Apple News Today Episode: The Damage That “Less Lethal” Police Weapons Can Really Do
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Shumita Basu (represented by Gideon Resnick in this episode)

1. Protests Against Federal Immigration Raids and Police Response

Overview: The episode begins by addressing the escalating protest movement against federal immigration raids across various U.S. cities. Demonstrations have spread from Los Angeles to major cities like New York, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, and Atlanta.

Key Points:

• Geographical Spread of Protests: Initial isolated demonstrations in downtown LA and Orange County have expanded to other major cities.
• Government Response: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the possibility of deploying additional National Guard troops to more cities. He referenced a recent order authorizing troops in LA, stating, “Part of it is getting ahead of a problem...” ([00:30]).
• Legal Limitations: Current deployments in LA are limited to protecting federal property and personnel. Full law enforcement roles would require invoking the Insurrection Act, which former President Trump has considered.
• Police Tactics: Local LA police have employed "less lethal" weapons such as foam rounds, beanbag rounds, batons, tear gas, and pepper spray to manage and disperse protesters.

Notable Incidents:

• Use of Projectiles: An Australian journalist was nearly struck by a projectile fired by a police officer, while a British photojournalist required emergency surgery after being hit by a plastic bullet ([02:10]).
• Health Impacts: Reuters reports that "rubber bullets with metal casings... have been linked to blindness, traumatic brain injuries, organ injuries and broken bones" ([03:00]).

Statistics:

• According to the University of Illinois Chicago, police force use has resulted in approximately 75,000 non-fatal injuries and between 600 to 1,100 deaths annually in the U.S. ([02:50]).

2. U.S.-China Trade Truce and Rare Earth Minerals

Overview: The episode shifts focus to the recent truce between the U.S. and China regarding trade agreements, particularly concerning rare earth minerals essential for various industries.

Key Points:

• Trade Agreement Details: The U.S. and China have agreed to a temporary truce, rolling back some punitive tariffs initially imposed. "The tariff rates will not change. Trump says that tariffs on imports from China will be 55%, and China agreed to a 10% tariff on U.S. imports" ([04:34]).
• Rare Earth Minerals Significance: Rare earths are crucial for manufacturing products like cars, smartphones, and military equipment. China currently controls about 70% of the global supply ([06:19]).
• Economic Leverage: China holds significant leverage due to its dominance in rare earth exports. The U.S. auto industry has been scrambling to find alternative sources, with China agreeing to ease export restrictions for only six months ([06:25]).

Expert Insights:

• "China is holding some big leverage over the United States" ([06:19]).
• To reduce dependence, the U.S. would need to ramp up domestic production, a process projected to take five years ([06:59]).

Implications:

• Potential for resumed trade tensions if either country perceives provocations.
• Long-term supply chain disruptions could lead to job losses and higher consumer prices ([06:44]).

3. Impact of State-Level Gun Laws on Youth Deaths

Overview: New research highlights the correlation between state gun regulations and the rates of gun-related deaths among children and teenagers in the U.S.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Ruling: A 2010 decision empowered states to regulate firearms independently, leading to divergent gun laws across the country.
• State Categorization: States are grouped into three categories based on their firearm laws:
  1. Most Permissive: Easiest access to firearms (e.g., 30 states).
  2. Permissive: Moderate regulations.
  3. Least Permissive: Strict gun laws with measures like background checks and waiting periods ([08:17]).

Research Findings:

• Increase in Deaths: States with the most and permissive gun laws saw a combined rise of over 7,000 gun-related deaths among youth from 2011 to 2023.
  • "That was almost in excess of 6,000 deaths..." ([09:23]).
• Decline in Strict States: States like California, Maryland, New York, and Rhode Island experienced a significant decrease in youth gun deaths ([09:46]).

Expert Commentary:

• Dr. Maya, an emergency physician, suggests that strict gun laws "could provide a window into how to lower the number of kids and teens killed by guns nationwide" ([09:56]).
• Emphasis on evaluating effective laws to enhance safety without overhauling all regulations simultaneously.

4. Additional News Stories

a. Harvey Weinstein's Conviction:

• Overview: Harvey Weinstein was convicted of sex crimes for a second time in New York.
• Details: The retrial addressed charges of sexual assault against three women. The jury has found him guilty on one count and not guilty on another, with one charge pending ([10:20]).
• Significance: This case reinforces accountability for high-profile individuals accused of sexual misconduct.

b. Trump Administration's Rehiring of CDC Staffers:

• Overview: The administration is rehiring over 450 CDC staffers previously let go during downsizing efforts.
• Impact: Rehired staff will bolster key CDC divisions, including those focused on cruise line safety, HIV prevention, and childhood lead poisoning prevention ([11:00]).
• Controversy: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed new members to a CDC vaccine committee, including skeptics of pandemic measures ([11:45]).

c. North and South Korea Diplomatic Tensions:

• Overview: Recent diplomatic "tit for tat" has included the launch of balloons and loudspeakers between the two Koreas.
• Current Developments: South Korea's new president has ceased broadcasting news, propaganda, and K-pop into North Korea. Similarly, North Korea has stopped sending distressing noises into the South ([12:15]).
• Diplomatic Hope: South Korea aims to restore trust and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula through these changes ([12:45]).

5. Upcoming Content

• SEC Cyberattack Investigation: An investigative piece by Bloomberg Businessweek explores a significant hack at the SEC by Ukrainian cybercriminals, examining the regulator's response and ongoing vulnerabilities.
• Apple News App Features: Listeners are encouraged to explore narrated articles and follow Apple News Plus for in-depth stories.

Conclusion: This episode of Apple News Today delves into critical issues ranging from the use of "less lethal" police weapons and their unintended consequences, to significant developments in U.S.-China trade relations, the profound impact of state gun laws on youth safety, and additional noteworthy news stories. Through expert insights and detailed reporting, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these pressing topics.