Apple News Today: "Their Travel Generates Billions for the U.S. They’re Rethinking Their Plans"
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

Decline in International Tourism to the U.S.

Overview:
In the latest episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into the unexpected downturn in international tourism to the United States. Contradicting previous forecasts of a rebound to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, March saw a nearly 12% decline in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office.

Key Factors Contributing to the Decline:

1. Political Climate and Policies:

   • Tariff and Immigration Policies: Basu cites President Trump's tariff policies and stringent immigration measures as significant deterrents. These policies have not only inflamed international tensions but also led to the detention of several foreign tourists.
   • Detention Experiences: An unnamed German tourist shared his harrowing experience, stating at [01:27]

     “They handed me this little mat and this aluminum foil thing that you use as a blanket... I laid on the cement floor for two days and no one told me what was going on.”

2. International Relations and Perceptions:

   • Travel Advisories: Numerous countries have issued travel advisories warning their citizens about the increased scrutiny and potential for detention when visiting the U.S.
   • Survey Insights: A recent survey by Skift revealed that nearly half of respondents across five countries are now hesitant to visit the U.S., with 60% citing fear and anger as primary reasons for canceling their travel plans.

Expert Opinions:

• Sarah Coppet, Skift's Editor-in-Chief: At [02:21], Coppet remarks,

  “These high profile incidents that have really gotten a huge amount of worldwide press don't do the United States any favors for its inbound travel market.”

• Economic Implications: A hotel giant CEO quoted to Bloomberg highlighted the substantial "bad buzz" surrounding the U.S., emphasizing the economic impact. Goldman Sachs warns that reduced inbound travel could lead to nearly $90 billion in lost revenue, severely affecting states like Florida, California, New York, and Nevada.

Political Reactions:

• Senator Catherine Cortez Masto: In a hearing on [03:20], she expressed frustration with Trade Representative Jamison Greer over the tariff policies, urging a collaborative approach to address the negative impacts on tourism.

• Jamison Greer’s Response: At [03:44], Greer indicated willingness to engage, saying,

  “I'm happy to come speak with you.”

Future Projections:
Forecasters remain pessimistic about inbound travel returning to expected levels, signaling prolonged challenges for the U.S. tourism industry.

The Passing of Pope Francis

Overview:
Transitioning to global religious leadership, Basu covers the solemn farewell to Pope Francis, highlighting his final days and enduring legacy.

Final Days and Activities:

• Health Struggles: Pope Francis battled a severe case of pneumonia, spending 38 days in the hospital. Despite medical advice to remain isolated, he resumed his duties shortly after recovering.

• Public Engagements: His last public activities included greeting congregations at St. Peter's Square, visiting a prison to offer prayers, and delivering his final Easter blessing, where he called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Impact on the Vatican and Global Catholic Community:

• Closure and Funeral Plans: The pope requested a simple burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, a significant departure from tradition. His funeral is set to be attended by over 170 heads of state, marking a historic moment as the first pope buried outside the Vatican in over a century.

• Quotes from Vatican Correspondents:

  • Father Gabriel Romanell, CBC News: At [06:30], he reflected,

    “The call of the pope gave a hard sign of hope.”

Succession and Future of the Papacy:

• Basu notes that the conclave to elect the new pope will commence in roughly two weeks, with Pope Francis’s influence expected to play a significant role given the composition of voting Cardinals.

Major Sports Betting Scandal in the NBA

Overview:
Basu shifts focus to a burgeoning scandal in the sports betting industry, spotlighting a federal investigation into match-fixing within the NBA.

Details of the Scandal:

• Involvement of Jontay Porter: Mike Vorkanoff of The Athletic reports that Porter, a center for the Toronto Raptors, orchestrated bets by manipulating his game performances. On [08:58], Vorkanoff explains,

  “He could control his own stats... he claimed he had an eye injury... he told them he would leave the game with an illness.”

• Financial Stakes: The scheme involved significant sums, with individual wagers exceeding $100,000, potentially leading to payouts north of $1 million.

Consequences and Legal Actions:

• Law Enforcement Response: The FBI intervened, resulting in Porter’s ban from the NBA. He, along with three others, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy.

• Impact on Sports Integrity: Vorkanoff emphasizes the severe implications for the NBA’s integrity, highlighting that such admissions of manipulating performance pose existential threats to the sport’s credibility.

Expansion into College Sports:

• The investigation has widened to include five colleges, with the NCAA scrutinizing at least seven institutions for potential involvement in similar schemes.

Broader Context of Sports Gambling:

• Legalization and Regulation: With sports betting now legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., regulators and professional leagues are better positioned to detect and prevent such fraudulent activities.

• Ongoing Questions: Vorkanoff raises critical queries about whether the proliferation of legalized sports gambling has enabled such scandals or if increased regulation is merely uncovering long-standing issues.

Additional Highlights

While the primary focus remained on tourism decline, Pope Francis’s passing, and the NBA betting scandal, Basu also touched upon several other significant news stories:

1. Ukrainian Conflict: An overnight Russian attack on Kyiv resulted in multiple casualties, intensifying tensions in peace negotiations. President Trump's dissatisfaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over peace plan rejections has further complicated discussions.

2. Economic Concerns Under Trump Administration:

   • Retailer Warnings: CEOs from major retailers like Walmart and Target privately cautioned about potential price hikes and supply chain disruptions due to ongoing tariff policies.
   • Market Reactions: Subsequently, President Trump indicated a reduction in tariffs on China, which led to market rallies and a stronger dollar. However, public opinion polls reflect increased voter disapproval of Trump's economic handling.

3. Wealth Disparity Growth: The Wall Street Journal highlighted that in 2024, the wealthiest 19 American households amassed over $1 trillion, surpassing Switzerland’s entire economy. This surge, driven by stock market gains, underscores the growing concentration of wealth among the elite.

Conclusion

Today's episode of Apple News Today presents a comprehensive overview of critical issues impacting the United States and the broader global landscape, from economic policies affecting tourism and retail sectors to significant events in global religious leadership and the integrity of professional sports. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, Shemitah Basu ensures listeners are well-informed about the multifaceted challenges and developments shaping the world.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed German Tourist ([01:27]):
  “They handed me this little mat and this aluminum foil thing that you use as a blanket... I laid on the cement floor for two days and no one told me what was going on.”

• Sarah Coppet ([02:21]):
  “These high profile incidents that have really gotten a huge amount of worldwide press don't do the United States any favors for its inbound travel market.”

• Catherine Cortez Masto ([03:20]):
  “Why don't you come talk to me in my office and let's talk about and put a plan together...”

• Father Gabriel Romanell ([06:30]):
  “The call of the pope gave a hard sign of hope.”

• Mike Vorkanoff ([08:58]):
  “He could control his own stats... he claimed he had an eye injury...”

For more in-depth reporting and additional stories, be sure to check the Apple News app.