By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers.
The environment is one of those things that shouldn’t appear to be controversial but often is.
Organizations created to protect the environment — because unclean and impure water and air isn’t just bad for the earth but also create health hazards for humans — clash with industries whose outputs may create pollution that contributes to heart and lung illnesses including aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeat, decreased lung function and heart attacks.
In May, Cassandra Stephenson reported on a study in South Memphis by an environmental group that reported finding high levels of pollution posing health risks. Today, she leads us off with a story about allegations the Shelby County Health Department is making about the study’s integrity.
Also, from Senior Reporter Anita Wadhwani: Trump administration to appeal dismissal of criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Smoke billows from the Valero Energy plant in South Memphis, a neighborhood with industrial plants and one in which residents complain of pollution. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht/Tennessee Lookout)
by Cassandra Stephenson
The Shelby County Health Department has raised questions about the integrity of data behind a May community air monitoring project report that indicated that South Memphis residents are being regularly exposed to unhealthy air pollution.
NEWS AND NOTES
Trump ‘trampled’ voter privacy by feeding info into Homeland Security system, judge says | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
Attorneys Ask Gov. Lee for Reprieve In August Execution. | Memphis Flyer
Ad watch: In the Republican gubernatorial primary, U.S. Rep. John Rose spills the . . . coffee on Starbucks in a new ad. State Rep. Johnny Garrett, who is running for the GOP nomination in the 6th Congressional District, has an ad heavy on baseball imagery.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Former CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger, pictured here with Gov. Bill Lee at an April 4, 2023 charity breakfast, has confirmed he is interested in becoming a U.S. Senator. (Photo: Gov. Bill Lee)
by Adam Friedman
Damon Hininger, the former CEO of Tennessee-based private prison operator CoreCivic, is interested in being Tennessee’s next U.S. senator when the seat opens up. Since 2024, when he chaired the state Republican annual dinner, Hininger has fueled speculation about an entry into politics.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
The Chattanooga Airport Authority has filed suit against the state, joining Nashville’s airport authority in challenging a new state law allowing state lawmakers to appoint members to local airport boards. (Photo: Chattanooga Airport)
by Sam Stockard
The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority joined the city of Chattanooga in suing in a Washington, D.C. federal court, where it is asking the Federal Aviation Administration to recognize the current airport board as it disputes a new Tennessee law giving the state a majority of board appointments.
ICYMI
COMMENTARY
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