AGP Executive Report

Judiciary: Jennifer Covellis was sworn in as Chancellor of Tennessee’s 26th Judicial District, an interim appointment by Gov. Bill Lee that will be decided in the August 2026 ballot. Public Safety Tech: In Mansfield, police say ICE can’t access local Flock license-plate camera data because the system’s data is controlled by the vendor and shared only with agencies that are granted access. Solid Waste Policy: Tennessee’s Solid Waste Task Force is weighing changes to the “Jackson Law,” which lets local governments block landfill construction, as business groups argue the process is a bottleneck. Local Government/Infrastructure: TDOT says it’s increasing oversight to speed up Memphis’ long-running Elvis Presley Boulevard project after business owners complained about uncertainty and delays. Courts & Records: A Fayetteville, Ark., lawsuit highlights how NDAs can keep drone deal terms out of public view—an issue that could resonate with Tennessee transparency fights. Sports (International): Japan captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the World Cup with a foot injury and later announced retirement from international duty, with Japan training in Nashville. Business/Employment Law: Tennessee joined states regulating non-competes by statute, limiting enforceability for lower-paid workers starting July 1, 2026.

Religious Charter School Fight: A federal judge ruled a Tennessee lawsuit challenging the Knox County Board of Education’s religious charter school ban can move forward after denying the board’s motion to dismiss, setting up a trial over whether the state’s rules create an unconstitutional barrier for applicants. Foster Care Finance: First Lady Melania Trump announced “Fostering the Future Accounts,” a Treasury-backed program that lets states preserve federal Social Security survivor benefits for children in foster care and seed $1,000 accounts for eligible newborns—Tennessee is among 23 states pledging to set them up. Immigration & Enforcement: The DOJ indicted three Guatemalan men accused of smuggling unaccompanied children into the U.S., alleging they exploited loopholes and used “sponsors” to traffic kids to the border. Public Safety & Courts: Hamilton County prosecutors say former NFL player Darron Lee faces a potentially capital murder case after a grand jury indictment tied to the death of his girlfriend. Local Governance: Nashville Zoo is still at the center of a data-center fight, with zoning and animal-safety concerns driving a fast-growing backlash. Wildlife: TWRA reported Tennessee’s spring turkey harvest hit 34,990 birds, a near-record year boosted by favorable weather and strong hatches.

Immigration & Health Care: Tennessee’s Department of Health is warning parents that children using the Children’s Special Services program after June 30 could trigger reporting to state immigration enforcement that shares data with ICE, raising alarms from pediatric providers about life-threatening gaps for disabled kids. Courts & Business: Eli Lilly won a federal temporary restraining order targeting a Nashville-linked network tied to alleged rebate fraud involving Tennessee church leaders and pharmacy groups, with the order barring further rebate submissions and record destruction. Local Government & Public Safety: Knox County’s GOP state primary board voted to let Knox County Sheriff primary results stand, while Metro Nashville continues budget fights over funding and oversight. Data Centers & Community Impact: Nashville Zoo and residents are pushing back on a proposed AI data center next door, as the broader backlash over data centers keeps growing. Education & Sports Law: N.C. State is investigating whether LSU improperly induced Will Wade’s departure and is looking at potential North Carolina law violations after receiving requests to sign releases of claims. Crime: Henry County authorities announced charges in the killing of a Murray State University employee, arresting two men in the case. Tech & Consumer Fraud: Delaware and New Jersey advanced bills to ban crypto ATMs as scam complaints mount, following other state bans including Tennessee.

Public Safety: Memphis police say a Hickory Hill home search turned up a “Murder 4 Hire” ledger along with drugs and guns, leading to six arrests after officers served a theft warrant. Agriculture & Health: USDA confirmed six new world screwworm cases, prompting renewed concern for cattle producers even as officials say meat remains safe. Immigration & Voting: The NAACP filed a motion seeking to block Tennessee’s 2026 congressional map, while Tennessee Democrats dropped their own redistricting lawsuit and other federal cases stay active. State Law & Driver Access: Tennessee’s new driver’s license rules now require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency and an English reading/speaking test for licensing and registration. Courts & College Sports: NC State is investigating whether LSU violated North Carolina law tied to Will Wade’s departure, including potential unfair trade claims. Local Governance: Jacksboro approved an ordinance restricting future data centers, aiming to prevent projects from being “grandfathered” without oversight. Federal/Local Power: Metro Nashville is preparing another lawsuit to stop a state airport board takeover. Politics & Culture: Country star John Rich was named Trump’s “Special Envoy for American Landowners,” a role tied to defending farmers and private property rights.

Healthcare Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide, including nine in Arkansas, to post clearer pricing or face up to $2 million in annual penalties—an effort aimed at cutting surprise medical bills. Education Leadership: Oak Ridge Schools named new district leaders for 2026-27, including a director of student supports, a new Secret City Academy principal, and interim leadership at Jefferson Middle School. State Politics & Courts: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s new congressional map, while Democrats also moved to drop their own redistricting challenge, leaving other legal fights ongoing. Immigration & Benefits: A Nashville nonprofit urged Tennessee to rescind a directive tied to reporting “illegal alien” benefits, arguing it’s unlawful and could affect a proposed Metro budget grant. Local Government: Memphis City Council delayed its budget vote amid calls for more money for violence prevention, transit, and housing. Public Safety/Justice: Tennessee’s TBI Knoxville crime lab was recognized among top forensic labs worldwide. Education/Facilities: One school board is forming a facilities plan committee to map needs over the next five years. Nashville Fire Lawsuit: Travelers filed a $10M subrogation suit over last year’s downtown library parking garage fire, alleging improper storage in an unauthorized shed.

Immigration Funding: House Republicans narrowly passed a $70bn bill to keep DHS and ICE funded for Trump’s mass deportation push, clearing the measure by two votes after a last-minute flip. Tennessee Redistricting: Tennessee Democrats voluntarily dropped a federal challenge to the GOP redistricting map that split majority-Black Memphis into three districts, pointing to the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act shift; two other legal fights remain. Education & Sports Law: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s $20.5m revenue-sharing cap for athletes in 17 states, including Tennessee, arguing it violates NIL laws. Local Schools: A state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools could mean more closures, with other seized districts in Texas showing shutdowns early in oversight. Public Safety: Tennessee’s new vaping law takes effect July 1, setting $50 fines and court programs for under-21 buyers. Nashville Water/AI Data Centers: Memphis council members pressed for updates on a promised greywater wastewater facility tied to xAI’s South Memphis data center after questions about whether it’s still a priority. Community & Governance: Haywood County’s school board chair Allen Currie resigned after NAACP backlash over a racially charged “get a rope” social media post.

Immigration Enforcement: A second detainee has died in less than two months at a Louisiana ICE facility, where a recent inspection report cited insanitary conditions, medical-care problems, and excessive force. Local Government & Courts: Nashville’s Metro Clerk says nearly $1.5 million in proposed FY2027 grants for immigrant legal nonprofits are continuations of earlier city funding, shifting the source from Biden-era stimulus to Nashville taxpayers. State Politics: Republican-led redistricting is raising the vote threshold Democrats need for House control, according to a new analysis. Culture War Over June: Tennessee and other GOP states are rebranding Pride Month as “Nuclear Family Month,” “Fidelity Month,” or similar family-focused observances. Public Safety & Community: Voting is open for Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award, with the winner set for Sept. 18. World Cup in Tennessee: Japan’s men’s team picked Nashville as its 2026 World Cup base camp, hosting a community day at Geodis Park.

Local Courts: A Hamilton County jury found Randy Vega guilty on all nine counts in the 2023 Frazier Ave crash that killed a mother and her 1-year-old son, with day five closing arguments now underway. Public Safety & Justice: In Clarksville, livestreamer “Chud the Builder” faces an attempted murder charge tied to a courthouse shooting, while new claims from jail custody allege his Bible was taken and replaced with a malfunctioning tablet. Tennessee Politics & Elections: Putnam County’s Aug. 6 election is in focus as candidates for County Commission District 1 answer questions on background and work history. State Government & Policy: The Trump administration’s SNAP restrictions are expanding, with Tennessee listed among states limiting purchases of non-nutritious items. Nashville Watch: Nashville Zoo leaders are pushing back on a proposed data center next door, warning of light and noise risks to thousands of animals. Federal Immigration: A second detainee has died in less than two months at an ICE facility in Louisiana, where an inspection report cited conditions and medical-care concerns. Sports (Titans): L’Jarius Sneed is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, ending his troubled Titans run.

Nashville Zoo vs. Data Center: More than 288,000 people have signed a petition opposing a proposed DC BLOX data center next to the Nashville Zoo, with the zoo warning of risks to animals, habitats, and people while the company says it’s open to talks. Immigration & Schools: A new national debate over Plyler v. Doe is resurfacing as states including Tennessee consider or revisit limits on undocumented students’ access to public education. Voting Rights & Memphis Politics: Memphis Democrats are mobilizing voters after Tennessee Republicans split the city into three congressional districts, arguing turnout will be key to flipping seats. Gun Policy at the Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on gun laws and transgender athletes, a decision with major national ripple effects. NASCAR in Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400, dedicating the victory to late teammate Kyle Busch with a No. 18 tribute flag. Public Safety: Fire officials say a fireworks trailer fire on I-75 near Ooltewah shut down traffic temporarily; no injuries were reported. Local Government: Franklin held a topping-out ceremony for its new City Hall, targeting a mid-2027 opening.

World Cup Readiness: FIFA says hybrid turf is now installed at the final 2026 World Cup venue in Houston, completing upgrades across 16 stadiums and 77 training sites for the 48-team tournament. Sports Betting & State Revenue: Tennessee officials say hosting Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at Nissan Stadium could boost sports-betting tax collections beyond typical Super Bowl spikes, with the state collecting millions in February 2025. Elections & Voting Integrity: GOP Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Lindsey Graham push a bill to incentivize quarterly state cross-checks of voter rolls against DHS’s SAVE non-citizen registry. Supreme Court & Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a GOP-favoring congressional map, drawing NAACP criticism over alleged intentional discrimination. Culture-War Litigation: The Supreme Court is also set to weigh gun and transgender-athlete cases, including bans on transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia. Nashville Zoo vs. AI Data Center: Brad Paisley backs the Nashville Zoo’s fight against a proposed data center next door, citing concerns about impacts on animals and the local environment. Weather: Flash flooding shut roads across parts of the Tennessee Valley as heavy rain triggered warnings and watches. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Tennessee prices remain volatile, with multiple counties seeing lowest-in-week deals around late May.

NASCAR Politics & Power: Denny Hamlin roared to his 50th Cup pole at Michigan International Speedway after a practice flat tire damaged his car, but expects to start from the rear due to further repairs. Election Integrity Fight: A new report spotlights Republicans running for governor who challenged the 2020 election, arguing they could shape election administration if elected. Tennessee Civic Memory: A Nashville-area stretch of Clarksville Pike was dedicated to the late Sen. Thelma Harper, honoring the first Black woman elected to the Tennessee Senate. LGBTQ Rights in Memphis: The 51st annual Memphis Pride Festival drew thousands, with organizers tracing Pride’s 1976 roots and the ongoing push for acceptance. World Affairs via Tennessee Labs: Reports say Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Oak Ridge to consult nuclear experts as Iran talks enter a critical phase. Sports Schedule Watch: The 49ers set 2026 preseason dates, including a Thursday opener Aug. 13 at home vs. the Tennessee Titans.

Local Politics & Culture War: Memphis is recognizing June 2026 as “Nuclear Family Month,” defining a nuclear family as one husband, one wife, and children, a move supporters call a celebration of traditional values while critics say it’s Pride-counterprogramming. Public Safety: A Tennessee Department of Transportation highway response operator in Knox County helped deliver a baby on the side of I-40 and performed first-aid steps after the newborn wasn’t breathing, with both mother and baby taken to a hospital in stable condition. Energy Policy: The U.S. Energy Department says a private advanced microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached “criticality,” marking a key milestone toward generating electricity in the next few years. Federal/Foreign Policy: The U.S. and Iran trade strikes near the Strait of Hormuz as talks remain tense, with Trump also saying he rejected a “too risky” plan to seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Tennessee Economy (Everyday Costs): GasBuddy reports show Tennessee fuel prices remain volatile, with Knox County premium gas hitting $3.16 and other county-by-county lows reported across the state for the week ending May 30.

Nuclear Diplomacy: President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory to consult nuclear experts tied to potential Iran talks, as officials prepare for a possible deal framework. Energy Policy: The U.S. Energy Department says a private microreactor project reached “criticality” at Idaho National Lab, while the administration also announced major Defense Production Act-backed coal funding that includes Tennessee-linked plants. Local Politics & Community: Memphis kicked off its 33rd Juneteenth Festival in the Medical District, with organizers noting the event’s political stakes as a candidate runs for the Tennessee House. Land Use & Public Pressure: The Nashville Zoo is fighting a proposed nearby data center, launching a petition and pushing for local action amid animal-noise concerns. Courts & Public Safety: A Chattanooga DUI crash trial continued with testimony from the Hamilton County medical examiner in the case involving the deaths of Ana Posso Rodriguez and her 1-year-old son. Sports & Culture: Kyle Busch’s death is prompting NASCAR reflection as racing returns to Michigan International Speedway.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested Gabriel Maror Ayuel, a Sudanese man with a Tennessee attempted-murder conviction who ignored a final removal order, and is holding him for removal proceedings. Courts & Politics: Attorneys for the cleared “Broadview Six” say they’re seeking discovery tied to alleged White House pressure to indict Democratic activists after a trial was canceled over alleged grand jury misconduct. Local Government: Nashville Zoo is fighting a proposed AI data center next door, with a petition nearing 150,000 signatures and support from city leaders and the school board over concerns about noise, water, and animal impacts. Public Safety & Oversight: A surge of National Guard troops is underway in Washington, D.C., with Tennessee among the contributing states, as federal agencies expand operations and residents raise accountability concerns. Housing & Education: Tennessee expanded its Homeownership for Heroes program so K-12 teachers can qualify for down-payment help and lower loan rates. Economy: A new report highlights inflation rising again nationwide, pushing back on claims that it’s mainly a “blue state” problem. Sports & Community: The Tennessee Theatre announced its “Movie Magic” summer lineup, including “Wizard of Oz” and “Independence Day” tied to the 250th anniversary.

DOJ Public Safety Push: The U.S. Department of Justice is launching a nationwide crime initiative modeled on Memphis’ Safe Task Force, aiming to fund and modernize enforcement in large cities; the program comes as the task force faces scrutiny over tactics and use-of-force. Healthcare & Courts: CVS has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s “Fair Rx Act,” which bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies—setting up a major legal fight over access and competition. Local Government & Schools: Knox County School Board leaders urged lawmakers to loosen Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act so districts can review books more holistically, after “Roots” was pulled and later reversed. Community & Neighborhoods: Memphis’ AI Advisory Board on community benefits met its final time on how to spend $3.3 million from xAI tax revenue, with residents pushing for home repairs, healthcare, public safety, and air-quality monitoring. Public Safety in the Streets: Memphis police arrested two alleged gang members and seized guns and drugs during a multi-agency operation. Tennessee Politics & Culture: Republican governors, including Tennessee, are rebranding June with “Nuclear Family Month” instead of Pride, fueling renewed debate over family policy and LGBTQ rights.

Immigration & Courts: The ACLU of Tennessee and the National Immigration Law Center filed a federal class-action to block Tennessee’s HB 1704, arguing it criminalizes people with final removal orders and lets Tennessee enforce “its own crime” without federal control. State Veterans Policy: Gov. Bill Lee signed HB 1635, expanding eligibility for Tennessee veterans cemeteries to include National Guard and reserve members with at least eight years of service. Local Government Watch: Nashville budget scrutiny is heating up over a line item tied to an immigrant advocacy nonprofit, with state and federal leaders weighing in. Energy & Federal Power: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act for a $700 million coal push, including upgrades across multiple states and a new export terminal—Tennessee is named among the beneficiaries. Community & Public Safety: Brentwood issued another warning to a resident over an unauthorized “Rboretum” on city-owned land. Crime & Justice: A Pleasant View woman was arrested after a TBI-led investigation into threats and harassing messages sent to a Tennessee politician and relative. Sports & Entertainment: Sloane Stephens is set to return women’s tennis to Memphis for the Memphis Classic (July 25–Aug. 2).