Daily News Wrap: Friday, June 20
- Federal appeals court halts Newsom’s bid for National Guard authority
- CDC wins major case on puppy importation rule
- 152 felony charges in West Virginia’s shocking incest case
- Trump’s flagpoles spark White House symbolism debate
- Trump’s “zero border crossings” claim faces scrutiny
- Federal court blocks SEVP action against Harvard
📌 Federal Appeals Court Blocks Newsom’s Bid to Regain National Guard Control
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has indefinitely blocked a lower court’s order that would have returned command of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom. The decision marks a significant legal victory for President Donald Trump’s assertion of federal control over the Guard following recent unrest.
The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel—two appointed by Trump and one by Biden—stayed Judge Charles Breyer’s earlier decision, pending further review.
🐶 Court Upholds CDC Rule Blocking Puppies Under 6 Months
A federal judge has upheld the CDC’s rule prohibiting the importation of puppies under six months of age, siding with public health over rescue group challenges. The 2024 rule aims to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies into the U.S.
Judge Patti B. Saris granted summary judgment in favor of the CDC, rejecting the claim that the rule was arbitrary. She noted the public health risk was substantial and scientifically supported.
🏠 “The House Was Silent”: 152 Felony Charges in Hidden West Virginia Abuse Case
A rural West Virginia town is reeling after prosecutors indicted 44-year-old Kenneth Ray Cook on 152 felony charges, including incest and child sexual abuse. The charges stem from a decade of hidden abuse that came to light in 2024, when investigators discovered a severely neglected child in the home.
Authorities allege Cook began raping his biological daughter at age nine, continuing until the birth of their third child. The case has been described as one of the most devastating in recent state history.
🎌 Flag Fight at the White House: Trump’s New Flagpoles Ignite Partisan Battle
President Trump has installed two new 100-foot flagpoles on the White House South Lawn, each flying massive American flags. The move, intended to honor national pride, has drawn both praise and sharp criticism.
While Republicans celebrated the patriotic display, Democrats accused the president of politicizing national symbols. Trump reportedly paid for the project himself, stating it was a reminder of “what the flag stands for.”
🛂 “Zero Border Crossings” or Zero Releases? Trump’s Immigration Boast Sparks Dispute
President Trump claimed in a June 20 post that the U.S. had “zero border crossings for the month”—a figure not supported by public data. He contrasted it with 60,000 crossings allegedly under Biden, while also reviving calls to investigate the 2020 election.
Critics immediately flagged the post as misleading, citing ongoing crossings and lack of transparency in reporting.
🏛️ Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration from Enforcing Harvard SEVP Revocation
The U.S. District Court in Massachusetts has issued a preliminary injunction halting the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard University’s SEVP certification. The court said such action would cause irreparable harm to international students and academic institutions.
This ruling prevents the government from enforcing the revocation while litigation continues.
(with reporting by Virginia Times staff)
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
