SUMMARY: The ACLU of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven Metro Council members against a new state law making it a felony for elected officials to vote in favor of sanctuary city policies. The complaint argues the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the Speech and Debate Clause, which protects legislators’ official actions. Legal experts and some lawmakers express concerns about free speech and democratic principles. Republicans defending the bill say it enforces existing bans on sanctuary policies. Key provisions of the law will take effect July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The Attorney General’s office is reviewing the lawsuit.

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SUMMARY: Kilmer Garcia, 29, mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador, was flown back to Nashville to face smuggling charges linked to a 2022 Putnam County traffic stop. A federal judge ruled the government cannot keep him in custody, denying the prosecution’s detention request due to insufficient evidence that Garcia poses a community danger or flight risk. Today, a Nashville hearing will determine the exact conditions of his release. Despite this, Garcia is expected to be handed over to ICE, increasing the chance of deportation. Heavy security and media presence mark the ongoing, high-profile federal courtroom proceedings.

Hearing to determine conditions of Garcia release

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SUMMARY: The mayor of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, Mayor Franklin, was arrested during a traffic stop by Arkansas State Police after a year-long investigation revealed he failed to file tax returns in four of the last five years. He faces four counts of failure to pay or file taxes. Video shows him being handcuffed near several police cars. The arrest shocked local residents and led to the cancellation of the city council meeting that night. Franklin is held on \$100,000 bail and has had a turbulent tenure as mayor. Further details will be reported later.

Mayor Christopher Franklin of Helena-West Helena was arrested by Arkansas State Police on Tuesday evening following a yearlong investigation. According to the agency, he didn’t file a tax return four out of the last five years.

MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/helena-west-helena-mayor-arrested-accused-of-tax-evasion/article_096d159f-c596-4843-bc16-08b5b90fe566.html

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