Apple News Today: The Family Mourning America’s First Measles Death in a Decade
Released on March 20, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu
Measles Outbreak in West Texas: A Community in Mourning
The episode opens with a harrowing account of a measles outbreak that has plagued over 300 individuals across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Centered in Gaines County, Texas, this outbreak marks the first measles-related death in the United States in a decade—a somber milestone that underscores significant lapses in public health vigilance.
Shemitah Basu introduces the issue:
"Authorities in Texas are now saying the outbreak could take up to a year to contain." [00:05]
Freelance reporter Tom Bartlett provides an on-the-ground perspective from Seminole, a small town of approximately 7,000 residents:
"It's way out in the desert. You pass through long stretches between towns where there isn't much other than, you know, oil pump jacks and it's a small town, it's about 7,000 people in Seminole." [01:14]
Bartlett recounts his interview with Peter, a 28-year-old construction worker whose five-year-old daughter succumbed to measles:
"According to Peter, they were sent home with cough medicine and told that she should recover at home. They later returned to the hospital and according to Peter, her condition just worsened. She was eventually put on a ventilator and passed away." [01:50]
Peter expressed skepticism about the MMR vaccine, believing that contracting measles was a natural immunity booster:
"He considers getting measles a normal part of life and that he heard measles strengthens your immune system, which is not true." [02:13]
Shemitah Basu highlights the broader implications:
"For Peter and his family, this girl's death is a private tragedy. But Bartlett says the fact that she died of measles in 2025 is a signal that something has gone wrong in the nation's approach to public health." [04:03]
The Role of Vaccination Hesitancy and Community Impact
Bartlett delves deeper into the community's vaccination rates and underlying factors:
"The official numbers in Gaines county show just 82% of kindergarteners have had the MMR vaccine, well below the 95% threshold required to maintain herd community." [03:12]
The Mennonite community in Seminole faces unique challenges, with many children being homeschooled or attending private schools that do not mandate vaccination data collection. Additionally, political influences exacerbate the situation, as highlighted by the community's perception of being unfairly targeted:
"Peter said he thought his community was being unfairly singled out." [02:58]
Bartlett questions the sustainability of public health victories:
"This is a disease we thought had been eliminated. It was a great public health victory. And so is this outbreak and is this tragic death a sign that we're moving away from the vaccines that really brought us to elimination?" [04:17]
Vice President Vance’s Unprecedented Involvement in TikTok Negotiations
Shifting focus, Shemitah Basu transitions to the high-stakes negotiations surrounding TikTok's ownership:
"Vice President Vance has now taken on a direct role in that deal." [05:26]
Dawn Chmieleski of Reuters elaborates on Vance's unconventional role:
"JD Vance has been placed in the role of effectively investment banker to sort of entertain offers for US Buyers to take over this asset." [05:26]
This involvement is atypical for the White House, which traditionally intervenes in cases of national security or monopolistic practices. The potential buyers include high-profile figures such as Frank McCourt, Alexis Ohanian, Kevin O'Leary, and Jimmy Donaldson (Mr. Beast):
"There are many people reportedly in the mix to make an offer for TikTok." [07:01]
Chmieleski underscores the administration’s commitment:
"This high level, unusual involvement by the office of the vice president and indeed the president, really underscores how critical the administration considers this issue in preserving TikTok." [07:30]
NCAA Tournament Insights: Key Players and Teams to Watch
As the NCAA tournament commences, Shemitah Basu and Justin Williams from The Athletic break down pivotal figures and strategies.
Men’s Tournament: Cooper Flag and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo
Justin Williams highlights Duke’s standout freshman, Cooper Flag:
"He's the star freshman for Duke that really has in the consciousness of basketball fans for a few years... probably going to be the number one overall pick in the next NBA draft." [08:12]
Despite an ankle injury, Flag is expected to lead Duke towards the national championship:
"If he plays to the capability that he's shown this year, Duke's definitely going to be in that conversation for a national championship." [08:38]
Williams also points to Michigan State and legendary coach Tom Izzo as significant contenders:
"This might be the best chance he's had in a national championship for himself and also for the Big Ten." [09:01]
Women’s Tournament: Juju Watkins and Paige Beckers
In the women’s bracket, Sabrina Merchant focuses on Juju Watkins of USC and Paige Beckers of UConn:
"They were both national Player of the year candidates. They both lead teams that have a chance to win a national title." [09:33]
The tournament’s seedings sparked controversy, particularly USC’s placement as a number one seed over UCLA:
"Lindsey Gottlieb honestly had, like, the pace of a boxer... pointing out that if UCLA was to earn that title, then USC... should be higher than the fourth number one seed." [09:58]
Other Notable News Stories
Greenpeace vs. Energy Transfer
A North Dakota jury has ruled against Greenpeace in a lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer over alleged misinformation campaigns related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline:
"The jury... ordered Greenpeace to pay more than $600 million in fines." [10:28]
Greenpeace vows to appeal, asserting the penalties could bankrupt the organization.
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady
Amid ongoing economic uncertainties fueled by Trump’s tariff policies, the Federal Reserve has decided to maintain current interest rates:
"Despite inflation easing slightly last month, the escalating trade wars could raise prices for consumer goods." [10:28]
The Fed anticipates two more rate cuts this year, though economic growth projections have been adjusted downward.
Defense Department’s Jackie Robinson Webpage Controversy
The Defense Department faced backlash after unintentionally removing content about Jackie Robinson’s military service, following a memo aimed at curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives:
"A DOD official told ABC News that [the page] was mistakenly removed and has since been restored." [10:28]
This incident is part of a broader trend of content removal across government websites, including historical commemorations.
For comprehensive coverage of these stories and more, listeners are encouraged to explore the Apple News app and stay updated with live scores and the latest developments.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the March 20, 2025 episode of Apple News Today, providing a detailed overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.