As we celebrate the 4th of July, we are celebrating the idea of our country- The one encapsulating sentence in the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." These words are the building blocks of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Director of the Free Speech Center at MTSU Ken Paulson says, "Think about this, a nation that said to its people, you can say whatever you want, you can pray freely, you can write whatever you want, and other things." But today Paulson says we are not the perfect union first generation Americans strived for. "Our nation is not in a harmonious place right now, but if we embrace true liberty, true listening, true free speech, if we embrace these principles for real without the hypocrisy that is so common, we get fixed."

Paulson says today's use and view of Free Speech has become "Free speech for me, but not for thee." He says , "the documents are still there, we just forgot how to use it. "

 

Watch full shows Fridays 7pm on The Spot 28: over the air channel 28 or Comcast 1028. Stream it live on newschannel5.com/live3, or through NewsChannel 5 Now app through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.
Available Fridays at 7:30pm Central Time at:
https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics

 

 

As we celebrate the 4th of July, we are celebrating the idea of our country- The one encapsulating sentence in the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." These words are the building blocks of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Director of the Free Speech Center at MTSU Ken Paulson says, "Think about this, a nation that said to its people, you can say whatever you want, you can pray freely, you can write whatever you want, and other things." But today Paulson says we are not the perfect union first generation Americans strived for. "Our nation is not in a harmonious place right now, but if we embrace true liberty, true listening, true free speech, if we embrace these principles for real without the hypocrisy that is so common, we get fixed."
Paulson says today's use and view of Free Speech has become&nbsp;"Free speech for me, but not for thee." He says , "the documents are still there, we just forgot how to use it. "
&nbsp;
Watch full shows Fridays 7pm on The Spot 28: over the air channel 28 or Comcast 1028. Stream it live on newschannel5.com/live3, or through NewsChannel 5 Now app through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. Available Fridays at 7:30pm Central Time at: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics">https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics</a>
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The Future of the First Amendment

TN State Democratic Chair Rachel Campbell presents Democratic candidates in the Aug. 6, 2027 primary election saying all their platforms address real TN problems, not mean-spirited rhetoric.

Five Democratic Candidates are running to be Tennessee's governor. Campbell presents a brief introduction to Carnita Atwater from Memphis, Tim Cyr from Gallatin, Jerri Green from Memphis, Adam "Ditch" Kurtz from Nashville, and Kevin Lee McCants from Murfreesboro.

Campbell says, "We see rising gas prices, energy prices, unaffordable housing everywhere. The cost of education is too high. People can't afford to put their kids in daycare anymore. The Republicans aren't trying to solve these problems. They are trying to solve made-up problems to stay in the culture war. We are doing the real work trying to make it more affordable to live in Tennessee and elect candidates that believe in human rights, believe in affordability, and believe all our neighbors deserve a fair shot. The next generation deserves more than what they are getting."

NewsChannel 5+ programs can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch 1028 and over the air on Ch. 28.  Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3   as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. 

You can view episodes of Inside Politics on https://www.newschannel5.com/plus

TN State Democratic Chair Rachel Campbell presents Democratic candidates in the Aug. 6, 2027 primary election saying all their platforms address real TN problems, not mean-spirited rhetoric.
Five Democratic Candidates are running to be Tennessee's governor. Campbell presents a brief introduction to Carnita Atwater from Memphis, Tim Cyr from Gallatin, Jerri Green from Memphis, Adam "Ditch" Kurtz from Nashville, and Kevin Lee McCants from Murfreesboro.
Campbell says, "We see rising gas prices, energy prices, unaffordable housing everywhere. The cost of education is too high. People can't afford to put their kids in daycare anymore. The Republicans aren't trying to solve these problems. They are trying to solve made-up problems to stay in the culture war. We are doing the real work trying to make it more affordable to live in Tennessee and elect candidates that believe in human rights, believe in affordability, and believe all our neighbors deserve a fair shot. The next generation deserves more than what they are getting."
NewsChannel 5+ programs can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch 1028 and over the air on Ch. 28.&nbsp; Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and on our website: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/live3" data-auth="NotApplicable">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.&nbsp;
You can view episodes of Inside Politics on <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/plus">https://www.newschannel5.com/plus</a>

Strategy for Democrats for Mid-terms

Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Tennessee Lamar Alexander says the reason he went into politics was to help the most people he could. He believed he could do more and help more in the public sector than in the private sector.

In his new book, "The Education of a Senator: From JFK to Trump", Alexander gives detailed stories and insight from working with 10 presidents during some of the most important moments in US History.

A traditional Republican, Alexander doesn't agree with the extreme right point of view, but he doesn't like being called a moderate. Alexander says, "Conservatism properly understood includes flexibility and patience... If you're elected, there will likely be people who disagree with you, so if you want a result, you have to adjust your position to deal with them. One of my principles is flexibility... How are you ever going to do anything unless you compromise? How did we get Medicaid? How did we get Medicare? How did we get the National Park System? How did we get this country?... The whole political process is to take principles we mostly agree with and try to fit them together in a way most people can live with the result. That's what you do in public life."

As governor, Alexander worked to build a strong two-party system when Tennessee was a Democratic supermajority, but today he thinks the Democrats need to learn how to get elected.

Other topics include President Obama, January 6 and rebuking the Far-Right, Education and Policy Reform, and the loss of a strong two party system in Tennessee.

Watch full shows Fridays 7pm on NewsChannel 5.2, Comcast 250, Spectrum/Charter 182 or stream it live on newschannel5.com/live3, or through NewsChannel 5 Now app through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.
Available Fridays at 7:30pm Central Time at:
https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics

 

Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Tennessee Lamar Alexander says the reason he went into politics was to help the most people he could. He believed he could do more and help more in the public sector than in the private sector.
In his new book, "The Education of a Senator: From JFK to Trump", Alexander gives detailed stories and insight from working with 10 presidents during some of the most important moments in US History.
A traditional Republican, Alexander doesn't agree with the extreme right point of view, but he doesn't like being called a moderate. Alexander says, "Conservatism properly understood includes flexibility and patience... If you're elected, there will likely be people who disagree with you, so if you want a result, you have to adjust your position to deal with them. One of my principles is flexibility... How are you ever going to do anything unless you compromise? How did we get Medicaid? How did we get Medicare? How did we get the National Park System? How did we get this country?... The whole political process is to take principles we mostly agree with and try to fit them together in a way most people can live with the result. That's what you do in public life."
As governor, Alexander worked to build a strong two-party system when Tennessee was a Democratic supermajority, but today he thinks the Democrats need to learn how to get elected.
Other topics include President Obama, January 6 and rebuking the Far-Right, Education and Policy Reform, and the loss of a strong two party system in Tennessee.
Watch full shows Fridays 7pm on NewsChannel 5.2, Comcast 250, Spectrum/Charter 182 or stream it live on newschannel5.com/live3, or through NewsChannel 5 Now app through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. Available Fridays at 7:30pm Central Time at: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics">https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics</a>
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A Conversation with Lamar Alexander

Democratic candidate for Congressional District 5, Chaz Molder, is determined to keep his promise to defeat Andy Ogles in November. Molder, the current mayor of Columbia, remains committed to the race despite a recent redistricting that sliced around his home and removed him from the district. As a former coach, Molder says he wants to lead by example: "Certainly I was disappointed, certainly it's created some additional challenges that were not present to begin with, but my 3 kids watch every move I make and I wasn't about to give up on this race because I want them to know their dad is not a quitter."Born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee, Molder attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and earned his law degree from the University of Memphis in Memphis. He says his focus will always be on putting Tennesseans first: "I love this state and no matter what the maps may be, we're gonna be a champion for everyone in the district."Traveling across the state — from Memphis through the western border counties, up to the northern border, and deep into Middle Tennessee — Molder says he hears the people’s needs and their frustration with Andy Ogles loud and clear." Andy Oogles has betrayed us. He has not done what he said he would do. He spends more time on social media than he does helping the people back home. He's more concerned about making national headlines for the wrong reasons instead of local headlines for the right reasons. It's a serious time and we need serious people around the table for serious conversations. "Molder doesn’t hold back on his assessment of his opponent: "Tennessee is known for sending statesmen to D.C., Andy Oogles a statesman he is not!"

 

NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2. Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3 as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. This episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+ Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted and will be posted at: https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics

Democratic candidate for Congressional District 5, Chaz Molder, is determined to keep his promise to defeat Andy Ogles in November. Molder, the current mayor of Columbia, remains committed to the race despite a recent redistricting that sliced around his home and removed him from the district. As a former coach, Molder says he wants to lead by example: "Certainly I was disappointed, certainly it's created some additional challenges that were not present to begin with, but my 3 kids watch every move I make and I wasn't about to give up on this race because I want them to know their dad is not a quitter."Born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee, Molder attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and earned his law degree from the University of Memphis in Memphis. He says his focus will always be on putting Tennesseans first: "I love this state and no matter what the maps may be, we're gonna be a champion for everyone in the district."Traveling across the state &mdash; from Memphis through the western border counties, up to the northern border, and deep into Middle Tennessee &mdash; Molder says he hears the people&rsquo;s needs and their frustration with Andy Ogles loud and clear." Andy Oogles has betrayed us. He has not done what he said he would do. He spends more time on social media than he does helping the people back home. He's more concerned about making national headlines for the wrong reasons instead of local headlines for the right reasons. It's a serious time and we need serious people around the table for serious conversations. "Molder doesn&rsquo;t hold back on his assessment of his opponent: "Tennessee is known for sending statesmen to D.C., Andy Oogles a statesman he is not!"
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NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2. Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newschannel5.com%2Flive3%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdGlJMXhybVcwcHlvZVQ5YXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7msvqJy6rA0p2tx90D-GQxWTTY4m3H3e0mNLPUvCjZh6nQ8R3WScJ-urjV2Q_aem_eq8O4RgjznFagu1Y4G8iDA&amp;h=AUDS-_DqbmeSqaeCzKqJtGbsMBSMdSsuIGAz_e_F7HV3r3Y0Wx2FG4F7mOOCxo1gIks3eye_sSRHVElpF-lL8Bm0w4bCCSpD_ywKRSd_JTlQFJjWseUZTjPslsRJwqrLYj4Wkpbvhw-7RMRN&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AUAwzY2m8QovCus3MODezslIu5SM4sLkhGPwyIKBFy8pMx-vAAhJo83UtK7t7A5XGM44LIvQcapr5UAIiAdYyHrg8y-lUwd5fBFbreZU1XdKs-rBheiHOaPidzTQ3yBVxjutwhj5UVOw2F60">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a> as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. This episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+ Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted and will be posted at: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdGlJMXhybVcwcHlvZVQ5YXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5ElS3XvJRwDug0aVmyDKYcT6KvqrzwRnEmZ05Md1Aa9un8ow5sbspzDM87DQ_aem_yDCCTQXHlCbUnhQubR18uw">https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics</a>

Chaz Molder's Race for TN-05 Congressional District

One of the most hotly contested Congressional races in the state is between challenger Charlie Hatcher and incumbent Andy Ogles in the new Congressional District 5 Republican Primary race August 6th.

 

Hatcher, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and State Commissioner of Agriculture, resigned his post to run for Tennessee’s 5th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He says people have been urging him to run for years in the old District 5. But after new redistricting lines were drawn — now including mostly rural counties — he believes he holds an advantage over his opponent.

 

Hatcher points to his 20+ years of experience working with state government, his track record in building small businesses, and his tireless work ethic as qualifications to represent the people of District 5. Hatcher says, "I consider myself as a workhorse and my opponent is a showhorse (Andy Oogles). I plan on getting things done. Talk is cheap and rhetoric -there's a lot of rhetoric. But, you need to look at somebody's body of work and compare the resumes. And do more of a compare and contrast -to compare my resume with his. And I think the proof is in the pudding if you look at that."

During the show, Hatcher also addresses questions about homosexuality, the Iran Conflict, Muslim-Americans, balancing the federal budget, President Trump and other topics. When faced with a controversial issue, he says to just "refer to scriptures and ask What would Jesus do?"

Inside Politics airs at Fridays at 7pm on NewsChannel 5+.  NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.  Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3   as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. 

The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+  Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

One of the most hotly contested Congressional races in the state is between challenger Charlie Hatcher and incumbent Andy Ogles in the new Congressional District 5 Republican Primary race August 6th.
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Hatcher, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and State Commissioner of Agriculture, resigned his post to run for Tennessee&rsquo;s 5th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He says people have been urging him to run for years in the old District 5. But after new redistricting lines were drawn &mdash; now including mostly rural counties &mdash; he believes he holds an advantage over his opponent.
&nbsp;
Hatcher points to his 20+ years of experience working with state government, his track record in building small businesses, and his tireless work ethic as qualifications to represent the people of District 5. Hatcher says, "I consider myself as a workhorse and my opponent is a showhorse (Andy Oogles). I plan on getting things done. Talk is cheap and rhetoric -there's a lot of rhetoric. But, you need to look at somebody's body of work and compare the resumes. And do more of a compare and contrast -to compare my resume with his. And I think the proof is in the pudding if you look at that."
During the show, Hatcher also addresses questions about homosexuality, the Iran Conflict, Muslim-Americans, balancing the federal budget, President Trump and other topics. When faced with a controversial issue, he says to just "refer to scriptures and ask What would Jesus do?"
Inside Politics airs at Fridays at 7pm on NewsChannel 5+.&nbsp; NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.&nbsp; Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/live3">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.&nbsp;
The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+&nbsp; Sat.&nbsp;at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

CharlieHatcher's Race for TN-05

Tennessee State Senator Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) joins Inside Politics to discuss the controversial redistricting special session that redrew congressional maps following a Supreme Court ruling weakening the Voting Rights Act.

Oliver passionately opposed the redistricting, standing on her desk during the vote while holding a "No Jim Crow 2.0" sign in protest. She argues the session was called illegally to benefit Donald Trump and steal a House seat from Memphis by splitting the city's majority-Black population across three districts. Despite facing potential legislative consequences, Oliver defends her protest as necessary to confront structural racism and honor her ancestors who fought for voting rights.

Multiple lawsuits challenge the new maps, with Oliver expressing optimism they can be overturned.

She declined calls to run for Congress, choosing to remain in the state legislature where she believes the real fight is happening.

NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.

The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+: Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Tennessee State Senator Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) joins Inside Politics to discuss the controversial redistricting special session that redrew congressional maps following a Supreme Court ruling weakening the Voting Rights Act.
Oliver passionately opposed the redistricting, standing on her desk during the vote while holding a "No Jim Crow 2.0" sign in protest. She argues the session was called illegally to benefit Donald Trump and steal a House seat from Memphis by splitting the city's majority-Black population across three districts. Despite facing potential legislative consequences, Oliver defends her protest as necessary to confront structural racism and honor her ancestors who fought for voting rights.
Multiple lawsuits challenge the new maps, with Oliver expressing optimism they can be overturned.
She declined calls to run for Congress, choosing to remain in the state legislature where she believes the real fight is happening.
NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.
The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+: Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Nashville Senator Explains Dramatic Protest Against Congressional Map Changes

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell reflects on his first-term accomplishments, delivering tangible results for residents, and the challenges he aims to tackle if elected to a second term. He cites the strain on resources during the NES response to the recent ice storm, saying changes are needed:

“I am encouraged by what I’m seeing, but I think there’s still some ways to go to fully restore public confidence. We are trying to be good and responsible partners (with NES)—and good partners hold one another accountable.”

O’Connell also expresses concern over pre-emptive legislative bills granting the state increased authority over Nashville and Memphis, reducing local decision-making power.

He reacts sharply to the GOP-controlled legislature’s redistricting—which split Nashville into three Republican-leaning districts—and to House Speaker Cameron Sexton’s April 24 comment on how he believes Nashville should be governed.

NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.  Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3   as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. 

The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+  Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O&rsquo;Connell&nbsp;reflects on his first-term accomplishments, delivering tangible results for residents, and the challenges he aims to tackle if elected to a second term. He cites the strain on resources during the NES response to the recent ice storm, saying changes are needed:
&ldquo;I am encouraged by what I&rsquo;m seeing, but I think there&rsquo;s still some ways to go to fully restore public confidence. We are trying to be good and responsible partners (with NES)&mdash;and good partners hold one another accountable.&rdquo;
O&rsquo;Connell also expresses concern over pre-emptive legislative bills granting the state increased authority over Nashville and Memphis, reducing local decision-making power.
He reacts sharply to the GOP-controlled legislature&rsquo;s redistricting&mdash;which split Nashville into three Republican-leaning districts&mdash;and to House Speaker Cameron Sexton&rsquo;s April 24 comment on how he believes Nashville should be governed.
NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.&nbsp; Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/live3">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.&nbsp;
The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+&nbsp; Sat.&nbsp;at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

City of Nashville and State of Tennessee Friction

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered another severe blow to the 1965 Voting Rights Act striking down protections against discrimination aimed at racial minority voters. After the ruling, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted a solid red map calling on the Tennessee legislature to redraw districts to ensure Republicans dominate every election.

 

Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson represents District 86 which covers Memphis and Shelby County. He says, "This is the only district that's in the entire state that is majority black and is Democratic that ensures representation for the people in our community. Representation they would not get otherwise because those would be all majority white districts. The fact that Marsha Blackburn who is running for governor of this state is proposing this, and other folks who are doing the similar thing, is really worrisome to the representation we deserve and that has been fought for. The reality of this is the use of racism, of bigotry, that created the need for District 9 in the first place have not disappeared. And our right to be able to choose a representative who understands our values, understands our culture, understands our dignity is extremely important. Now we are being told racism will not be viewed by the court, but racism can be used to take away, strip away our voting rights."

Justin J. Pearson is now running for District 9 against incumbent Steve Cohen.

NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.  Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3   as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. 

The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+  Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered another severe blow to the 1965 Voting Rights Act striking down protections against discrimination aimed at racial minority voters. After the ruling, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted a solid red map calling on the Tennessee legislature to redraw districts to ensure Republicans dominate every election.
&nbsp;
Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson represents District 86 which covers Memphis and Shelby County. He says, "This is the only district that's in the entire state that is majority black and is Democratic that ensures representation for the people in our community. Representation they would not get otherwise because those would be all majority white districts. The fact that Marsha Blackburn who is running for governor of this state is proposing this, and other folks who are doing the similar thing, is really worrisome to the representation we deserve and that has been fought for. The reality of this is the use of racism, of bigotry, that created the need for District 9 in the first place have not disappeared. And our right to be able to choose a representative who understands our values, understands our culture, understands our dignity is extremely important. Now we are being told racism will not be viewed by the court, but racism can be used to take away, strip away our voting rights."
Justin J. Pearson is now running for District 9 against incumbent Steve Cohen.
NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.&nbsp; Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/live3">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.&nbsp;
The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+&nbsp; Sat.&nbsp;at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Will Gerrymandering Turn Tennessee Totally Red?

The State of Tennessee held its third execution since the three-year moratorium investigating the process of lethal injections. Lawyers and advocates are demanding greater transparency about the drugs used and their expiration dates. Harold Wayne Nichols was executed December 11th. Nichols' lawyer, Stephen Ferrell of Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee fought in court to obtain information about expiration dates of drugs used during lethal injection. This would give his client crucial guidance when choosing which method of execution to select. Lethal injection was chosen for Nichols.

Given the prison system's history of non-compliance, Ferrell remained skeptical about the efficacy of the drugs use. "They say they are not expired, but don't want to give us a picture of the label with just the expiration date. The judge said that they could remove or cover up, redact all other information." Reverend Stacy Rector, Executive Director of Tennesseans for Alternatives to Death Penalty agrees, "If you read the law, the legislation passed several years ago, this Confidentiality Law that says that the public is not able to know where the drugs are procured or the names of the individuals participating in the executions. That's it. There is no more protected information. Never has been."

Newschannel 5+ can be seen of Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.  Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3   as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. 

The episode will air throughout the weekend on Newschannel 5+  Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The State of Tennessee held its third execution since the three-year moratorium investigating the process of lethal injections. Lawyers and advocates are demanding greater transparency about the drugs used and their expiration dates. Harold Wayne Nichols was executed December 11th. Nichols' lawyer, Stephen Ferrell of Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee fought in court to obtain information about expiration dates of drugs used during lethal injection. This would give his client crucial guidance when choosing which method of execution to select. Lethal injection was chosen for Nichols.
Given the prison system's history of non-compliance, Ferrell remained skeptical about the efficacy of the drugs use. "They say they are not expired, but don't want to give us a picture of the label with just the expiration date. The judge said that they could remove or cover up, redact all other information." Reverend Stacy Rector, Executive Director of Tennesseans for Alternatives to Death Penalty agrees, "If you read the law, the legislation passed several years ago, this Confidentiality Law that says that the public is not able to know where the drugs are procured or the names of the individuals participating in the executions. That's it. There is no more protected information. Never has been."
Newschannel 5+ can be seen of Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.&nbsp; Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/live3">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.&nbsp;
The episode will air throughout the weekend on Newschannel 5+&nbsp; Sat.&nbsp;at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Tennessee Executions:  Lethal Injection Concerns

The Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Cameron Sexton (R) gives us insight to the last bills passed during this legislative session. 

Here are some of the main points.

AIRPORTS- From the 9 member board of the Nashville Airport Authority, 6 state appointments and 3 local appointments. Sexton says, "We put in a lot of money, we have done a lot of things to help the airport, and so we are saying we want some picks on the board. The mayor still has picks, the governor and 2 Speakers have picks. When asked why change the Airport Authority when it is already successful? Sexton added, "It's not a power grab, I would say if you're investing $50, $100, $150 million dollars into something, wouldn't you want to have people on the board to make sure that your investment is doing well?"

AFFORDABILITY- Sexton says that the state has temporarily reduced taxes several times, Cracked down on PBMs, struck down laws preventing hospitals from expanding and created workforce housing. Sexton says, "We are already an affordable state and will continue to be that way."

SCHOOL VOUCHERS AND ESA- Although the state of Tennessee ranks 47th out of 50 states for student funding per capita, Sexton believes private schools with students who already attend private school are justified in receiving the $7530 Education Freedom Scholarship (an increase from last year from $7295) to go directly to pay a portion of private school tuition. The 3.2% increase would remain consistent with per-pupil base increase in the TISA formula, but less per student than what is given to private schools. When it comes to testing, public schools use TCAP, and was required for students using Education Savings Account money for private school, but without TCAP used, how will private schools show student competency? "The private schools are going to tell us what standardized test they are using. Because we want to know what that is. What I think we need to do is look at those tests, look at the TCAP and allow the public schools to use whichever national standardized test that they want to and that's fair... It would be a fascinating argument which they would choose."

NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.  Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3   as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. 

The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+  Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

The Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Cameron Sexton (R) gives us insight to the last bills passed during this legislative session.&nbsp;
Here are some of the main points.
AIRPORTS- From the 9 member board of the Nashville Airport Authority, 6 state appointments and 3 local appointments. Sexton says, "We put in a lot of money, we have done a lot of things to help the airport, and so we are saying we want some picks on the board. The mayor still has picks, the governor and 2 Speakers have picks. When asked why change the Airport Authority when it is already successful? Sexton added, "It's not a power grab, I would say if you're investing $50, $100, $150 million dollars into something, wouldn't you want to have people on the board to make sure that your investment is doing well?"
AFFORDABILITY- Sexton says that the state has temporarily reduced taxes several times, Cracked down on PBMs, struck down laws preventing hospitals from expanding and created workforce housing. Sexton says, "We are already an affordable state and will continue to be that way."
SCHOOL VOUCHERS AND ESA- Although the state of Tennessee ranks 47th out of 50 states for student funding per capita, Sexton believes private schools with students who already attend private school are justified in receiving the $7530 Education Freedom Scholarship (an increase from last year from $7295) to go directly to pay a portion of private school tuition. The 3.2% increase would remain consistent with per-pupil base increase in the TISA formula, but less per student than what is given to private schools. When it comes to testing, public schools use TCAP, and was required for students using Education Savings Account money for private school, but without TCAP used, how will private schools show student competency? "The private schools are going to tell us what standardized test they are using. Because we want to know what that is. What I think we need to do is look at those tests, look at the TCAP and allow the public schools to use whichever national standardized test that they want to and that's fair... It would be a fascinating argument which they would choose."
NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2.&nbsp; Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/live3">https://www.newschannel5.com/live3</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc.&nbsp;
The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+&nbsp; Sat.&nbsp;at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted.

Checking In with Cameron Sexton

Inside Politics is a weekly, half-hour show televised by NewsChannel 5+ in Nashville, Tennessee. It premieres on Fridays at 7PM Central Time (Comcast Channel 250, Charter 182). This audio-only format of the show is identical to what is televised and is available anywhere you get your podcasts so you can listen outside of the viewing area or available for download in case you miss the televised broadcast. 

The show features numerous high-profile guests as well as historical and political subject matter experts including professors from Vanderbilt University, reporters from other Nashville news outlets, and household name politicians like Representative Jim Cooper, former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Congressman John Rose, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and more. 

Pat Nolan serves as the show's host. Pat has worked as a political analyst and reporter in and around Nashville for almost fifty years. He has worked in television, radio, and for the Office of the Mayor in Nashville. He has covered breaking news stories, live election updates, and for many years served as announcer for Nashville Metro Council meetings. 

Inside Politics is a weekly, half-hour show televised by NewsChannel 5+ in Nashville, Tennessee. It premieres on Fridays at 7PM Central Time (Comcast Channel 250, Charter 182). This audio-only format of the show is identical to what is televised and is available anywhere you get your podcasts so you can listen outside of the viewing area or available for download in case you miss the televised broadcast. 
The show features numerous high-profile guests as well as historical and political subject matter experts including professors from Vanderbilt University, reporters from other Nashville news outlets, and household name politicians like Representative Jim Cooper, former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Congressman John Rose, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and more. 
Pat Nolan serves as the show's host. Pat has worked as a political analyst and reporter in and around Nashville for almost fifty years. He has worked in television, radio, and for the Office of the Mayor in Nashville. He has covered breaking news stories, live election updates, and for many years served as announcer for Nashville Metro Council meetings.

Weekly political news show featuring lawmakers, political analysts, lawyers, panelists, and university professors.

Inside Politics - NewsChannel 5 Plus Nashville

 Inside Politics — Nashville’s go-to conversation for smart, in-depth political insight.

Every week,  Peabody award winning NewsChannel 5 investigative reporter Ben Hall sits down with the power players, power brokers, and policy experts shaping Tennessee and the nation. From in-depth interviews with political heavyweights like TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Congressman John Rose, Nashville Police Chief John Drake, and U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps, to sharp analysis from university professors, veteran reporters and subject matter experts — from Tennessee to D.C. these are the voices shaping our future. 

Inside Politics premieres on The Spot 28 every Friday at 7 p.m. Central (Comcast/Xfinity 1028 or over-the-air Ch. 28), this audio version is the exact broadcast — available anywhere you get your podcasts, so you won’t miss a beat no matter where you live.

If you care about the decisions shaping your community, Inside Politics delivers the conversations you need to hear.

 

 

 

 

&nbsp;Inside Politics&nbsp;&mdash; Nashville&rsquo;s go-to conversation for smart, in-depth political insight.
Every week,&nbsp; Peabody award winning NewsChannel 5 investigative reporter Ben Hall sits down with the power players, power brokers, and policy experts shaping Tennessee and the nation. From in-depth interviews with political heavyweights like TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Congressman John Rose, Nashville Police Chief John Drake, and U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps, to sharp analysis from university professors, veteran reporters and subject matter experts &mdash; from Tennessee to D.C. these are the voices shaping our future.&nbsp;
Inside Politics premieres on The Spot 28&nbsp;every Friday at 7 p.m. Central (Comcast/Xfinity 1028 or over-the-air Ch. 28), this&nbsp;audio version&nbsp;is the exact broadcast &mdash; available anywhere you get your podcasts, so you won&rsquo;t miss a beat no matter where you live.
If you care about the decisions shaping your community,&nbsp;Inside Politics&nbsp;delivers the conversations you need to hear.
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Inside Politics Nashville - NewsChannel 5 Plus

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