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Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, stands on the House floor during a legislative session Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee legislature passes Charlie Kirk Act, which could force colleges to punish students for protests

Last week, the Tennessee General Assembly sent Senate Bill 1741 to Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) desk, legislation that would limit college students and faculty from on-campus protesting and their First Amendment rights.

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Elections GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn announces Tennessee gubernatorial bid By Richard Eberwein – 8/06/25

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has announced her bid for Tennessee’s gubernatorial race in 2026.

Democracy Tennessee book bans see ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ and ‘The Magic Tree House’ barred from school libraries By Richard Eberwein – 7/01/25

After changes to Tennessee’s book ban law, schools in the state have banned several children’s novels from their libraries to comply with the law.

Courts Civil rights group sues to block Tennessee’s ‘anti-harboring’ law By DANIELLE SMITH Tennessee News Service – 6/30/25

A Tennessee immigrant-led group and other advocates are suing the state over a new law they said unfairly targets people who offer shelter to undocumented immigrants. Of the over 400,000 ...

Abortion Florida abortion law nearly killed Republican lawmaker, proving abortion bans can impact women with ectopic pregnancies By Austin Linfante and Richard Eberwein – 6/25/25

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) nearly died after doctors feared prosecution over ending her ectopic pregnancy because of her state's abortion laws, mirroring the experiences of millions of Midwesterners living in states with similar laws.

Health care Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten lifeline for Tennessee caregivers By DANIELLE SMITH Tennessee News Service – 4/21/25

A Tennessee nonprofit is warning that potential Medicaid cuts could threaten crucial support for the state’s nearly 1 million family caregivers. Medicaid supports 4.5 million individuals ...

Economy American Heartland feeling the devastation of Republican funding cuts By Richard Eberwein – 4/17/25

The Trump administration’s federal spending cuts are negatively impacting projects and programs at the local level, putting citizens in jeopardy.

Education Tennessee GOP faces bipartisan backlash for attempts to dismantle education for undocumented children By Richard Eberwein – 4/15/25

The Republican-dominated Tennessee state legislature is advancing an effort to allow public schools to deny enrolling undocumented children, even as constituents repeatedly disrupt meetings to voice their opposition.

Economy Tennessee GOP urges Congress to rig tax system for the rich By Richard Eberwein – 3/14/25

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled Tennessee House passed a resolution urging Congress to pass the Fair Tax Act of 2023, a federal bill that would drastically overhaul the tax code to favor the wealthy.

Economy Tennessee nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program By DANIELLE SMITH Tennessee News Service – 3/11/25

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for families in need. Summer EBT provides $40 a month ...

LGBTQ Tennessee lawmaker posts (and mysteriously deletes) letter about concerns over ‘furry club’ at University of Tennessee By Richard Eberwein – 2/10/25

Last Thursday, U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) sent a letter to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville regarding a purported “furry club” at the school.

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