Apple News Today: June 10, 2025

Host: Yasmeen Khan (in place of Shumita Basu)

1. Federal Deployment to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests

Overview: Los Angeles has been the focal point of ongoing protests against federal immigration raids. While demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, the federal government's response has intensified, leading to significant tensions between state and federal authorities.

Key Events:

• Federal Intervention: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deployed hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel. This move followed the arrival of California's National Guard troops, which Governor Gavin Newsom has now legally challenged.

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([01:32]) stated, "This was not inevitable. We'll never know what might have been had the president left our state and local authorities to continue the important work they were already doing and were more than capable of doing."

• State Opposition: Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that President Trump's deployment of the National Guard violated the 10th Amendment, which safeguards state sovereignty.

  Yasmeen Khan ([02:19]) highlighted, "Newsom argues that Trump violated the 10th Amendment, which protects states rights."

• Legal and Expert Opinions:

  • Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell criticized the federal government's swift action, calling it a "significant logistical and operational challenge."
  • Legal scholars like Steve Vladek from Georgetown University labeled Trump's actions as unnecessary, while Hina Shemse from the ACLU viewed the order as an overreach.

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([03:45]) elaborated, "Is an overreach because the Constitution preserves to the state, the states, the ability to address unrest through the exercise of their police powers, and it generally prohibits the federal government from unilaterally deploying military personnel where no federal interest is genuinely threatened."

Implications: The federal deployment has heightened tensions in Los Angeles, with state officials asserting constitutional protections against what they deem as unwarranted federal interference. The situation remains legally contested, with potential ramifications for federal-state relations.

2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Removes Entire Vaccine Advisory Panel

Overview: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made a significant move by disbanding the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Recommendations. This unprecedented decision has stirred controversy and raised questions about the future of vaccine policy guidance in the United States.

Key Developments:

• Panel Dismissal: Kennedy removed all 17 members of the vaccine advisory panel, citing the need to "re-establish public confidence in vaccine science."

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([01:58]) commented, "We could handle this. I believe that we would have gone through a number of steps before we'd have deployed the National Guard or requested deployment on the National Guard. Looking at it tonight, this thing has gotten out of control."

• Impact on Vaccine Policy: The advisory panel plays a crucial role in shaping vaccine recommendations, which insurance companies are mandated to cover. Kennedy's removal allows the Trump administration to appoint new members ahead of the panel's scheduled renewal in 2028.

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([06:02]) stated, "He will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Recommendations without changes." However, his subsequent actions contradicted this pledge.

• Conflicts and Controversies:

  • Kennedy accused the panel of having conflicts of interest, a claim that has been disputed by analyses showing minimal issues.
  • The decision preceded the panel's vote on advising against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant individuals, disrupting the standard deliberative process.

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([06:21]) asserted, "I support the CDC. My job is not to dismantle or harm the CDC. My job is to empower the scientists."

Reactions:

• Political and Public Response: Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who supported Kennedy's confirmation, acknowledged doubts about Kennedy's stance on vaccines but confirmed his support based on Kennedy's commitment to the CDC.

• Expert Opinions: The decision has been met with skepticism from the scientific community and has undermined trust in vaccine guidance mechanisms.

Future Outlook: With the advisory panel dismantled, there is uncertainty regarding the future of vaccine policy recommendations. The move signals a potential shift in how vaccine science is managed and communicated to the public.

3. Fallout from Doge and Elon Musk's Government Downsizing Efforts

Overview: Elon Musk's tenure saw a dramatic reduction in the federal workforce, known as the "Doge firing spree." Although Musk has departed, the repercussions of his efforts continue to unfold, affecting various federal agencies and workers.

Key Points:

• Current Status of Doge: Post-Musk's departure, the future leadership of Doge remains unclear. While some of Musk's close associates have left, others, like Airbnb co-founder Joe Ghebia, remain within the organization.

• Impact on Federal Workforce: Over 200,000 federal employees have been affected through firings, resignations, and legal battles, aiming to increase government efficiency. However, many believe these measures have been counterproductive.

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([09:55]) observed, "You just have at every level of the government, these different new layers that DOGE have imposed that federal workers say not only in many cases duplicate existing checks on spending, which were actually already quite strong, but are making things much worse."

• Agency-Specific Challenges:

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Weather Service (NWS), and USAID are among the agencies struggling with staffing shortages and operational inefficiencies.
  • Efforts are underway to rehire some of the previously dismissed workers, although job descriptions remain similar to those eliminated by Doge.

• Worker Sentiments: Federal employees express frustration over job instability and the administration's seemingly arbitrary approach to workforce reductions.

  A former Doge staffer shared, "They feel like the administration has undermined the stability of federal work, which is one of the job's more attractive qualities."

Legislative Response: The House is set to consider legislation that would codify over $9 billion in Doge-induced cuts. However, the bill's progression remains uncertain amidst ongoing legal and administrative challenges.

4. Other Notable Stories

a. Largest Prisoner Swap Between Ukraine and Russia

• Details: A significant exchange involving soldiers captured during the war has commenced, marking a milestone in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

• Human Impact: Returning soldiers, many young and having endured prolonged captivity, are reuniting with their families after enduring the harsh realities of war.

b. Dismissal of Justin Baldoni's Lawsuit Against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

• Background: Actor Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and defamation against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and others related to their joint film project.

• Court Ruling: A federal judge dismissed all of Baldoni's complaints due to insufficient evidence of actual malice in Lively's accusations. The dismissal cited that the New York Times's reporting was grounded in available evidence.

  Yasmeen Khan ([08:01]) noted, "The exchange was agreed to last week, and it also includes the return of deceased soldiers, according to the local media outlet Kyiv Independent."

c. Iran's Crackdown on Dog Owners

• Policy Changes: Iran has extended its ban on dog walking to at least 18 cities, also prohibiting the transportation of dogs in vehicles. This move is part of a broader effort to discourage dog ownership, which authorities view as a Western cultural practice.

• Public Reaction: Despite official opposition, dog ownership is reportedly increasing, particularly among younger Iranians who see it as an act of rebellion.

Conclusion: Today's episode of Apple News Today delved into significant developments ranging from federal-state tensions in Los Angeles, major shifts in public health advisory structures, and the ongoing repercussions of governmental workforce reductions under Doge. Additionally, international prisoner exchanges, high-profile legal battles in Hollywood, and cultural policies in Iran highlighted the diverse array of issues shaping our world today.

For a deeper dive into these stories and more, visit the Apple News app and stay tuned for tomorrow's updates.