Gov. Bill Lee’s so-called “Constitutional Carry” proposal is moving quickly through the state legislature. But the measure — which would allow individuals to carry a gun without a permit— is being opposed by gun control activists and law enforcement alike.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, Political Reporter
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán is WPLN's political reporter and host of The Tri-Star State podcast. Before moving to Nashville, Sergio covered education for the Standard-Examiner newspaper in Ogden, Utah. He is a Puerto Rico native and his work has also appeared on NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered, San Antonio Express-News, Inter News Service, GFR Media and WMIZ 1270 AM.
The Tri-Star State: Can Republicans Remove A Nashville Judge For Voter Access Ruling?
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.
Tennessee Bar Association, Democrats Urge Legislature To End Push To Remove Judge Over Absentee Ballot Ruling
A new proposal in the Tennessee House of Representatives that seeks to remove a Nashville judge is receiving push back from the state’s lawyers and judges, as well as House Democrats.
The Tri-Star State: The Legislature’s Ban On Transgender Athletes Comes Up For Final Votes
A bill that would limit participation of transgender athletes comes to the House and Senate floors, Republican senators move to ban student-athletes’ protests during the national anthem, and a key lawmaker explains why he supports a bill that would allow the governor to force schools to reopen.
Tennessee’s Only Openly Gay Lawmaker Speaks Out Against Ban On Transgender Athletes
Rep. Eddie Mannis, R-Knoxville, has warned his House colleagues that a ban on transgender athletes could have a tremendous impact on LGBT kids.
Tennessee GOP Lawmakers Want To Ban Student-Athletes From Kneeling Following ETSU Protest
Every GOP member of the Tennessee Senate has signed a letter after the men’s basketball team at East Tennessee State University knelt during the national anthem.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers Could Have Body Cameras Soon
The state troopers who deal most often with the public may soon be outfitted with body cameras. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is asking the legislature for $2.3 million in funding to make this happen.
The Tri-Star State: Nashville LGBT Chamber Vows Fight Against Discriminatory Bills In The Tennessee Legislature
The Tennessee General Assembly is back this week after shutting down to inclement weather. On the docket for their comeback: Gov. Bill Lee’s constitutional carry proposal. We break down what else to expect.
Dolly Parton Says Wait Until She’s Gone To Consider A Statue At The Tennessee Capitol
Dolly Parton doesn’t want a statue of herself on the grounds of the Tennessee Capitol. Being as humble as usual, Parton said in a tweet Thursday that a proposal being considered at the General Assembly that would give her a monument is not appropriate at this moment.
Tennessee Legislature Shuts Down Due To Inclement Weather — A First In Years
The winter storm affecting middle Tennessee has shut down legislative business in the state — a first in five years. Senate Speaker Randy McNally said in a tweet the decision to cancel the committee hearings this week was made so lawmakers don’t have to drive to Nashville.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM