On today’s show: NPR’s David Folkenflik explains why Rupert Murdoch’s bid to consolidate control of his media empire failed.

Nancy Youssef with the Wall Street Journal describes what we know about Austin Tice, an American journalist and Marine veteran who’s been held captive in Syria for more than a decade.

Bobby Brier with NJ Spotlight News reports on a New Jersey bill that would offer paid time off after the loss of a child.

Plus, President Biden grants the largest single-day clemency in modern history, the FBI director announces his intention to resign, Trump picks Kari Lake to lead Voice of America, FIFA selects Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup, and Bill Belichick returns to coaching.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

On today’s show: ABC News reports new details on the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

CNN’s Clarissa Ward takes us inside a notorious Syrian prison where some of Bashar al-Assad’s critics disappeared.

Sahil Kapur of NBC News details how younger Democrats are challenging elders in the House for powerful positions.

Plus, a wildfire rips through Malibu, damaging homes and spurring mass evacuations. Why the federal government wants to protect monarch butterflies. And Caitlin Clark is Time’s 2024 Athlete of the Year.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

On today’s show: A suspect was charged in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. CNN has the latest.

Jay-Z was accused of sexually assaulting a minor alongside Sean “Diddy“ Combs in 2000. NBC has the details.

The Washington Post’s Tim Carman explains why it feels like food recalls are happening more frequently.

Plus, Haaretz reports on Netanyahu’s corruption trial, The Hill examines a Supreme Court case that will test environmental law, and Variety breaks down the numbers for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

On today’s show: Trump advisers have renewed a push for a pardon of Edward Snowden. The Washington Post’s Michael Scherer explains why.

Rebels in Syria overtook the capital, Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee and bringing an abrupt end to more than a decade of civil war.

Mensah M. Dean of The Trace investigates the intergenerational fallout of gun violence in the U.S.

Plus, the College Football Playoff is set, Trump gives his first televised interview since the election, and why the internet reacted the way it did to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

On today’s show: Marianna Sotomayor of the Washington Post explains how the GOP’s razor-thin House majority could complicate Trump’s policy plans.

Bitcoin hit $100,000, lifted by hopes of a crypto-friendly new administration. The Wall Street Journal’s Alexander Osipovich explains what that means for you, even if you don’t invest in digital currency.

Rob Sheffield, contributing editor at Rolling Stone, joins Apple News In Conversation to talk about how Taylor Swift changed the music industry forever.

Plus, the LA Galaxy are back in the MLS Cup, a decade on from the team’s glory days. Five years after a blaze nearly destroyed Notre-Dame, the cathedral reopens this weekend. And sake — Japan’s “divine gift” — receives a special honor.

On today’s show: There is mounting concern about Pete Hegseth’s nomination for secretary of defense after the New Yorker’s Jane Mayer dropped more bombshell allegations about the former Fox News host. Here’s everything we know.

Karen DeYoung with the Washington Post explains why the U.S. is closely watching South Korea’s political chaos. 

And one country’s sweeping plan to stop kids from using social media — will it work?

Plus, the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, the final outstanding House race is called for Democrats, and a tool to get rid of the jingle you can’t stop humming.

Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick. 

On today’s show: The Supreme Court hears a major case on transgender health care that could have sweeping implications for all Americans. The 19th’s Orion Rummler breaks it down.

Elizabeth Findell of the Wall Street Journal explains why homebuilders are worried about Trump’s next term.

Palestinians in Gaza are braced for a harsh winter. CNN reports.

Plus, the Department of Labor announces new rules that could impact Americans with disabilities, Biden visits Angola, and NPR shares tips to protect your packages from porch pirates.

On today’s show: A look at just how far to the right the country has shifted since Trump’s first term in office. New York magazine focuses on one surprising place: New York City. 

Under Tennessee’s school-threats law, kids with disabilities have been arrested for rumors and jokes. ProPublica’s Aliyya Swaby and Nashville Public Radio’s Paige Pfleger investigated the pattern. 

NPR explains a surprise attack in Syria by rebel groups.

Plus, how to make your donations count on Giving Tuesday, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on e-cigarettes, and Apple Podcasts announces its pick for 2024 Show of the Year.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

On today’s show: President Biden pardons his son. President-elect Trump picks a new FBI director.

The Washington Post details how an urgently needed global agreement on plastic fell apart.

Health experts say more men should get tested for the BRCA cancer gene. The Atlantic’s Kristen Brown explains why.

Plus, the Bills “mafia” grabs their shovels again, the L.A. Times breaks down how much food Americans waste at Thanksgiving, and what to know about online shopping this Cyber Monday.

Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

On today’s show: The International Criminal Court issued war-crime arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a leader of Hamas. What happens now? The Guardian has more.

There’s a question stumping world leaders at the COP29 climate conference: Who’s rich enough to pay for climate change? Grist’s Jake Bittle explains why it’s so complicated.

More people are cutting ties with family. Estrangement therapist Joshua Coleman spoke with Apple News In Conversation about what’s fueling this trend.

Plus, Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for attorney general, and Trump tapped longtime ally Pam Bondi as his new pick. A top college is making tuition free for most students. And Constance Grady from Vox explains the hype around ‘Wicked,’ which hits theaters today.

Today’s episode was guest-hosted by Gideon Resnick.