Tennessee Lookout
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Several dozen clergy members led a protest and vigil for those killed in encounters with immigration agents outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security field office in Nashville in frigid temperatures Friday. Video from photojournalist John Partipilo.
January 30, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Several dozen clergy members led a protest and vigil for those killed in encounters with immigration agents outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security field office in Nashville in frigid temperatures Friday. Video from photojournalist John Partipilo.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files, taking in 180,000 images and 2,000 videos -- by Shauneen Miranda for @statesnewsroom.com DC www.newsfromthestates.com/article/doj-...
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files, taking in 180,000 images and 2,000 videos
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.The release, which in the 3 million pages includes m...
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:51 PM
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files, taking in 180,000 images and 2,000 videos -- by Shauneen Miranda for @statesnewsroom.com DC www.newsfromthestates.com/article/doj-...
Americans feel their health care costs are going up faster than other household expenses, hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s midterm elections, according to a poll by health research organization KFF.
Rising health costs could shift midterm voters toward Democrats, survey shows • Tennessee Lookout
A poll published by the health research organization KFF shows Americans hold President Donald Trump responsible for rising health costs.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Americans feel their health care costs are going up faster than other household expenses, hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s midterm elections, according to a poll by health research organization KFF.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Department of Justice opens civil rights investigation into killing of Alex Pretti minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/30/d...
Department of Justice opens civil rights investigation into killing of Alex Pretti • Minnesota Reformer
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the killing of Minneapolis resident and ICU nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche...
minnesotareformer.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Department of Justice opens civil rights investigation into killing of Alex Pretti minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/30/d...
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Episode 13 is live! This week, we will address Tennessee State University’s decades-long fight for fair funding.
@wpln.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/debt...
@wpln.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/debt...
The Debt: What Tennessee Owes Its HBCU | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Episode 13 is live! This week, we will address Tennessee State University’s decades-long fight for fair funding.
@wpln.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/debt...
@wpln.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/debt...
"For years, state politicians have vehemently said that by God, we do things the Tennessee Way. We don’t need Washington telling us how to act, and we don’t need federal dollars. But now in an about-face, they partner on onerous immigration measures." From Editor @jhollymc.bsky.social
Editor's notebook: Tennessee leadership bends the knee to Washington • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Republican lawmakers usually shun federal solutions but have recently shown a willingness to bend a knee to the White House.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:27 PM
"For years, state politicians have vehemently said that by God, we do things the Tennessee Way. We don’t need Washington telling us how to act, and we don’t need federal dollars. But now in an about-face, they partner on onerous immigration measures." From Editor @jhollymc.bsky.social
After Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave him a shout out, Memphis Mayor Paul Young is finding himself in the uncomfortable position of defending statements he made about local police working with the Department of Homeland Security.
Stockard on the Stump: Memphis mayor claims ICE cooperation only for fighting crime • Tennessee Lookout
After getting a shout out from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Memphis Mayor Paul Young is defending his statements.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:03 PM
After Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave him a shout out, Memphis Mayor Paul Young is finding himself in the uncomfortable position of defending statements he made about local police working with the Department of Homeland Security.
The Trump administration has cut the Federal Emergency Management Agency's ranks over the past year. FEMA lost 2,446 employees between Jan. 1 and June 1, in 2025 — a decrease of 9.5% of the agency’s workforce. From cstephenson.bsky.social.
States reeling from winter storm encounter a smaller FEMA • Tennessee Lookout
States slammed by a deadly winter storm that left hundreds of thousands without power face a slimmed-down Federal Emergency Management Agency.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:53 PM
The Trump administration has cut the Federal Emergency Management Agency's ranks over the past year. FEMA lost 2,446 employees between Jan. 1 and June 1, in 2025 — a decrease of 9.5% of the agency’s workforce. From cstephenson.bsky.social.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
States reeling from winter storm encounter a smaller FEMA
The Trump administration was quick to mobilize initial aid, but it’s not clear how a shrunken agency will handle the long-term recovery costs. @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/s...
The Trump administration was quick to mobilize initial aid, but it’s not clear how a shrunken agency will handle the long-term recovery costs. @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/s...
States reeling from winter storm encounter a smaller FEMA • Tennessee Lookout
States slammed by a deadly winter storm that left hundreds of thousands without power face a slimmed-down Federal Emergency Management Agency.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:25 PM
States reeling from winter storm encounter a smaller FEMA
The Trump administration was quick to mobilize initial aid, but it’s not clear how a shrunken agency will handle the long-term recovery costs. @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/s...
The Trump administration was quick to mobilize initial aid, but it’s not clear how a shrunken agency will handle the long-term recovery costs. @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/s...
Gov. Bill Lee requested an expedited major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump Thursday in hopes of speeding up federal recovery assistance for 23 Tennessee counties most impacted by a massive winter storm. From @cstephenson.bsky.social.
Gov. Lee requests major disaster declaration for FEMA aid for storm that knocked out power for 300K • Tennessee Lookout
Gov. Bill Lee requested an expedited major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump Thursday to speed up federal recovery assistance.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Gov. Bill Lee requested an expedited major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump Thursday in hopes of speeding up federal recovery assistance for 23 Tennessee counties most impacted by a massive winter storm. From @cstephenson.bsky.social.
In Tennessee, payday lender Advance Financial and now-defunct sports betting company Action 247 were owned and operated by the same people. Lawmakers helped ensure both companies could be in the same storefronts.
How Tennessee’s House speaker helped keep a payday lender’s struggling sports gambling company alive • Tennessee Lookout
A now-defunct Tennessee sports betting operation was under investigation. Then, House Speaker Cameron Sexton stepped in.
tennesseelookout.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:21 AM
In Tennessee, payday lender Advance Financial and now-defunct sports betting company Action 247 were owned and operated by the same people. Lawmakers helped ensure both companies could be in the same storefronts.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
College Democrats of North Carolina and students from three universities are suing the North Carolina State Board of Elections over early voting sites for the 2026 primary. Story by @lbonner.bsky.social #ncpol
NC college students sue over lack of campus early voting sites • NC Newsline
College students are suing the N.C. State Board of Elections for eliminating or not considering early voting sites on some college campuses.
ncnewsline.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:16 PM
College Democrats of North Carolina and students from three universities are suing the North Carolina State Board of Elections over early voting sites for the 2026 primary. Story by @lbonner.bsky.social #ncpol
States slammed by a deadly, multiday winter storm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power in bitter cold are looking to a slimmed-down Federal Emergency Management Agency for support. From @cstephenson in partnership with @agwaterdesk.bsky.social.
States reeling from winter storm encounter a smaller FEMA • Tennessee Lookout
States slammed by a deadly, multiday winter storm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power in bitter cold are looking to a slimmed-down Federal Emergency Management Agency for support. ...
tennesseelookout.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:20 PM
States slammed by a deadly, multiday winter storm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power in bitter cold are looking to a slimmed-down Federal Emergency Management Agency for support. From @cstephenson in partnership with @agwaterdesk.bsky.social.
Commentary: Tennessee Republican lawmakers have for years shunned federal solutions, saying there’s a “Tennessee Way” to legislate, but have recently shown a willingness to bend a knee to Washington on onerous anti-immigration measures. From Editor @jhollymc.bsky.social.
Editor's notebook: Tennessee leadership bends the knee to Washington • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Republican lawmakers usually shun federal solutions but have recently shown a willingness to bend a knee to the White House.
tennesseelookout.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Commentary: Tennessee Republican lawmakers have for years shunned federal solutions, saying there’s a “Tennessee Way” to legislate, but have recently shown a willingness to bend a knee to Washington on onerous anti-immigration measures. From Editor @jhollymc.bsky.social.
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
US Senate fails to advance spending package, with partial shutdown looming Friday night • Tennessee Lookout
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown.
tennesseelookout.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:18 PM
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
Tax subsidies for a TV show based in Nashville, a planned automotive campus in West Tennessee and the purchase of a hotel by Memphis officials top an annual list of wasteful government projects published by a Nashville libertarian think tank.
Nashville think tank cites tax incentives for "Nashville 9-1-1" in government waste report • Tennessee Lookout
Tax subsidies for "Nashville 9-1-1," a TV show based in Nashville, topped an annual report on government waste by the Beacon Center.
tennesseelookout.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Tax subsidies for a TV show based in Nashville, a planned automotive campus in West Tennessee and the purchase of a hotel by Memphis officials top an annual list of wasteful government projects published by a Nashville libertarian think tank.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Subscribe to Rundown ’24, your weekly roundup of what's happening across the nation on issues like voting laws, legal challenges facing elected officials and the state of democracy, and more.
via Robin Opsahl of @iowacapitaldispatch.com
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The Rundown | News From The States
The Rundown is your weekly roundup of what's happening across the nation on issues like voting laws, legal challenges facing elected officials and the state of democracy, and more.
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Subscribe to Rundown ’24, your weekly roundup of what's happening across the nation on issues like voting laws, legal challenges facing elected officials and the state of democracy, and more.
via Robin Opsahl of @iowacapitaldispatch.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/newsletter/c...
via Robin Opsahl of @iowacapitaldispatch.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/newsletter/c...
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Continued DEI pushback at colleges and universities
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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The National Guard said Wednesday that soldiers and airmen are continuing to support state, county and local emergency responders in Middle and West Tennessee, including Nashville and Memphis.
National Guard says soldiers deployed for storm aid as Davidson lawmakers request help • Tennessee Lookout
Davidson County lawmakers requested activation of the Tennessee National Guard Wednesday for help with damage caused by Winter Storm Fern.
tennesseelookout.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:42 PM
The National Guard said Wednesday that soldiers and airmen are continuing to support state, county and local emergency responders in Middle and West Tennessee, including Nashville and Memphis.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
For the second time, Ford BlueOval City has made a list of wasteful government spending compiled by a think tank.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Nashville think tank cites tax incentives for “Nashville 9-1-1” in government waste report
Tax subsidies for a TV show based in Nashville, a planned automotive campus in West Tennessee and the purchase of a hotel by Memphis officials top an annual list of wasteful government projects…
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM
For the second time, Ford BlueOval City has made a list of wasteful government spending compiled by a think tank.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
National Guard says soldiers are deployed for storm aid. But Davidson Co lawmakers are requesting more targeted help in hard-hit Nashville, where 100k remain w/o power for a 5th day in freezing temps with little relief in the forecast
tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/n... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/n... @tennesseelookout.com
National Guard says soldiers deployed for storm aid as Davidson lawmakers request help • Tennessee Lookout
Davidson County lawmakers requested activation of the Tennessee National Guard Wednesday for help with damage caused by Winter Storm Fern.
tennesseelookout.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:31 PM
National Guard says soldiers are deployed for storm aid. But Davidson Co lawmakers are requesting more targeted help in hard-hit Nashville, where 100k remain w/o power for a 5th day in freezing temps with little relief in the forecast
tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/n... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/29/n... @tennesseelookout.com
Tennessee’s speaker of the House took steps that allowed the owners of a payday lending company, Advance Financial, to keep using their stores to boost a now-defunct online sports betting enterprise. From @friedmanadam5.bsky.social in partnership with @propublica.org.
How Tennessee’s House speaker helped keep a payday lender’s struggling sports gambling company alive • Tennessee Lookout
A now-defunct Tennessee sports betting operation was under investigation. Then, House Speaker Cameron Sexton stepped in.
tennesseelookout.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Tennessee’s speaker of the House took steps that allowed the owners of a payday lending company, Advance Financial, to keep using their stores to boost a now-defunct online sports betting enterprise. From @friedmanadam5.bsky.social in partnership with @propublica.org.
John Cole’s Tennessee: Constitution dysfunction. Rep. Johnny Garrett, a Goodlettsville Republican who is running for Congress, has proposed a bill that would ban naturalized citizens from running for federal office, a measure that contradicts the U.S. Constitution.
January 28, 2026 at 9:22 PM
John Cole’s Tennessee: Constitution dysfunction. Rep. Johnny Garrett, a Goodlettsville Republican who is running for Congress, has proposed a bill that would ban naturalized citizens from running for federal office, a measure that contradicts the U.S. Constitution.
U.S. Capitol Police investigated a drastic increase in threats against members of Congress and their staffs last year, looking into nearly 15,000 statements, behaviors and communications.
Attack on US Rep. Ilhan Omar follows major uptick in threats against members of Congress • Tennessee Lookout
Attack on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, follows major uptick in threats against members of Congress.
tennesseelookout.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:22 PM
U.S. Capitol Police investigated a drastic increase in threats against members of Congress and their staffs last year, looking into nearly 15,000 statements, behaviors and communications.
Commentary: Tullahoma, a small city on I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga, may seem like an unlikely place for a big First Amendment challenge, but for several years one has played out there — and mid-January brought a victory for free speech among high school students. From Mark Harmon.
Ruling in Tullahoma case upholds free speech protections in Tennessee high schools • Tennessee Lookout
A federa court ruling in a Tullahoma High School student's case against the school is a win for the First Amendment.
tennesseelookout.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Commentary: Tullahoma, a small city on I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga, may seem like an unlikely place for a big First Amendment challenge, but for several years one has played out there — and mid-January brought a victory for free speech among high school students. From Mark Harmon.