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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Trump Exposes Sanctuary Jurisdictions Nationwide
(The Center Square) –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions' in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Illinois has the greatest number of counties listed of any state of 96, just a few shy of its 102 counties. All but one of Massachusetts' 14 counties are listed. Washington is not far behind with 36 out of its 39 counties listed. Fifteen states aren't on , nearly all are run by Republicans: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. This is the first time DHS has published a sanctuary jurisdiction list. The list was published in accordance with an executive order President Donald Trump issued last month, 'Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens,' The Center Square . In it, Trump directs the attorney general and Homeland Security secretary to identify sanctuary jurisdictions that defy or obstruct federal immigration enforcement and are engaging in 'a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law and the Federal Government's obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States.' 'The prior administration allowed unchecked millions of aliens to illegally enter the United States,' the order states, which created 'public safety and national security risks,' exacerbated by cartel, transnational criminal organizations and foreign terrorist organizations operating in the U.S. 'who intend to harm … the American people.' Because Trump declared the U.S. was , he said the federal government must 'take measures to fulfill its obligation to the States.' He's referring to the 'Guarantee Clause,' (Article IV, Section 4) of the Constitution, which states the federal government 'shall protect each state against invasion.' Fifty-five Texas counties cited it when they were the only ones in America that declared an invasion during the Biden Administration, The Center Square . Because some state and local officials continue 'to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws,' committing 'lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law and the Federal Government's obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States,' the president said he is taking action. Trump's order also says these jurisdictions are creating national security risks, violating federal criminal laws, including obstructing justice, 'unlawfully harboring or hiring illegal aliens,' conspiring against the U.S., potentially violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, among others. 'Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril,' DHS said. Each jurisdiction is being notified of non-compliance, instructed to comply, or face legal action and withholding of federal funds. The initial list includes the District of Columbia and 35 states: Alaska: Anchorage California: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 48 of its 58 counties; 63 cities Colorado: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 41 of its 64 counties; 14 cities Connecticut: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 6 cities Delaware: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; New Castle County; Camden and Newark Georgia: four counties, Athens and Atlanta Hawaii: Honolulu Idaho: Boise Illinois: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 96 of its 102 counties; 7 cities Indiana: Monroe County Kansas: Lawrence County, Douglas County Kentucky: four counties, Louisville Louisiana: New Orleans/Orleans Parish Maine: two counties, Portland Maryland: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 8 counties; 10 cities, including Annapolis, where the U.S. Naval Academy is based Massachusetts self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 13 counties; 12 cities. The list is missing Natick, whose officials voted for sanctuary status after an Iranian national was arrested there for his alleged ties to a terrorist attack that killed three U.S. service members, The Center Square reported. Michigan; six counties; Ann Arbor and East Lansing Minnesota: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 20 counties; Minneapolis and St. Paul Nebraska: 10 counties Nevada: Las Vegas City New Hampshire: Hanover, Lebanon New Jersey: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; three counties; 18 cities New Mexico: 23 out of 33 counties; Albuquerque and Santa Fe New York: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 15 counties; 12 cities North Carolina: five counties North Dakota: seven counties Ohio: three counties; Cincinnati and Columbus Oregon: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 15 counties; four cities Pennsylvania: 11 counties; five cities Rhode Island: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; Central Falls and Providence Tennessee: Shelby County and Nashville, whose mayor is being investigated by Congress, The Center Square reported. Vermont: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; Burlington, Montpelier and Winooski Virginia: 20 counties; 13 cities, including the state's capital of Richmond Washington: self-identifies as a sanctuary state; 36 of 39 counties and five cities Wisconsin: two counties; Madison and Milwaukee While Texas is not on the list, some county commissioners and some in law enforcement have expressed opposition to working with federal immigration authorities in Democratic strongholds, including in Houston and Harris County, The Center Square reported. The Office of the Texas Attorney General also provides millions of dollars in grants to nonprofits providing legal assistance to illegal foreign nationals fighting deportation through a legal defense fund. The Texas legislature allocates the funds as part of the AOG's budget request.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lack of funding prompts WA governor to veto part of clemency bill
This story was originally posted on Washington Governor Bob Ferguson vetoed various provisions of a bill regarding Washington State's Clemency and Pardons Board (CPB). The Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill-HB 1131, partially signed into law by Ferguson on Tuesday, aims to expand the CPB, alter the board's processes for reviewing applications, and make board members eligible for compensation. Ferguson wrote in his veto submission, 'The Legislature did not provide funding to implement this expansion of the board's work. Therefore, I am vetoing Section 117(8). I intend to seek the necessary funding to support the work contemplated by E2SHB 1131 in the next budget.' The CPB reviews applications and makes recommendations to the governor on granting executive commutations, pardons, and restoration of rights for individuals previously convicted of a legal offense, according to the House Democrats. The bill also expands the size of the board from five to 10, enlarges the experience required of each board member, adds more compensation, and provides supplemental training, The Center Square reported. Representative Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, sponsored the bill and stated his confusion about Ferguson's partial veto of his bill. 'The governor didn't know it was coming until they reviewed the bill and found that they don't have funding for a staff member in the Governor's Office to manage the expansion of the clemency and pardons board,' Goodman said, according to The Center Square. 'We're going to be delayed by a few months. We will appropriate the money necessary in the next supplemental budget in January 2026.' James McMahon, policy director with the Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, relayed his concern for the expansion of the CPB. 'We differ from our friends in the (Prosecuting Attorney's Office) because this small, intimate group allows the members of the board to leave their preconceived notions,' McMahon said, reported The Center Square. 'There have been times where the police chief on that board says, 'I think we should grant this person clemency' and the defense attorney on the board says, 'Actually, I disagree.' When you double the size of the board, we fear it creates constituencies, caucuses if you will.' Goodman noted that his position is limited, and the governor has the final say in the matter. 'Remember that the governor is the backstop, so it's the governor's decision whether or not to grant clemency,' Goodman said, The Center Square stated. Included in the bill, members must possess lived experience as an incarcerated individual or have worked with the formerly incarcerated. There must also be a member with experience and interest in tribal affairs, and two representatives of crime victims. Members will receive up to $100 per day, be compensated for time spent on training, travel expenses, and hearing preparation. The CPB members must also attend training exercises related to race, equity, racism, and restorative justice.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Spokane overhauls homeless strategy after camping ban struck down by state Supreme Court
This story was originally published on The City of Spokane is overhauling its strategy regarding its homeless population after the Washington State Supreme Court struck down the city's camping ban last month. Mayor Lisa Brown announced a new comprehensive homeless plan Thursday, which includes adding housing units at all income levels, expanding home ownership, and increasing healthcare access in the city. 'We have needed a plan for years, and now we have one,' Brown said. 'Some of that is rental assistance, some of that is working with people to prevent evictions, some of that is connecting them with resources they're qualified for but they don't even know it.' The plan has been dubbed 'Home Starts Here.' Under this plan, if officials discover an encampment, the housing outreach team would have seven days to connect that unhoused person with services provided by the city, according to KXLY. If they remain after a week, police can remove the tent, but officers still would have to work to connect these people with services for housing or treatment. The City of Spokane wants to avoid homeless people 'just (moving) from one area to the next.' Proposals responding to the rejection of Proposition 1 will be discussed in upcoming city council meetings. Spokane's Proposition 1, which outlawed homeless people from setting up campsites within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, and childcare facilities throughout the city, with a few designated areas established in the outskirts, was overruled by the state Supreme Court. The decision came despite approximately 75% of Spokane voters approving Prop. 1 last November. The 2018 Martin v. Boise federal court decision was cited in the decision. That case led to the ruling that cities could not criminalize a homeless person sleeping on public property unless shelter space was available. Council members Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart, who represent the conservative minority of Spokane's city leadership, claimed they were left in the dark with this decision. 'The majority loves to leave out the word majority; they do this consistently,' Cathcart told The Center Square after Brown made her announcement. 'They act as though something has been collaborated with all of the council, and it's simply not true. There was no conversation with myself.' Brown and other officials held a briefing with local media outlets last week so they could ask questions ahead of the announcement of 'Home Starts Here.' Bingle and Cathcart claimed they weren't told about this until just hours before the unveiling. 'There was absolutely a private press conference, a gaggle, whatever it is, and I don't know who all was there, but I was told it was written media,' Cathcart told The Center Square. Cathcart received an invite for a Thursday meeting and announcement of 'Home Starts Here,' but wasn't told what it was about. Bingle added that he received an invitation for the 8:30 a.m. meeting with the mayor, like the rest of the council, but claimed his invite said 9 a.m. Brown also had to leave shortly after Bingle arrived, so there wasn't much back and forth regarding the proposed overhaul. The administration and council majority 'aren't interested in working with' him or Cathcart, Bingle told The Center Square. Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
American Press
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- American Press
Louisiana lawmaker pushes to eliminate inspection stickers for most vehicles
(Special to the American Press) By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square A new bill from Rep. Larry Bagley, R-Caddo, would eliminate the requirement for most Louisiana vehicles to have inspection stickers, arguing that modern cars are safer than ever and the current system is outdated, ineffective, and ripe for abuse. Under current law, nearly all vehicles registered in Louisiana — including passenger cars, trailers, and low-speed vehicles — must display a valid safety inspection sticker issued by the state. Bagley's proposal would repeal that requirement for private passenger vehicles, keeping it only for commercial and student transportation vehicles. Vehicles in parishes subject to the U.S. Clean Air Act would still need emissions inspections. Bagley, speaking before a House committee, emphasized that Louisiana is now an outlier among Southern states. 'There are no red states that have them, except Louisiana. There are 39 states that have eliminated the requirement include neighboring Texas, Mississippi and Alabama,' Bagley said. 'There are no southern [states that require them].' He pointed to advances in automotive safety as a key reason the law is no longer needed. 'Modern vehicles are safer than ever, vehicles manufactured today are with advanced safety technologies, including airbag, analog braking systems, crash avoidance censors,' Bagley continued. 'I can see 20 years ago, but not anymore.' He also questioned the effectiveness of current inspections. 'A vehicle might pass inspection one day but develop a safety defect the next,' Bagley said. 'An inspection sticker only shows the vehicle's compliant on the day that was inspected, not months after.' Fraud in the inspection system was another concern Bagley raised. 'Reports of fraudulent inspection stickers being printed and sold undermine the purpose and credibility [of] the current system,' Bagley said, recounting testimony from a previous bill hearing. 'They go through parking lots and grocery stores. In fact, they caught one at State Police headquarters here in Baton Rouge, walking through the parking lot actually trying to sell fraudulent stickers.' Bagley added that the public's frustration lies not with the inspection fee, but with the process itself. 'It's not a $10 fee that citizens find most frustrating. It's a hassle and inconvenience of having to visit inspection [stations],' Bagley said. 'Citizens have been fined for missing sticker renewals when their vehicles are operating safely.' The proposed law would also remove the requirement for law enforcement to issue formal written notices when citing vehicles for unsafe conditions. Officers would still be able to issue citations for safety violations based on existing state equipment standards. Bagley has brought similar legislation in past sessions, but it has faced resistance from those who argue inspections are a basic safeguard. This time, he's hopeful his argument resonates with lawmakers and drivers alike. An amendment to the bill clarifies that overweight and oversize mobile homes requiring a state permit would not be subject to the inspection sticker requirement when being transported by a bonded carrier. Additionally, used motor vehicles being moved by a dealer would also be exempt from the inspection certificate requirement while in transit.
American Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- American Press
Bill would expand literacy curriculum to include financial aid
By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square A bill aimed at helping Louisiana high school students better understand how to pay for college or technical education is moving forward at the Capitol. House Bill 52, authored by Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans, was reported favorably without objection by the House Education Committee this week. The bill would expand the state's required high school financial literacy course to include instruction on financial aid for postsecondary education — including scholarships, grants, and student loans. 'Knowledge is power,' Willard told the committee. 'We want our students and their families to know that there are opportunities for them to attend college, or to earn a trade certificate. Postsecondary education is more attainable than many think — they just need the information. Currently, Louisiana requires students to complete a financial literacy course to graduate. The course already covers topics like budgeting and credit, but Willard's bill would add education about navigating the financial aid process. The proposal comes in response to a sharp drop in Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rates in Louisiana. Willard noted that the state was once among the best in the nation for FAFSA submissions, even ranking second nationally. But after the state repealed its policy requiring students to complete the FAFSA or formally opt out, Louisiana dropped to 28th. 'While FAFSA applications increased across the country, we did the opposite,' Willard said. 'That's concerning. Especially for a poor state like ours — this kind of knowledge can be life-changing.' The idea for the bill was inspired in part by the New Orleans College and Career Attainment Network, which pointed Willard to a similar model in Florida. Willard emphasized that the financial aid education would apply broadly — not just for students pursuing a traditional four-year degree, but also those interested in community college, trades, or technical certifications. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
