A federal appeals court in California has ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, allowing him to retain control over approximately 4,000 California National Guard troops stationed in Los Angeles. This significant ruling temporarily blocks Governor Gavin Newsom’s attempts to regain authority over the National Guard amid rising tensions related to immigration enforcement and civil unrest.
The deployment of these troops was initially ordered by the Trump administration about two weeks ago in response to protests that arose due to immigration raids in the Los Angeles area. This development has sparked legal disputes, highlighting the power struggles between state and federal authority regarding military deployments.
According to Laura Fitzgerald of CapRadio, affiliated with NPR, the unanimous decision from the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit did not come as a surprise. During a hearing earlier in the week, judges expressed skepticism regarding the arguments presented by the state, indicating a leaning toward upholding the president’s authority in this matter.
The 38-page ruling specifically noted that the circumstances in Los Angeles likely justified Trump’s actions in using the California National Guard to enforce federal immigration laws. However, the ruling also clarified that it only addressed the president’s authority to deploy the Guard, leaving open questions regarding the actions that could be taken once the troops are in the field.
President Trump has characterized this court decision as a significant victory, suggesting its implications will extend beyond California, potentially influencing similar situations in other states.
In addition to domestic military mobilizations, international concerns are mounting as Trump faces pressure over the potential for U.S. military strikes against Iran within the next two weeks. The White House confirmed that Trump will make a decision on U.S. involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict amid criticism from some of his supporters.
Key figures in Trump’s base, such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have warned that the President’s decision could impact his legacy, as they express discontent with any perceived betrayal of his ‘America First’ principles. Conversely, there is a faction of Trump’s supporters who advocate for U.S. assistance to Israel, including voices like Fox News host Mark Levin, who support military aid in the conflict.
Longtime Republican pollster Jon McHenry notes that some religious conservatives are inclined to support military involvement in Israel, viewing the region as the Holy Land. This complex landscape of opinions reflects the divided sentiments within Trump’s support base regarding military intervention.
In Geneva today, European diplomats are convening with Iran’s foreign minister in a bid to explore a diplomatic resolution amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has entered its second week. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it known that Israel intends to sustain its military operations targeting Iranian nuclear sites, irrespective of U.S. involvement.
Reports indicate that around 650 individuals in Iran have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions, while missile strikes attributed to Iranian forces have resulted in 24 fatalities in Israel. The contrasting viewpoints from European diplomats suggest a call for restraint from both sides, while also asserting Israel’s entitlement to protect its national security.
Observations from NPR’s Daniel Estrin indicate that, despite calls for a diplomatic solution, Israeli officials may feel confident in their independent capacity to strike facilities like Fordo, which is Iran’s most fortified nuclear site. This underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding military and diplomatic actions amid the ongoing conflicts.
While experts believe that U.S. bunker-busting bombs could deliver substantial damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, they acknowledge that such actions would not eliminate Iran’s capabilities in nuclear weapon development in the long run.
Shifting focus back to domestic concerns, Doctors Without Borders has initiated a two-year project aimed at addressing the mental health impacts of violence in Alto Baudó, a remote region of western Colombia. Having faced years of turmoil from conflicts involving armed rebel groups and criminal elements, the project seeks to mend the psychological scars inflicted by such violence.
The initiative features innovative therapeutic techniques, such as tearing up photographs of loved ones and homes, followed by sewing the pieces back together. This symbolic act serves as a metaphorical representation of the healing process, helping individuals cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Colombian photographer Fernanda Pineda has documented this unique healing initiative through her photo series titled Riografias del Baudó, which captures the transformative journey of individuals participating in the project.
As the weekend approaches, NPR has curated a selection of entertainment recommendations, ranging from movies and TV shows to music and books. The new Pixar film, Elio, is highlighted as a tale of an 11-year-old orphan whose extraterrestrial abduction leads to unexpected adventures. Additionally, the return of classic shows like King of the Hill adds to the excitement for viewers this summer.
In literature, four new novels promising mystery and suspense are encouraging readers to dive into fresh narratives, while music enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of Bruce Springsteen’s boxed set featuring unreleased tracks from the past four decades.
Gamers can look forward to insights from NPR’s Vincent Acovino, who recently attended the Play Days showcase, gaining firsthand experience with a variety of upcoming titles.
In lighter news, a soft toy trend known as Labubus has taken the internet by storm, captivating audiences worldwide with their charming, toothy grins and fluffy aesthetics.
A recent study published in JAMA has made alarming associations between addiction to social media, mobile devices, and video games, linking them to an increased risk of suicidal ideation in children.
Brad Larsen’s emotional story highlights the profound connections that can emerge from shared experiences in public spaces, as he revisited a New York diner where he last saw his mother before her death. His reminiscence led him to connect with strangers, one of whom facilitated a poignant moment by inviting him to sit where he last shared a meal with his mom. This illustrates the unexpected bonds that can form through shared memories and communal spaces.
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