Apple News Today: Episode Summary – "How an 'Iron River' of Guns Flows from the U.S. to Mexico"

Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu
Description: Join Shemitah Basu every weekday morning as she guides you through some of the most fascinating stories in the news — and how the world’s best journalists are covering them.

1. The Battle Over the U.S. Department of Education

Overview:
The episode opens with a deep dive into the ongoing political struggle surrounding the U.S. Department of Education. President Trump's administration has been actively seeking to dismantle the department, a move that has significant implications for education policy in the United States.

Key Points:

• Linda McMahon’s Nomination:
  Linda McMahon, a billionaire known for leading WWE World Wrestling Entertainment, is the Trump nominee for Education Secretary. Her confirmation hearing took place on the day of the episode's release. McMahon, who has limited background in education, is expected to face scrutiny regarding her qualifications and the administration's plans to reduce the department's size.

  Quote:
  President Trump, responding to inquiries about closing the Department of Education immediately:
  “[00:01:45] “I’d like it to be closed immediately. Look, the Department of Education's a big con job.””

• Republican Efforts to Abolish the Department:
  The idea of eliminating the Department of Education has been a long-standing Republican objective, arguing that education should be managed at the state level. However, recent legislative efforts have stalled, with a notable vote last year where 60 Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the abolition.

• Impact of Contract Cancellations:
  Education reporter Janaki Mehta highlights the cancellation of millions of dollars in contracts for ongoing projects, including those at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). This has led to a loss of valuable research data crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers.

  Quote:
  Janaki Mehta:
  “[00:02:06] “It’s one of the country’s biggest funders of education research. And slashing this research could mean that the public... don’t have access to key data.””

• Potential Consequences:
  Programs assisting students in recovering math skills post-pandemic have been disrupted, raising concerns about the long-term effects on education quality.

  Quote:
  Meta Sources:
  “[00:02:27] “They have wasted millions of millions of dollars.””

2. The "Iron River" of Guns: U.S. Firearms Flowing into Mexico

Overview:
A significant focus of the episode is the alarming trend of American guns being smuggled into Mexico, a phenomenon described by the Wall Street Journal as the "Iron River."

Key Points:

• Magnitude of Gun Smuggling:
  Approximately 250,000 American firearms are estimated to cross into Mexico annually. This surge exacerbates the ongoing battle against drug cartels fueled by accessible weaponry.

  Quote:
  Zusha Ellenson, Wall Street Journal Reporter:
  “[00:04:46] “As we all know, Americans love their guns.””

• Mechanisms of Trafficking:
  The process involves "straw purchasers" who legally buy guns and then illegally transfer them to traffickers. These individuals often have clean criminal records but are financially vulnerable.

  Quote:
  Zusha Ellenson:
  “[00:06:07] “They say, can you go into this gun store and buy me a couple guns... These people are called straw purchasers.””

• Challenges in Enforcement:
  Despite a 2005 law shielding gun manufacturers from liability, Mexican authorities are taking unprecedented steps by suing American gun manufacturers and dealers, accusing them of turning a blind eye to illegal trafficking.

  Quote:
  Zusha Ellenson:
  “[00:05:42] “Gun makers argue they're shielded from responsibility by a 2005 law.””

• Border Security Issues:
  The ease with which guns are smuggled is partly due to inadequate screening at border crossings, compounded by fears of cartel retaliation against officials.

• Potential Solutions:
  Experts suggest increased vigilance at gun dealerships, improved criminal justice systems in Mexico to support investigations, and enhanced cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico to curb trafficking.

  Quote:
  Zusha Ellenson:
  “[00:07:08] “More needs to be done to pay attention to gun dealers along the border.””

3. President Trump's Attempt to Rename the Gulf of Mexico

Overview:
In a controversial move, President Trump issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, igniting debates over sovereignty and international naming conventions.

Key Points:

• Legal Authority and Pushback:
  While Trump can mandate the change on U.S. official maps, other nations are not obliged to adopt the new nomenclature. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly opposed the change, labeling it slanderous and inappropriate.

  Quote:
  Claudia Sheinbaum:
  “[00:09:34] “Honestly, it’s wrong because the Gulf of Mexico will always be the Gulf of Mexico.””

• Public Reaction:
  Reactions in Mexico were largely negative, whereas some in the U.S. welcomed the change, highlighting a divide in public opinion.

  Quotes:
  Mexican Local Resident:
  “[00:09:34] “Honestly, it’s wrong because the Gulf of Mexico will always be the Gulf of Mexico.””
  U.S. Local Resident:
  “[00:09:52] “I’ve been spending every Fourth of July... it would be great to spend 4th of July on the Gulf of America.””

• Media and Technology Response:
  Major map services like Google Maps and Apple Maps have begun implementing the name change in certain regions, while others like MapQuest have not. The Associated Press faced repercussions, with Trump barring its reporters from the Oval Office for adhering to the traditional name.

• Historical Context:
  The episode contextualizes the naming dispute by referencing historical and ongoing global disagreements over geographical names, such as the South China Sea and the Persian Gulf.

4. Additional Washington D.C. News

Overview:
Besides the main stories, the episode covers several other noteworthy developments in Washington D.C.

Key Points:

• Federal Employees' Deferred Resignation Program:
  A federal judge lifted the pause on Trump's deferred resignation program amidst legal challenges from government employee unions. The administration swiftly closed the program after 65,000 workers had accepted offers.

• Cash Patel’s FBI Nomination Under Scrutiny:
  Senator Dick Durbin accused Cash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, of possible perjury regarding his role in purging employees linked to Trump investigations. Patel's spokesperson dismissed the claims as "secondhand gossip," while Durbin has called for a Department of Justice investigation.

  Quote:
  Janaki Mehta:
  “[00:12:12] “Are you aware of any plans or discussions to punish in any way...””
  Unnamed Local Resident (Responding to Durbin):
  “[00:12:22] “I am not aware of that, Senator.””

  Additional Insight:
  Lying under oath is a federal crime, but prosecutions are rare. The Senate was set to vote on Patel’s nomination during the episode.

• Trump’s Takeover of the Kennedy Center:
  President Trump was installed as the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, leading to significant changes including the firing of President Deborah Rutter and the appointment of Richard Grinnell as interim president. This move has sparked controversy and led to the resignation of notable figures like Ben Folds, Shonda Rhimes, and Renee Fleming.

  Quote:
  Shemitah Basu:
  “[00:10:02] “Trump had a contentious relationship with the Kennedy center... it's not going to be woke.””

Conclusion

Shemitah Basu effectively navigates through a multitude of pressing issues, from the intricacies of gun trafficking affecting U.S.-Mexico relations to high-stakes political maneuvers within the Trump administration. The episode highlights the complexity of policy changes and their far-reaching impacts on society, education, international relations, and governance.

For more detailed coverage and ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to follow the Apple News app and subscribe to the Apple News Today podcast.