The Men Behind the Machine
Good afternoon, everyone. How some Tennessee leaders are addressing predatory AI technology... Trump re-nominates TN's Lee Beaman for TVA Board... Tennessee's property tax relief program in flux... and much more!
Join us tonight! for an evening with Joe Allen as he pulls back the curtain on the entities behind the advancement of transhumanism and artificial intelligence.
This is the second discussion hosted by the Pamphleteer's new monthly speaker series. Paying Bard-level subscribers receive free access to this and future events. (Buy Tickets)
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How TN leaders are attempting to keep up with evolving AI technology
From Megan Podsiedlik
Several bills addressing artificial intelligence have been introduced in the 114th General Assembly, reflecting concerns over its ethical use and the implementation of regulations. Last week, Rep. Tim Hicks (R-Gray) and Sen. Page Walley (R-Savannah) filed a bill prohibiting the development of AI systems that falsely represent themselves as qualified mental health professionals.
Similarly, Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson) and Sen. Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) filed legislation that would create a Class A felony for those knowingly training AI to encourage suicide, homicide, or manipulative behaviors such as simulating emotional or romantic relationships. Other consumer protection bills related to AI have support from both sides of the aisle, signaling bipartisan concern.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has also been actively involved in multiple high-profile efforts to address artificial intelligence risks. In May, he co-authored a bipartisan letter from state attorneys general across the country in opposition to a proposed federal amendment that would prevent states from enforcing laws regulating AI over the next decade.
In August, Skrmetti addressed 13 major AI companies—including Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and others—in a joint letter demanding they halt predatory interactions with users, such as chatbots engaging in sexualized, romantic, or violent content with minors.
Governor Bill Lee also joined in the push against weaponized AI technology last spring by banning the China-linked AI tools Manus and DeepSeek from state networks due to data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.
The Men Behind the Machine We hear endless warnings about the existential dangers of transhumanism and artificial intelligence, but almost none about the individuals and interests behind their advance. What do they believe? What does their vision for the future of humanity look like? How does this affect how they organize and lead their companies?
On Thursday, January 15th, Joe Allen will join us to discuss just that. Allen is a writer and Bannon's War Room correspondent. His 2023 book, Dark Aeon, chronicles the rise of artificial intelligence and transhumanism, arguing that unchecked technological advancement poses a threat to humanity.
This event is for the benefit of The Pamphleteer. Every dollar earned goes toward supporting our operations and planning future events. Paying Bard-level subscribers receive free access to this and future events. (Buy Tickets)
HEADLINES
- ⚡️ Trump doubles down on Lee Beaman for TVA board. President Donald Trump has renominated Nashville businessman and GOP donor Lee Beaman to the Tennessee Valley Authority board after his initial 2025 nomination stalled amid Democratic opposition in the Senate. The TVA board regained a quorum following the approval of four other Trump nominees in December—including Mitch Graves of Memphis and Knoxville’s Jeff Hagood—ending months of gridlock at the nation’s largest public utility. (Tennessean)
- 💸 More than 100,000 TN families could lose promised property tax assistance. Tennessee’s long-standing property tax relief program for seniors, disabled residents, veterans, and low-income families is facing a funding shortfall. Lawmakers may need to act soon, as the state plans to tap the general fund for 2026 with no reserves left, raising the risk of reduced or eliminated payments in future years. (NewsChannel 5)
- 📝 2026 AARP Community Challenge grants: AARP Tennessee is now accepting applications through March 4, 2026, which fund quick-action projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially those 50 and older. In its tenth year, the program will award more than $8 million nationwide across flagship, capacity-building, and demonstration grants to support improvements in public spaces, transportation, housing, digital access, and disaster resilience. (AARP application)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Ravens use tools intelligently to get a sip of water. Borg-brained humans use rivers of water to cool data centers to create artificial minds that extract human words and art, remix them into new artificial minds, and then sell it back as 'intelligence.' I prefer the birds."
Joe Allen
DEVELOPMENT
- 32-Unit Apartment Complex Listed For Sale In Woodbury, TN (Now Next)
- Chattanooga officials push for passenger rail that would link Atlanta to Nashville (NBJ)
- Nashville musician buys resort in MN, plans to add lodge, year-round rentals (NBJ)
- Oracle seeks permits for job site trailers (Post)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🎷 Tribute to John Coltrane w/ Nashville Symphony @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 7p, $36+, Info
🎸 Ben Rice Trio @ Vinyl Tap, 7p, No Cover, Info
🎸 Kelley’s Heroes @ Robert’s Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
🎸 Open Mic @ Fox & Locke, 6:30p, Free, Info
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.