The Trump administration has requested $58 million from Congress to bolster security for the executive and judicial branches following the assassination of political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, NBC News reports. The request said the funds would go to the U.S. Marshals Service to provide additional protective services for Supreme Court justices. While the administration supported using money for members of Congress, it deferred to lawmakers on how to manage that spending. Kirk’s death has raised concerns in both major parties, as a growing number of political figures have been targeted, attacked and killed in recent years. In response, several politicians have postponed rallies and canceled outdoor events.

Early voting begins today in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special primary, a crowded race to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, Axios Nashville reports. The district stretches from downtown Nashville through western Davidson County to Clarksville and several rural counties. Eleven Republicans and four Democrats are on the ballot, including state lawmakers Jody Barrett, Gino Bulso and Lee Reeves on the Republican ticket and Aftyn Behn, Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell on the Democratic. Early voting runs through Oct. 2, and the primary election is set for Oct. 7.

Mississippi lawyer Brian Henry Neely was reinstated to the practice of law on Sept. 11. The Tennessee Supreme Court reports that Neely had been on inactive status since April 19, 2012. The Board of Professional Responsibility found that Neely’s petition for reinstatement was satisfactory, and he had met all requirements for reinstatement.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Sept. 16 suspended Connecticut lawyer Wesley Shelman Spears from the practice of law in this state for one year. The suspension will be served consecutive to a two-year suspension Spears is currently subject to, according to a press release from the court. The court took the action after the State of Connecticut Superior Court imposed a one-year suspension on Spears on April 3. The Tennessee court notes that it gave Spears the opportunity to explain why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed but he did not respond to the request.

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The Americans for Prosperity Foundation and 99.7 WTN on Sept. 5 hosted a hosted a debate with four top Republican candidates — State Reps. Lee Reeves, Gino Bulso and Jody Barrett, and Matt Van Epps — who are vying to fill the 7th Congressional District seat vacated by Mark Green in June. The Nashville Banner reports that Bulso, an attorney in Williamson County, said during the debate, “You want us not to simply agree with President Trump on everything. I’m going to do that because I think President Trump is a generational leader unlike we’ve ever seen before.” The Tennessean published photos from the event.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order delaying a ban on TikTok for a fourth time. The Hill reports that this extension pushes back the deadline to enforce a law — which requires TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to divest from the app or face a ban on U.S. networks and app stores — until Dec. 16. An earlier extension was set to expire Wednesday. On Monday, the administration announced it had reached a "framework" deal during trade talks with Chinese officials.

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga will honor Judge Curtis Collier, among others, at the Second Annual Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on Nov. 8. The gala "celebrates those whose contributions have not only uplifted the community but have also fostered a spirit of resilience and unity," according to the center's website. Appointed in 1995, Collier made history as the first African American U.S. district judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Center officials told Chattanoogan.com that "proceeds from the gala will directly benefit the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Education Program, which provides dynamic learning opportunities for students, educators and the community through exhibitions, field trips, lectures and outreach initiatives." Read more about this year's honorees under the "Events" tab and get ticket information.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti recently announced that Tennessee has joined a coalition of 25 states in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging it to strike down a Massachusetts firearm licensing requirements for nonresidents. “No American should ever face criminal charges for simply exercising their constitutional rights while traveling,” the group argues. The brief supports a challenge to a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that upheld the state’s license-to-carry regime, even when applied to law-abiding out-of-state travelers. Read more in a press release from the AG’s office.

Adams & Reese recently announced the addition of Holt Whitt to its Government Relations team in the firm's Nashville office. Whitt will serve as an advisor within the Intersection of Business & Government (IBG) practice group. Whitt has over 15 years of experience in state government, including most recently as the assistant commissioner for legislative affairs for the Tennessee Department of Health. “Holt is a home run hire for our Government Relations Team in Tennessee,” said Brad Lampley, IBG practice group leader and partner in Nashville. “[He] has built a career as a long-trusted advisor, leader and go-to resource in both the executive and legislative branches, and he will be an outstanding partner to our clients.” Adams & Reese also has offices in Memphis and Chattanooga, as well as nine other states and Washington, D.C. Read more in a press release from the firm.