US News

Judge dismisses criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

May 22, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

A U.S. judge dismissed the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador last year. The judge said the charges were politically motivated and filed only because Abrego Garcia successfully fought his wrongful deportation.

Key Facts

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite court protection against deportation.
He was held in a large prison in El Salvador for months after courts ordered his return to the U.S.
The U.S. government brought him back to the U.S. in June after admitting the deportation was a mistake.
After returning, he was charged with human smuggling related to a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee.
Abrego Garcia pleaded not guilty to the human smuggling charges.
A federal judge found the charges were filed as a political retaliation linked to his fight against deportation.
The judge noted the investigation into the 2022 incident had been closed and was reopened only after Abrego Garcia won his lawsuit.
Abrego Garcia is married to an American citizen and has lived in Maryland for years.

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US judge dismisses indictment against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

May 22, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A US judge dismissed charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ruling that he would not have been prosecuted if he had not challenged his deportation. The judge found that the government reopened a human smuggling case against him only after he sued to return from El Salvador to the United States.

Key Facts

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was charged with human smuggling and conspiracy after a 2022 traffic stop.
The charges were dropped by US District Judge Waverly Crenshaw due to evidence of retaliation for his lawsuit against deportation.
Abrego Garcia had sued to prevent his deportation to El Salvador, citing risks of persecution from gangs.
He was deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 court order protecting him from return due to danger to his family.
After the US Supreme Court ordered his return, prosecutors reopened the smuggling case against him.
The judge said the timing of charges created a "presumption of vindictiveness."
President Donald Trump’s administration initially sent Abrego Garcia to El Salvador as part of its immigration enforcement efforts.
Officials say Abrego Garcia cannot stay in the US and plan to deport him to a third country with no connection to him.

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Al Jazeera

Appeals court rejects Mahmoud Khalil's request for rehearing in detention case

May 22, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A federal appeals court rejected Mahmoud Khalil’s request to reconsider a ruling that prevents him from challenging his detention in federal court while his immigration case moves forward. Khalil must now wait until after his final removal order to raise constitutional claims about his detention and alleged targeting due to his pro-Palestinian activism.

Key Facts

Mahmoud Khalil is a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder married to a U.S. citizen.
He was arrested in New York City in March 2025 and held in ICE custody until June 2025.
Khalil’s detention is based on a Secretary of State determination that his speech threatens U.S. foreign policy interests.
The appeals court refused a full rehearing, keeping in place a ban on federal court challenges to his detention during immigration proceedings.
Three judges dissented, warning the decision could harm civil liberties of noncitizens like Khalil.
Khalil has a final removal order from the Board of Immigration Appeals but is not currently detained due to other court orders.
The American Civil Liberties Union plans to ask the Supreme Court to review the appeals court’s decision.
Khalil and his supporters say the case raises issues about free speech and immigration detention policies.

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ABC News

Despite Trump Admin Pressure, NYPD Refuses To Hand Any Immigrants to ICE

May 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

New York City’s police and correction departments received many more requests from federal immigration agents to detain or hand over immigrants in 2025, but they mostly refused to cooperate, following the city’s sanctuary policies. Despite a large increase in immigration arrests by federal agents in the city, local authorities limited their involvement with those arrests.

Key Facts

In fiscal year 2025, NYPD got 3,672 requests from ICE to hold or transfer immigrants, up from 99 the year before.
NYPD did not hand over any immigrants to ICE despite these requests.
The Department of Corrections received 895 similar ICE requests and complied in only 2.7% of them.
ICE arrests in the New York City area rose 71% from early 2025 to early 2026 compared to the previous administration.
Over half of ICE arrests occurred at immigration court in Lower Manhattan.
Some arrests happened during required check-ins and at homes or city shelters, showing broader enforcement actions.
New York City’s sanctuary laws restrict local police and corrections from cooperating fully with federal immigration authorities.
An audit found a few cases where city officers helped ICE improperly, against city rules.

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Newsweek

Trump met top advisers on Iran as he weighs return to war

May 22, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump held a meeting with top national security advisers to discuss possible military action against Iran as talks to prevent war continue. Mediation efforts involve Pakistan and Qatar, but negotiations remain difficult with no deal yet reached.

Key Facts

President Trump met with senior advisers including Vice President Vance, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and CIA Director Ratcliffe to review Iran war options.
The Pakistani military chief and a Qatari delegation are in Tehran trying to help stop the conflict.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing but have not made significant progress.
Trump changed his weekend plans to stay in Washington, D.C., instead of attending his son’s wedding, citing government duties.
Trump has shown frustration with the slow talks and is considering a final military strike against Iran.
Iranian officials say talks are still happening, with focus on ending the war first before other issues.
Trump has considered military action multiple times in recent weeks but has not yet decided to start a war.
Some sources believe a breakthrough in talks may still happen within 24 hours.

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Axios

2 attorneys shot outside courthouse after civil court case ends

May 22, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Two attorneys were shot outside the Old Wake County Courthouse in North Carolina on May 22, 2026, shortly after a civil court case ended. The suspect, a woman who had acted aggressively during the court session, was arrested and is facing attempted murder charges; the condition of the victims is currently unknown.

Key Facts

The shooting happened just after 10:30 a.m. outside the courthouse.
The suspect is 57-year-old Gwendolyn White.
She allegedly became belligerent (angry and disruptive) during the court case.
After the case ended, she left the courthouse, returned in her vehicle, and shot two attorneys involved in the lawsuit.
The victims were lawyers representing the town of Rolesville.
Both victims were taken to a hospital; their conditions have not been released.
The suspect was taken into custody with a handgun in her possession.
Both Wake County courthouses closed for the rest of the day following the incident.

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ABC News

Florida biologist awarded $485K after firing over Charlie Kirk post

May 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Florida officials agreed to pay $485,000 to Brittney Brown, a biologist who was fired from her job at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She lost her job after sharing a social media post that criticized conservative influencer Charlie Kirk following his assassination.

Key Facts

Brittney Brown was a biologist employed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
She was fired in September after reposting a message on social media about Charlie Kirk.
The social media post criticized Charlie Kirk after his assassination.
Florida officials have reached a settlement to pay Brown $485,000.
The case involved a dispute over free speech and employment actions by a state agency.
The settlement ends the legal conflict between Brown and the Florida government.
Charlie Kirk is a conservative influencer.
The incident attracted attention due to the firing related to a social media comment.

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The Hill

Burchett ‘disappointed’ in Senate as Congress leaves DC: ‘We’ve wasted a whole week’

May 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Tim Burchett from Tennessee expressed his disappointment that the Senate took a week off without voting on a bill to fund immigration agencies. He joined other House Republicans who are unhappy with the Senate’s lack of action on this issue.

Key Facts

Rep. Tim Burchett is a Republican from Tennessee.
He criticized the Senate for not voting on a reconciliation bill related to immigration funding.
The Senate went on a weeklong recess without addressing this bill.
Many House Republicans share Burchett’s frustration with the Senate.
The bill was meant to provide funds to federal immigration agencies.
Burchett described the Senate’s inaction as a waste of time.
The disagreement reflects tension between the House and Senate on immigration funding.

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The Hill

White House to attempt Guinness World Record with July 4 fireworks display

May 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The White House is planning special events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this summer. On July 4, they will try to set a Guinness World Record for the biggest fireworks show ever.

Key Facts

The celebration marks 250 years since the founding of the United States.
The event is called Freedom 250.
A White House commission is organizing the celebrations.
The fireworks company Pyrotecnico is partnering with the White House.
They aim to break the record for the largest fireworks display.
The big fireworks show will happen on July 4, Independence Day.
The announcement was reported by Axios.

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The Hill

San Diego’s Muslims, a mosque, and a city shaken

May 22, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

San Diego’s Muslim community is coping with pain and loss after a recent attack that harmed their sense of safety. Community leaders and members are supporting each other as they try to heal and move forward.

Key Facts

An attack occurred that affected the Muslim community in San Diego.
The attack caused fear and grief among community members.
Local Muslim leaders are helping people cope and support one another.
The community is working on ways to heal after the event.
The story is shared in a podcast episode featuring voices from the community.
The episode was produced and edited by a team including Chloe K. Li, Sarí el-Khalili, and others.
It is part of a series called The Take and is available on social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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Al Jazeera

Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' faces 2nd federal lawsuit

May 22, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate people targeted by the Biden administration faces two federal lawsuits. The lawsuits claim the fund was created without Congress's approval and may violate the Constitution by using federal money improperly.

Key Facts

The fund aims to pay those who say they were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.
Two separate lawsuits challenge the fund’s creation, claiming it bypasses Congress’s power over federal spending.
One lawsuit was filed in Virginia by nonprofits, individuals, and a former Jan. 6 prosecutor.
Another lawsuit was filed by former Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack.
The lawsuits argue that using the federal Judgment Fund to pay for the program is illegal.
The fund was part of an agreement where President Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other civil claims.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche must set up the fund and appoint a committee to oversee claims within 30 days.
President Trump defended the fund, stating he gave up a large amount of money to help people he says were abused by the Biden administration.

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ABC News

Tillis claps back at Trump: ‘Stupid stuff is killing our chances’

May 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Thom Tillis criticized President Donald Trump’s recent social media posts where Trump called him a “nitpicker” and “RINO” (Republican In Name Only). Tillis warned that focusing on controversial ideas, like a $1.8 billion fund against weaponization and 50-year home loans, is hurting the Republican Party’s chances in upcoming elections.

Key Facts

Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina and a member of the Republican Party.
President Donald Trump criticized Tillis on social media, calling him a “nitpicker” and a “RINO.”
The criticism was about Tillis opposing certain ideas supported by Trump.
One of the ideas is a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.”
Another idea is to extend mortgage loans to 50 years.
Tillis believes these controversial ideas and public disagreements hurt Republican chances in the midterm elections.
The midterm elections are coming up soon and are important for control of Congress.

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The Hill

US judge dismisses criminal indictment against Kilmar Ábrego García

May 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A US judge dismissed criminal charges against Kilmar Ábrego García, ruling that the Trump administration would not have prosecuted him if he had not challenged his deportation. Ábrego García, who entered the US without permission, became a focus of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement after being sent to a prison in El Salvador despite court orders protecting him.

Key Facts

Kilmar Ábrego García entered the US without legal permission and later faced deportation.
He was sent to a prison in El Salvador known as Cecot, which is used for anti-terrorism cases.
A court had ordered that he should not be sent back to El Salvador due to the risk of persecution.
The US Supreme Court later ordered the Trump administration to bring Ábrego García back to the US.
After being returned, he was charged with human smuggling by US prosecutors.
Ábrego García said the charges were retaliation for suing the government to return from El Salvador.
He fled El Salvador at age 16 because a gang was threatening his family.
He lived in Maryland with his brother, worked in construction, and started a family with Jennifer Vasquez Sura.

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US scrambles to stop Internet users re-creating dead pilots’ voices

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stopped public access to its online accident investigation database after people used AI tools to recreate voices from a fatal cargo plane crash’s cockpit voice recordings. Federal law bans releasing cockpit audio publicly to protect pilots’ privacy, so the NTSB is reviewing how it shares investigation materials to prevent this from happening again.

Key Facts

The NTSB usually shares reports and evidence from plane crash investigations but does not release cockpit audio recordings.
On May 21, 2026, the NTSB temporarily closed its online system after people used a sound image (spectrogram) from an investigation to reconstruct cockpit audio with AI.
The incident involves UPS flight 2976, which crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 4, 2025, killing three pilots and 12 people on the ground.
A 1990 federal law forbids the NTSB from publicly sharing cockpit voice or video recordings to protect crew privacy.
The NTSB carefully restricts access to cockpit audio during investigations, requiring nondisclosure agreements and destroying notes afterward.
The spectrogram showing the last 30 seconds of cockpit audio was publicly shared as a PDF but allowed internet users to recreate the pilots’ voices.
AI methods like the Griffin-Lim algorithm were used by internet users to recreate these audio clips.
The recreated audio clips and spectrogram spread on social media platforms such as X and Reddit.

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Ars Technica

Federal judge dismisses human smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

May 22, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A federal judge dismissed the human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ruling that the prosecution was unfair and retaliatory. Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in 2025 despite a 2019 court order protecting him from deportation due to fear of persecution.

Key Facts

A federal judge dismissed charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia for human smuggling.
The dismissal was based on a claim of vindictive prosecution, meaning the government acted unfairly.
Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March 2025, despite a court order from 2019 that barred his deportation.
He was accused by the Trump administration of being part of the gang MS-13, which he denies.
Abrego Garcia was brought back to the U.S. in June 2025 to face the charges in Tennessee.
A court revealed a DOJ official called prosecuting Abrego Garcia a "top priority," suggesting the case was pushed from high up.
Judge Paula Xinis released him from immigration detention while awaiting trial.
Abrego Garcia pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for trial in January 2026 before the charges were dismissed.

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ABC News

Trump intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard resigns

May 22, 2026 • France24

Summary

Tulsi Gabbard resigned as President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence to support her husband, who has a rare bone cancer. She is the fourth Cabinet member to leave during Trump's second term, and her resignation comes after some disagreements within the administration about Iran policy.

Key Facts

Tulsi Gabbard stepped down from her national intelligence role on June 30 to care for her husband with cancer.
She served as director of national intelligence under President Donald Trump during his second term.
Gabbard is the fourth Cabinet-level official to resign during this term.
President Trump praised her work and named Aaron Lukas as acting director after her departure.
Gabbard previously had some public differences with Trump over the U.S. strike on Iran.
She stated that Iran had not tried to rebuild its nuclear program after U.S. attacks, which contradicted President Trump’s statements.
Gabbard is a military veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii.
Other officials, like Joe Kent, have also resigned over disagreements on military actions during Trump’s administration.

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France24

Comer launches investigation into prediction markets insider trading

May 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

House Oversight Chair James Comer has started an investigation into two prediction market companies, Kalshi and Polymarket. He wants to find out if people are using secret or private information to make trades that could be considered insider trading.

Key Facts

James Comer is the Chair of the House Oversight Committee.
He launched the investigation on a Friday.
The investigation focuses on prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket.
Prediction markets allow users to trade based on outcomes of future events.
Comer is concerned users might be using nonpublic or classified information.
He sent letters to the CEOs of both companies asking for details and internal records.
The goal is to see if insider trading is happening on these platforms.

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The Hill

Platner: ‘Of course’ Trump needs to be impeached, removed

May 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said President Trump should be impeached and removed from office. Platner is currently ahead of Senator Susan Collins in a recent poll.

Key Facts

Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Platner is leading Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, by 7 points in a recent poll.
Platner told his supporters that President Trump must be impeached and removed.
Platner promised to be honest with voters about his views on President Trump.
The article focuses on a U.S. political race and views about the President.

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The Hill

Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

May 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who was wrongly deported by President Donald Trump’s administration. The judge ruled the prosecution was unfair and retaliatory, and Abrego Garcia has since been involved in legal battles over his deportation and criminal charges.

Key Facts

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is from El Salvador and was mistakenly deported by the Trump administration in March 2025.
An immigration judge had previously given him a legal status that should have prevented his deportation.
After his removal, he was held in a high-security prison in El Salvador.
A federal judge ordered the U.S. government to bring him back to the U.S., which happened months later.
He faced federal charges for human smuggling related to a 2022 traffic stop but pleaded not guilty.
U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw dismissed the charges, saying the Justice Department acted vindictively.
Abrego Garcia has been involved in ongoing civil and criminal court cases and has been held by different federal and immigration authorities.
He has been out of immigration custody for several months while his cases proceed.

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CBS News The Hill

Who's eligible for the 'Anti-Weaponisation Fund'? Trump's critics think they might be

May 22, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

The U.S. Justice Department announced a $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponisation Fund" to compensate people who were unfairly targeted by the government. High-profile critics of President Trump, including Michael Cohen and former FBI Director James Comey, have said they might apply for payments from this fund, which is open to all political sides.

Key Facts

The fund totals $1.8 billion and aims to pay victims of government "weaponisation," or misuse of legal power for political reasons.
Michael Cohen, a former fixer for President Trump who later turned against him, announced plans to seek compensation.
Former FBI Director James Comey, who was twice indicted by the Justice Department, also said he might apply for the fund.
The fund has broad eligibility, with no political party restrictions; both Democrats and Republicans can claim money.
The fund will be run by five people chosen by the U.S. attorney general, with input from Congress.
Allison Gill, a commentator who says she lost her government job due to political retaliation, also intends to request compensation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the fund by saying millions of Americans experienced improper government targeting.
The Justice Department has not confirmed whether these critics are officially eligible for payments yet.

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