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A significant ruling has emerged from a federal appeals court in California, allowing President Trump to retain control over 4,000 California National Guard troops stationed in Los Angeles. This decision temporarily halts Governor Gavin Newsom's efforts to regain command of the Guard. The deployment of these troops occurred nearly two weeks ago as a response to protests in Los Angeles, which were ignited by immigration raids in the region.
The unanimous ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals aligns with the judges' skepticism towards the state's arguments presented during a recent hearing, according to Laura Fitzgerald of CapRadio, an NPR network station. The court's 38-page ruling suggests that the circumstances in Los Angeles justified the president's use of the California National Guard to ensure the enforcement of federal immigration laws. However, it's important to note that this decision only pertains to Trump's authority to deploy the Guard, not the actions he may take with the troops once they are deployed.
Following the ruling, President Trump hailed it as a significant victory, indicating that it could set a precedent not only in California but also in any other state where he opts to call in the National Guard.
In related news, the White House has announced that President Trump is expected to make a decision regarding potential U.S. military strikes on Iran within the next two weeks. This move comes amidst escalating tensions surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict, raising concerns among some of Trump's supporters who feel he is straying from his America First principles. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has cautioned that the president's legacy may hinge on this pivotal decision.
Despite the criticism, the White House has dismissed any links between the delay in the president's decision and the backlash from his supporters. Interestingly, not all members of the MAGA community oppose U.S. involvement in the conflict; some, including Fox News host Mark Levin, have strongly advocated for the president to support Israel in the ongoing war.
While many of Trump's supporters express hesitation regarding U.S. involvement in places like Ukraine or Taiwan, some religious conservatives may make an exception for Israel due to its significance as the Holy Land, according to longtime Republican pollster Jon McHenry.
Amid these developments, European diplomats are currently meeting with Iran's foreign minister in Geneva, seeking a diplomatic resolution as the conflict enters its second week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will persist in its attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, regardless of whether Trump decides to intervene militarily. Reports indicate that over 650 individuals in Iran have lost their lives due to Israeli strikes, while 24 people in Israel have been killed by Iranian missiles.
European diplomats have called for restraint but affirm that Israel retains the right to protect its security. This contrasts sharply with previous European calls for Israel to cease its operations in Gaza. A source familiar with the situation has indicated that Israeli officials believe they can successfully target Fordo, Iran's most fortified nuclear site, independently, without U.S. support. However, experts caution that while U.S. bunker-busting bombs could inflict significant damage, they wouldn't eliminate Iran's capability to develop nuclear weapons in the future.
In a different part of the world, Doctors Without Borders has initiated a two-year project in 2022 aimed at healing psychological wounds in the remote region of Alto Baudó in western Colombia. This area has witnessed years of violence stemming from conflicts between armed rebel groups and criminal organizations. The project creatively involves tearing up photographs of loved ones and homes, then sewing them back together—a powerful metaphor for healing. The initiative aims to establish rituals that assist individuals in managing anxiety, depression, and various mental health challenges.
Colombian photographer Fernanda Pineda has documented this transformative initiative in her photo series titled Riografias del Baudó. You can explore the photo collection and witness the impactful work being done in this region.
As the weekend approaches, here are some recommendations from NPR on what to watch, read, and listen to:
Movies: Don’t miss the latest Pixar film, Elio, which tells the story of a lonely 11-year-old orphan who believes that alien abduction is his only path to happiness. Plus, discover two more new movies worth checking out.TV: From The Waterfront, which focuses on a family struggling to maintain control of a fishing empire, to the return of King of the Hill after 15 years, these shows promise engaging entertainment this summer.Books: Looking to add some mystery and suspense to your reading list? Dive into one or all four of these new novels that are sure to satisfy your literary cravings.Music: Next Friday, Bruce Springsteen will release seven new records simultaneously, featuring previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1983 and 2018. Check out this listening guide to prepare for his upcoming box set, Tracks II: The Lost Albums.Games: NPR's Vincent Acovino attended the Play Days showcase, where he experienced a variety of games, including Resident Evil Requiem and a surprising heist game. Read his honest review of these upcoming titles.Quiz: Are you up for a challenge? Test your knowledge with this week’s quiz filled with educated guesses and tricky questions.Thank you for reading the Up First newsletter. Stay informed and engaged with the latest news and updates!
