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Today’s top stories
A federal judge ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from immigration detention yesterday. Abrego Garcia had been deported to El Salvador in March after what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement described as an “administrative error,” was returned to the U.S., and then detained. The judge found the government did not produce a lawful removal order, prompting the release; the White House says it will appeal. Lawyers for Abrego Garcia called the decision a major vindication of due process. Democrats invited family members of people affected by deportations and detention to the hearing to underscore the human impact of immigration enforcement. Separately, lawmakers questioned administration officials about compliance with court orders; Kristi Noem, when asked, said she views immigrants admitted under the Biden administration as a significant national security concern. The Department of Homeland Security is reopening refugee cases and reviewing asylum applications.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told leaders the Ukrainian people would need to decide by referendum if the country were to give up territory, a concession the U.S. has suggested could be part of a peace settlement with Russia. Zelenskyy and European partners are responding to pressure from peace proposals tied to former President Trump’s push to end the war. NPR’s Joanna Kakissis reports Zelenskyy is engaging hard choices to demonstrate Ukraine is negotiating in good faith. Ceding land is a red line for many Ukrainians; Zelenskyy has raised the possibility of holding elections within 90 days or a referendum on transferring control of parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukraine remains under martial law because of the invasion, and its constitution forbids elections during wartime; polls show most Ukrainians oppose holding votes now.
The Indiana Senate rejected a congressional redistricting plan meant to boost Republican prospects next year, voting 31 to 19 against the proposal. The outcome is notable in a chamber where 40 of 50 senators are Republicans and marks the first time some state GOP members opposed the mapping effort tied to Trump allies. Republicans have redrawn maps in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina; observers say the party likely nudged a few more seats its way overall, while Democrats in California have shifted maps in their favor. Indiana State Sen. Spencer Deery said supporting an overtly partisan map would contradict his conservative principles and that he would resist federal pressure on state decisions. It remains to be seen whether other states will follow the redistricting priorities promoted by Trump and his allies.
Life advice
Interior designer Vern Yip suggests unplugging from online trends and seeking real-world inspiration to refresh your home. In Color Pattern Texture: The Foundation to Make Your Home Your Own, he recommends investing in quality, temporary pieces like a standout rug instead of chasing fast decor fads; hunting yard sales and thrift stores for affordable but well-made finds; and testing paint and how colors interact with skin tones and light before committing to a permanent change.
Weekend picks
– Movies: George Clooney stars in Jay Kelly, about an aging movie star traveling through Europe; NPR also rounds up this week’s theatrical releases.
– TV: The Abandons is a Western-tinged soap about two matriarchs facing off on the frontier.
– Books: NPR highlights final noteworthy 2025 titles, including The Sea Captain’s Wife and The Rest of Our Lives.
– Music: NPR spotlights six Spanish-language artists who impressed Alt.Latino in 2025 and rounds up the year’s best music coverage.
– Food: A list of 10 cookbooks from 2025 makes a thoughtful gift or a way to broaden your culinary horizons.
– Quiz: Test your knowledge with this week’s news quiz.
3 things to know
1) Disney struck a three-year licensing deal with OpenAI to bring Disney characters and images to Sora for video creation and sharing.
2) British archaeologists report finding evidence that could push the earliest known use of controlled fire back by more than 350,000 years.
3) After a breast cancer diagnosis, Gillian Kline says her HR representative, Alex Mackey, helped not just with insurance enrollment but provided personal support she describes as an example of true kindness.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.