Podcast appearances and mentions of shumita basu

Flight delays are starting to pile up as air-traffic controllers call off sick during the shutdown. CNN correspondent Pete Muntean joins to discuss. The Supreme Court heard a challenge to a law banning the use of “conversion therapy.” ABC News reports that the justices seem poised to strike such bans down. The Trump administration approved a new generic version of the abortion drug mifepristone. Natalie Allison, White House reporter for the Washington Post, talks about how the decision has been met with sharp criticism from members of the anti-abortion movement. Plus, Attorney General Pam Bondi sparred with Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill, Denmark became the latest country to announce a social-media ban for kids, and how an off-the-grid scientist learned he had won a Nobel Prize. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Negotiations in Egypt between Hamas and Israel are ongoing. Foreign Policy reports that despite hope that a deal is imminent, a lot of the details remain unresolved. The government shutdown and policy changes at FEMA have introduced chaos into the nation’s disaster-preparedness system. The Wall Street Journal’s Scott Patterson discusses how funding and staffing shake-ups are impacting disaster-prone communities. AI will soon be implemented into a new prior-authorization pilot for Medicare. Lauren Sausser, reporter for KFF Health News, explains how the program will work and why some doctors and lawmakers are concerned over potential delay-and-deny tactics. Plus, the CDC moves ahead with new rules on COVID vaccines, how hundreds of hikers became trapped on Mount Everest, and why researchers say proper falling techniques can help you live a longer life. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Trump administration is deploying federal troops into Chicago, claiming ongoing lawlessness. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker described the move as “outrageous and un-American.” Violet Miller, a reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times, explains what’s going on. A new Supreme Court term begins today, and justices are set to decide on cases with massive implications for Trump's authority over government. Maureen Groppe, Supreme Court reporter at USA Today, discusses them. The government shutdown continues with no signs of progress on talks. Lauren Weber at the Washington Post talks through some of the Medicare provisions that have become casualties of the deadlock. Plus, mediators are gathering after Hamas agreed in principle to parts of Trump’s peace deal, Japan is set for its first woman prime minister, and how sketches by Leonardo da Vinci led archaeologists to a big discovery. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: In just a few years, U.S. school districts have gone from blocking AI tools to welcoming them into classrooms. In a recent story for Bloomberg Businessweek, contributing writer Vauhini Vara reports on how these tools are being used — and what they mean for students, teachers, and the future of learning. Vara joins Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to discuss the companies pushing AI into schools, the risks and promises of their products, and what might be lost — or gained — as classrooms adapt.

At least two are dead after an attacker rammed a car into a crowd of worshippers at a synagogue in Manchester, England, then began stabbing people. The BBC also reports that several others were hospitalized with serious injuries. The Washington Post’s Meg Kelly details how the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid sent USAID’s supply chain haywire. Schools were initially wary of AI in the classroom, but now several of the biggest districts in the country are using chatbots in their lesson plans. On this week’s Apple News In Conversation, Vauhini Vara, contributing writer for Bloomberg Businessweek, discusses how some schools have come to embrace AI. Plus, why Trump declared that the U.S. is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, the surprising way the Mormon community came together after last week’s deadly church shooting in Michigan, and how Taylor Swift inspired artists to take control of their music. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

As the government shutdown continues into Day 2, a breakthrough on a funding bill remains elusive. Reuters reports on how Trump has followed through on threats to use the shutdown to target Democratic-run states. U.S. citizens are pursuing legal action against federal immigration officials following violent interactions. Lauren Villagran, immigration reporter for USA Today, discusses a few of the cases. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer are accused of circumventing salary cap rules by signing the star forward to a no-show endorsement deal. Leonard and the team deny wrongdoing. The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov joins to break down the allegations. Plus, Israeli ships intercepted an aid flotilla headed to Gaza, a two-day internet blackout in Afghanistan, and renowned primatologist Jane Goodall died. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

In just a few years, U.S. school districts have gone from blocking AI tools to welcoming them into classrooms. In a recent story for Bloomberg Businessweek, contributing writer Vauhini Vara reports on how these tools are being used — and what they mean for students, teachers, and the future of learning. Vara joins Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to discuss the companies pushing AI into schools, the risks and promises of their products, and what might be lost — or gained — as classrooms adapt.

The government is officially shut down after Congress failed to pass a spending agreement before last night’s midnight deadline. PBS News reports on how government services could change during this period. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed an unusual gathering of hundreds of U.S. military leaders in Virginia. Idrees Ali, Pentagon reporter for Reuters, joins to talk about what Trump and Hegseth said and some key policy changes coming out of the meeting. Many TV and radio stations are reeling after Congress passed Trump's bill gutting federal public-media funding. The Washington Post’s Scott Nover breaks down how it will reshape the airwaves. Plus, Trump withdrew his pick to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a judge sided with international students detained by ICE over campus activism, and how scientists tricked skin cells into becoming human eggs. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: Earlier this month, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The public response has amplified political divisions, leaving many people feeling anxious about the state of the country. Sean Westwood, director of Dartmouth’s Polarization Research Lab, explains that while a few voices are stoking tensions, most Americans reject violence and want calmer politics. Westwood spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about what the data reveals about polarization and political violence in the U.S. — and what it might take to turn the temperature down.

Former FBI Director James Comey faces federal charges of obstruction and making a false statement. NBC News reports that the charges stem from testimony Comey gave to Congress related to the Russia investigation. Trump signed an executive order paving the way for TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. Amrith Ramkumar, tech-policy reporter for the Wall Street Journal, breaks down the deal and how the new TikTok will work. High-profile attacks have fueled fears about political violence in the U.S. Sean Westwood, associate professor of government at Dartmouth College and director of the Polarization Research Lab, joins this week’s Apple News In Conversation to discuss why those fears are often based on misperceptions. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summoned hundreds of military leaders from around the globe to a rare meeting in Virginia next week, why positive economic growth complicates things for the Fed, and how high-tech mouthguards are keeping rugby players safer. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

A gunman killed a detainee and wounded two others at an ICE detention facility in Dallas. The Dallas Morning News spoke to eyewitnesses about the incident. Noah Robertson, national-security reporter covering Congress for the Washington Post, breaks down how Trump plans to shift $2 billion designated for foreign aid to priorities that fit the White House agenda. Protests led by Gen Z in Nepal over corruption and a social-media crackdown turned deadly, costing 74 people their lives and the prime minister his job. The Wall Street Journal’s Gabriele Steinhauser joins to discuss the violence and how similar protests have been seen in other countries. Plus, a super typhoon wrecked havoc across Asia, Jimmy Kimmel’s return racked up big numbers online, and a potentially major breakthrough in treatment for Huntington’s disease. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Earlier this month, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The public response has amplified political divisions, leaving many people feeling anxious about the state of the country. Sean Westwood, director of Dartmouth’s Polarization Research Lab, explains that while a few voices are stoking tensions, most Americans reject violence and want calmer politics. Westwood spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about what the data reveals about polarization and political violence in the U.S. — and what it might take to turn the temperature down.

Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airwaves almost a week after ABC suspended him for comments about the death of Charlie Kirk. USA Today describes what happened. The Washington Post reports on how Trump took aim at the U.N. in his speech at the organization's General Assembly. Iowa has some of the most polluted water in the U.S. Peter Waldman, senior investigative reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, joins to discuss why there’s no easy fix to the problem, and the role played by big agricultural companies. Plus, the man charged with attempting to assassinate Trump at his golf course in Florida was found guilty, Amazon is going to court over allegations it duped customers into signing up for its Prime service, and robot umpires are coming to Major League Baseball. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Trump announced two significant regulatory changes surrounding autism. The Washington Post’s Dan Diamond joins to weigh the evidence being used to justify the move. The president wants to charge $100,000 for H-1B visas. Andrew Kreighbaum, immigration reporter at Bloomberg Law, discusses how the changes could affect the skilled foreign workers the U.S. relies on. KFF Health News reporter Cara Anthony tells the story of a man who was pulled off an operating table moments before his organs were to be harvested for donation. The incident highlights growing criticism of the organ transplantation industry. Plus, Disney is bringing back Jimmy Kimmel, Nvidia struck a huge deal with OpenAI, and how Build-A-Bear is turning nostalgia into stock-market gold. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Over the weekend Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute some of his political enemies, in a social-media post. The order came days after the U.S. attorney tasked with doing the same thing resigned under pressure. NBC News reports. The CDC’s advisory panel on vaccines gathered last week for a chaotic two-day meeting. Stat reporter Elaine Chen joins to discuss the changes that were made and how the board is moving away from its traditional science-backed approach. The Washington Post’s Maria Sacchetti breaks down what family separations look like in Trump’s second term, as enforcement ramps up. Plus, tens of thousands of people attended a memorial for Charlie Kirk; the U.K., Canada, and Australia formally recognized Palestine as a state, and and swimmers took part in the Chicago River's first organized open-water swim in nearly 100 years. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Wednesday and signaled that additional cuts could come later this year. Reuters reporter Ann Saphir joins to discuss the pressures facing the Fed as the job market weakens. Former CDC director Susan Monarez testified before the Senate about her dismissal from the agency. The Washington Post reports that Monarez said she was pressured by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to alter the nation’s childhood-vaccine schedule before being fired. Alex Ward, national-security reporter at the Wall Street Journal breaks down how Trump could apply more pressure on Netanyahu to end the war but is largely letting the Israeli prime minister chart his own path. Plus, Jimmy Kimmel was suspended over Charlie Kirk remarks, Jerry from Ben & Jerry’s quit the company, and why Tom Brady’s juggling act as part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and a Fox Sports analyst is raising questions. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Constitution has been amended 27 times, but the last meaningful change was over half a century ago. In her new book, We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution, historian Jill Lepore argues that the near impossibility of amendment in recent decades underlies many of today’s political crises, from polarization to battles over the courts. Lepore spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about the history of constitutional revision and why the amendment process matters for the future of American democracy.

The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk appeared in court for the first time Tuesday. NPR reports that prosecutors charged the suspect with aggravated murder and will seek the death penalty. While the national unemployment rate remains low, there are fewer jobs than expected being added to the market. The Washington Post’s Abha Bhattarai discusses why more people are also dealing with unemployment of six months or more. Toxic fumes are leaking into airplane cabins more frequently. Ben Katz, aviation reporter for the Wall Street Journal, joins to talk about why that is. Plus, a U.N.-commissioned report accused Israel of committing genocide, ICE apparently violated dozens of federal standards at one of its hastily built detention centers, and the world’s oldest mummies were discovered. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The House is set to vote on bills that would impose harsher penalties on people under 18 in D.C. The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn discusses the widespread ramifications these proposed laws might have. ProPublica’s Hannah Allam breaks down how the administration is attempting to use sweeping 9/11 anti-terrorism laws as a boost for its deportation efforts. Kentucky became the first state in the country to make 50-50 custody of children the default in any divorce. Rachel Wolfe, economics reporter at the Wall Street Journal, joins to talk about how the law has helped and hurt some families. Plus, JD Vance vowed a crackdown on left-wing organizations in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s killing, Trump said the U.S. struck another alleged Venezuelan drug boat, and the surgeons who put a man’s tooth into his eye to save his vision. And finally, 100 unforgettable stories from the publishers that power Apple News, which is turning 10 years old today. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk. CBS News has more, while Politico explores the fears over political violence in the U.S. A group of common chemicals known as phthalates, used in everything from medical devices to garden hoses and food packaging, has been linked to adverse health outcomes. The Washington Post’s Shannon Osaka joins to discuss their link to to pregnancy problems. Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico generated an estimated $196 million in economic activity for the island. The Wall Street Journal’s Elias Leight breaks down the financial and cultural impact of the concerts — and explains why Bad Bunny’s global tour is skipping the mainland U.S. Plus, Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro, U.S. mortgage rates fell to their lowest level in a year, and a look ahead at the WNBA playoffs. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk died after being shot in the neck at an event in Utah. NBC News has live updates. Russian drones violated Poland's airspace late on Tuesday while going after targets in Ukraine, and were shot down. The Polish military said the incident posed a real threat to citizens, the Washington Post reports. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released his anticipated chronic-disease-fighting plan this week. Stat’s Sarah Todd explains how the report stirred backlash on both sides of the aisle. Plus, the former acting FBI director sued the bureau and the attorney general, Elon Musk briefly lost his title as the world’s richest person, and newly discovered signs of ancient life on Mars. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

When Christine was 9, her mother began having delusions that upended their family’s life. Her mother was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia, but treatments had no effect. Nearly two decades later, after she started medication for cancer, her psychosis suddenly vanished. In the New Yorker, staff writer Rachel Aviv tells this remarkable story — and what it reveals about how schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated. The piece was selected as an Apple News Story of the Month. Aviv spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about how evolving science is challenging long-held beliefs about schizophrenia and its causes.

New Mexico will become the first state in the country to offer its residents free universal childcare. Source New Mexico reports the move could save some families in the state $12,000 a year. Israel carried out air strikes aimed at Hamas leaders in Qatar. Bloomberg reports that the attack could upend Gaza ceasefire talks, with Qatar suspending its role as mediator. More people are using beta blockers, typically prescribed for cardiovascular disease, to treat anxiety. The Wall Street Journal’s Sara O’Brien discusses how the drugs got so popular and the risks associated with taking them outside of their intended purpose. Plus, violent protests in Nepal forced the prime minister to resign, why the U.S. jobs market is getting bleaker, and why scoring a World Cup ticket might be tougher than expected. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Federal authorities began increased immigration-enforcement operations in Chicago, targeting people with criminal records. Time reports. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ruled that immigration stops in Los Angeles can continue. The Wall Street Journal’s Jess Bravin tells us how the decision is part of a bigger pattern. A key piece of Trump’s law-enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C., is clearing homeless encampments. Marissa Lang, an enterprise reporter at the Washington Post, explains why the administration’s promise of shelter and services to affected people is going largely unfulfilled. KFF Health News reporter Arielle Zionts joins to discuss how rural hospitals are pooling their resources to save money and provide better care. Plus, a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein with what appears to be Trump’s signature on it was handed over to Congress, Lachlan Murdoch won his family’s succession battle, and how tossing baby puffins off of a cliff can be a good thing. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Hyundai has invested billions in American manufacturing. Now the immigration arrests of hundreds of workers at one of its plants in Georgia have shaken its confidence, Business Insider says. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that the Trump administration is planning more workplace enforcement operations. Axios economics reporter Courtenay Brown joins to discuss what a recent disappointing jobs report tells us about the U.S. economy. A patchwork legal group is standing up to Trump in court and winning. The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer explains their strategy and why it’s working. Plus, Russia struck a government building in Kyiv, thousands marched in D.C. and Chicago in protest against Trump's use of federal agents for state law enforcement, and the men’s and women’s winners from the U.S. Open. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

U.S. warships killed 11 people on a suspected Venezuelan smuggling craft on Tuesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested they had drugs bound for the U.S., and said Trump planned to “wage war” on drug cartels. Idrees Ali, a Pentagon correspondent for Reuters, has been exploring whether the administration's moves are legal. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparred with Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill yesterday in a hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. Stat has the key takeaways. Democrats are looking to regroup and make a plan for the midterms as Congress returns. The Washington Post’s Marianna Sotomayor details the party’s efforts to redefine itself. Plus, Portugal is in mourning after 16 people died in a cable-car tragedy, Trump’s nominee for a role on the Federal Reserve board pledged to be independent, and how to buy Darth Vader’s lightsaber. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Vaccine policy is changing at a rapid rate as Florida and some Western states take drastically different paths on access and recommendations. Bloomberg’s Jessica Nix joins to discuss how the situation has become so confusing. Victims of Jeffrey Epstein spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill yesterday in support of a bill in the House that would require the release of documents related to the case. NBC News interviews one of the victims. CNN reporter Holmes Lybrand breaks down why courts in Washington, D.C., are struggling with increased caseloads as a result of Trump’s crime crackdown. Plus, a court ordered Trump to unfreeze grants for Harvard, what presidents Xi and Putin talk about when they think no one is listening, and the 2025 NFL season is about to kick off. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans seek help for opioid addiction each year, but too often, they’re met with a rehab system that fails them. Many programs operate with little oversight, prioritizing profit over care, while proven medications remain out of reach. Shoshana Walter, author of Rehab: An American Scandal, spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about what actually works in treating addiction — and why even well-intentioned programs so often fall short.

The latest from Afghanistan after a catastrophic earthquake struck the eastern part of the country. The BBC reports on the worst-hit areas, and the Taliban’s plea for help. ProPublica’s Bob Garrett tells us how the fight over gerrymandering in Texas became the battleground for Trump’s latest legal strategy. Russian President Putin, Indian Prime Minister Modi, and Chinese President Xi met at a summit in China, signaling to the West a newfound solidarity between the countries. Politico’s Phelim Kine breaks down why the photo op isn’t all that it seems. Plus, Rudy Giuliani is to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as he leaves the hospital following a car crash, 1.2 million immigrants disappear from the U.S. workforce, and the millionaire who snatched a hat at the U.S. Open. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The White House says it has fired the CDC director, less than a month after she was confirmed. Now other key officials are resigning. The Washington Post breaks down what happened. The Minnesota Star Tribune has the latest on the shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead. Jack Dolan, an investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, tells us how a blaze that has been burning in the Grand Canyon complicates the rationale behind letting so-called “good fires” burn. Plus, the divisions in the Democratic Party on show at a leadership meeting, Denmark summons a top U.S. official over a covert operations claim, and researchers discover an ancient tropical paradise in the Midwest. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The little-known de minimis tariff exemption is ending. Bloomberg unpacks the effect it could have on shopping habits. The Trump administration is using obscure tactics around mortgages to pursue political outcomes. Rachel Siegel at the Washington Post has the details. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. USA Today looks at their relationship timeline. Plus, a whistleblower claims DOGE put millions of Americans’ personal data at risk, a new study suggests AI is taking more jobs from younger people, and why letting your kids have a “feral-child summer” is a good thing. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Laura Meckler, national education reporter with the Washington Post, joins to break down how the Department of Education has dramatically reshaped civil rights in schools under Trump. In Gaza, an airstrike killed 22 people, including five journalists, on Monday. NPR has the story. The Guardian also reports that data shows five out of six Palestinians killed by the Israeli military in Gaza have been civilians. A massive swing in immigration is affecting the U.S. labor market. Paul Kiernan from the Wall Street Journal explains. Plus, Trump says he has fired a Federal Reserve governor, FEMA warns about the risks of another Hurricane Katrina, and a successful pig-to-human lung transplant is performed in China. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Washington Post’s Jenny Gathright joins to discuss the latest on Trump’s crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., and what could come next. ProPublica’s Annie Waldman details how cuts at federal health agencies went much further than initially promised. Texas’s abortion ban is jeopardizing care and spreading fear across the state for providers and patients. The Dallas Morning News investigates the impacts. Plus, a man-made famine is officially declared in Gaza City, the man wrongly deported to El Salvador and then returned to the U.S. faces a new deportation threat, and a record-breaking win for Chinese Taipei at the Little League World Series. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The federal government might give up its ability to regulate climate law — and businesses are concerned. NPR’s Michael Copley explains why. Israel is launching two controversial plans in what it calls the “next phase” of its war in Gaza. CNN’s Oren Liebermann details the country’s latest moves. Sudan’s civil war is reaching a breaking point. The Atlantic’s Anne Applebaum joins Apple News In Conversation to discuss the conditions she’s seen on the ground — and why American aid is fading away. Plus, the battle over gerrymandering heats up, a tumultuous week in Ukraine, and why some birds are staying up later at night. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Nobody is buying homes. Nobody is changing jobs. Wall Street Journal reporter Konrad Putzier explores why so many Americans are feeling stuck — and the economic consequences for everyone. Los Angeles–area students returned to school amid ongoing ICE raids. Los Angeles Times reporter Howard Blume tells us how schools are trying to keep them safe. Bloomberg’s Jessica Nix explains what to know about vaccine recommendations and availability this fall. Plus, why the DOJ issued subpoenas for the personal medical records of young transgender patients, a federal judge halts Texas’s Ten Commandments law, and the year’s biggest global blockbuster makes its way to U.S. screens. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

New Yorker staff writer David D. Kirkpatrick spent months tallying up the dizzying amount of cash Trump has made off the presidency. He joins to talk about it. Rachel Siegel, housing reporter at the Washington Post, describes how Dallas has become a national model for how to move the needle on homelessness. California passed a law in 2020 to boost wildfire protections for homes, but its implementation was delayed. Bloomberg reporter Todd Woody examines why — and how the delay affected victims of the L.A. wildfires. Plus, the measles outbreak in Texas is officially over, a clash over COVID vaccine recommendations, and the new mixed-doubles format at this year’s U.S. Open. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Stalking has become an unsettling part of the elite-sports landscape. The Athletic’s Carson Kessler investigates why cases are climbing. Washington Post reporter Michael Birnbaum unpacks the key takeaways from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s high-stakes meeting at the White House yesterday. Politico reporter Melanie Mason explains California’s plan to redraw election maps in response to Texas. Plus, members of Congress will soon get their hands on some of the Epstein files, why a vaccine advisory board at the CDC might have been wrongly dismissed, and the transformative power of just sitting and spacing out. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Politico’s Paul McLeary joins to talk about what’s next as President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C., today. Trump failed to secure a peace agreement after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. High-profile European leaders are also traveling to Washington in support of Zelenskyy. Several Republican states over the weekend said they will deploy additional National Guard troops to D.C. to join Trump’s crackdown on crime and homelessness. NPR’s Brian Mann explains why the government’s efforts are at odds with day-to-day life in the city, and how D.C.’s unhoused population is being harshly targeted. Cassandra Jaramillo, a reproductive-health reporter with ProPublica, details why a federal program to improve health systems to better support people who are pregnant might disappear. Plus, why the U.S. halted all visitor visas for people from Gaza, what fueled Hurricane Erin’s rapid intensification, and the story behind Oreo and Reese’s supersecret collaboration. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Reuters White House correspondent Steve Holland discusses the high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Russian President Putin in Alaska — and what it could mean for President Zelenskyy's Ukraine. Dan Frosch with the Wall Street Journal breaks down why so many American children live in, or precariously close to, poverty. The largest tech companies in the U.S. are ramping up AI spending. The Washington Post’s Gerrit De Vynck details the staggering amount of cash being spent. Plus, the battle over gerrymandering in Texas and California moves ahead, how DOGE exaggerated its cost-cutting figures, and NASA explains why the summer feels extra sticky. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Three out of 10 people have trouble falling and staying asleep. Jennifer Senior, staff writer for The Atlantic, explains why many commonly recommended solutions can only go so far. The Wall Street Journal’s Matt Grossman lays out why some economists are concerned about Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rachel Uranga with the Los Angeles Times discusses the administration’s aggressive immigration raids in L.A., and how they may have violated the Fourth Amendment. Plus, Trump prepares for his meeting with Putin, why Americans are drinking less, and Taylor Swift releases details of her upcoming album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’ Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The National Guard was deployed into Washington, D.C. Vera Bergengruen from the Wall Street Journal explains the unprecedented ways the Trump administration is using the military on domestic soil. The U.S. loosened its restrictions for what chips Nvidia can sell to China, in exchange for a percentage of the revenue. Lisa Eadicicco from CNN tells us why it’s such an unusual deal. Israel has faced international condemnation after it killed several journalists in Gaza. The BBC profiles them. Plus, Ukraine’s leader said he refuses to give up the eastern part of the country, the State Department toned down criticism of allies in its human-rights report, and why AMC Theatres is embracing commercials. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C. Brian Mann from NPR explains how the president is using emergency powers to take control of the city's police force. Elizabeth Findell from the Wall Street Journal reports on the growing number of ICE detainees being flown from state to state so often that lawyers are losing them in the system. Mothers are leaving the workforce in greater numbers. Abha Bhattarai from the Washington Post has been looking into why. Plus, Trump picked a conservative economist and Project 2025 contributor to run the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what we know about a steel-plant explosion in Pennsylvania, and the towns and cities offering big checks to tempt you into moving. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Putin is set to visit the U.S. for the first time in a decade, to discuss Ukraine with Trump. Critics are worried Ukraine will be carved up without Zelenskyy present. BBC News reports. Caitlin Dickerson with The Atlantic reports on Congress’s decision to allocate an unprecedented sum of money to immigration enforcement, and how it might be spent. Nurses are being driven from their profession by violence in the emergency room. Kyra Breslin reports for Women’s Health. Plus, what we know about the shooter who opened fire on a CDC headquarters, Israel killed Al Jazeera journalists and claimed one was tied to Hamas, and the meteorite that pierced through a Georgia roof may have been older than the Earth. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Tariffs for nearly 70 countries are implemented today. CNN's Elisabeth Buchwald explains where all the money is going. Republicans are under pressure to sell the tax-and-spending bill during summer recess. But crowds at town halls aren't making it easy, as Semafor's Eleanor Mueller tells us. U.S. citizens are getting caught up in the immigration crackdown. Sam Levin from The Guardian has been following some disturbing cases. Plus, the latest following a shooting at Georgia's Fort Stewart, new studies reveal the lingering effects of wildfires, and the unlikely alliance fighting to save the blue Energy Star stickers. Today's episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

More universities are beginning to engage with the Trump administration on settlements and other agreements. Liam Knox of Bloomberg News joins to discuss how the White House’s pressure campaign is building. The data centers used to power AI are using up a lot of electricity. Peter Whoriskey at the Washington Post explains what that means for your bills. Journalists in California have unveiled a massive database documenting police use of force and misconduct, using previously unreleased documents. Sukey Lewis at KQED has the details. Plus, Rwanda reached a deal to take migrants from the U.S., why the Titan submersible imploded, and the surprising movie farmers are using to scare away predators. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Texas governor is in a political showdown with Democrats. Lawmakers have fled the state to derail a redistricting vote that would could hand the GOP more seats for the midterms. McKenzie Funk from ProPublica talks about how ICE agents have turned to smashing through car windows to make arrests. The small African nation of Lesotho was hit with a significant tariff threat earlier this year. The Wall Street Journal’s Alexandra Wexler reports on the economic impact on the country. Plus, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu moved to fire the attorney general prosecuting him for corruption, the smokey haze covering parts of the U.S., and a pickpocket ring led by monkeys. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Trump fired a key official after she delivered some bad news about jobs numbers. Courtenay Brown with Axios explains what that means for the credibility of government statistics, and unpacks what we learned about the U.S. economy from last week’s flurry of news. As Trump pushes for an end to the war in Ukraine, many thousands of children taken from the country to Russia are still missing. Simon Shuster, a senior correspondent at Time, joins to discuss his reporting. It’s been one month since severe rain and flash floods overwhelmed Texas Hill Country and killed at least 135 people. During public hearings, state lawmakers have scrutinized the official disaster response and heard from survivors. Emily Foxhall with the Texas Tribune unpacks the key takeaways. Plus, Hamas released videos of emaciated Israeli hostages, why state lawmakers in Texas are temporarily fleeing, and the Russian region shaken by an earthquake is now contending with a volcano. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu. Correction: President Trump’s new tariffs will take effect on Thursday, Aug. 7. A previous version of this episode said they will take effect on Friday, Aug. 8.

As Trump pushes towards a Friday tariff deadline and touts deals, a lot of the details remain a little murky. Politico’s Daniel Desrochers explains. Members of the Senate came together to agree on a rare bipartisan plan to fix America’s housing crisis. Liz Goodwin with the Washington Post has the story. A new report lays bare the starvation in Gaza that followed Israel’s blockade. Reporting from NPR looks at the long-term implications food deprivation will have on Palestinians. Plus, the Federal Reserve held rates amid historic dissent among the decision-makers, the uncertainty of predicting tsunamis, and Beyoncé broke another record. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck off Russia’s east coast, setting off tsunami warnings in the U.S., Japan, and elsewhere. Reuters has the latest. For years, the EPA has regulated greenhouse-gas emissions. Bloomberg News’s Ari Natter explains why the agency is now trying to change that — and what the consequences could be. Hearings on January’s deadly airline collision near D.C. are getting underway, the Washington Post reports. One of the issues is staffing: The FAA needs more staff, but the Post’s Ian Duncan reports that many new recruits are finding it hard to make it through training. Plus, what we know about the gunman and victims in the New York City mass shooting, Ghislaine Maxwell offered to testify but wants immunity, and why we’re cooped up inside this summer. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

According to a ProPublica report, the IRS is building a system that would share taxpayer data with ICE. Investigative reporter William Turton explains his findings. This week we’ll get a slew of new economic data that could indicate some of the impact of Trump’s tariff strategy. Bloomberg News’s Shawn Donnan joins to discuss what to watch and how the global economy has already changed. The Washington Post uncovered allegations of forced labor in the Brazilian Amazon some decades ago. Rio de Janeiro bureau chief Terry McCoy joins to talk about his reporting and how this story came to light. Plus, a gunman killed multiple victims in Manhattan including a police officer, Trump contradicted Israel and acknowledged starvation in Gaza, and Minnesota is bringing in health warnings for social-media apps. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.