News briefs from around Tennessee at 3:58 p.m. EDT

GALLATIN, Tenn. (AP) — Republican state Sen. Diane Black and 6th Congressional District Democratic opponent Brett Carter squared off Thursday night in a debate, with immigration and health care the major topics.

It was their only debate, coming about two weeks before the general election.

Black, a veteran legislator, and Carter, a 38-year-old Iraq war veteran, are vying to represent the 15 counties ranging east from Nashville's fast-growing suburbs to the Cumberland Plateau.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced last year that he's retiring after 13 terms.

Immigration has become an increasing issue in the district. The district's population is becoming more diverse with percentages of Hispanic and foreign-born residents exceeding the state average in some counties including Rutherford, Putnam, Robertson and Bedford.

Black defended her stance on immigration by highlighting legislation she sponsored to strengthen a new Tennessee law to require jailers to determine whether inmates are in the country illegally and deport them if they are.

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