Court rejects Trump’s appeal in Maryland wrongful deportation case

A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to block an order directing it to return a mistakenly deported man to the U.S. Also, a gunman killed two people and injured several others in a shooting at Florida State University. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, April 18, 2025.

Court denies Trump’s appeal regarding wrongly deported Maryland man

A federal appeals court denied a request from the Trump administration to overturn an order mandating it to “facilitate” the return of a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

In their ruling, a panel of judges said the administration was attempting to claim “a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process.”

The Trump administration mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia in March to El Salvador, despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to his home country. Abrego Garcia is currently detained in a notorious mega-prison in the Central American country.

The Trump administration claims that Abrego Garcia belongs to the MS-13 criminal gang. Police reports made public on Wednesday, April 16, indicated that Maryland investigators flagged him as a gang member in 2019 due to his clothing and his association with members of MS-13.

His lawyers still deny that he has gang ties.

President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other White House officials claim they cannot return him, even though the Supreme Court upheld a court order on April 10 that the government “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release. Bondi has stated that he’s from El Salvador, that he’s in El Salvador and that he’s not coming back.

This all comes as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen met with Abrego Garcia on Thursday, April 17, in El Salvador. The senator shared photos of the interaction on social media.

Van Hollen has been in the country for two days, advocating for Abrego Garcia’s release.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele visited the White House on Monday, April 14, to discuss Abrego Garcia. Bukele informed Trump that he would not return the deported migrant to the U.S.

The El Salvadoran president also posted pictures of the meeting between Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia on social media. He mocked the meeting, saying that now that Abrego Garcia was confirmed healthy, he “gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody.”

Florida State University shooting suspect in custody after killing 2, injuring 6

Police arrested a 20-year-old Florida State University student after he allegedly killed two people and injured six others by opening fire on the Tallahassee campus on Thursday, April 17. Authorities identified the suspected shooter as Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a deputy from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting occurred just outside the student union, sending several students running for cover. One teacher even used a piano to barricade her classroom door.

Police took Ikner into custody after an officer shot and wounded him. Reports indicated Ikner invoked his right to remain silent. Authorities have not yet uncovered a motive for the attack.

Ikner allegedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon, which she now owns as a personal handgun, authorities said. Investigators discovered the weapon at the scene. Ikner also armed himself with a shotgun, police said.

The two people killed in the shooting did not attend the university, police said.

After the shooting, reporters asked President Donald Trump if he sees a need for any changes in gun laws.

Trump responded by reiterating his support for the 2nd Amendment.

“I’m a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it. And these things are terrible. But the gun doesn’t do the shooting. The people do,” Trump said. “I will tell you that it’s a shame.”

As of Friday morning, April 18, the injured victims were in fair condition.

Florida State University canceled all classes and events for Friday and sporting events through Sunday.

SCOTUS to hear oral arguments in birthright citizenship case

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship in the U.S. The president previously asked the justices to block a nationwide ruling that would prevent his executive order.

Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Keenan details the rare May hearing for the court, the legal arguments and what’s at stake here.

While speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, April 17, Trump expressed his belief that the 14th Amendment was focused solely on former slaves, stating, “If you look at it that way, we will win.”

Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder

A federal grand jury in New York indicted the man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare on a New York City sidewalk in December 2024. The four-count indictment against Luigi Mangione includes murder, a charge that could result in the death penalty.

Investigators claimed that Mangione, 26, stalked UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, where he allegedly shot him in the back on Dec. 4, 2024.

Police caught Mangione in Pennsylvania several days later when customers and an employee at a McDonald’s recognized him from wanted posters.

Attorney General Pam Bondi already indicated that she intends to seek the death penalty for Mangione. However, the defense stated that the government intends to execute Mangione as a political stunt.

Judge says Google abused power in Ad market

A federal judge ruled Thursday, April 17, that Google violated antitrust laws by creating a monopoly, which allowed it to control parts of the online advertising industry. The decision could lead to a court-ordered breakup of parts of its business.

A second trial will determine how Google’s advertising empire might be restructured, with Judge Leonie Brinkema considering possible divestitures.

Straight Arrow news reporter Kalé Carey explains what this means for the tech giant and what will happen next here.

Stanley Cup playoffs start with Eastern Conference on Saturday

The puck drops on round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Saturday, April 19. The playoffs are a four-round tournament, and each matchup is a best-of-seven series.

While a staff poll by the National Hockey League’s official website predicts that a Western Conference team will claim hockey’s holy grail, the journey begins in the Eastern Conference, where the Florida Panthers are the defending champions.

Straight Arrow News reporter Chris Francis shares what to expect in round one here.