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Tennessee officials will pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who was jailed for more than a month over a Facebook post he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While many people across the U.S. lost their jobs over social media comments about Kirk’s death, Larry Bushart’s case stood out as a rare instance in which such online speech led to criminal prosecution. The 61-year-old retired police officer spent 37 days behind bars before authorities dropped the felony charge against him in October. During his time in jail, Bushart lost his postretirement job and missed his wedding anniversary and the birth of his granddaughter, according to a federal lawsuit Bushart filed in December against Perry County, its sheriff and the investigator who obtained the arrest warrant. “I am pleased my First Amendment rights have been vindicated,” Bushart said in a statement announcing the settlement Wednesday. “The people’s freedom to participate in civil discourse is crucial to a healthy democracy. I am looking forward to moving on and spending time with my family.” Perry County Mayor John Carroll did not immediately respond to a Wednesday message left with his office seeking an interview. Bushart was arrested in September after he refused to take down Facebook memes that joked about Kirk’s killing, which had prompted an outpouring of grief among conservatives, including in Perry County, which is near Bushart's home and which held a candlelight vigil. The meme Bushart posted that prompted his arrest read: “This seems relevant today...” and featured President Donald Trump and the words, “We have to get over it.” That quote, the meme explained, was said by Trump in 2024 after a school shooting at Iowa’s Perry High School. Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems told news outlets that most of Bushart’s “hate memes” were lawful free speech, but residents were alarmed by the school shooting post, fearing Bushart was threatening a local school, also called Perry County High School, even though Weems said he knew the meme referred to a school in Iowa. “Investigators believe Bushart was fully aware of the fear his post would cause and intentionally sought to create hysteria within the community,” Weems said in a statement to The Tennessean last year. Bushart's bail was set at $2 million before he was released as the case drew national attention. “It’s in times of turmoil and heightened tensions that our national commitment to free speech is tested the most,” said Cary Davis, an attorney for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which helped represent Bushart. “When government officials fail that test, the Constitution exists to hold them accountable. Our hope is that Larry’s settlement sends a message to law enforcement across the country: Respect the First Amendment today, or be prepared to pay the price tomorrow.”

NEW LONDON, Connecticut, May 20 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States may have to attack Iran even harder but will wait and see if a deal is reached, reprising the "either/or" rhetoric he has used since announcing a ceasefire six weeks ago. "We'll see what happens," Trump said during a commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. "We hit them very hard. We may have to hit them even harder - but maybe not." "We will not let Iran have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple," Trump told the cadets. He said Iran's military might is largely gone and the only question is whether the U.S. goes back to finish the job or will Iran sign a deal. "Everything's gone. Their navy's gone. Their air force is gone. Just about everything. The only question is, do we go and finish it up? Are they going to be signing a document? Let's see what happens," Trump said in a commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Trump said earlier on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran were in the final stages, while warning of additional attacks unless Iran agrees to a deal on its nuclear program.

The message is simple: yesterday’s wins should thrill every conservative. There is no time to rest. It’s time to put the foot on the gas, keep showing up, and finish the job.

President Donald Trump just dropped a nuke on the Senate GOP, and every last swamp creature is losing their minds. John Thune calls it Trump’s ‘decision,’ but we all know it’s Thune’s nightmare now.

Thomas Massie Loses Kentucky Primary

I’m taking questions from friends and …. Not friends from across the internet. Lara gives listeners a behind the scenes look at traveling with President Trump on the historic trip to China. Lara talks about what it was like being part of the delegation and her impressions of President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping. She explains what life is really like aboard Air Force One, how she spent more than 30 hours on the plane, and why everyone traveling to Communist China had to surrender their personal devices and use burner phones during the trip. Lara also discusses the continued divide within the Republican Party and why some Republicans still refuse to accept that Donald Trump remains the leader of the GOP. Have something you want to ask me, Post your question in the comments across any of my social media platform assassination attempt on President Trump.

With Congressman, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

With Hung Cao, Acting United States Secretary of the Navy.

Anti-Trump Republican Thomas Massie Defeated In Kentucky Primary

The Larry Elder Show, May 19, 2026 part 3

The Larry Elder Show, May 19, 2026 part 2

President Donald Trump is revealing new details about the massive White House ballroom project currently under construction in Washington. The planned 90-thousand-square-foot structure will include advanced security features such as reinforced glass, a hardened steel roof, and a rooftop drone base. Trump says the ballroom is being designed to safely host large-scale events and future inaugurations, while also serving national security purposes. The project has sparked criticism from opponents over its rising cost, legal challenges, and the demolition of the White House East Wing to make room for construction.

Health officials are warning that a rare Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is becoming increasingly dangerous as the death toll continues to rise. Authorities say at least 131 people have died and more than 500 cases have been reported in connection with the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden described the outbreak as “severe and potentially devastating,” warning that the virus has spread into urban areas where containment becomes more difficult. The World Health Organization says the Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or virus-specific treatment, raising concerns about further regional and international spread.

The Colorado Supreme Court has ordered Children’s Hospital Colorado to resume gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. The hospital had paused treatments including puberty blockers and hormone therapy earlier this year amid a federal investigation tied to transgender health care policies. The court ruled the suspension violated Colorado’s anti-discrimination law. Hospital officials say they are reviewing the ruling and considering their next steps.

The U.S. government has agreed to permanently drop tax claims against President Donald Trump as part of a settlement tied to his multibillion-dollar lawsuit against the IRS. The lawsuit stemmed from the public release of Trump’s tax returns. According to court documents, the settlement also prevents the government from examining or prosecuting current tax matters involving Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization. The agreement marks a major legal victory for Trump as he continues to battle multiple investigations and lawsuits.

A massive search is continuing for a 17-year-old boy who was swept away by waves at Rockaway Beach. Officials say the incident happened around 3 p.m. Sunday while the teen was in the water. The search was suspended overnight due to conditions but has resumed this morning. Emergency crews are continuing efforts to locate the missing swimmer off the Queens shoreline.