The measles is surging in the U.S. Here’s why — and where.

Summary

Apple News Today — Episode Summary

Episode: The measles is surging in the U.S. Here’s why — and where.
Date: February 11, 2026
Host: Cecilia Ley (in for Shamita Basu)

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Overview

This episode of Apple News Today delves into a surge of measles cases across the U.S., explains why it's happening and where the epicenters are, and explores public health responses. Additionally, the episode covers a congressional hearing on immigration enforcement and ICE reforms, controversies surrounding Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, an ongoing FBI elections investigation in Georgia, and an Olympic update featuring figure skater Ilya Malinin.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Hearing on Immigration and ICE Reform

[00:05–06:40]

• Testimonies on Capitol Hill:
  • Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons faces questions regarding the deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis and challenges from both Democrats and Republicans.
    • Rep. Eric Swalwell presses for accountability:

      “Will you apologize to the family of Renee Good for being called a domestic terrorist by the President and his leadership?” (C, 01:19)

    • Lyons declines to comment on ongoing investigations:

      “Sir, I welcome the opportunity to speak to the family in private, but I'm not going to comment on any active investigation.” (B, 01:29)

    • Lyons discusses hostile working conditions for ICE officers:

      “The families of … ICE personnel have been made to feel unsafe in their homes. I know this firsthand because my own family was targeted. ... You will fail. Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve.” (B, 01:39)

  • ICE will not unmask agents, despite Democratic push and a recent federal judge blocking California’s mask ban for ICE agents.
  • Lyons commits to transparency, pledging to release relevant body camera footage and increase the number of officers equipped with body cams.

    “I fully welcome body cameras all across the spectrum in all of our law enforcement activities. ... The footage will be released.” (B, 02:21)

• Body Cameras & Roving Patrols:
  • Body cameras find bipartisan support.
  • Republican Rep. Michael McCaul suggests roving patrols should be situated at the border, not in U.S. cities.

    “I believe that these roving patrols should be done at the border rather than in the major cities…” (C, 02:54)

• Political Context:
  • With congressional budget negotiations pending, ICE reforms remain contentious.
  • Polling data indicates waning public support for ICE's aggressive tactics and Trump’s immigration policies.

    “A recent national NPR poll found that 65% of those surveyed said that ICE enforcement has gone too far.” (A, 04:27) “The president promised to bring border crossings down from the record levels seen under the Biden administration. ... migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border were now at their lowest levels in 50 years.” (A, 04:35)

• Community Reactions—Freud, Montana Spotlight:
  • Local tensions emerge over the case of Roberto Orozco Ramirez, a well-known resident facing deportation.

    “[Residents] understood Trump's immigration policy to be focused on deporting criminals ... not someone like their neighbor Roberto Orozco Ramirez, who is this beloved auto mechanic and member of the community.” (D, 06:01)

  • Residents organize legal support and voice difficulties seeing longstanding local families separated.

    “Very devastating, very sad watching my classmate's dad get pulled away from his family.” (D, 06:33)

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2. Measles Outbreak: Scope, Causes, and Responses

[07:04–10:05]

• Surging Cases:
  • By early February, U.S. sees a third of last year’s total measles cases—on track to worsen 2025’s record.

    “We have already reached a third of the total cases that occurred in 2025... outbreaks are becoming more frequent and bigger.” (E, 07:04)

• Transmission Patterns:
  • Unlike prior years, spread now occurs predominantly between U.S. states, not via international travel.

    “In these new outbreaks, we're seeing spread from people … not necessarily from different countries but different states right here in the US.” (E, 07:34)

• Geographic Clusters:
  • Clusters strongest in the Northwest and Southeast, with South Carolina as epicenter (933 current cases, 235 quarantined as of report).
    • “South Carolina health officials are reporting 13 new measles cases. That brings the current total to 933.” (D, 07:55)
  • Outbreaks in other states and related high-profile public exposures, such as at Disneyland and a major rally.
• Drivers of Spread:
  • Outbreaks compounded by holiday travel and gatherings.

    “You had a lot of people in close quarters traveling across the country for the holidays ... that holiday travel got things completely out of control.” (E, 08:19)

• Public Health Response:
  • Vaccination rates jump in South Carolina amid crisis; authorities hope to sustain this trend nationwide.
• Expert Perspectives:
  • Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb warns that declines in toddler vaccination rates will exacerbate school-age outbreaks.

    “We're seeing vaccination rates decline among toddlers … as those toddlers age into school age settings, the scope of the measles outbreaks are going to continue to escalate.” (B, 09:13)

  • HHS Secretary RFK Jr. makes inconsistent statements, sometimes endorsing and sometimes casting doubt on the MMR vaccine.
  • Trump’s CDC chief Mehmet Oz gives a strong endorsement for vaccination:

    “Take the vaccine, please. … Measles is one. You should get your vaccine.” (F, 09:55)

• Losing Measles-Free Status:
  • The ongoing surge puts the U.S. at risk of losing its measles-free designation, achieved nearly 30 years ago.

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3. Other Major Headlines

[10:05–11:50]

• Epstein Encounters & Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick:
  • Lutnick admits to having had lunch with Epstein in 2012, contradicting earlier statements.

    “I did have lunch with him as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation ... we had lunch on the island, that is true for an hour.” (F, 10:44)

  • Senator Chris Van Hollen presses Lutnick about misleading statements:

    “It’s the fact that you believe that you misled the country and the Congress based on your earlier statements…” (C, 11:30)

  • Trump administration continues to voice support for Lutnick.
• FBI Investigation—Fulton County, Georgia:
  • Unsealed affidavit details FBI’s search of elections office tied to voter fraud conspiracy probes; no evidence of fraud found so far.
• Olympics Update:
  • Figure skater Ilya Malinin advances, leading after a triumphant performance and setting up potential for individual gold.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The families of ICE personnel have been made to feel unsafe in their homes. ... But let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail.” — Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons [01:39]
• “We have already reached a third of the total cases that occurred in 2025. So these outbreaks are becoming more frequent and bigger.” — Erika Edwards, NBC News health reporter [07:04]
• “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem. ... Measles is one. You should get your vaccine.” — CDC chief Mehmet Oz [09:55]
• “Very devastating, very sad watching my classmate's dad get pulled away from his family.” — Freud, Montana resident [06:33]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Congressional ICE hearing & controversy: 00:05–06:40
• Freud, Montana deportation case: 05:10–06:40
• Measles outbreak background & analysis: 07:04–10:05
• Epstein–Lutnick developments: 10:05–11:42
• Fulton County/FBI election probe: 11:42–11:50
• Olympics/Ilya Malinin update: 11:50–end

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This summary captures the essential news and perspectives shared in the episode, with ample context, direct quotes, and clear attribution for key moments.

Transcript

[A]

Good morning. Immigration officials make a forceful defense of their work on Capitol Hill.

[B]

In the wake of the unprecedented border crisis of the previous administration, ISIS stepped into the breach to enforce the law.

[A]

Measles cases are surging and on course to eclipse the highs we saw in 2025. And why Trump's Commerce Secretary, Howard Letnick, is facing pressure over Epstein Encounters. It's Wednesday, February 11th. I'm Cecilia Ley in for Shamita Bas. This is Apple News. Today, The country's top immigration officials testified in Congress for the first time since two high profile killings of American citizens in Minneapolis. Their appearance before the House Homeland Security Committee could not have come at a more delicate time for dhs. Friday is the deadline for Congress to fund the department and avoid a partial government shutdown. And Democrats are holding out for more reforms of ice. At the heart of the hearing was the recent fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Preddy. Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell asked acting ICE Director Todd Lyons about their deaths. But while Lyons said the loss of any life was unacceptable, he wouldn't get into specifics.

[C]

Will you apologize to the family of Renee Good for being called a domestic terrorist by the President and his leadership?

[B]

No, sir.

[C]

Why not?

[B]

Sir, I welcome the opportunity to speak to the family in private, but I'm not going to comment on any active investigation.

[A]

He also said his officers were facing a hostile environment and difficult working conditions.

[B]

The families of personnel, ICE personnel, have been made to feel unsafe in their homes. I know this firsthand because my own family was targeted. But let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started. ICE remains committed to the fundamental principles that those who illegally enter our country must be held accountable.

[A]

Lyons wouldn't commit to unmasking ICE agents, a core demand from Democratic lawmakers. Earlier this week, a federal judge blocked California's law banning masks for ice, ruling it unconstitutional. Lyons did say that body camera footage from Minnesota would be released.

[B]

That's one thing that I'm committed to, is the full transparency. And I fully welcome body cameras all across the spectrum in all of our law enforcement activities. It is body cam footage will be released.

[A]

He said that about a quarter of ICE's 13,000 officers have been assigned body cameras and another 6,000 are in the process of being deployed. Body cameras were one area where some Republicans found common ground with Democrats on potential ICE reforms. The other was the idea of roving patrols, which Republican representative Michael McCaul brought.

[C]

Up I believe that these roving patrols should be done at the border rather than in the major cities of the United States. So when the president decided to remove Agent Bevino and put in Tom Holman, who I've known for years, a consummate professional law enforcement professional, I commended the president and what has been done since Mr. Homan came into the job. We now have targeted law enforcement operations.

[A]

According to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Homan is preparing to remove ICE agents from the state within days. As for other ICE reform efforts, there are just a few short days left for members of Congress to negotiate. If there's no deal, immigration enforcement would carry on, but DHS agencies like fema, the Coast Guard and TSA would face a shutdown. As Congress scrutinizes the tactics of ice, polling suggests growing public anxiety about the presence of officers in towns and cities. A recent national NPR poll found that 65% of those surveyed said that ICE enforcement has gone too far. And a Reuters poll found that approval for Trump's immigration policy has been declining in recent months. The president promised to bring border crossings down from the record levels seen under the Biden administration. And analysis from Pew last week showed migrant encounters at the US Mexico border were now at their lowest levels in 50 years. But some Republicans have raised concerns that ICE's heavy presence might be erasing what they see as policy wins for target voters. Republican Senator Thom Tillis warned that the agency's conduct was starting to hurt the party. He said this to reporters last month.

[C]

It's just amateurish. It's terrible. It's making the president look bad on policies that he won on. They're not talking about securing the border.

[A]

Most of the coverage has focused on mainly Democratic run cities where ICE protests and incidents have developed. But there are also signs of conflicted feelings in some smaller towns like Freud in northeast Montana, which is about 50 miles from the US Canada border. It's home to fewer than 200 people.

[D]

In the last election, most people who voted voted for President Donald Trump 75% of voters supported him. It's an agricultural community, and most people there either work on farms or in the schools or bank or other local businesses.

[A]

That's Nora Mabey, a reporter for the Montana Free Press. She told us about the case of Freud resident Roberto Orozco Ramirez in 2009. He'd been removed from the US because Border Patrol claimed he had gang affiliations. He returned to the US and was arrested last month for reentering and threatening a Federal Officer. The 42 year old father of four had lived in the community for more than a decade and was well known as a Little League baseball coach and the owner of a mechanic shop. Mabie told us that the situation left some community members feeling conflicted about the administration's immigration policy.

[D]

A few people said to me that they understood Trump's immigration policy to be focused on deporting criminals and violent offenders and gang members, not someone like their neighbor Roberto Orozco Ramirez, who is this beloved auto mechanic and member of the community.

[A]

Some Freud residents have collected funds to offset Orozco Ramirez's legal fees, sharing personal statements about his character and submitted photos of his community involvement. A local CBS affiliate spoke with someone who had come out to support him.

[D]

Very devastating, very sad watching my classmate's dad get pulled away from his family.

[B]

Never want that to happen on anyone.

[A]

A trial for Orozco Ramirez has been scheduled for April and he faces up to two years in prison and possible deportation. 2025 was the worst year for measles since 1991, and this year it looks like things might not be getting better.

[E]

In just the first five weeks of 2026, we have already reached a third of the total cases that occurred in 2025. So these outbreaks are becoming more frequent and bigger.

[A]

Erika Edwards is a health reporter for NBC News. She told us that measles, a highly contagious disease that wreaks havoc on your never completely went away in the U.S. international travel would sometimes contribute to isolated flare ups, but cases are now spreading between different parts of the country.

[E]

In these new outbreaks, we're seeing spread from people coming from different states, not necessarily from different countries, but different states right Here in the US NBC's map.

[A]

Of cases certainly show signs of that, with clusters of measles appearing in the Northwest and southeast. And there's no doubt where the epicenter is. Right now, South Carolina health officials are.

[D]

Reporting 13 new measles cases. That brings the current total to 933. Right now there are 235 people in quarantine, six in isolation. We're also told a case has been reported in Lancaster county with new public exposures at schools as well.

[A]

And that's quite a lot higher than the Texas outbreak that left two school children dead from the disease. Edwards told us that the timing hasn't helped.

[E]

By the first week in October we had an outbreak and that led right into the holidays. So you had a lot of people in close quarters traveling across the country for the holidays and it was that holiday travel that got things completely out of control in the first few weeks, edwards said.

[A]

Cases in South Carolina have been linked to others as far as Ohio and Washington state, and warnings of possible exposure have now gone out to people at California's Disneyland and attendees of a recent anti abortion March for Life rally. The outbreak in South Carolina now appears to be slowing down because of a recent surge in vaccinations. The state's epidemiologists said immunizations had more than doubled compared with a year earlier, but experts have said they are still hoping to see that trend continue. Nationally. President Trump's former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb spoke to CBS this past Sunday.

[B]

You look at the people who are getting infected with measles, the majority of people are between the ages of 5 and 17. They're not toddlers. And we're seeing vaccination rates decline among toddlers really as part of a broader movement away from pediatric vaccines in this country as those toddlers age into school age settings. The scope of the measles outbreaks are going to continue to escalate in this country.

[A]

Despite a history of vaccine skepticism. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has endorsed the MMR vaccine at other times, though he has made unsubstantiated claims about its effectiveness, side effects and possible alternative therapies. Trump's CDC chief Mehmet Oz went on CNN to promote the shot over the weekend.

[F]

Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem. Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all people equally susceptible to those illnesses. But measles is one. You should get your vaccine.

[A]

Measles was declared eradicated in the US nearly 30 years ago, but the surge in outbreaks has now put the country at risk of losing its designation as measles free. And finally, a few other stor stories were following yesterday on Capitol Hill. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted that he had in fact maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein, contradicting his own previous statements. Lutnick insisted last October he was, quote, never in the room with his old Manhattan neighbor after 2005. But in a congressional hearing yesterday, he said this.

[F]

I did have lunch with him as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation. My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies. I had another couple. They were there as well with their children. And we had lunch on the island, that is true for an hour. And we left with all of my children, with my nannies and my wife all together. We were on family vacation. We were not apart.

[A]

The planned visit took place in 2012. During the Senate hearing, Lutnick was grilled by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.

[F]

Mr. Secretary, again, as I said, there's.

[C]

Not an indication that you yourself engaged.

[F]

In any wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein.

[C]

It's the fact that you believe that you misled the country and the Congress based on your earlier statements suggesting that.

[F]

You'D cut off all contact when in fact you had not.

[A]

During a briefing, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt told reporters that Trump continues to fully support Lutnick, calling him a very important member of the president's team. A newly unsealed federal affidavit on Tuesday revealed the legal basis for a recent search of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia. It also showed that Kurt Olson, a former Trump campaign lawyer who had pushed voter fraud conspiracies in the past, sparked the recent FBI probe. A US District judge and Trump nominee had ruled to unseal the document to provide more information on the raid of the center, which took place in late January. During the search, agents seized 700 boxes containing ballots and other materials to investigate Trump's claims that there was voter fraud during the 2020 election. According to the affidavit, the FBI is looking into potential violations of federal laws and deficiencies and defects in vote tallies like alleged instances of duplicate ballots. Though many of the irregularities raised have already been debunked, Fulton county repeatedly maintains that its elections have been conducted lawfully and efficiently. Independent reviews have also backed up that conclusion. And finally, last night, American figure skater and breakout Olympic star Ilya Malinin, who clinched the gold medal for the US in the team event on Sunday, took to the ice in the men's individual competition. Malinin had a shaky performance a few nights before but was nearly flawless Tuesday and now sits in first place, a full five points ahead of Japan's Yuma Kageyama, who is in second. Known as the Quad God for his signature move, the quadruple Axel, he is the only man to ever land the jump in competition so far, though he hasn't attempted it in these Games. But he'll get one more shot and a shot at individual gold on Friday when he performs in free skate. Malinin did land another backflip, though, a daring move that doesn't actually earn him any points. It's all done for the love of the sport. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple news app. And if you're already listening in the news app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next. Elle reports on another US Olympic star snowboarder Chloe Kim, and how, after nearly walking away from the sport, she's back in Milan, Cortina and on the verge of making half pipe history. If you're listening in the podcast app, follow Apple News Narrated to find that story. And I'll be back with the news tomorrow.