National Guard in DC; Primaries; Colombia; Vaccines : NPR

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Today’s top stories

One year ago, thousands of National Guard troops started patrolling Washington, D.C.’s streets as part of the Trump administration’s anti-crime initiative. The troops’ presence in the capital has been extended quietly until Inauguration Day 2029, making it the longest and largest National Guard deployment under this administration. President Trump initiated this deployment after declaring a “crime emergency” and forming the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, despite violent crime being at a 30-year low. The Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog, estimates this deployment will cost approximately $3 billion by 2029. Studies show the National Guard’s presence has not impacted violent crime rates.

Today, six states are holding primary elections. In certain areas of Alabama, residents are casting votes for the second time this primary season due to redrawn congressional maps shifting some districts’ primaries from May to August. This has raised concerns about potential voter confusion impacting turnout. In the Midwest, the primaries in Minnesota and Wisconsin will measure the strength of progressive candidates against traditional Democrats, following Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow victory over the moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan last week. Key races feature several candidates endorsed by Trump, including MyPillow founder Mike Lindell for Minnesota’s governor. Additionally, the president backs Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, for the Senate in South Carolina.

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia yesterday, resulting in over 130 deaths. Authorities anticipate the death toll to increase as search and rescue operations continue.

• 🎧 Four cities and numerous smaller towns in western Colombia have been severely affected, according to reporter Manuel Rueda. The hardest-hit areas include Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo. The affected region stretches approximately 250 miles across the country. Rueda notes that rescue teams may face challenges reaching remote areas like Choco due to poor road conditions and limited airport access. Many survivors are opting to sleep outside to avoid the risk of further collapses, while some seek refuge in stadiums and similar venues.

Yesterday, Trump signed an executive order altering childhood vaccination requirements for certain infectious diseases. The order aims to reduce the federally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 and to separate the MMR shot for measles, mumps, and rubella. This move aligns with objectives set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January, which were later blocked by a judge. The new order is expected to encounter legal challenges.

Deep dive

The military plans to start screening service members for low testosterone, and social media is overflowing with claims about testosterone therapy.
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jarun011/Getty Images

The demand for testosterone is increasing, spurred by social media trends like “T-maxxing,” online direct-to-consumer clinics, and prominent figures like podcaster Joe Rogan. The U.S. military is planning to test service members for low testosterone levels. The Food and Drug Administration has indicated its intention to revise its criteria to make testosterone therapy accessible for men with low levels, regardless of underlying cause, if low libido is a symptom. Here’s a look into the ongoing debate about testosterone and its safety:

• ➡️ In the early 2000s, testosterone prescriptions surged in the U.S. However, studies later suggested increased risks of heart attack and stroke, prompting the FDA to issue warnings and require a safety study.
• ➡️ A 2023 trial found no heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, or major cardiovascular events compared to placebo, but it did highlight other concerns, such as an increased risk of fractures. As a result, the FDA removed cardiovascular risk warnings from the products.
• ➡️ Dr. Steven Woloshin, who has testified against a testosterone-making drug company, argues that removing the warnings was premature due to significant study limitations. These include insufficient follow-up to assess potential harms and blood testosterone levels not reaching typical clinical practice levels.

Picture show

Painter Marc Padeu, from Cameroon, takes themes from Renaissance masterworks and re-invents them with his African perspective.
Copyright The Artist/Courtesy Larkin Durey
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Copyright The Artist/Courtesy Larkin Durey

Cameroonian painter Marc Padeu is reimagining classical Western paintings by incorporating elements from his hometown. He transforms images traditionally associated with Europe, such as the Nativity and the Last Supper, to feature Black figures and African culture. Padeu’s goal isn’t to rewrite history but to explore universal themes like birth, death, sacrifice, promise, and hope. He notes that many religious scenes depict everyday people like fishermen, shepherds, and craftsmen, making it natural to bring these stories to life with contemporary figures. His art is now showcased in a new London gallery exhibition, but you can view the vibrant photos from Padeu’s collection without visiting.

3 things to know before you go

Jan 12, 2024; SeaTac, Washington, USA; Alaska Airlines NOC (network operations control) center at The HUB building. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Alaska Airlines
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Joe Nicholson/Alaska Airlines

1. The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded an $875 million contract to Air Space Intelligence to modernize national air traffic control using AI-powered predictive software.
2. Planet Money‘s new economics-themed board game, Sell Me A Sasquatch, is now on the shelves at various stores. Take a look at the ideas that inspired the game and some of the inside jokes that were snuck in.
3. Big Bear’s famous bald eagle Jackie has died, rescuers announced yesterday. She was estimated to be 14 years old. (via LAist)

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.