Best News App to Stay On Top of Current Events

When you’re cut off from all social interaction it can be really easy to disconnect from the world and its events. Fortunately, thousands of news teams around the world are working to make sure you stay up to speed on politics, entertainment, science, sports and more all from your phone. Check out our list of the best news sources in the app store to find the perfect news app for you.

1.  The New York Times

• 10M downloads
• World news

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Covid-19 has upended this year’s Chuseok harvest festival, South Korea’s Thanksgiving-like holiday.⁣ ⁣ This year, the government has asked South Koreans to stay home during Chuseok, which runs through the weekend, to avoid exacerbating the country’s latest coronavirus outbreak. Millions have canceled family gatherings, and their acquiescence comes with an emotional price: A normally joyful time of year now feels empty of its sacred rituals, and clouded with feelings of anxiety and disorientation. ⁣ ⁣ “Watching my parents grow older and change often worries me, but seeing them in person puts my mind at ease again,” said Joo Jae-wook, 57, a retired salesman and the oldest of four brothers, one of whom still lives close to home. “But this year I can’t even do that.”⁣ ⁣ The holiday has deep links to South Korea’s agricultural past and its custom of ancestor worship. Most families returning to their hometowns — usually that of the husband or father, though the tradition is evolving — visit graveyards and tidy their ancestors’ tombs. They also set out fruit on picnic mats as ritual offerings, exchange presents and gather to make songpyeon, a special rice cake that symbolizes familial bonds.⁣ ⁣ Chuseok falls on the nearest full moon to the fall equinox, known as a harvest moon. It is also celebrated in North Korea, albeit without the holiday travel rush that precedes the version in the South.⁣ ⁣ During a normal Chuseok, South Korea’s roads and public transit system strain to accommodate all the people who are rushing back from cities to their hometowns. But this year, trains are leaving stations half empty because of social distancing restrictions. Passengers are buying seats at the last minute with relative ease.⁣ ⁣ Tap the link in our bio to read more from South Korea. Photo by @junmichaelpark of people in traditional Korean formal attire outside the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul at the start of the Chuseok holiday.⁣

A post shared by The New York Times (@nytimes) on Oct 2, 2020 at 7:00pm PDT

Obviously one of the top national newspapers has a great news app to go with it. To read the latest headlines from today’s news, browse through their “Top Stories” feature or follow up on “Breaking News” alerts that lead you right to the article. There are also integrated videos and games for entertainment with your news.

2. Sirius XM

• 10M downloads
• Music, entertainment, sports, current events, politics

Discover new music and podcasts, see exclusive performances, and get the latest news on a variety of topics. More than just the latest musical news, you can also find sports, politics, business, and breaking current events in real time.

3. NPR

• 1M downloads
• World news and current events

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If you're unable to pay rent, you're not alone. In this Life Kit episode, we explain how to qualify for the new eviction moratorium and what to know if you can't pay your rent. Tap the link in our bio for more info. (Image: @nivbavarsky • Niv Bavarsky for NPR) #NPRLifeKit

A post shared by NPR (@npr) on Sep 30, 2020 at 5:41pm PDT

This news app lets you read and listen to all the latest stories and events from hundreds of stations. You can even create personal playlists of your favorite NPR stories to come back to or share.

4. Reddit

• 50M downloads
• Current events and entertainment

While you may not immediately think “news”, Reddit is one of the best places for learning about big events right when they happen. Check in on your favorite subreddits to keep up with new occurrences or just scroll through the trending page. This app isn’t an official news source, though, so always check the stories for credibility.

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5. theScore

• 10M downloads
• Sports

theScore has news, stats, videos, and scores for NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MMA, NCAA and many more. See the latest news for every sport, keep up with your favorite teams, and watch real time scores for games. There’s also a chat and messaging feature that lets you connect with fans around the world.

6. Wall Street Journal

• 1M downloads
• Business and world news

This news app is another top selling newspaper turned digital. You’ll get business and markets coverage, breaking news and global headlines on what’s moving stock and impacting business around the world. You can also browse by category to find articles on other things like technology, lifestyle, and the like.

7. National Geographic

• 100K downloads
• Culture, nature, and exploration

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Photo by @mattiasklumofficial / A whooper swan just a stone's throw from our house, outside Uppsala, Sweden. The whooper swan, just like other swans, reportedly pair for life. Ever since I was a boy, it makes me happy every time I see (or hear) them. I really don't know why… There is something almost spiritual and soothing about them. Please go to @mattiasklumofficial for more of my images and films. #protectbiodiversity #Whooperswan #sweden

A post shared by National Geographic (@natgeo) on Oct 4, 2020 at 7:37am PDT

National Geographic is inspiration for the everyday explorer. With groundbreaking articles enhanced by photos and videos, you’ll get insights into new cultures and ideas with one news app. Read the most current news or scroll back into the archives and browse until you find something that catches your eye.

8. The Guardian

• 5M downloads
• World news, sports, and opinion

Read top stories, breaking news and opinion pieces on the go with The Guardian news app. You’ll have access to the latest politics, business, and sports news that is constantly being updated. Get information on breaking news in real time with live reporting as events unfold.

9. USA Today

• 5M downloads
• US news and current events

The USA Today news app combines information and entertainment. Stay updated with national headlines and breaking news alerts or relax with the daily crossword puzzle. You can also turn on “quiet time” if you’re in need of an information break. Check out one of their great podcasts instead.

10. The Washington Post

• 1M downloads
• National, world, and local news

Stay informed on global, national, and local D.C. metro news with The Washington Post news app. Scan top headlines, get fresh perspectives from Post bloggers, and even read stories offline. This app brings you all the news of a daily paper with the convenience of a mobile app.

More news apps to check out