What are we calling hot weather this year?

Well, it was a hot weekend and as heat advisories roll out across the Southeast, we’re reminded that the past few years, a new term gets field tested in the media to describe what most people just describe as a heat wave. Last year, it was heat dome, which seems to have sticking power this year. The year before, it was wet bulb temperatures. Not sure if we’ll be updating the terminology this year, but we’ll keep you posted if new language rolls out so you can stay up to code.

Speaking of heat, the battle between the federal government and state/local governments over the Trump administration’s effort to enforce federal immigration laws continues. Of local concern, Megan’s got details on famed human trafficker Abrego Garcia below. On Friday, Heather Mac Donald published a story in the WSJ laying out how sanctuary cities operate, focusing in particular on the protests that roiled Los Angeles two weeks ago.

One incident not reported by LAPD to the media for fear of violating Los Angeles’s sanctuary city policy involved a mob of several dozen surrounding two ICE agents in a van apprehending an illegal alien. The mob successfully removed the detained man from the vehicle and fled the scene. ICE vehicles do not have sirens, so the ensuing pursuit was fruitless. 

Mac Donald’s story quotes an LAPD commander who told her, “It would be safer if we could work with ICE.” Mac Donald’s reporting completely undermines the “most peaceful” narrative surrounding the riots.  

Meanwhile, back in Nashville, the Banner obtained footage from ICE’s operation in Nashville at the beginning of May. The video depicts a state trooper “taking over” a traffic stop made by an MNPD officer. The local officer seems taken aback by the interaction and reports the incident to his superior. Both Metro and MNPD continue to maintain that local police do not and will not assist in immigration enforcement efforts. DAVIS HUNT

🖋️ Edited by Megan Podsiedlik.

🚨 Abrego Garcia Cut Loose, Kinda Yesterday, the federal magistrate judge for Middle District of Tennessee, Barbara Holmes, denied the Department of Justice’s request to jail Kilmar Abrego Garcia until he faces trial for human smuggling. Abrego Garcia made national headlines after being deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison in March, only to be sent back to America to face criminal charges. Though the opinion allows the high profile defendant to be released on bail, it’s likely he will be detained.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could take him into custody. The conditions of his release will be discussed during a hearing this Wednesday, and the U.S. government has already filed a motion to appeal the decision. Abrego Garcia pleaded not guilty to the smuggling charges for transporting nine undocumented immigrants back in 2022.

🏥 VUMC Staff Cuts Vanderbilt University Medical Center may lay off as many as 650 employees due to funding cuts. According to the Banner, VUMC CEO Jeff Balser announced the cuts in a video sent out to staff on Friday. VUMC told News 2 that the medical center is reducing its workforce and operating costs by more than $300 million in response to “budgetary actions in Washington, DC, related to government-sponsored research and patient care.” 

Though there is no set time frame, layoffs began in April. The Tennessean reported that a total of 587 positions will be permanently cut by June 27. In a statement made by VUMC Chief Communications Officer John Howser, the staffing reductions are primarily in the areas of research, administrative positions, and support staff.

🎉 Sexton Teases A Special Announcement Two weeks ago, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton hinted that there might be a “big announcement” during his 5th Annual Burgers & Brews event in August. Some have speculated that he may be running for governor, but political commentator Steve Gill doesn’t think so. During yesterday’s Nashville in Focus segment on Fox 17, Gill said it’s far more likely that the announcement includes a special guest speaker and is focused on maintaining his position as Speaker of the House.

That said, the field has opened up for ambitious politicians in Tennessee. Not only is Governor Lee vacating the executive office, U.S Representative John Rose says he will not pursue another term in Congress as he focuses on his gubernatorial campaign. U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is also eyeing the governorship. If she becomes Tennessee’s next governor, that would free up her Senate seat. Mark Green’s Congressional seat in District 7 will also be up for grabs once he officially resigns from his position in the coming months.