broke the law when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial starts today. The Verge’s Lauren Feiner details the case. The Trump administration has purposely classified thousands of living immigrants as dead. Lisa Rein from the Washington Post explains why. 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. Bloomberg’s Elizabeth Rembert discusses what affected researchers have told her. Plus, Trump said tariffs are coming for smartphones and other electronics, Gaza’s last functioning hospital was attacked, and police made an arrest after a man allegedly set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

At the end of a chaotic week for the markets, we ask Bloomberg reporter Shawn Donnan what it’s all been for. Plus, the Supreme Court says the Trump administration must facilitate the return of a man who was erroneously deported, six people died in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River, and why politics and high visa costs have some international music artists rethinking big events in the U.S. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A look at China’s targeted response to Trump’s tariffs. Lingling Wei with the Wall Street Journal has the details. The IRS and the DHS have finalized an agreement to share taxpayer data with federal immigration authorities as part of Trump’s deportation crackdown. Shannon Najmabadi with the Washington Post breaks down what the policy change could mean for immigrants without legal status. International students are seeing their visas revoked without warning or reason. Axios reports. Plus, the U.S. government will screen immigrants’ social-media accounts for content it considers antisemitic, funding was cut for climate research at Princeton University, and the Masters is marking a historic anniversary. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Tensions are rising within the White House as a result of inconsistent messaging on the policy goals for tariffs. Bloomberg’s Justin Sink details the challenge in sorting out the varying disputes. The Trump administration is using a point system to determine who is eligible to be deported. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán with NPR describes how the system is leading to critical errors. The Los Angeles Times looks at the administration’s attempts to strip legal funding that provides lawyers for children who crossed the border without a parent or legal custodian. Reporter Rachel Uranga describes the scene at the West Los Angeles Immigration Court. Plus, the National Weather Service stopped translating alerts into other languages, a judge ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with firing thousands of federal workers, and the deadline to get a Real ID is fast approaching. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.