Apple News Today: Turmoil at the DOJ after Prosecutors Quit in Protest
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction
In this episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into a tumultuous period at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sparked by a series of high-profile resignations. The episode also touches on critical public health issues and significant events affecting various states, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news.

1. Measles Outbreak in Texas

The episode opens with alarming news from Texas, where a measles outbreak is rapidly spreading, marking the worst occurrence of this highly contagious disease in three decades.

• Extent of the Outbreak:
  "State health authorities report at least 48 confirmed cases, but say as many as 300 people might be infected." [00:05]

• Geographical Focus:

  • Gaines County: The majority of cases are concentrated in Gaines County, bordering New Mexico, particularly within the Mennonite community.
    "Nearly 18% of all kindergarteners were exempt from the measles vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year." [01:22]

• Expert Insights:

  • Dr. Amesh Adalja:
    "It is troubling because this is completely preventable." [01:04]
    "Measles is still a risk and it is kind of the canary in the coal mine. And it's the most contagious infectious disease known to humans." [01:13]

• Vaccination Concerns:
  All confirmed cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination statuses, with most affected being school-aged children. The virus's resilience allows it to live on surfaces for up to two hours, facilitating its spread even without direct contact.

• Policy Implications:
  Newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faces scrutiny due to his history of anti-vaccine activism, despite his recent statements affirming the importance of vaccines. His influence over the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices raises concerns about future vaccination policies.

  "The committee decides what gets covered free of charge by the Vaccines for Children program, which about half of the nation's kids are eligible for." [02:37] – Ping Wang, NPR

2. DOJ Resignations Amidst Prosecution Controversy

A seismic shift has occurred within the DOJ following orders to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, leading to unprecedented resignations.

• Background of the Controversy:
  Mayor Adams faces charges of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy related to allegations of personal enrichment through foreign collaborations, charges he denies pleading guilty to.

• Directive to Drop Charges:

  • Emil Bovet's Role:
    "Bove said the DOJ's prosecution of Adams would interfere with Adams upcoming mayoral campaign and impact the mayor's ability to take action on crime and illegal immigration." [04:14]

• Resignations:
  At least seven DOJ officials resigned in protest of Bovet's order, citing concerns over the DOJ's independence and potential politicization.

  • Danielle Sassoon:
    "I believed the law does not support dismissing the charges against Adams and I felt, quote, confident that he committed the crimes." [05:20]

  • Edward Sullivan:
    Opted to sign the dismissal motion to protect his colleagues, highlighting internal dissent.

• Historical Context:
  Sarah Lynch, Reuters reporter, draws parallels to the Nixon era Watergate scandal, emphasizing the rarity and severity of the current DOJ turmoil.

  "Since the 70s, when, famously, Richard Nixon asked his attorney general to fire the special prosecutor who was investigating the Watergate break in." [05:11]

• Potential Quid Pro Quo:
  Prosecutors suggest that the dismissal of charges was intended to facilitate Mayor Adams' collaboration with the Trump administration on immigration initiatives, alleged by some to be a quid pro quo, though both officials deny this.

  "If he doesn't come through, I'll be back in New York City and we won't be sitting on the couch. I'll be in his office, up his butt saying, where the hell is the agreement we came to?" [07:12] – Dr. Amesh Adalja

• Impact on DOJ Integrity:
  The wave of resignations undermines confidence in the DOJ's ability to function as an independent, apolitical entity. Concerns are raised about who remains within the department to uphold legality and ethical standards.

  "It gets to the point where you question who's there left to say no if there's an order given that might not comport with the law, and I think that's what people are questioning right now." [07:31] – Sarah Lynch

3. Immigration and Economic Struggles in Nebraska

Shifting focus to the Midwest, the episode highlights Nebraska's reliance on immigrant labor and the potential economic fallout from aggressive immigration policies.

• Labor Shortages:
  Nebraska, a leading meat producer, faces severe labor shortages with only 39 workers available per 100 open jobs, primarily in the meatball processing industry.

• Necessity of Immigrants:

  • Jasmine Garsd, NPR:
    "We have to become the most welcoming state to foreign born residents in the country." [08:33]

• Political Divides:
  Despite Nebraska's predominantly pro-Trump electorate, whose support hinges on business-friendly policies, there is a palpable fear among communities about the impact of potential deportations.

  • Perception Among Trump Voters:
    "What I found among Trump voters in Nebraska was the belief that he's not really going to do it. That at the end of the day, President Donald Trump is a businessman and that he will look out for business interests and mass deportations are not business interests." [09:08]

• Community Impact:
  Garsd observed a sense of fear and transformation within Nebraska communities, evidenced by empty streets and closed businesses, signaling the broader socio-economic distress caused by immigration uncertainties.

  "I found these ghost towns." [09:25]

• Historical Context:
  The town of O'Neill, Nebraska, continues to grapple with the aftermath of a 2018 raid, resulting in business closures and the displacement of over 100 families.

4. Additional News Highlights

Beyond the primary stories, the episode touches on several other significant events:

• Supreme Court Involvement:
  The Trump administration seeks Supreme Court intervention regarding the firing of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, who alleges his termination violates laws safeguarding independent agency leadership.

• Violent Crime Case:
  Five individuals face second-degree murder charges following the prolonged abuse and death of Sam Nordquist, a transgender man, marking one of the most heinous crimes investigated by authorities.

  "One state police captain called it, quote, one of the most horrific crimes I have ever investigated." [07:12]

• Kentucky Flooding:
  Extreme weather conditions led to eight fatalities and widespread power outages in Kentucky. President Trump has approved disaster declarations, enabling FEMA to spearhead relief efforts.

• Federal Government Control:
  Trump's recent social media post challenges judicial checks on his authority, reflecting ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary.

  "He who saves his country does not violate any laws." [08:49]

Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing crisis within the DOJ, highlighting the delicate balance between political directives and legal integrity. Coupled with discussions on public health challenges and immigration-related economic struggles, the episode underscores the complex interplay of policy, governance, and societal impact in contemporary America.

Listeners are encouraged to engage further with these stories through the Apple News app for comprehensive coverage and ongoing updates.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and serve to contextualize the quoted material within the episode.