Apple News Today

Tuesday is Election Day, and voters are deciding on contests for governor and mayor, and new congressional maps. NPR reports what the results might mean for the larger political atmosphere across the country.

The Trump administration over the weekend carried out its 15th confirmed strike against a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The Washington Post’s Dan Lamothe breaks down the potential endgame as U.S. forces continue to build up in the region.

More than 1,000 Afghans who helped the U.S. during the war are stuck in U.S. custody in Qatar. Robbie Gramer of the Wall Street Journal explains why officials won’t let them go.

Plus, how the government shutdown is hitting airline passengers harder, what renewed U.S. nuclear testing will look like, and a photo finish at this year’s New York City Marathon.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, has become one of the most influential figures shaping Trump’s second term. He’s the main driver of efforts to weaken federal agencies and push through sweeping government layoffs. In a recent piece copublished by ProPublica and the New Yorker, reporter Andy Kroll reveals how Vought’s ideas about federal bureaucracy are being put into action. Kroll joins Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to explain why some in Washington call Vought the “shadow president.”

King Charles stripped his brother Prince Andrew of his last royal title and will evict him from his mansion. The BBC has the full story.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a trade deal that eases tensions over tariffs. The Wall Street Journal’s Lingling Wei explains how Trump is rebuilding the U.S.-China playbook.

The World Series and Major League Baseball have been dominated this year by Japanese stars. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich joins to discuss how Japan’s influences go beyond the diamond.

Plus, Hurricane Melissa leaves behind mass devastation, Trump caps refugee numbers to the U.S. at a much small figure, and how America failed at daylight saving 50 years ago.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates again but Fed Chair Jerome Powell had a warning for Wall Street. The Wall Street Journal reports rates are now at their lowest in three years.

The Chicago Tribune’s Jason Meisner discusses how a judge in Chicago ordered the CBP commander leading operations in the city to report to court daily to brief on the use of force — an order that was paused just before the first check-in.

Police in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, carried out the largest raid against a drug gang in the city’s history, leaving at least 132 dead. AFP reports the action drew swift condemnation.

Plus, a new report suggests how much health-care costs could be about to rise for millions of people, Jamaica begins to assess damage from Hurricane Melissa, and how a new book by Dr. Seuss was discovered.

Correction: On Tuesday, CBP Commander Gregory Bovino was ordered by a federal judge to brief her daily on immigration-enforcement efforts in Chicago. A previous version of this episode stated that Bovino gave his first of those briefings on Wednesday. In fact, he had not yet delivered one before an appeals court on Wednesday paused the judge’s order. Additionally, the number of unfilled Target jobs has been corrected.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Jamaica is contending with the aftermath of a historic hurricane. The BBC reports on the damage.

Tens of millions of Americans could lose their food stamps by the weekend as a result of the government shutdown. Politico’s Meredith Lee Hill explains why the Trump administration won’t tap an emergency fund to pay for the benefits.

The gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia could determine how Democrats approach key races in 2026. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny breaks down both contests.

Plus, Netanyahu ordered strikes in Gaza, mass layoffs hit major U.S. companies, and why animal actors are having trouble finding work.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Hurricane Melissa made made its way toward Jamaica on Tuesday as sustained winds topped 160 mph. The Weather Channel is tracking the storm live.

Trump wants to be compensated for damages he says he incurred during the Russia investigation and the case involving his handling of classified documents. Perry Stein, reporter at the Washington Post, breaks down the president’s claims.

Beef has become a political pressure point for the administration as prices remain high. Politico’s Grace Yarrow explains why Trump’s plan to lower costs has angered ranchers — and how it relates to Argentina’s recent elections.

Plus, the largest federal workers’ union called for a clean bill to reopen the government, two new states jumped into the redistricting battle, and why luxury pumpkin porches are all the rage this Halloween.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

It’s a big week for international trade as the presidents of the U.S. and China prepare to meet. Bloomberg reports that the two sides have agreed to a framework trade deal. Meanwhile, Trump took punitive measures against Canada over an Ontario government ad that criticized his tariff policy. The Wall Street Journal reports.

More than 170 U.S. citizens have been swept up in Trump’s immigration crackdown. ProPublica’s Nicole Foy describes some of the violent encounters between ICE agents and citizens.

Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James are fighting criminal cases brought against them by Trump’s Justice Department. Jeremy Roebuck, DOJ reporter at the Washington Post, joins to discuss why the prosecutor might pose a problem for both cases.

Plus, Hurricane Melissa is barreling toward Jamaica and could cause catastrophic damage, two high-profile California Democrats hinted at their political futures, and authorities in Paris arrested two suspects in the Louvre heist.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

From Apple News In Conversation: Zohran Mamdani is leading New York City’s mayoral race by double digits. But not long ago, the democratic socialist was a relatively unknown state assemblyman. New Yorker staff writer Eric Lach recently profiled Mamdani, tracing his unique biography to his surprise primary win against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Lach joins Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to talk about Mamdani’s sweeping campaign promises, the challenges of governing New York, and why this race matters for the rest of the country.

This episode was published on Thursday, Oct. 23, when House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had not yet endorsed Zohran Mamdani. Jeffries did so on Friday, Oct. 24.

The FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a sweeping gambling investigation involving the Mafia. The Athletic’s Zach Harper breaks down the case.

As the shutdown continues, Republicans claim that Affordable Care Act subsidies Democrats want renewed would pay for medical care for immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally. The Washington Post’s David Ovalle explains how the reality is much more complicated.

President Trump pardoned the founder of the world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance. The Wall Street Journal reports that the move likely paves the way for the company to return to the U.S. after it was banned in 2023.

Plus, Silicon Valley persuaded Trump to call off deployment of federal troops to San Francisco, the woman who played the clarinet during brain surgery, and what to expect as the World Series kicks off.

Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

Construction crews were seen demolishing large parts of the the East Wing at the White House this week. The work is in preparation for the construction of Trump’s new ballroom. Dan Diamond, White House reporter at the Washington Post, joins to discuss how the president moved ahead on the project with no prior approval.

Soybeans have become a central part of the tariff dispute between China and the U.S. The Wall Street Journal’s Patrick Thomas breaks down how American farmers are affected.

Democrat Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late congressman Raúl Grijalva, won a special election to take her father’s old seat but so far hasn’t been sworn in. Axios reports on how Democrats are increasing the pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to seat her. ABC News also reports that Arizona officials are suing to have her sworn in.

Plus, why Trump sanctioned Russian oil companies, the U.S. carried out another boat strike in waters off of South America, and how mosquitoes showed up in Iceland.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.