I never use Apple News but they often pop up among the apps that are using significant energy. I am wondering what does it really do on the background.

Which is why I never us a phone that requires me to have certain apps installed.

You can uninstall almost all of Apple's apps now. Even things like the clock and the calendar. Not sure why the parent chose to leave News installed.

It can't be uninstalled on Sonoma I am using.