Memphis-Shelby County Schools Sue Tennessee

Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the Shelby County Commission, and several MSCS school board members filed a federal lawsuit Thursday challenging a new Tennessee law that gives a new state-appointed oversight board control over the school district.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, names Gov. Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, and seeks an injunction before the nine-member oversight board’s term begins on July 1.

Plaintiffs argue the law unconstitutionally removes the locally elected board’s authority over budgets and superintendent and staff contracts, violating the Fourteenth Amendment and Tennessee Constitution.

Lee’s office defended the state’s investments in Shelby County education. The state-appointed board met for the first time in Nashville hours before the filing.

New Tennessee Laws Take Effect July 1

More than two dozen new Tennessee laws passed by the 114th General Assembly take effect July 1, spanning immigration, education, crime, public safety, and health.

Immigration measures require local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE, restrict the release of enforcement officers’ personal information, and create a Class A misdemeanor for individuals who ignore deportation orders and remain in the state 90 days after being ordered to leave the United States.

New criminal laws make drink spiking a Class D felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison, add penalties for underage vaping and tobacco, and create a coercive-suicide offense.

School-related laws include the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act” requiring instruction on religion’s positive role in history, expanded teacher-student conduct rules, child-trafficking education, and limits on elementary classroom screen time.

A complete list of laws can be found on the Tennessee General Assembly website.

Veterans and Nashville Songwriters Release Father’s Day Tribute

The Nashville nonprofit Songwriting With: Soldiers has released a new song, Daddy’s Son, timed for Father’s Day, written as a tribute to the son of a fallen comrade.

Veterans John “PK” Kelley and Marc Budnik collaborated with Nashville songwriters Jay Clementi and Sean Bode on the track, reflecting the healing power many find in writing music.

The organization has held weekend retreats across the country since 2012, connecting with hundreds of veterans and military families who write songs alongside professional songwriters.

Those recordings are streamed online to reach more veterans and raise civilian awareness of the challenges facing the military community, the group says.

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➤ Germantown: Police responded after a caller reported a lemonade stand operated by two sisters during the city’s Lemonade Stand Day event. The girls were raising money for brain cancer research, after losing their mom in 2022 to brain cancer. Officers found no roadway obstruction, bought lemonade, and allowed the fundraiser to continue. (More)

➤ Maryville: Health inspectors cited two restaurants for food-safety violations and failed both establishments on initial inspections. Officials scheduled follow-up reviews to verify corrective actions and compliance with health regulations. (More)

➤ Wilson County: The Wilson County Planning Commission approved a new master land-use plan that will guide growth and development decisions over the next 20 years. The plan outlines policy goals and future land-use priorities for the county. Supporters said the plan does plenty to protect farmland. (More)

➤ Spring Hill: Emergency crews rescued a dog from a hot vehicle on Thursday after receiving a report about the animal’s condition. Responders removed the dog and evaluated its health as temperatures remained elevated. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Knoxville police said an 89-year-old man died after his truck crashed through a sidewalk barrier and entered the Tennessee River near Neyland Drive. Investigators believe the vehicle unintentionally reversed into the water, and the crash remains under investigation. (More)

➤ Nashville: A new shuttle service will transport concert attendees to and from Nissan Stadium during summer events, providing another travel option for fans. (More)

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➤ The Tennessee Titans signed star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to a record-breaking contract extension on Friday, worth $105.8 million over three years to make him the highest-paid player at his position in league history on a per-year basis. (More)

➤ Former Tennessee baseball star Christian Moore has been recalled from Triple-A by the Los Angeles Angels, giving the former top-10 pick another shot in the majors. (More)

➤ Tennessee golf alum Caleb Surratt was the only former Volunteer to make the cut after Round 2 at the U.S. Open this weekend. Surratt entered the tournament playing alongside two current Vols, the first time in history that the university had sent three golfers to a major championship. (See Leaderboard)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | College World Series | U.S. Open | WNBA

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➤ June is Men’s Health Month and a paramedic with the Oak Ridge Fire Department partnered with Covenant Health to make sure men get the care they need. He urged residents to recognize heart-attack symptoms and call 911 immediately, emphasizing that rapid emergency treatment can improve survival chances and limit permanent heart damage. (More)

➤ Tennessee officials formally designated Gatlinburg as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” recognizing the city’s role as a primary access point for visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (More)

➤ Habitat for Humanity hosted a Kids Day event in McKenzie that introduced children to homebuilding activities and community service while highlighting the organization’s mission of affordable housing and neighborhood development. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A strong market helped retirement savers reach a major milestone. (Hear More)

➤ Washington launched a new UFO task force and promised more answers. (Listen Now)

➤  JD Vance revealed the wardrobe expectations inside President Trump’s White House. (Podcast Available)

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