The State is Back in Session
🏛 General Assembly's back at it · TN Republicans interested in school choice expansion · Nashville CM looking for retribution · Much more!
Good afternoon, everyone. State lawmakers kick off this year's TN General Assembly... According to a recent poll, most TN Republicans are interested in school choice expansion... Nashville CM is looking for retribution after ethics complaint... and much more!
Join us this Thursday 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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The 114th General Assembly reconvenes today
From Megan Podsiedlik
Today is the first day of this year’s General Assembly, and state lawmakers have arrived in Nashville. Last week, we covered a few initiatives that could impact Music City, including a potential property tax cap and new protections against doxxing ICE agents.
In addition, representatives on both sides of the aisle have proposed multiple bills that address drag racing. MNPD could also potentially benefit from a bill proposed by Representative John Gillespie (R-Memphis) and Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) that would create a law enforcement officer recruitment fund and grant program to assist TN law enforcement agencies in officer recruitment.
It’s worth noting that both legislators also filed the "The Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act" to make sure cases related to special Memphis operations aren't unreasonably dropped by local prosecutors. Among other things, the district attorney general would have to submit a report within 24 hours if a case is dismissed or there is a declination to prosecute suspects apprehended during Memphis Safe Task Force operations and other FBI initiatives in the area.
Meanwhile, Justin Jones (D-Nashville) just landed Gabby Salinas (D-Memphis) as an additional sponsor on his "Stop American Gestapo Act." Jones filed the bill at the end of June, inspired by new ICE activity in the state. According to Axios, House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) expects GOP leadership to back several new immigration bills, including some that are being written up with help from the White House.
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
- 🎒According to a poll done in December, 61 percent of likely TN Republican primary voters support expanding school choice. The poll was conducted by Anchor Research on behalf of TennesseeCAN Action Fund. (TNCAN)
- 🏫 Some West Nashville neighbors aren’t supportive of Covenant School’s proposed move from Green Hills to West Meade. While the school says the move is necessary and still in early stages, residents remain concerned about traffic, safety, and whether the project can or should be stopped. (Tennessean)
- 🗳 Aftyn Behn won’t be taking a second shot at Matt Van Epps for the Seventh Congressional District seat. Instead, on Monday, Behn announced she’ll be running for reelection to the state house. (NewsChannel 5)
- 💰 Will Councilmember Joy Kimbrough get a big payday? Kimbrough has filed a $40 million defamation lawsuit against liquor distributor Best Brands and its owner, Ryan Moses, alleging they made false and malicious claims in a recent ethics complaint. Kimbrough says the allegations and resulting media coverage severely damaged her reputation and caused emotional distress, and she is seeking $15 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. (Post)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines. We are ending the war on saturated fats.”— U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announcing new federal dietary guidelines.
DEVELOPMENT
- Opening timeline revealed for Gaylord Opryland Resort sports bar (NBJ)
- The Tennessee State Building Commission approves $5.5 million in upgrades for governor’s mansion in Nashville. (TNJ)
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
🪕 The French Family Band @ Station Inn, 8p, Info
🪕 Analog Bluegrass featuring Jason Carter Band with Special Guests Smilo & the Ghost @ Analog at Hutton Hotel, 7p, $15, Info
🎸 Honky Tonk Tuesday @ Eastside Bowl, 8p, $10, Info
+ two-step lessons @ 7p, The Cowpokes @ 8p
📰 Check out the full newsletter archive here.
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.