The Tri-Star State

Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, wants the legislature to remove a Nashville judge for doing her job — making a ruling. If successful, lawyers say it will create a chilling effect.

This week, the Tennessee General Assembly moved through a bill that would limit the participation of transgender students in sporting teams. Meanwhile, Republicans in the senate want to ban student-athletes' protests during the national anthem. We explain how these proposals could end up in the courts.  

Also on this episode: House Education Administration Committee Chairman Mark White explains why he supports a bill that would allow the governor to force schools to reopen.

The Tennessee General Assembly is back this week after shutting down due to inclement weather.

On the docket for their comeback: Gov. Bill Lee’s constitutional carry proposal. We break down what else to expect.

Also in this episode: An interview with Joe Woolley, the CEO of the Nashville LGBT Chamber. He says corporations across the state will unite to fight the slate of anti-LGBT measures in the Tennessee General Assembly.

The Tennessee legislature is considering a bill that would limit the participation of transgender athlete’s in sports team. We break down why Republicans are pushing for it. Also on this episode: Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, explains why her caucus will fight the GOP-introduced bills.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton has been reelected to the position and, once again, he is in the middle of controversy. 

The Crossville Republican now has to deal with members of his own party being investigated by the FBI. WPLN’s politics reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán sat down with him to chat about the latest developments. 

Also on this episode: We break down some of the measures expected to be debated this year.

For the first time, the person in charge of the Tennessee Democratic Party will be a Black leader.

Hendrell Remus was elected earlier this month. He will now be in charge of the party’s strategy to win more seats in the state legislature — a task that has not been easy in the last decade.

Remus talks with WPLN’s Political Reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán about his approach to accomplish this.

Also in this episode: We break down how Tennessee Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty have voted during the confirmations of President Biden’s cabinet picks.

Underpinning the Jan. 6 insurrection was a slew of conspiracy theories about election fraud, even after the courts repeatedly struck down almost every attempt to call votes into question.  

These false claims were shared extensively by former President Donald Trump and members of the GOP in Tennessee, as well as conservative local leaders. WPLN’s Ambriehl Crutchfield talked to some of them. 

Also on this episode: a recap of the legislative special session on education.

The first week of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly is on the books. Lawmakers debated and passed an agreement for TennCare’s block grant. But, what happens now? 

Also on this episode: an interview with Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.

The Tennessee General Assembly goes back into session on Tuesday — just days after FBI agents raided the homes and offices of three House GOP members. Also on this episode: an interview with Senate Speaker Randy McNally.

The clock is ticking — we are just hours away from Election Day. Over a million people in Tennessee has already voted early or by mail.

But, many more are expected to cast their ballots this Tuesday. And as Tennesseans get ready to make this happen, WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán shares some information for your vote to count.