Apple News Today: The “Boy Scout” Lawyer Defending Sean Combs – May 5, 2025

Hosted by Shumita Basu

1. Opening Segment: Overview of Today’s Top Stories

Shumita Basu opens the episode with a brief overview of the day's major headlines, setting the stage for in-depth discussions on high-profile legal battles, significant corporate leadership changes, and controversial government policies.

2. The Sean Combs Trial and His Defense Attorney: Brian Steele

Trial Commencement and Charges

The centerpiece of today's episode revolves around the trial of Sean Combs, also known as Diddy. Basu outlines the severe federal charges Combs faces, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise involving the kidnapping, drugging, and coercion of women into sexual activities. Combs maintains his innocence and has recently declined a plea bargain, risking life imprisonment if convicted.

"Diddy denies all the accusations against him," Basu states early in the discussion ([00:05]).

Introduction to Brian Steele

A significant focus is on Brian Steele, one of Combs' defense attorneys profiled by The New Yorker. Steele gained attention after successfully defending rapper Young Thug in a similar racketeering case, securing a favorable plea deal involving probation and community service instead of lengthy prison time.

Charles Bethea’s Insights on Steele

Charles Bethea, a reporter for The New Yorker, provides an in-depth look at Steele's career and courtroom demeanor, highlighting Steele's preference for challenging cases and his unorthodox approach to legal defense.

"He likes to take on the most challenging cases possible," Bethea remarks ([01:20]).

Bethea emphasizes Steele's dedication and ethical standards, portraying him as the antithesis of Combs' public "bad boy" image. Steele is described as a "Boy Scout," known for his kindness and integrity both inside and outside the courtroom.

"Steele, he's something of a Boy Scout. He won't curse even when reading from court transcripts," Bethea observes ([02:01]).

Steele's reputation is seen as a strategic advantage for Combs, potentially influencing the jury to view Combs more favorably through Steele's principled and gentle defense style.

"Steele's polite, principled, even formal approach to defense may help a jury see Combs in a better light," Bethea explains ([02:29]).

Legal Team Composition

Basu details the broader legal team supporting Combs, including Mark Agnifolo, renowned for representing high-profile clients like Martin Shkreli and Luigi Mangione. The trial is set to commence with jury selection starting immediately, followed by opening arguments the next week.

3. Warren Buffett’s Retirement and Succession at Berkshire Hathaway

Announcement of Retirement

Shamita Basu transitions to the monumental news of Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old billionaire investor, stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after six decades. In a surprising move during the company's annual meeting, Buffett announced his retirement and nominated Greg Abel, his vice chairman, as his successor starting in 2026.

"The time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end," Buffett declares ([04:14]).

Succession Planning and Buffett’s Continued Involvement

While reaffirming his continued presence at Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett emphasizes that he will no longer have the final say in business matters, ensuring a smooth transition to Abel. He expresses unwavering loyalty to the company.

"I have no intention zero of selling one share a Berkshire Hathaway or it'll get given away," Buffett assures ([04:48]).

Industry and Political Reactions

The announcement has elicited strong reactions from prominent figures. JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon lauds Buffett as embodying the virtues of American capitalism.

"He represents everything that is good about American capitalism and America itself," Dimon praises ([05:06]).

Republican Representative French Hill shares a personal connection, citing Buffett as his investment role model since college and his inspiration in value investing ([05:39]).

Buffett’s Critique of Trump’s Trade Policies

In a candid moment, Buffett critiques President Trump's trade policies, labeling punitive tariffs as detrimental and likening trade to an act of war that fosters negative attitudes.

"There's no question trade can be an act of war, and I think it's led to bad things, just the attitudes it's brought out in the United States," Buffett comments ([06:14]).

Despite recent market volatility attributed to Trump's tariffs, Buffett remains unfazed, comparing current fluctuations to past downturns Berkshire Hathaway has weathered without fundamental issues.

"It's really nothing. There's been three times since we acquired Berkshire that Berkshire has gone down 50% in a fairly short period of time," Buffett remarks ([06:42]).

Buffett’s Legacy and Expertise

Highlighting Buffett's unparalleled impact on American finance, Basu recounts his transformation of Berkshire Hathaway and his profound stock market acumen. Colleague Jason Zweig lauds Buffett's brilliance and extensive knowledge, asserting that another figure of his caliber is unlikely to emerge.

4. Trump Administration’s Strategies to Boost Birth Rates Amid High Child-Rearing Costs

Rising Costs of Parenthood in the U.S.

Shifting focus, Basu delves into the escalating expenses associated with raising children in the United States. She cites that the first-year cost averages around $20,000, excluding additional childbirth expenses, with childcare being notably more expensive compared to other developed nations.

"It is extremely expensive to have a child in the United States," Basu explains ([07:26]).

Government Proposals to Encourage Parenthood

In response to declining birth rates, the Trump administration is contemplating various proposals aimed at making parenthood more affordable and appealing. High-profile figures like Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance have voiced concerns over the decreasing birth rate, advocating for government interventions to support young families.

Proposed Initiatives and Their Critics

Potential strategies include:

• Financial Incentives: Proposals such as paying mothers $5,000 post-birth and establishing a National Motherhood Medal for women with six or more children.

  "One of the ideas was a National Motherhood Medal that would be bestowed on women who have six or more kids," Welker reports ([09:15]).

• Educational Programs: Funding initiatives to educate women about their menstrual cycles.

• Scholarship Adjustments: Reserving a portion of Fulbright scholarships for married applicants or those with children.

These measures, while aiming to alleviate financial burdens, face skepticism regarding their efficacy in significantly reversing the decline in birth rates.

"Baby bonuses are pretty common around the world. They are not on its own likely to boost birth rates that much," Welker notes ([09:42]).

Contradictory Policy Moves

Despite these efforts, the administration has simultaneously implemented policies that potentially hinder family expansion. Significant cuts have been made to child care program funding, Head Start, and Medicaid, which could inadvertently increase the costs and challenges of raising children.

"Dog made significant staffing cuts at the agency that promotes health and safety standards for child care programs," Basu highlights ([10:19]).

Rachel Cohen of Vox underscores the incongruity of promoting pro-natalist policies while reducing support structures essential for family growth.

Global Context and Broader Implications

Cohen also contextualizes the issue, pointing out that declining birth rates are a global phenomenon affecting even nations with robust family support policies, suggesting that economic factors alone do not account for the trend.

"There are experts who are saying there's more to this story than just cost," Cohen adds ([10:51]).

5. Additional News Highlights

Donald Trump’s Remarks on Due Process

In a controversial segment, President Trump expresses uncertainty about the constitutional right to due process for all individuals in the U.S., including non-citizens. This statement follows legal confrontations regarding deportations and the treatment of immigrants.

"I don't know if every person in this country is entitled to due process," Trump states ([11:29]).

Security Breach at Lady Gaga’s Rio Concert

Brazilian authorities thwart a planned bomb attack targeting Lady Gaga's free concert in Rio, intended as a hate crime against the LGBTQ community. The incident was prevented without any casualties, with the police making multiple arrests.

"A video of Combs brutally attacking her in a hotel back in 2016 was made public by CNN last year," Basu recounts ([11:38]).

Met Gala Celebrates Black Dandyism

The Met Gala's theme this year honors black dandyism, a fashion movement with deep political and cultural significance. National Geographic explores this movement’s role in empowering African descent individuals to assert their identity and challenge societal stereotypes.

"Black dandyism is so much more than just style. It is a profoundly political act," an assistant professor explains ([13:35]).

6. Closing Remarks and Additional Content

Basu concludes the episode by directing listeners to the Apple News app for more stories and promotes the "narrated article" segment available on the podcast app, which delves into espionage concerns within American companies.

Notable Quotes:

• Charles Bethea on Steele's Integrity
  "Steele, he's something of a Boy Scout. He won't curse even when reading from court transcripts." ([02:01])

• Warren Buffett on Trade Policies
  "There's no question trade can be an act of war, and I think it's led to bad things, just the attitudes it's brought out in the United States." ([06:14])

• Rachel Cohen on Global Birth Rate Trends
  "There are experts who are saying there's more to this story than just cost." ([10:51])

Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today offers an intricate exploration of high-stakes legal defense, monumental leadership transitions in the business world, and the complexities of government policy-making. Through detailed reporting and expert insights, host Shumita Basu ensures listeners are well-informed on the multifaceted issues shaping current events.