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Today's Top Stories

Los Angeles residents have been protesting ICE immigration raids for four consecutive nights. In response, President Trump has decided to deploy hundreds of active-duty Marines to the city, along with an additional 2,000 National Guard troops on top of the 2,000 mobilized over the weekend. The Pentagon has stated that the troops will be working to protect federal buildings and agents. While Trump claims this deployment is aimed at controlling the protests, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass see it as an unnecessary escalation.

Federal law generally prohibits active-duty military forces from participating in domestic law enforcement unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act. Trump has not invoked this act yet, but he has hinted at the possibility. Newsom has filed a lawsuit challenging the president's decision to take control of the state National Guard without his authorization and plans to sue regarding the deployment of Marines. Trump even suggested the idea of arresting Newsom, which is an extraordinary statement about a sitting governor. Many are worried that deploying troops could escalate tensions on the streets. Protester Sandra Martinez expressed her concerns, saying, 'They're gonna make it worse.'

Health Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Removed

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a crucial vaccine committee that advises the CDC. Kennedy has the authority to replace committee members as his department oversees the CDC. Kennedy claimed that the committee was rubber-stamping recommendations and had conflicts of interest. However, NPR's investigation found that a government report Kennedy cited does not support his claims. Dr. Jonathan Temte, a former chair of ACIP, stated, 'ACIP has been the paragon of good, solid, evidence-based vaccine policy. We are heading in the direction of U.S. vaccine policy becoming the laughingstock of the globe.'

Decline in Drug-Related Deaths Among Young Americans

After a decade where over 230,000 people under 35 died from drug overdoses, drug-related deaths among young Americans are finally declining. In 2021, fentanyl and other drugs led to over 31,000 fatalities in this age group. By last year, that number had significantly dropped to approximately 16,690 fatal overdoses, according to provisional CDC data.

Climate Solutions Week

NPR is dedicating this week to stories and discussions about climate solutions for living on a hotter planet and how climate change impacts decisions on where and how people live. Earthaven Ecovillage, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, remained relatively unharmed during Hurricane Helene, showcasing the importance of community preparedness in the face of climate disasters.

Today's Listen

A study confirmed that singing to babies can boost their health and happiness. Morning Edition explored this further by asking listeners what they sing to their little ones. Over 1,000 responses came in, with varying songs and reasons behind them. Listen to parents sing to their children or read the full transcript here.

3 Things to Know Before You Go

Sly Stone, the frontman of Sly & the Family Stone, passed away in Los Angeles at age 82. A federal judge dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times. The Smithsonian affirmed its independence and supported Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch after Trump's claim of firing the director of the National Portrait Gallery.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.