Minutes after President Donald Trump announced that he was firing her, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivered a keynote speech at a Nashville hotel on Thursday.
Marianna Bacallao, Power & Equity Reporter
Marianna Bacallao (mare-ee-AW-nuh bah-kuh-YOW) covers systems of power from the statehouse to the pulpit with a focus on those most impacted by policy. Previously, she served as the afternoon host for WPLN News, where she won a regional Edward R. Murrow for hosting during a deadly tornado outbreak, served as a guide on election night and gave live updates in the wake of the Covenant School shooting. A Georgia native, she was a contributor to Georgia Public Broadcasting during her undergrad years and served as editor-in-chief for Mercer University’s student newspaper.
ICE agent identities would be confidential under Tennessee proposal
As immigration enforcement in Tennessee faces increased scrutiny, state lawmakers want to further limit what records of ICE operations are open to the public.
As Trump touts Tennessee troopers, state officials face questions of racial profiling, dehumanizing treatment
As Gov. Bill Lee has calls for more state troopers officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol are facing questions of racial profiling and dehumanizing treatment of Nashville’s immigrant community during a dragnet immigration operation last May.
Tennessee bill to delegitimize gay marriage passes the House
Private banks, hospitals and insurance companies in Tennessee could soon refuse to recognize same-sex marriages.
Tennessee’s newest anti-LGBTQ bills go against U.S. Supreme Court rulings
Tennessee lawmakers have advanced a host of anti-LGBTQ bills that would run counter to U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
As Nashville thaws, fears over immigration enforcement remain
As a historic winter storm devastated Tennessee, the fight over immigration continued to play out at the statehouse and in Nashville’s streets.
Tennessee Gov. Lee silent on immigration, pledges to double school vouchers at final State of the State address
In his last year, Lee is focused on expanding nuclear energy, rural health care and his signature school voucher program.
Tennessee to pilot White House immigration agenda at state level
Tennessee will be the first state to pilot the White House’s immigration agenda, which focuses on increasing verification for legal residents and requiring local law enforcement to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Tennessee gets free parking program out of $8.8M Metropolis settlement
Parking giant Metropolis Technologies has been overcharging customers and misleading them about its rates, according to a yearslong investigation by the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
Immigration, school choice and Charlie Kirk: Tennessee’s legislative priorities for 2026
As Tennessee lawmakers continue the 114th General Assembly in Nashville this week, immigration and the governor’s school voucher program will still be priorities after dominating last year’s regular and special sessions.
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