SUMMARY: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Trump ally, responded cautiously to President Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Memphis to combat crime. Lee initially opposed the deployment, citing a 15% drop in crime and significant local investments in public safety. However, he later stated ongoing coordination with the Trump administration and plans to meet Trump to finalize details, emphasizing cooperation between the guard and local efforts. Local Democratic leaders criticized the move, calling it political theater that ignores Memphis’s progress and urged restoration of federal funding cut by Trump. They expressed concern about the historical and symbolic impact of the deployment.

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SUMMARY: Flags were flown at half-staff nationwide to honor 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk, shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, promoting conservative policies on campuses. Sympathy poured in from politicians and students, though a Middle Tennessee State University employee was fired for inappropriate posts after his death. Former Turning Point Lipscomb VP Isabella Turner highlighted Kirk’s faith and legacy of respectful political discourse. Sen. London Lamar urged canceling future Turning Point events citing safety concerns. Members of Turning Point USA commemorated Kirk, emphasizing his passion, respect, and dedication to dialogue and faith.

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SUMMARY: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a vocal advocate for releasing Jeffrey Epstein documents, voted this week to block an amendment that would have made these files public. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), aimed to direct the Attorney General to release Epstein-related documents and was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act. Blackburn criticized the amendment as a “desperate political stunt” that threatened military pay, accusing Democrats of using the issue for political gain. Despite her vote, Blackburn has repeatedly expressed commitment to exposing Epstein’s associates and combating human trafficking. The amendment was tabled 51-49, with Sen. Bill Hagerty also voting to block it.

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