WASHINGTON (AP) — The District of Columbia has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a resident who accused police officers of illegally detaining him for following an Ohio National Guard patrol while playing Darth Vader’s theme song from “Star Wars” on his cellphone, according to a document released Monday.

The plaintiff, Sam O’Hara, sued the district, four Metropolitan Police Department officers and a guard member from Ohio over what he says was his act of protest against President Donald Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C.

A court filing on Thursday disclosed the settlement but didn’t specify any monetary terms. The amount is included in a copy of the settlement agreement that D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb’s office provided to The Associated Press.

The $50,000 settlement includes attorney’s fees and costs. O’Hara is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia. In an email on Friday, an ACLU spokesperson referred to the settlement’s financial terms as “a significant amount” that O’Hara “is pleased with” but said they weren’t disclosing the dollar figure to protect his privacy.

O’Hara, an artist who works in the hospitality industry, agreed to drop his claims against the district and the MPD officers within three business days of receiving the settlement payment. The settlement isn’t an admission of wrongdoing by the district, the agreement says.

O’Hara’s settlement with the district doesn’t resolve his related claims against an Ohio National Guard member, Sgt. Devon Beck, who has asked a judge to dismiss O’Hara’s claims against him.

O’Hara sued the district in October, claiming police officers violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizures and excessive force.

O’Hara played “The Imperial March” theme from “Star Wars” on his phone as he followed several National Guard troops down a public street on Sept. 11, 2025. One of the troops summoned police officers, who stopped O’Hara and kept him handcuffed for 15 to 20 minutes before releasing him without charges, according to the lawsuit.

Trump’s ongoing deployment of guard members in Washington began last August after the Republican president issued an executive order declaring a crime emergency in the nation’s capital. The surge inflamed tensions with residents of the heavily Democratic district. Hundreds of guard members remain deployed in the district nearly a year later, with no clear end in sight.

AUSTIN, Texas – CapMetro will be suspending evening fares on July 4th to help Central Texans celebrate Independence Day.

What they’re saying:

Fares will be suspended beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

CapMetro will also be operating a modified holiday schedule, including:

• Sunday-level bus service
• Saturday-level Rail service
• Regular Pickup service
• No UT Shuttle, Night Owl or Express service

For those looking to celebrate at Auditorium Shores for Austin’s annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert & Fireworks, CapMetro will have several bus routes available:

CapMetro says that after the concert and fireworks show, members of its team will be at the Vic Mathias Auditorium Shores Station, and South 1st and Riverside to help customers get home. 

Riders can also use the Transit app to plan their trip home.

No rocket’s red glare? No bombs bursting in air? Welcome to the Fourth of July in Alabama.

While the rest of the country lights up the night, strict fireworks laws in some Alabama spots mean residents will have to celebrate without the snap, crackle and boom.

Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and regulations in the state.

Shop Walmart this 4th of July

Are fireworks permitted in Alabama?

Fireworks are banned in Alabama’s cities and towns — aside from professional fireworks displays put on by cities — but are legal in most rural areas. Even if fireworks are allowed, local rules on noise and timing still apply.

What fireworks are permitted, and illegal, in Alabama?

In Alabama, Class C Common Fireworks are generally permitted for use. This includes the following:

• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Sparklers
• Smoke bombs
• Firecrackers
• Wheels
• Spinners

Illegal fireworks include ground salute fireworks containing more than two grains of explosives and those purchased through mail order. Also unlawful are M-80s, cherry bombs and silver salutes.

Who can buy fireworks in Alabama?

In Alabama, you must be at least 16 years of age to buy fireworks unless you’re with an adult. Sales are off-limits to anyone who is intoxicated or deemed irresponsible. Buyers must show a valid driver’s license or state-approved ID.