Stockard Campaigns: Ex-Tennessee House Speaker confronts challenging sentencing hearing
Former Tennessee Speaker Glenn Casada is awaiting a ruling scheduled for September 23 related to his involvement in a federal corruption case. A federal judge recently indicated that Casada could face a longer sentence than his former aide, Kade Koren, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson stated that […]
Stockard on the Campaign Trail: To use or not to use, that is the question
Governor Lee’s Shifting Stance on National Guard Deployments After initially stating that he wouldn’t deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Gov. Bill Lee has had a change of heart, declaring that “it’s all on the table.” That’s quite a turnaround, isn’t it? This week, Lee hinted that, well, all options might be explored. It’s a […]
Stockard campaigning: Tennessee governor candidate seeking debate
Senators Blackburn and Rose Gear Up for Governor’s Race U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is currently leading the race for the Republican governor nomination in Tennessee, holding a significant 52-point lead over Rep. John Rose, according to a recent survey. Interestingly, there’s chatter among locals about Blackburn’s presence, especially since Rose’s campaign also claimed he outperformed […]
Stockard on the Campaign Trail: Take me to the roulette table, if I make it through this Tesla tunnel
Elon Musk is set to speak at the upcoming announcement for the boring company’s Hawthorne Test Tunnel in December, located in Hawthorne, California. Interestingly, while Las Vegas officials are on board with the underground transport loop, Musk’s company seems to be aiming for more—particularly in integrating their Teslas with existing taxi and ride-sharing systems. A […]
Stockard Campaigns: Far right targets Belmont despite its conservative, Baptist heritage
Belmont University, despite its historical connections to Tennessee conservatives and Republican figures, has recently faced scrutiny from the Trump administration and its supporters. The university has long been intertwined with the GOP; for example, Governor Bill Lee has had ties to its board, and the former U.S. Attorney General under George W. Bush served as […]
Stockard on the Campaign Trail: Registry stuck in public records dilemma
Tennessee’s campaign finance office is currently navigating a conflict between the state’s public records law and confidentiality issues related to the state board that oversees legal ethics, which has caught many off guard. The Commission of Professional Responsibility is authorized under state law to keep certain information confidential. Yet, the actions of the Election Finance […]
Stockard Campaigns: Tennessee officials begin to push private prison management
Tim Reeper, the father of the man who was fatally stabbed at Trousdale Turner prison in Correction, recently spoke before the Legislative Committee. Despite instances of riots and multiple charges, public sentiment has intensified towards removing the private prison operator from the Hertsville Correctional Center. Republican Representative Michael Hale from Smithville expressed growing concern on […]
Stockard on the Stump: ICE agents beef up deportations from Metro jail
US immigration and customs enforcement was filmed during a dragnet in South Nashville in May. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) A US immigration and customs enforcement agent attacked people a month ago when he dragged in a South Nashville neighborhood and detained nearly 200 people. But it’s not the only place where federal agents are picking […]
Stockard on the Stump: Tennessee tax refund boosts private prison operator
Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Corecivic is one of the state’s largest donors to state lawmakers and has recorded a recent tax refund from Tennessee. (Photo: John Partipilo) Tennessee’s private prison operator lost nearly $45 million in state payments over three years for failing to meet contractual requirements, but he fell a great wind as part […]
Stockard on the Stump: Republicans declare “freedom” in gender care court ruling
From left, Tennessee Sen. Jack Johnson, House Majority Leader William Lambers and Attorney General Jonathan Skulmetti were attorney generals at a press conference Wednesday, celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold gender bans in favor of care for minors. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee Republican leaders won the victory lap Wednesday for a U.S. […]