Nashville Politics Archives - Nashville Weekly

Controversies and Failures: Tennessee’s Chaotic 2023 Legislative Session

The 2023 legislative session in Tennessee was a tumultuous one. The session started with the revelation of odd social media comments made by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally on thirst-trap posts by a young, gay aspiring superstar. The incident caught national attention and was even spoofed on Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update." However, this was...

State Reconsiders Cannabis-Related Legislation

Every year in the Tennessee General Assembly, cannabis-related legislation is offered and defeated. While this year may be no different, some members of the Republican supermajority are beginning to reconsider their staunch opposition to marijuana. Tennessee would become the first state to legalize medical marijuana usage under legislation proposed by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma). The...

Nashville Parents Rally Over Third-Grade Retention Law

“Our students are more than a test,” chanted parents, educators, Metro Nashville Public School board representatives and community members at a meeting at Woodbine United Methodist Church on Wednesday evening. The event, which was organized by concerned parents and a group called Statewide Organizing for Community Empowerment, was one of several that have been scheduled...

Highlights From The Homeless Memorial, Low Life Expectancy And The Need For Affordable Housing

176 names were read aloud at this year's annual homeless memorial, representing persons who passed away in Nashville after having experienced homelessness. The homeless memorial, which this year was held on December 17, always takes place on or around the winter solstice, the year's longest night. This represents the protracted evenings that people spend in...

Tennessee Legislature Approves Fresh Electoral Maps

On January 24, 2022, Tennessee lawmakers gave fresh electoral maps ultimate approval for the Senate and the state’s congressional districts. The map will divide Davidson County in Tennessee into three congressional districts in what will be a major development. The Democratic Party stronghold had secured a reliably Democratic fifth Congressional District in Tennessee for generations,...

Governor Lee Faces Lawsuit From Nashville Scene’s Parent Company

Tennessee is facing a lawsuit from FW Publishing, the parent company of Nashville Scene, and Scene reporter Stephen Elliott. A Nashville Scene reporter, Elliott also serves as the interim editor at the Nashville Post, which the Scene describes as its sister publication. FW Publishing and Elliott have named Juan Williams, the Commission of the Department...

Tennessee Teacher Terminated Over Racism Discussion Gets Support

Matthew Hawn, a teacher from Sullivan County, got terminated for teaching on racism in modern issues. Hawn’s story has gotten national coverage in the last few months. Sullivan Central High School terminated Hawn from his employment position after the law against critical race theory became effective in Tennessee. On December 14, 2021, Hawn appealed...

Legislature Passes Coronavirus Bills Despite Concerns

At the end of a special legislative session, lawmakers in Tennessee passed a set of bills. They also limited the coronavirus authorities of private businesses and local governments, allowed elections of partisan school boards and warned Glenn Funk, Davison County’s District Attorney. The Tennessee Legislature used its preferred secrecy measures as it debated the draft...

Parler To Bring Its Head Office To Nashville

Social networking company Parler is moving its main office to an unknown place in Nashville city. For the uninitiated, Parler is a social media brand that has turned into a popular product among conservative users who seek less regulation over the content they can publish. It is unclear whether Parler will make the move to...

Employee Accuses Ramsey Solutions Of Firing Her For Being A Lesbian

Julie Anne Stamps used to work as a successful customer care executive for Ramsey Solutions as she started reconciling herself to her sexuality. Back then, Stamps was married, but she stated that she had been struggling with her sexual identity since her middle school days. In the past, she was prepared to live more...