Shumita Basu

Reporter & Host, WNYC News

Shumita Basu appears in the following:

Communities Nationwide Create Local Monuments With Sept. 11 Artifacts

Monday, September 11, 2017

More than 2,600 artifacts were pulled from the wreckage at the World Trade Center and shipped to communities across the country to create public monuments.

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He Covered Sandy for WNYC. Now He's Covering Harvey.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

"I've never seen anything like this," says Eddie Robinson, a Houston news anchor and former WNYC host. 

Comments [1]

How Miniskirts Swayed U.S. Military Intervention in Afghanistan

Monday, August 28, 2017

Could a photo of women in miniskirts from 1970s Kabul have influenced President Trump's thoughts on intervention in Afghanistan?

Comments [1]

Miniskirts and Military Intervention: Behind the 1970s Kabul Photo That Swayed Trump

Thursday, August 24, 2017

President Trump was reportedly swayed to prolong the war in Afghanistan after he was shown a picture of 1970s Kabul, with young women in miniskirts.

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The History of Blaming 'Both Sides' and Why Language Matters

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Politicians and leaders have long blamed "extremists on both sides" when speaking about civil rights and race. Princeton historian Kevin Kruse explains the danger of false equivalencies.

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Teen Vogue Says You Can Care About Social Justice, Beauty and Celebrities, All at Once

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Teen Vogue has emerged as an unlikely voice for strong, nuanced reactions to social and political issues. The magazine's digital editor talks about its response to Charlottesville.

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#ThisIsNotUs Is a Cop-Out: Social Media and Charlottesville

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

The white supremacist rally and protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, led to the emergence of a Twitter hashtag: #ThisIsNotUs. NPR's Sam Sanders weighs in on why that's problematic.

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The Buttered Roll: Charming New York Institution or Nah?

Tuesday, August 08, 2017

It's time for another low-stakes debate: Does New York have exclusive rights to be proud of the "buttered roll," or should we just get over ourselves?

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Here's Looking at You: Takeaways From Commuter Etiquette Week

Friday, August 04, 2017

Subway dos and don'ts; a '90s rap about standing clear of the doors; a controversial stance on making eye contact; and a case for being allowed to photograph strangers on the train.

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Is It Ever Okay to Take a Picture of a Stranger on the Subway?

Monday, July 31, 2017

Is it acceptable to take a stranger's photo without their permission on the subway, explicitly to post on social media?

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Your 'We the Commuters' Ambassador, Fresh off the MTA Board Meeting

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

WNYC appointed a volunteer ambassador to represent We the Commuters at July's MTA board meeting. Hear how it went.

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The Airing of Your MTA Grievances

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

The MTA meeting is Wednesday, and our We the Commuters ambassador was there to bring your concerns, questions and comments to the attention of agency board members. 

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Is It Ever Okay to Listen to Podcasts at Triple the Speed?

Monday, July 24, 2017

Here's another low-stakes debate: is it ever acceptable to listen to a podcast at double or triple the speed?

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Spoiler Alert: Spoilers Make Things More Enjoyable

Thursday, July 20, 2017

It sounds counterintuitive, but a study from UC San Diego found that most people enjoy a story more when they know how it ends. Where do you stand in this low-stakes debate?

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Freaked Out by Doomsday Climate News? Tell Us Your Proactive Reactions

Thursday, July 13, 2017

A recent New York Magazine cover story said parts of the Earth will be uninhabitable in 80 years. Hear how it's prompting people to reassess their personal impact.

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Should You Give Up Your Subway Seat for a Child?

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Here's a (relatively) low-stakes debate: Should adults feel inclined to give up their subway seats for children? Hear some voices from the subway.

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New York Is Experiencing a Blood Supply Shortage

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Only about 2 percent of people in New York and New Jersey donate blood regularly. Hear what's contributing to this summer's low supply and what you can expect if you show up to donate.

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93 Years of WNYC (and the Mysticism of Early Radio)

Thursday, July 06, 2017

WNYC is celebrating 93 years on the air! Hear some early sounds of the station.

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Tell Us About Your New York City 'Superpower'

Wednesday, July 05, 2017

What special skill or instinct has this city instilled in you? 

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Competitive Eating, For the Glory and the Gut

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

Competitive eating is as American as apple pie...if you're racing to the bottom of the pan. Hear about the official sports league that oversees Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest.

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