AGP Executive Report

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).

Rural Health Funding: Tennessee State Sen. Ken Yager met with rural mayors and the Governor’s Office to help communities prepare for the Tennessee’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a roughly $1 billion, five-year push aimed at improving healthcare access and infrastructure in underserved counties. Higher Ed Costs: Middle Tennessee State University posted public comment notice for proposed 2026-27 tuition and fee increases—4.5% for tuition and 5.27% for fees—with trustees set to consider the plan June 16. Legal Accountability: A federal judge sanctioned a Memphis law firm for AI misuse in a malpractice case, ordering reimbursement of costs and reporting the misconduct to Tennessee’s disciplinary counsel. Housing & Health: A Memphis-area report highlights ongoing renter harm from sewage backups, with advocates urging tenants to document problems in writing and seek legal help before breaking leases. Public Safety & Crime: A new study says the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. has done little for violent crime despite spending, as troop numbers are set to rise this summer. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data spotlights local facilities’ Q1 2026 performance, including Mckendree Post Acute & Rehabilitation in Davidson County and Sevierville Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sevier County.

Water Infrastructure: Chattanooga City Council approved a $3.5 million water main for Raccoon Mountain, ending years of residents hauling water from hydrants, creeks, or stores. Public Safety & Justice: TBI says a cybertip led to the arrest of former Weakley County 911 dispatcher Christopher John Gertsch on child sexual exploitation charges after he allegedly uploaded CSAM to Snapchat. Legal Aid: West Tennessee Legal Services highlighted a busy spring, including Vanderbilt law student work at an expungement clinic and renter’s rights workshops. TVA Governance: Two TVA directors’ terms are set to expire, but replacements are uncertain, leaving the board short of a quorum risk if Congress and the Trump administration can’t act. Local Transportation: Farragut approved a bid for a new traffic signal at Jamestowne Boulevard and Campbell Station Road, with crosswalks and coordinated timing. Higher Education: University of Memphis trustees voted to raise tuition and mandatory fees for all students to offset rising costs and reduced state funding. Workplace Policy: Tennessee’s noncompete rules are in focus as lawmakers and employers adjust to the new limits. Culture & Community: A Memphis-area woman is featured in the new season of PBS’s “Opportunity Knocks,” spotlighting financial coaching and personal transformation.

Chattanooga Appointments: Mayor Tim Kelly named Erica Collins as the city’s new chief human resources officer, tasking her with strengthening hiring and workforce systems after a Work for America review found Chattanooga fills open roles in about 35 days. LGBTQ+ Politics: A new Gallup poll shows support for same-sex marriage has flattened and is slipping among Republicans, even as Democrats and independents stay largely steady—fueling fresh state-level fights. Memorial Day: UT Martin’s Memorial Day commemoration featured retired Army Col. John Cooper, who urged Tennesseans to remember fallen service members and their families. Memphis Redistricting: Memphis leaders held a town hall on Tennessee’s congressional map changes, with organizers pushing voter registration, education, and turnout as legal challenges continue. Public Health (Nursing Homes): CMS data highlighted multiple Cumberland and Monroe County facilities’ staffing and ratings, including Good Samaritan Society–Fairfield Glade’s 4-star overall score and Jefferson County Nursing Home’s 4-star rating. Statewide Legal/Policy: Tennessee’s “Nuclear Family Month” controversy continued after Rep. Andy Ogles apologized for a homophobic post tied to the June proclamation. Local Sports & Community: Dyersburg State Community College held its 56th commencement, while local coverage also spotlighted area athletes and nursing home quality updates.

Redistricting & Elections: Middle Tennessee GOP lawmakers weighed Tennessee’s new congressional map and the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s Callais decision, including how Memphis was absorbed into multiple districts and what that means for voter cards and representation. Public Safety & Justice: Wilson County indicted two people tied to an alleged narcotics distribution ring after a multi-agency investigation, including claims of hundreds of grams of cocaine, seized firearms, and cash proceeds. Healthcare Accountability: Erlanger Medical Center fired a nurse anesthetist after fentanyl theft went undetected by the hospital’s AI drug-monitoring system, triggering a Tennessee Board of Nursing consent order. State Politics & Culture Wars: Tennessee GOP Rep. Andy Ogles reignited Pride-month controversy by saying homosexuality has “no place in America,” as Tennessee and other states promote “Nuclear Family Month” instead. Policy & Planning: Wilson County planning commissioners discussed a new 2045 Master Land Use Plan, stressing it’s advisory and that zoning rules still control what happens on the ground. Community Events: Chattanooga rolled out the full America 250 schedule, including a 500-drone show and major July riverfront festivities. Transportation: TDOT scheduled concrete repairs on I-24 East near Germantown Road with lane closures across two weekends.

AI & Capital Markets: Anthropic, maker of Claude, confidentially filed for an IPO with the SEC, signaling a major next step in the AI funding race as it seeks to go public after review. Tech Policy: A federal “NO FAKES Act of 2026” heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee, aiming to curb unauthorized AI deepfakes of voices and likenesses, with Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn among key backers. Tennessee Business & Incentives: Starbucks is investing $100 million in a Nashville corporate hub, touting Tennessee’s tax climate as a draw. Local Growth & Housing: A Knoxville-focused piece argues that even as the region’s economy and population surge, residents feel squeezed by affordability, development, and traffic—raising questions about how much growth to slow. LGBTQ+ Climate: A new index ranks states on LGBTQ+ business and policy conditions as acceptance declines nationally, with Illinois highlighted among the better states. Public Safety/Justice: A court filing says “Chud the Builder” is still seeking return of a seized truck, claiming it was held without legal justification. Education & Books: Knox County school leaders revisit Tennessee’s book review law after the “Roots” controversy, with board members calling for clearer standards.

Tennessee Politics & Policy: Gov. Bill Lee’s office unveiled new “Welcome to Tennessee” interstate signs with a vintage look and the governor’s name, part of a $5 million TDOT initiative plus $165 million for rest areas and welcome centers. Public Safety & Health: A Tennessee nursing board order says Erlanger Baroness’ AI medication monitoring system failed to flag months of fentanyl theft by a nurse, raising fresh questions about how hospitals use AI for drug diversion. LGBTQ+ Rights & Economy: Out Leadership’s 2026 index again ranks Tennessee near the bottom for LGBTQ+ inclusion, citing 36 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year and warning of business climate costs. Higher Education Oversight: The U.S. Department of Education is preparing a new accreditation-focused entity, aiming to increase competition in how colleges and universities are reviewed. State Regulation: Tennessee’s finalized rules set up major impacts for hemp shops as a July 1 THC/THCA ban takes effect. Community & Grants: TDHS opened applications for the 2026-2027 Family First Community Grant, targeting about $4 million for non-profits helping low-income families reach economic stability. Local Government & Tech: Wilson County and DTC Communications are deploying a large public Wi-Fi network for the Tennessee State Fair and ag center.

Federal Policy: U.S. lawmakers are pushing to make daylight saving time permanent, advancing a measure that would let states opt in for year-round DST. Healthcare Oversight: Tennessee’s nursing board says an Erlanger nurse stole fentanyl, and it raises new questions about whether AI drug-monitoring software can catch diversion when it matters. LGBTQ+ Climate: A new national index finds the “best place” for gay people is increasingly a ZIP-code issue, with acceptance declining in many states. Environment & Cleanup: After decades of river restoration, fish and mussels are returning to some waterways—but new threats are already looming. Public Safety & Courts: Tennessee voters are set to consider a constitutional change that would expand when judges can deny bail in certain serious cases. Local Governance: Nashville and other Tennessee communities are grappling with data-center growth, including rules aimed at costs, neighborhoods, and infrastructure impacts. NASCAR: Denny Hamlin won the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway after a rain-delayed race and a late surge.

Nashville Housing: Eastpoint Neighborhood broke ground as the city’s largest affordable housing project, aiming to serve households earning $20,000 to $80,000 with parks, childcare, and retail. Education Oversight: Memphis’ Whitehaven STEM Center remains unused for instruction months after its ribbon-cutting, with a state forensic audit questioning how the project was managed and funded. Hemp Regulation: Tennessee finalized rules that will make THCA and other hemp products illegal to sell starting July 1, as the Alcoholic Beverage Commission moves to enforce the ban. Voting Rights & Gerrymandering: A Supreme Court ruling gutting Voting Rights Act protections is driving new redistricting fights across the South, with Tennessee cited among states reshaping minority representation. Sports & Local Life: The Cracker Barrel 400 kicks off the second half of NASCAR’s season at Nashville Superspeedway, with TV coverage on Amazon Prime Video. Public Safety: Tennessee and regional coverage also highlighted ongoing concerns around online safety and child protections, including support for the Kids Online Safety Act.

Cybersecurity Breach: A new wave of healthcare cyberattacks has put millions at risk, with hackers exposing Social Security numbers and medical records at multiple providers, including Tennessee’s Tri-Cities Gastroenterology. Local Governance: A Nashville Metro Council resolution is set for June 2 that would push to remove NES CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin after the utility’s winter storm response drew heavy criticism. Elections & Voting Rights: Courts have dismissed challenges to Tennessee’s new congressional map, keeping the current lines in place as the redistricting fight continues nationwide. Public Safety & Justice: Tennessee’s botched execution of Tony Carruthers is reigniting debate over the state’s death-penalty process, with attorneys pressing for a pause amid concerns about lethal injection failures. State Politics & Policy: Tennessee is also moving ahead on new rules for hemp and vape products, adding to the state’s broader regulatory push. Sports & Community: Vanderbilt’s men’s basketball spending in 2024 drew scrutiny after figures showed it far exceeded the Tennessee state average.

Elections & Voting Rights: The U.S. Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for alleged noncitizens close to elections, a move voting-rights groups warn could disenfranchise eligible Tennesseans and others nationwide. Criminal Justice: Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy filed an emergency lawsuit to block two Tennessee laws tied to the Memphis Safe Task Force, arguing they violate prosecutorial independence and micromanage his office. State Politics: A Center Square report says Sen. Brent Taylor expects Mulroy’s challenge to fail, framing the reporting rules as a way to route cases to federal prosecutors when there’s a federal nexus. Local Governance: Knox County Schools reversed a “Roots” book ban after backlash, reinstating the novel to library shelves. Public Safety & Crime: Memphis received $1.031M for youth violence prevention programming, while a separate case saw a Tennessee man arrested in connection with a fatal Illinois road-work crash. Agriculture Security: A UF/IFAS survey found strong regional support for tougher rules to prevent pests and diseases from disrupting food systems.

First Amendment & Privacy: USA TODAY Network reporters won an AEJMC First Amendment Award, highlighting press-freedom fights including coverage tied to Tennessee’s open-records dispute over immigration. Legal/AG Action: Tennessee’s AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail, arguing it’s an unauthorized surveillance system that threatens Americans’ financial privacy. Memphis Civil Rights: The ACLU asked a court for a preliminary injunction to stop alleged retaliation against people recording the Memphis Safe Task Force, targeting use of Tennessee’s “Halo Law.” Public Safety & Schools: Franklin Police added a new Victim Services coordinator; in Mississippi, a substitute teacher was arrested on child pornography charges while local officials emphasized student safety. Childcare Access: Nashville was selected for a national early-childhood leadership initiative aimed at expanding childcare support and cutting outdated permitting barriers. Redistricting Fallout: Tennessee lawmakers continue to grapple with the post–Voting Rights Act landscape as states redraw maps; Louisiana’s new congressional map eliminates a majority-Black district after a Supreme Court ruling. Federal Funding for Violence Prevention: Memphis groups PURE Academy and Heal 901 split $1.031M for youth violence prevention. Energy & Industry: Orano requested NRC approval to build a uranium enrichment facility near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as TVA leaders defend affordable power amid data-center growth.

NBA Draft Lottery Reform: The NBA board voted 29-1 to overhaul the draft lottery starting with the 2027 draft, expanding it from 14 to 16 teams and using a new “3-2-1” system plus tougher anti-tanking rules—Memphis’ Grizzlies were the lone “no.” Memphis Politics & Courts: A shoplifting citation against Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman was dismissed in court, with records citing the case and costs being dropped. Public Safety & Justice: A federal judge ordered Pooh Shiesty’s father released from Texas custody in a case tied to an alleged kidnapping and robbery plot involving Gucci Mane. Tennessee Education & Crime: A White House High School band director was arrested and charged with statutory rape after an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student; he was removed and facing termination. Local Governance: Memphis leaders held a forum urging residents to stay engaged as redistricting litigation and map changes continue to reshape representation. Community & Heritage: Hartsville’s historic train depot restoration is getting continued support, with an open house fundraiser set for May 31.

Redistricting Fight: A federal judge dismissed the Tennessee NAACP lawsuit targeting the new congressional map that splits Memphis into three districts, clearing the way for primaries to proceed while more legal challenges remain pending. Public Safety & Civil Liberties: A Memphis anti-crime taskforce tied to Trump and ordered by Gov. Bill Lee is accused by an ACLU filing of intimidating community observers, including alleged surveillance and “cowboy tactics,” as the U.S. Marshals declined comment. Health Care & Courts: Eli Lilly sued Nashville pastor Rev. Jerry Maynard II over a claimed $200 million GLP-1 drug rebate fraud scheme, alleging DrugPlace sold medication on the secondary market instead of rebating it as promised. State Human Services: Tennessee opened applications for its 2026-27 Families First Community Grant Program, with about $4 million for nonprofits helping low-income families move toward self-sufficiency. Local Government: Roane County Executive Wade Creswell says the state Comptroller’s Office launched a criminal investigation into the Cumberland Utility District, raising questions for the water provider’s board and oversight. Tennessee Politics & Elections: Separate reporting highlights voters’ unease in sprawling new districts as election lines continue to face court scrutiny.

Tennessee Redistricting: A federal judge refused to block Tennessee’s new congressional map, dealing another setback to challengers after earlier state court losses; the fight now heads toward a three-judge panel review, with Shelby County’s Black-majority representation still at the center of the dispute. Elections & Voting Rights: Separate court rulings also dismissed NAACP and other lawsuits targeting the map, citing issues like standing and sovereign immunity. Public Safety & Courts: Defense attorneys for death row inmate Tony Carruthers say Tennessee’s botched execution attempt exposed serious flaws in lethal-injection procedures, calling for a statewide pause while litigation continues. Local Government: Shelby County commissioners are set to vote on reallocating about $18 million to the Sheriff’s Office, including $16 million for overtime, as budget and fund-balance concerns remain a flashpoint. Education Funding: Hickman County Schools faces cuts of 14 positions as budget negotiations stall, raising the specter of further reductions. Sports & International: Netherlands World Cup squad news includes Memphis Depay’s return and Jeremie Frimpong’s omission.