Apple News Today

Cuba is on the brink of economic disaster following U.S. actions in Venezuela. The Wall Street Journal’s José de Córdoba breaks down how the island nation got to this point. The January jobs report is scheduled to come out tomorrow, and one White House adviser says it’s not going to be pretty. Justin Lahart of the Wall Street Journal joins to discuss the factors making life hard for job-seekers. U.S. Olympic figure skater Maxim Naumov lost his parents in the air crash over Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The Washington Post’s Robert Samuels tells us how competition helped Naumov overcome the tragedy. Plus, the U.S. is seeking to overturn Steve Bannon’s Jan. 6–related conviction, JD Vance visits Armenia to promote a peace deal, and how some Olympic medals are sustaining unexpected damage.

The Epstein documents are causing political crises abroad, with the British prime minister fighting for his political life. Politico unpacks why. The sheer number of court cases tied to President Trump’s immigration crackdown is putting a heavy strain on lawyers representing the government. The Wall Street Journal’s Sadie Gurman explains the immense pressure U.S. attorney's offices are under. So-called forever chemicals, or PFAS, are increasingly contaminating private-drinking-water wells. Michael Phillis of the Associated Press joins to talk about how the issue is spreading and why it's so difficult to stop. Plus, U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn breaks her leg in a crash at the Winter Olympics, Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in jail, and the Seattle Seahawks are this year’s Super Bowl champions. Today’s episode was hosted by Cecilia Lei.

From Apple News In Conversation: Bad Bunny is one of the most popular artists in the world. He’s won six Grammys — including Album of the Year for his latest record, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, the first Spanish-language album to take home the award — and this weekend, he’ll headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Suzy Exposito, an editor at De Los, has followed Bad Bunny’s rise for years and interviewed him several times. She joins Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to talk about his upbringing in Puerto Rico, his ascent to global stardom, and how he’s reshaping pop music.

Mass layoffs at the Washington Post have shocked the media industry. Semafor’s Max Tani discusses the cuts and explains why the paper has struggled financially. Major U.S. trade partners are increasingly turning elsewhere as a result of unpredictable relations with President Trump. The Wall Street Journal’s Kim Mackrael joins to discuss how China benefits from the uncertainty. Plus, the Super Bowl is on Sunday, and it’s a rematch of what many consider one of the best Super Bowls in recent history. Apple News sports editor Shaker Samman breaks down this year’s matchup. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Democrats have laid out their demands as lawmakers in Washington negotiate a deal on ICE accountability. Sahil Kapur of NBC News explains the breadth of those demands and the tight timeline Congress is on. A recent drone attack by Russia left more than 1,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv without power. Politico’s Veronika Melkozerova joins to discuss how Ukrainians are surviving winter after continued attacks on their electricity grid. A warming climate is putting future Winter Olympic sites at risk of no longer being able to host the event. The Washington Post’s Janice Kai Chen breaks down the challenges cities face and the solutions being proposed. Plus, the Supreme Court cleared the way for a new congressional map in California, the Washington Post is laying off a third of its newsroom, and how Buddhist monks are spreading a message of peace through walking. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone as it approached an American aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. Idrees Ali of Reuters joins to discuss the incident, as Iranian and U.S. leaders in the region prepare to meet. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez hosted the U.S.’s top diplomat in the country this week to review the Trump administration’s roadmap for the oil industry and stabilization. The Wall Street Journal’s Ian Lovett explains the game of wait and see that Rodríguez appears to be playing with Trump. Data suggests that immigration authorities are increasingly detaining children. The Washington Post’s María Luisa Paúl dissects the numbers, and explains how the recent apprehension and detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos became a flashpoint. Plus, lawmakers passed a spending package to end the partial government shutdown, Renee Good’s brothers testified before Congress about her death, and how fans helped a figure skater bring some unique music to the Winter Olympics. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

ICE is using biometric tracers, cellphone-hacking tools, and other surveillance methods to track protesters and suspects. The Washington Post’s Eva Dou explains what the technologies do and how they affect the broader population in more ways than expected. The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt opened in a limited capacity this week after two years. Sam Metz of the Associated Press joins to discuss logistical questions over who and what can cross the border. The latest Epstein files release contained the names of a number of prominent international figures. The BBC reports on some of them. Plus, Georgia’s Fulton County is suing over the FBI’s seizure of 2020 elections material, U.S. and Iranian officials are set to meet later this week, and how inflation is impacting Valentine’s Day candy. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The partial government shutdown isn’t likely to end until at least Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal’s Natalie Andrews breaks down the sticking points lawmakers are negotiating. A new batch of documents from the Epstein files were released. The Associated Press reports on how the Department of Justice isn’t expected to file any new charges as a result. Some Olympic athletes don’t make enough money to afford basic living expenses. Fortune reports on how that could change starting this year after a massive gift to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Plus, why the Kennedy Center is shutting down for two years, a 5-year-old detained by ICE has been released, and the big winners at this year’s Grammys. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: Since President Trump took office just over a year ago, federal immigration enforcement has substantially expanded — nowhere more visibly than in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where federal officers have killed two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Widespread protests, scrutiny of ICE operations, and questions about accountability have intensified in recent weeks. Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer for The Atlantic, sat down with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to discuss what’s happening inside ICE today — and what these latest developments could mean going forward.

Senate Democrats, Republicans and the White House struck deal to avert a government shutdown over funding for ICE. In this week’s Apple News In Conversation The Atlantic’s Caitlin Dickerson explores what deadly clashes between protestors and ICE could mean for the agency During a national uprising in Iran the government gunned down dozens of its own citizens who were protesting in the town of Rasht. The Washington Post’s Yeganeh Torbati joins to discuss the aftermath of the incident. Tax season is upon us and there are some significant tax law changes that could affect returns this year. Ashlea Ebeling of The Wall Street Journal breaks down what filers need to know. Plus, how a man impersonating an FBI agent tried to free Luigi Mangione, life expectancy in the U.S. is up, and what inspired a woman who had never rowed to travel across the Atlantic solo. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Federal Reserve voted to keep rates steady on Wednesday. Bloomberg looks into the decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about Venezuela. NPR reports on how Rubio faced intense scrutiny over U.S. involvement in the country. Some of the people convicted then pardoned for their part in the Jan. 6 attack want financial penalties they paid to the government returned. The Washington Post’s Beth Reinhard joins to discuss what emboldened them to ask for their money back. Plus, the FBI raided the election offices of a key 2020 battleground county in Georgia, the agents who shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti have been put on leave, and why so many people are suddenly obsessed with beans. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

U.S. Border Patrol “commander at large” Gregory Bovino was removed from his position following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The Atlantic’s Nick Miroff joins to unpack Bovino’s demotion and ICE’s larger recruiting push. A man from Cuba recently became the third detainee at a single Texas facility to die in ICE custody. Michael Biesecker of the Associated Press discusses the case. TikTok experienced serious technical difficulties just as its new ownership group took control. The Verge’s Emma Roth breaks down the hurdles it faces. Plus, why the U.S. population grew at a slower rate last year, Amazon is abandoning its Go and Fresh grocery stores, and Southwest Airlines passengers bid farewell to open seating. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Changes are coming to immigration operations in Minnesota after President Trump said he and Governor Tim Walz had a productive phone conversation. Politico reports that border czar Tom Homan will take over operations, while the top Border Patrol commander is being demoted. As calls for accountability for the immigration agents who shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good grow, prosecutions might be hard to come by. Jack Queen of Reuters breaks down the longstanding protections in place that shield law-enforcement officers. Some parents allege that social-media apps designed to keep teens coming back are responsible for a mental-health crisis among young people. The Washington Post’s Naomi Nix joins to discuss lawsuits filed by parents over the issue and why they’ll be tough cases to win. Plus, a deep freeze will set in as the nation digs out of this weekend’s winter storm, leading pediatricians are breaking with the CDC on childhood-vaccine guidance, and why virtually no one knows how WD-40 is made. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Immigration agents shot and killed another person as unrest continues in Minneapolis. The Wall Street Journal’s Mariah Timms joins to discuss what’s happening on the ground as tensions escalate. Congressional leaders are reacting to the latest shooting in Minneapolis. CNBC reports on how a government shutdown is now more likely as a result. The Associated Press reports a growing number of Republicans are also calling for a larger investigation into the incident. A brutal winter storm has left several people dead and hundreds of thousands without power. USA Today has live updates. Plus, China’s top general is under investigation amid claims he leaked secrets to the U.S., Venezuela released another round of political prisoners over the weekend, and the Super Bowl matchup is set. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: New Yorker staff writer Elizabeth Kolbert has been reporting on climate and the environment for more than 25 years. In her work, she captures both the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world and the unsettling truth about what humans are doing to it. Her latest book, Life on a Little-Known Planet: Dispatches From a Changing World, is a collection of essays from her decades-long career. Kolbert spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about the stories that have shaped her reporting — and what they’ve taught her about a rapidly changing planet.

ICE detained a 5-year-old boy at a school in suburban Minneapolis, prompting outrage from the community. Minnesota Public Radio’s Elizabeth Shockman joins to talk about the apprehension, and how the Trump administration is defending it. Crime across the country seems to be dropping at fast pace. Henry Grabar of The Atlantic discusses why. On Oscar-nomination day, the vampire film ‘Sinners’ broke the record for most nominations by a single movie. Variety’s Clayton Davis breaks down this year’s nominees. Plus, former special counsel Jack Smith testified before Congress about his two indictments of President Trump, TikTok finalized a deal to keep operating in the U.S., and how one reporter captured the beauty of nature and an unsettling truth about what humans are doing to it. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

There are signs of a possible deal on Greenland, after a dizzying 24 hours at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Wall Street Journal details how it happened, and Fox News gets reaction from NATO’s secretary general. Record-breaking cold and messy winter weather is expected to hit a large swath of the country in the coming days. Bloomberg’s Lauren Rosenthal joins to discuss what’s in store and how to prepare. After protests that killed more than 3,000 people, some Iranians say they are open to the U.S. removing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Atlantic’s Arash Azizi shares what Iranians told him about what they want from Trump and the U.S. Plus, ICE is training officers to enter homes without judicial warrants, a former police officer charged over his response to the Uvalde shooting was found not guilty, and Sundance is kicking off its final festival to be held in Utah. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments today in a case involving President Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Chris Rugaber of the Associated Press joins to discuss how it could affect the central bank’s future. A jury in Texas will decide if an officer who responded to the mass school shooting in Uvalde can be held responsible for his alleged inaction. The Wall Street Journal’s Elizabeth Findell breaks down the case. Gen Z is having a tough time breaking into the job market as baby boomers remain in the workforce. The Washington Post’s Taylor Telford explains how factors like AI and economic uncertainty are making it hard to get entry-level jobs. Plus, France’s president sent a message to Trump at Davos, and the second lady announced that she’s pregnant with her fourth child. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

President Trump said his renewed efforts on taking over Greenland are partially tied to him not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The Wall Street Journal’s Kim Mackrael joins to discuss how European leaders are responding. Polls show Democrats with a lead over Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Patrick Marley of the Washington Post explains how Trump is attempting to alter how the midterms are conducted. A proposal for a one-time tax on California’s billionaires has spurred infighting amongst Democrats. Time reports on the details of the proposed tax, and how billionaires are pushing back. Plus, authorities in Spain say at least 40 are dead after the country’s worst rail disaster in a decade, Iran’s state TV was hacked, and remembering the legendary fashion designer Valentino following his death aged 93. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: In January 2025, catastrophic wildfires tore through Los Angeles, destroying entire neighborhoods and leaving devastation that continues today. MS NOW senior reporter Jacob Soboroff reported live from the blaze in his hometown of Pacific Palisades — and is now out with a new book, Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster, a deeply reported account of the chaos and enduring fallout. Soboroff sat down with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to share what he witnessed on the ground and what the fires revealed about a city — and a country — unprepared for the disasters ahead.

President Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House. The Wall Street Journal’s Vera Bergengruen breaks down what happened at the meeting. As ICE enforcement continues in Minnesota, residents have taken to the streets in community patrols to track the movement of agents. Madison McVan of the Minnesota Reformer explains how efforts to deter ICE have grown since the shooting of Renee Good. Ticket prices for the upcoming men’s World Cup have reached exorbitant prices even after efforts by FIFA to bring them under control. The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell joins to discuss how prices got so high in the U.S. as other countries have offered much cheaper tickets for previous World Cups. Plus, the number two at ICE stepped down to make a run for Congress, and how Australia’s social media ban is already having an impact. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot caused global outrage after it flooded X with sexually explicit images. Raphael Satter of Reuters joins to discuss how the photos proliferated so quickly — and what governments are doing about it. The Trump administration is halting all immigrant visas from 75 countries. The Washington Post’s David Nakamura explains how the move fits into Trump’s larger immigration crackdown. After two years of no formal education, the children of Gaza City have returned to makeshift classrooms for school. The BBC reports on how classes are lively and the mood is hopeful despite remaining anxiety over the war. Plus, the U.S. and Denmark remain at odds over the future of Greenland, Iran temporarily closed its airspace, and why some people are being left out of this year’s Super Bowl halftime crew. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

President Trump said help is on the way to Iran as protesters face a brutal government crackdown. The Atlantic’s Arash Azizi explains what might come next for the Islamic Republic. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to meet with representatives from Greenland and Denmark in Washington. The Wall Street Journal’s Max Colchester breaks down what’s at stake for both sides. AI data centers have brought together a diverse set of opposition. Evan Halper of the Washington Post joins to discuss how the issue entered the national political conversation. Plus, multiple federal prosecutors resigned in response to the DOJ’s investigation into the shooting of Renee Good, the Clintons refused to testify in the Epstein inquiry, and the uniquely American accent that’s disappearing. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

After the shooting of Renee Good, officials and the public have called for greater accountability for ICE agents. Julia Ainsley of NBC News explains how changes at DHS have made that difficult. The Supreme Court hears oral arguments today that could have big implications for transgender athletes. USA Today’s Maureen Groppe breaks down the case. Starter homes used to be a cornerstone of the real-estate market, but no longer. The Washington Post’s Julie Weil joins to discuss how would-be first-time buyers are being priced out of the market. Plus, former Federal Reserve chairs came out in support of Jerome Powell, why some 15,000 New York City nurses are on strike, and the newest addition to the Barbie lineup. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. In response, Powell issued an extraordinary public rebuke. The Wall Street Journal has the latest. As many as 500 people have died in Iran during two weeks of protests and unrest. Jon Gambrell of the Associated Press joins to discuss the crackdown on demonstrators and why Trump has opened the door on taking action against Tehran. Tens of thousands took to the streets of Minneapolis to protest the presence of ICE in the city after an officer killed local resident Renee Good. Reuters reports on how the Department of Homeland Security is sending even more agents to the state in response. Plus, authorities in Mississippi arrested an individual in connection with a fire at a historic synagogue, the National Portrait Gallery updated Trump’s portrait, and the big winners at this year’s Golden Globes. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela has raised many questions about what’s actually driving the Trump administration’s aims in the region. To break down what’s known — and unknown — about this unprecedented action, Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu talked with New Yorker staff writer Jonathan Blitzer, who has been reporting on immigration and foreign policy for years. They discuss how Venezuela became a target of the current administration, and how this tenuous situation could evolve moving forward.

Federal agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection shot two people in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday. ABC News has the latest. Meanwhile, Minnesota officials say they were shut out of the investigation into the killing of a woman by ICE. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller usually sticks to domestic policy issues. In this week’s Apple News In Conversation, Jonathan Blitzer of the New Yorker discusses why Miller is wading into Trump’s plans in Venezuela. In the aftermath of the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, corporations have changed how they think about security. The Wall Street Journal’s Chip Cutter joins to discuss what companies are doing to better protect executives. Plus, lawmakers passed an extension of ACA subsidies, NASA says astronauts are coming home from the ISS early, and the NFL playoffs kick off with some fresh faces at quarterback. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

An ICE officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Sofia Barnett explains why local and federal authorities have conflicting views of what happened. The White House is continuing to assert control over Venezuela’s oil resources. Bloomberg’s Kevin Crowley joins to discuss why pulling oil out of the country might be harder than expected. The federal government issued new dietary guidelines and an updated food pyramid. Stat’s Sarah Todd breaks down the new recommendations and how they differ from past iterations. Plus, Alaska’s capital is buried under snow and running out of places to shovel it, Trump is pulling out of one of the oldest climate treaties, and how some Americans are falling out of love with pizza. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Health-care subsidies that millions of Americans depend on for insurance have officially expired. The Washington Post’s Peter Whoriskey joins to discuss how some families are dealing with the sudden rise in costs. A person on the crypto-betting site Polymarket won $400,000 wagering that Nicolás Maduro would soon be out as Venezuela’s leader. Alexander Osipovich of The Wall Street Journal explains why the timing of the bets might be suspicious. Doctors are seeing a surge of patients with serious flu-like symptoms. NBC News’s Erika Edwards breaks down why flu season is so bad this year. Plus, the White House left the door open to military force in Greenland, Trump announced a deal on Venezuelan oil, and more details emerged about the people killed during the operation to capture Maduro. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife appeared in a Manhattan courtroom Monday. Eric Tucker of the Associated Press breaks down the charges and how the case compares with that of another deposed Latin American leader. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani immediately turned to signing executive orders to kick off his term. The City’s Katie Honan joins to discuss how he’s managing his first days in office. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he will not seek a third term. The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Nathaniel Minor explains how criticism over Waltz’s handling of fraud scandals led to the decision. Plus, how federal health authorities are significantly changing the childhood-vaccine schedule, a plaque honoring police who defended the Capitol on January 6 is nowhere to be seen, and the U.S. has a new lightning capital. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

President Trump said the U.S. is in charge in Venezuela after American forces carried out strikes in the country and captured President Nicolás Maduro. ABC News reports on big questions that remain over how the U.S. will carry out its agenda. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president over the weekend. The New Yorker’s Jon Lee Anderson joins to discuss why opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado is being sidelined. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will oversee the Trump administration’s efforts in Venezuela after Maduro’s ouster. The Washington Post reports on the daunting task ahead of him. Plus, authorities identified all of the victims in a deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort, the CDC said flu cases spiked in the U.S. in December, and the newest artistic creations entering the public domain in 2026. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: This is an episode from our archives. Martinus Evans did not have an easy start to running. Weighing over 300 pounds, he set out to finish a marathon after a doctor told him to “lose weight or die.” He writes about his running journey in his book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run. In this week’s episode of Apple News In Conversation, Evans talks with host Shumita Basu about the lessons he’s learned from being a “back-of-the-packer.”

We’re bringing you something special this week in place of our usual daily show. Every day, we are making one of the stories that listeners loved this year free for everyone. Today it is from New Scientist on the rising life expectancy of humans and the evolving science behind how we measure aging, written by Graham Lawton and narrated by Mike Cooper for Apple News+.

We’re bringing you something special this week in place of our usual daily show. Every day, we are making one of the stories that listeners loved this year free for everyone. Today it is from Smithsonian magazine on how a forgotten bean could save coffee from extinction, written by Marta Zaraska and narrated by Jaime Lamchick for Apple News+.

We’re bringing you something special this week in place of our usual daily show. Every day, we are making one of the stories that listeners loved this year free for everyone. Today it’s The Atlantic on what the great teen movies tell us about American adolescence, written by Hillary Kelly and narrated by Jaime Lamchick for Apple News+.

We’re bringing you something special this week in place of our usual daily show. Every day, we are making one of the stories that listeners loved this year free for everyone. Today’s is from the Los Angeles Times on an art project that invited strangers to leave goodbye messages on pay phones, written by Todd Martens and narrated by Scott Turner Schofield for Apple News+.

We’re bringing you something special this week in place of our usual daily show. Every day, we are making one of the stories that listeners loved this year free for everyone. Below is an excerpt from The Highlight by Vox on why Americans are moving in with strangers twice their age, written by Rachel Cohen and narrated by Jaime Lamchick for Apple News+.

This episode from our Apple News In Conversation archives is our most-listened-to interview of the year. It was originally published in June 2025. In his 22-year career in the FBI, undercover agent Scott Payne infiltrated some of the most dangerous criminal and extremist groups in America, from a motorcycle gang called the Outlaws to a white-supremacist group known as the Base. Payne shares his firsthand case accounts of gathering intelligence and stopping illegal activity in his memoir, Code Name: Pale Horse; How I Went Undercover to Expose America’s Nazis. His story is also featured on the latest season of the Slate podcast White Hot Hate. Payne sat down with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to talk about some of his most harrowing moments on the job and the growing threat of extremism in the U.S.

It’s the first holiday season since President Trump’s tariffs came into effect. NBC’s Kayla Steinberg explains why some shoppers received a big surprise on their online orders. Congress left Washington for the holidays after one of the least productive years in modern history. NPR’s Barbara Sprunt breaks down the factors that have caused the stagnation. Former ICE officials say families are being detained for prolonged periods of time to speed up deportations. Anna Flagg of the Marshall Project joins to discuss how Trump administration policies have swept thousands of children into custody. Plus, the State Department recalled more than two dozen diplomats from around the world, tricky weather will complicate travel during the holidays, and how to avoid being singled out by the TSA. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

The Department of Justice released a trove of heavily redacted documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Atlantic’s Charlie Warzel explains why they left many people unsatisfied. The U.S. military pursued a third oil tanker near Venezuela after taking previous action against two other ships. Benoit Faucon of the Wall Street Journal breaks down the latest escalation in the region. Some conservatives say they will support a run by Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election if he enters the race. Jonathan Cooper with the Associated Press joins to discuss how one organization is already laying the groundwork for a potential Vance campaign. Plus, why flood-infrastructure grants were held up as Washington state dealt with record rainfall, how a power outage left robotaxis stranded, and the blue pit viper that supercharged the box office. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

From Apple News In Conversation: The end of the year is a moment to reflect on the art and culture that stood out. Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu sat down with two culture critics — Sam Sanders, the host of The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, and Anne Helen Petersen, creator of the podcast and newsletter Culture Study — to break down their top releases. They talk about the music, film, and TV they loved most in 2025. Plus, our listeners share their own picks for this year’s can’t-miss shows and albums.

Police say the man suspected of carrying out the deadly mass shooting at Brown University is dead. NBC News reports on how he is also suspected of the killing of a professor at MIT. A Russian envoy is set to meet with U.S. officials over the weekend in Miami for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal’s Max Colchester explains why many European leaders are now preparing their citizens for a potential conflict with Russia. Trump has issued more executive orders in 2025 than his entire first term. Emily Davies of the Washington Post joins to discuss how the president has turned to executive orders as policy and communications tools. Plus, the Kennedy Center might soon be renamed, the Trump administration says it’s cutting funding of transgender care for minors, and a look back at some of the best movies, music, and TV from the past year. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

In a primetime address, President Trump said the economy has vastly improved since he took office. The Washington Post’s  Jacob Bogage joins to discuss why everyday Americans don’t feel the same way. Trump wants a former county clerk who was convicted of tampering with voting machines freed from prison. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez of The Atlantic explains why that’s unlikely. A statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Emancipation Hall in Washington, D.C, has been replaced by one of civil-rights hero Barbara Rose Johns. NPR’s Rachel Treisman tells her story. Plus, why four Republicans defied House Speaker Mike Johnson to force a vote on ACA subsides, NASA has a new administrator after a yearlong confirmation process, and the Oscars are headed exclusively to YouTube. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

House Republican leadership says there will be no vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire. Politico’s Jordain Carney joins to discuss why the GOP hasn’t been able to rally behind a health-care strategy. Funeral services for a Bondi Beach victim was held in Sydney. As the investigation continues, the Washington Post reports on why the black flag of ISIS keeps showing up at scenes of immense violence. Authorities in Rhode Island released a new image and video of a person of interest in the Brown University shooting. Jennifer McDermott of the Associated Press details why some Providence residents are frustrated with the investigation. Plus, officials in Los Angeles filed charges in the killing of Rob and Michele Singer Reiner, the Department of Defense says it won’t publicly release the video of a controversial boat strike, and why more people are listening to Christmas music for longer periods of time. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

Authorities in Los Angeles will soon consider charges in the killing of iconic film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer. Politico reports on Reiner’s life as a political activist. Jimmy Lai, a major pro-democracy leader in Hong Kong, was convicted of collusion and sedition. Hong Kong Free Press editor Tom Grundy breaks down the case and its implications. An investigation revealed how major dollar-store chains routinely overcharge customers. The Guardian’s Jocelyn Zuckerman explains how shelf prices don’t always match what shows up at the register. Plus, a JetBlue flight narrowly averted a collision with a U.S. military plane, how the victims of the Brown University shooting are being remembered, and why the man being hailed as a hero after the Bondi Beach attack says he’d do it all again. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

Australians are in shock after two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing at least 15 people. CBS News reports that the suspects are a father and son. Talks over ending the war between Russia and Ukraine accelerated over the weekend. The Wall Street Journal’s Laurence Norman details why big differences remain for both sides. Authorities in Rhode Island are still searching for a suspect in the deadly mass shooting on the campus of Brown University. The Washington Post reports that the initial person of interest has been released. Plus, more rain is on the way as Washington state battles severe flooding, the surprising return of a 44-year-old NFL quarterback, and legendary actor Dick Van Dyke’s message on his 100th birthday. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

From Apple News In Conversation: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one of the most influential — and controversial — figures in American public health. And some of the changes he’s pushing, especially around vaccines, have drawn sharp criticism and resistance from many scientific experts. In a recent Atlantic profile, staff writer Michael Scherer examined how Kennedy’s background, including immense privilege and trauma, has shaped the perspective he now brings to his role at HHS. Scherer interviewed and traveled with Kennedy to report his piece. He sat down with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to discuss Kennedy’s worldview and what it could mean for federal public-health policy.

Venezuela’s opposition leader made a daring escape to Oslo shortly after the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony. The Wall Street Journal’s Vera Bergengruen details the perilous journey. Lawmakers in the Senate failed to pass separate bills aimed at easing health-insurance costs that are set to skyrocket at the end of the year. Axios reports on what happens next. The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer has spent hours talking to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In this week’s Apple News In Conversation, Scherer explores how the health secretary’s past shaped who he is today. Plus, Indiana Republicans rejected Trump’s redistricting efforts, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was released from immigration detention, and Mickey Mouse is formally entering the AI world. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, in an escalation in tensions between Caracas and Washington. Bloomberg’s Eric Martin explains how the move further ramps up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Indiana is the latest state in the spotlight over redistricting, as lawmakers there prepare to vote on a new congressional map requested by President Trump. Indianapolis Star reporter Kayla Dwyer joins to discuss why the measure is dividing Republicans in the state. A nationwide initiative called Vision Zero was supposed to stop pedestrian traffic deaths. Rachel Weiner of the Washington Post details why it didn’t work. Plus, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the third consecutive time, the U.S. might require visa applicants to show their social-media history, and how In-N-Out Burger entered the “6-7” conversation. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Australia’s social-media ban for under-16s takes effect today. NBC News reports on how the law is dividing Australians between those who see it as an overreach and those who view it as necessary protection. The Federal Reserve is expected to make another rate cut today despite opposition from some members of its board. The Wall Street Journal’s Nick Timiraos explains how both internal and external pressures are shaping the decision. President Trump has accused political foes of mortgage fraud for claiming more than one primary residence. ProPublica’s Justin Elliott breaks down how Trump himself has engaged in the same behavior. Plus, Miami elected a Democratic mayor for the first time in nearly 30 years, why this year’s Nobel Peace Prize recipient will not receive the award in person, and Denmark is to end letter delivery after four centuries. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

President Trump used to talk about the economy a lot more. As his poll numbers slip, he might have to again. Josh Dawsey, reporter at the Wall Street Journal, explains. Over four years of war with Ukraine, Russia has been able to keep raising an army to fight. Ekaterina Bodyagyna, a reporter for Politico, joins to discuss how Russia has sustained such a relentless force. Paramount launched a hostile bid for Warner Bros. after losing out to Netflix in acquiring the historic studio. NPR reports on why Paramount thinks its bid is better for Warner Bros. and consumers. Plus, one of Trump’s handpicked U.S. attorneys resigned, why Congress may withhold a portion of the Pentagon’s travel budget, and how the Louvre’s bad year just got a little worse. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.