Federal judge to hold hearing on whether Abrego Garcia is being vindictively prosecuted

(AP) — A federal judge has canceled the trial of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported, and scheduled a hearing on whether the prosecution is being vindictive in its human smuggling case against him. Abrego Garcia became central to the immigration debate after the Trump administration deported him to a notorious prison in El Salvador, then returned him to the U.S. He was charged with human smuggling related to a Tennessee traffic stop in 2022. Abrego Garcia denies the allegations, arguing prosecutors are vindictively targeting him. The hearing is set for Jan. 28, where prosecutors must explain their reasoning.

A scrapyard worker injured in the UPS plane crash dies on Christmas, raising deaths to 15

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A Cuban immigrant who worked at a Kentucky scrapyard has died from severe burns suffered in last month’s UPS cargo plane crash, raising the death toll to 15 people. Alain Rodriguez Colina was on the ground when the plane, loaded with fuel, crashed into businesses after departing Louisville’s airport. Officials confirmed his death on Christmas Day. Colina had worked at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling since 2023. The business owner says Colina was in an induced coma after the crash on Nov. 4, never regaining consciousness. His family visited often. Earlier this month, a lawyer filed wrongful death lawsuits against UPS and the plane’s engine maker.

Times Square to feature patriotic crystal ball for New Year’s Eve, kicking off US’ 250th birthday

(AP) — After the crystal ball drops on New Year’s Eve in New York City, it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue to usher in 2026 and kick off months of celebrations for the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. The patriotic touches at this year’s Times Square gathering, including a second confetti drop, will offer an early glimpse of what’s ahead: hundreds of events and programs, big and small, planned nationwide to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.”I’m telling you right now, whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who oversees the bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2016 to organize the semiquincentennial anniversary. “It’s going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.”

Man dead, 2 police officers hurt in shooting during custody exchange in North Carolina

MINT HILL, N.C. (AP) — A man was shot and killed Friday after firing at police in a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, during a child custody exchange, authorities said. Two Mint Hill police officers were also wounded in the shooting and are in stable condition, Mint Hill Police said in a statement on social media. Mint Hill officers were called to the exchange at an Edible Arrangement store around 10:45 a.m. Friday. Authorities said the man pulled out a gun and started shooting and officers fired back. Police say he died in the exchange of gunfire.