The U.S. is turning 250. These songs unexpectedly changed American history.

Why the Constitution is making our politics worse (From the archives)

Jul 3, 202630 minSummary

In this archival episode of the podcast, host Shemit Basu is joined by historian Jill Lepore to discuss her book, We the People: A History of the US Constitution. The conversation centers on a provocative thesis: the modern unwillingness to amend the Constitution is a primary driver of current political instability, polarization, and democratic fatigue. Lepore argues that the US Constitution was designed with an amendment process specifically to allow for peaceful, structural change. However, due to intense partisanship, the country has fallen into a long "amendment drought." Consequently, citizens and leaders have bypassed the formal amendment process, turning instead to the Supreme Court or unilateral executive action to force constitutional change. Lepore contends that this reliance on judicial interpretation and emergency executive power—rather than broad civic deliberation—has weakened the document and fueled an "insurrectionary" political climate. Throughout the discussion, the pair explores the history of "originalism," the evolution of the term "founding fathers," and the importance of civic participation. Ultimately, Lepore suggests that the concept of amendment—rooting back to the act of "mending"—is not just a legislative necessity, but a vital, ethical, and moral commitment that the nation must rediscover to heal its deep societal divisions.

How Trump quietly got $2 billion richer in his second term

Jul 2, 202615 minSummary

This episode examines the significant growth of President Trump’s personal wealth during his second term, with financial disclosures revealing he earned at least 2.2 billion dollars in 2025. A substantial portion of this income is linked to his family’s ventures into the cryptocurrency market. Reporters highlight how the president’s official actions—including specific regulatory decisions, executive appointments, and legislative support—often aligned with the financial interests of his own businesses. While legal experts note that the president is likely not violating federal law, they emphasize that his business practices break long-standing presidential precedents regarding divestment and blind trusts. The program also explores the unexpected decline in U.S. gas prices ahead of the holiday weekend, defying initial warnings of a fuel crisis following international supply disruptions. Analysts credit this drop to a combination of increased global exports, reduced demand in China, and the president’s aggressive rhetoric toward oil markets. Additionally, the episode covers the intense media speculation surrounding a rumored high-profile wedding in New York, the arrival of a significant heat wave across the eastern United States, and the U.S. men’s soccer team’s historic advancement in the World Cup.

Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs — but there’s a catch

Jul 1, 202616 minSummary

This episode explores a range of significant developments, starting with the Supreme Court’s end-of-term rulings, which have notably expanded executive power and influenced the country’s political landscape. Experts discuss how these decisions impact President Trump’s agenda, particularly regarding the authority to fire federal workers and oversight of independent agencies. The discussion also touches on the court’s rulings regarding the Voting Rights Act and transgender athletes, highlighting how these legal shifts may influence the upcoming midterm elections and future legislation. Additionally, the program examines a major change to Medicare coverage: the introduction of a temporary 18-month pilot program allowing beneficiaries to access weight-loss medications at a reduced cost. Reporters explain the strict clinical criteria involved, the potential for logistical challenges in the prescription process, and concerns about the long-term sustainability of the treatment once the pilot ends. Finally, the episode touches on recent financial disclosures regarding digital asset earnings, the return of a missing representative to Congress after a battle with depression, and the news of a high-profile shift in the NBA.

The Supreme Court blocks Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship

Jun 30, 202616 minSummary

This episode of Apple News Today examines a flurry of significant Supreme Court rulings that concluded the court’s term, focusing on decisions that reshape key aspects of American law and governance. The hosts discuss the Court's 6-3 decision to uphold birthright citizenship, rejecting an attempt to challenge the long-standing interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment. The episode also analyzes a ruling that empowers states to restrict transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports, as well as a decision granting political parties greater flexibility in coordinating campaign expenditures. Beyond judicial rulings, the program investigates the evolving impact of executive power on federal agencies, highlighting a debate over the president’s ability to influence the leadership of the federal bureaucracy. The episode further explores the global climate crisis, specifically looking at how Europe’s infrastructure is struggling under increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. Finally, the discussion touches on the urgent public health response to a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and provides a lighter look at the historical reenactors preparing for Philadelphia's upcoming two hundred fiftieth-anniversary celebrations.

The president just got more powerful. What to know.

Jun 29, 202615 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts analyze a series of significant Supreme Court rulings that reshape the balance of power within the American government. The court recently issued decisions regarding the president’s authority to fire leaders of independent agencies, effectively overturning ninety years of legal precedent and granting the executive branch broader control over regulatory commissions. Additionally, the episode covers a ruling that impacts election procedures by affirming that mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day remain valid in states with such policies, providing clarity through the upcoming midterms. Beyond the courtroom, the podcast highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, detailing the struggle for survival and the international aid efforts underway. The program also examines the controversial decision by Texas to mandate the Bible as reading material in public schools, exploring the resulting debates over literacy, history, and the separation of church and state. Finally, the show transitions to the world of sports, discussing the excitement of the expanded World Cup knockout stage and the return of Serena Williams to Wimbledon, offering a comprehensive look at the major domestic and global stories defining the news cycle.

The little-known forces quietly killing the college degree

Jun 27, 202624 minSummary

In this episode, guest host David Green sits down with New Yorker staff writer Jay Caspian Kang to explore the evolving viability of the American university system. Prompted by his own reflections on his young daughter’s future, Kang discusses the complex intersection of forces—beyond just the rapid rise of AI—that are fundamentally challenging the traditional college experience. The conversation highlights how demographic shifts, specifically a shrinking population of college-aged students, and the rising burden of student debt have contributed to a growing disillusionment with higher education. Kang argues that the industry’s long-standing era of unstopped growth is coming to an end, as both parents and students adopt a more transactional, skeptical view of degrees. This skepticism is further mirrored in the classroom, where widespread cheating suggests that many students are prioritizing credentials over genuine intellectual engagement. Ultimately, the episode examines the disconnect between the stated purpose of higher education—personal discovery and growth—and its reality as a high-stakes, competitive gatekeeper for professional status. Kang suggests that while the system currently feels cynical, a necessary shift toward more accessible models like community colleges may emerge as universities grapple with this changing landscape.

The Supreme Court clears the way for mass deportations

Jun 26, 202612 minSummary

In this episode, the program examines two major Supreme Court rulings that significantly impact U.S. immigration policy. Legal affairs correspondent Nina Tottenberg joins the show to discuss how the court’s conservative majority has provided the administration with tools to bypass judicial intervention for deportations and restrict asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border. The discussion highlights a growing divide among the justices, noting an unusually public display of tension and frustration within the court as it concludes its term. Tottenberg emphasizes that the current bench lacks a traditional center, marking a departure from historical norms of judicial decorum. Beyond the legal analysis, the episode covers the devastating aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela, where search and rescue efforts are complicated by limited resources and infrastructure challenges. The program also touches on the record-breaking European heat wave, the closure of a controversial Florida detention facility, and a strange strategic dilemma facing teams in the World Cup. The episode provides a comprehensive look at these pressing global and domestic issues, offering insight into the political and humanitarian crises currently shaping the world.

Back-to-back earthquakes devastate Venezuela

Jun 25, 202612 minSummary

In this episode of Apple News Today, the hosts cover a series of significant domestic and international developments. The program opens with a detailed report on the devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela, which have caused widespread destruction, killed over 160 people, and prompted a state of emergency. International aid efforts are already underway as search and rescue teams navigate the rubble. The discussion then shifts to Washington, where President Trump abruptly halted the signing of a bipartisan housing bill that had previously enjoyed broad support. The hosts examine the political fallout and the confusion among lawmakers regarding the President's demand for new voter ID requirements as a condition for passage. Further, the episode explores a growing controversy surrounding the planning of America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. Tension has emerged between a bipartisan congressional committee and a White House-led group, with reports suggesting that funds originally intended for nonpartisan planning have been diverted to presidential initiatives. Finally, the episode highlights the recent election of a political outsider in Colombia and explores the unique story of two soccer fans paid to watch every World Cup match from a glass cubicle in Times Square.

Housing is historically expensive. Congress finally did something about it.

Jun 24, 202614 minSummary

This episode explores the recent passage of a rare, bipartisan housing bill aimed at addressing the nation’s severe housing shortage and affordability crisis. As housing prices have surged fifty percent since the pandemic, Congress has acted to increase supply by easing permitting regulations, offering grants for property rehabilitation, and incentivizing local governments to update zoning laws. The legislation also introduces measures to curb private equity firms from monopolizing the single-family home market. While experts caution that the impact on consumer costs may take years to materialize, the bill is viewed as a significant step toward addressing a top concern for voters. The podcast further examines the Supreme Court’s upcoming rulings on executive authority and the high-stakes political maneuvering in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom is working to block a proposed billionaire’s wealth tax. Critics argue the tax could hurt the state’s economic competitiveness and prompt high-net-worth residents to leave. Additionally, the show covers a bipartisan congressional resolution regarding the conflict in Iran, severe sentencing for protesters in Texas, and major shifts in the NBA following the draft and the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

JD Vance leads talks with Iran — and makes a big bet on his future

Jun 23, 202615 minSummary

In this episode, the discussion centers on Vice President JD Vance’s high-stakes diplomatic mission to Iran, where he secured agreements regarding nuclear inspections and international oil sales. Analysts explore the political risk of this move, noting that while success could bolster his 2028 presidential aspirations, the Trump administration has effectively positioned him as the face of the deal, leaving him vulnerable if the negotiations falter. The program also highlights New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s aggressive intervention in local Democratic primaries. By backing progressive challengers against established incumbents, Mamdani is attempting to reshape the party, though his direct involvement has sparked friction with the political establishment. Finally, the episode examines significant impending changes to student loan policies. With the expiration of previous debt relief programs and the introduction of stricter borrowing caps, many students—particularly those in medical and graduate fields—face increased financial uncertainty. The broadcast concludes with brief updates on international politics, including the resignation of UK leader Keir Starmer, the passing of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, and Lionel Messi’s historic milestone in the Men’s World Cup.