The Tennessee Flyover
A federal lawsuit filed Friday seeks to block Tennessee’s new human smuggling law, which criminalizes “harboring” illegal immigrants.                 
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Top Stories

Article Icon 1Lawsuit Targets TN Smuggling Statute

A new federal lawsuit seeks to block Tennessee’s new human smuggling law, which criminalizes harboring illegal immigrants. 

The law, set to take effect July 1, could charge landlords, churches, or family members with felonies for offering shelter. Plaintiffs are seeking an injunction before the law kicks in. 

Plaintiffs, including a Lutheran church and civil rights groups, argue it violates federal immigration authority and is too vague.

Supporters say it targets traffickers, but critics warn it encourages fearmongering. 

Article Icon 1President Trump OKs Disaster Aid

President Trump approved federal disaster relief for nine Tennessee counties hit by deadly April storms, unlocking FEMA aid for people and local governments.

The storms killed 10 people and caused over $26 million in public damages, plus millions more in private losses.

FEMA will cover 75% of eligible public recovery costs, but the rest will be covered by the state and local entities.

With 18 major disasters in five years, Gov. Bill Lee says state resources are stretched thin. Find information about applying for FEMA aid here.

Article Icon 1Crockett Statue Set for 2026 Capitol Debut

Tennessee plans to unveil a bronze statue of frontiersman Davy Crockett outside the State Capitol by fall 2026, just ahead of the next gubernatorial inauguration.

The $1 million project replaces a statue of Edward Carmack, a segregationist figure removed during 2020 protests. 

Crockett, already honored with a Capitol bust, served in Congress and died at the Alamo in 1836. Officials say the statue highlights a more unifying state icon.

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The Flyover

The Grid Can’t Handle AI—But This $6 Company Might

AI is booming.

But there’s a growing problem no one wants to admit: our infrastructure isn’t ready for it

The U.S. grid is already stretched thin. In many states, upgrades are decades overdue. Now layer on thousands of energy-hungry AI data centers — and it’s a recipe for blackouts, water shortages, and failure.¹

In fact, just this month, Bloomberg reported that AI data centers are draining millions of gallons of water from drought-prone areas in the U.S.⁹

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is taking the opposite approach—investing $100 billion to build ultra-modern AI power hubs that run on next-gen energy tech.

The U.S. needs a breakthrough. That’s where Next Thing Technologies comes in.

They’re the first American company⁹ to develop an industry-disruptive¹ sodium-ion battery pack built to power AI infrastructure at scale.¹

Why it matters:

  • Sodium is 1,400× more abundant than lithium
  • Batteries are projected to be up to 60% cheaper
  • They’re safer and scalable¹

Over 7,800 investors have already backed them with $7M+

You can still invest in their pre-IPO round at just $6/share⁴ — and get up to 20% bonus shares

The company’s share offering price has increased by 209% since its first funding round, which sold out completely.²

This opportunity won’t stay under the radar much longer…⁴

And the next time you hear about it, it may be too late to get it for just $6/share.

👉Click here to invest before it’s too late.

Around Tennessee

➤ Statewide: Only 47% of eligible Northeast Tennessee homeowners have applied for state property tax relief after Hurricane Helene, leaving $3.5 million unclaimed with less than one week left before the June 30 deadline. (More)

➤ Also statewide: Eight more Tennessee State Parks have added adult-sized, height-adjustable changing tables, bringing the total to 18 parks equipped with them to better serve visitors with disabilities and their caregivers. (More)

➤ Rhea County: A teacher with multiple disabilities is suing the school district after being fired, alleging she was harassed, falsely reported as a threat, and forced out after seeking accommodations for chronic health issues. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Tennessee Supreme Court will hear the Southern Baptist Convention’s appeal in a defamation suit claiming a committee inquiry damaged reputations and cost job opportunities. The SBC argues the claims fall under religious freedom protections. (More)

➤ Clinton: The Tennessee Valley Authority will soon implode the stacks at the retired Bull Run Fossil Plant, coordinating with multiple agencies for safety, restricting public access, and temporarily closing nearby roads during the demolition. (See Video)

➤ Pigeon Forge: The historic Old Mill Bridge has reopened after months of repairs that were delayed by flood damage. Originally slated for April, the $1.3 million project restored a key traffic route and local landmark near the city’s popular mill and shops. (See Bridge)
Tennessee Carolina Sports

➤ Seven pitchers from UT-Knoxville entered the transfer portal on Monday, bringing their total down to 16 for next season. For reference, the Vols rostered 30 pitchers during the 2025 season. (More)

➤ Music City Miracles kicked off its All-Quarter Century Team series with a fan poll for Tennessee Titans quarterback, featuring stars like Steve McNair, Vince Young, Marcus Mariota, and Ryan Tannehill as nominees. (See Voting Details)

➤ Jordan Thomas, the No. 2-ranked adaptive golfer in the world, made history as the first double-amputee to qualify for the Tennessee State Amateur, nearly 20 years after losing both legs in a boating accident. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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Tennessee Business

➤ St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Knoxville purchased a $10.6 million lot at Church Avenue and Walnut Street for accessible parking, where a nine-story Hilton hotel had been planned. (See Video)

➤ Business owners at Oak Court Mall in Memphis say they’ve seen a significant drop in business since the announcement several months ago that the mall was being torn down for redevelopment, and want people to know they’re still open for business. (More)

➤ Gallatin’s Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend the city council adopt a scaled-down Foxland Harbor Marina plan, including 112 condos, 200 boat slips, and retail shops. (See Photos)

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AI is already overwhelming our energy grid¹—and Big Tech knows it.¹⁰ That’s why they’re racing¹⁰ to find cheaper, scalable battery solutions.

Next Thing Technologies has developed a sodium-ion battery that’s safer, cheaper, and in the U.S. — and it could quietly become the backbone of America’s AI infrastructure.¹

Over 7,800 investors have already contributed more than $7M

You can still get in at just $6/share, with bonus shares for larger investments.⁴

This isn’t another AI stock. It’s the energy behind the movement.¹

👉 Learn more and secure your stake

Et Cetera

➤ Roane State professor Ted Stryk was honored with an asteroid, Tedstryk, named after him for his crucial image processing work on NASA’s New Horizons mission. (More)

➤ Monika Ilicic, a recent Middle Tennessee State University grad, is representing the U.S. at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, where she guides visitors at the U.S. Pavilion and interprets in Japanese. (More)

➤ Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge is offering $29.95 tickets through July 31 to public employees, including military, first responders, teachers, and medical staff as part of Public Employee Appreciation Days. (See Details)

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The Poll

Who would you name an asteroid after?

  1. My mom
  2. My childhood pet
  3. My favorite teacher
  4. Myself
  5. Other

 

Previous Results:

How are you keeping cool during the heat wave?

  1. Blasting the A/C: 29%
  2. Hydration is key: 23%
  3. Other: 17%
  4. Staying poolside: 16%
  5. My daily popsicle: 15%
North Carolina Trivia

On the banks of what Tennessee body of water was David “Davy” Crockett born?

Show me the answer

Please refer to our full Disclosures page [http://www.nextthing.tech/email-disclosure] to see important information regarding the statements made herein, sometimes identified by superscript numbers (¹, ², etc.). Forward-looking statements, performance and progress claims (cost, safety, longevity), and market data are speculative estimates based on current assumptions, involve risks, and are not guaranteed. Past performance does not predict future results, specific data requires verification, third-party mentions are informational only, and offer terms may change without notice. Investing involves risks, including loss of principal. Please read the Offering Circular [http://edgar.secdatabase.com/61/121390024095418/filing-main.htm] before investing. Rainmaker Ad Ventures is paid by Next Thing Technologies for promoting their securities offering. Payment is in cash and billed monthly. As of the end of May, Rainmaker has received $13,800. Additional fees may have accrued since then.
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