Inside Politics

How is ICE activity in the state affecting businesses in Tennessee? Fear of harassment is keeping foreign professionals and college students from coming to the U.S. affecting universities and businesses here and across the nation. Doug Russo, Esq. from Rose Immigration Law tells host Ben Hall that his clients are worried about the anti-immigrant climate that has grown in the state. The affects of this policy have created lack of workers in construction, agriculture and hospitality but also have created a stall with professionals receiving visas to enter the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The aftermath of the May ICE crackdown has opened questions about due process and the Rule of Law. Can the government scoop up citizens and non-citizens off the street and detain them without reasonable cause? People have missing family members, rumored that they are in custody, but where are they really? Why won't ICE release a list of people they picked up? Metro Nashville Councilmember At-Large Zulfat Suara and other have asked these questions but have received no response. She and host Ben Hall discuss this topic and more on this episode of Inside Politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee Highway Patrol working with ICE, made 369 traffic stops the first week in May that resulted in 94 detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Highway Patrol will continue to assist Homeland Security state-wide. This action has created anguish, mistrust and fear among residents and non-residents targeted at the police and lawmakers. Host Ben Hall invites Tennessee House Representative for District 51 Aftyn Behn to discuss what her constituents are saying, her reaction to seeing first hand what is going on in the community and what changes need to be made. She also remarks about the actions in the 114th Legislative Session and what she is working on this summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ben Hall invites Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell to discuss his State of Metro Address from May 1st. Keypoints discussed were property taxes and the last property assessment, the economy, tourism, programs affected by Federal Funding cuts and the lawsuit, immigrant ICE activity, WeGo and Choose How You Move, Axon Fusus, reaction to accusations against Chief John Drake, General Hospital, relationship with state legislators, and the East Bank development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Representative William Lamberth, the TN House Majority Leader and host Ben Hall break down the main bills passed that will turn into law July 1st and bills that were rolled to the next session. Some topics include the Education Freedom Act which allows 20,000 scholarships of $7,295.00 for each school year to be used for a student's tuition at a private school; HB 0793 and SB 0836 that would require identifying non-resident children in schools and imposing a charge to parents for their child's education; information about the Antioch High School shooting; Jillian's Law; and the relationship between the state legislature and the city of Nashville.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ben Hall asks Chief Capital Habeas Unit Federal Public Defender of Middle Tennessee Kelley J. Henry about her client's stay of execution by Governor Lee and should the use of pentobarbital be used May 22 when executions in Tennessee resume. The two discuss what pentobarbital does to the body, past mishandling of execution processes and what options do death row prisoners have when it comes to execution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ben Hall invites Richard Tarpey, DBA assistant professor of the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University on this episode of Inside Politics to discuss the rollercoaster ride of the stock market due to tariff decisions by the US. The two discuss the president's initial wave of tariffs placed on all trade partners, the ramifications as well as the halting of tariffs on April 9th to some trade partners. The two react to President Trump's statement that they began talks with some countries but would require many lawyers to work out proper deals for the US. Also, the latest reciprocal tariffs from China are discussed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Inside Politics, host Ben Hall invites 19 year old Foster Youth Advocate Ella Brinen to talk about a Bill of Rights for children under the foster care system. It's a project she started in high school for a student government project and has evolved into SB2749. A list of duties foster parents must provide for children under their care. Brinen and Hall also discuss Ella's own experience in the foster care system and the reason why she is fighting so hard for her foster sibling's rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Politics political analyst Pat Nolan retires as host of Inside Politics. He tells Ben Hall about his career beginning in the city of his birth working in radio, reporting on city council meetings and taking a job at Newschannel 5 as a reporter. Pat then went to work for the mayor's office and then returned to Newschannel 5 as a political analyst and host of Inside Politics. Pat shares his stories of how he got into journalism, special career moments ,his return to tv, and his decision to retire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Inside Politics, host Pat Nolan invites political analysts Larry Woods and Bill Phillips to engage in political discussion one last time before Pat retires. Nothing is left on the table in this spirited conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Due to new immigration laws in effect, refugees who met and were already approved to enter the US are now in limbo. Those in the transitional period already in the US may have their support cut off. Charities that help immigrants and refugees, that once received federal funding, are now struggling to keep the doors open. Judy Orr from Catholic Charities of Nashville and Phostin Saidi, who went through the program and now work for the Refugee Resettlement program, join host Pat Nolan as they discuss what has happened, options and the next chapter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Thomas A. Schwartz, a political science professor from Vanderbilt University is our guest to talk about President Trump and his DOGE team's second month. Host Pat Nolan and Dr. Schwartz discuss the presidents cuts and firing of probationary workers at the Federal level and how those actions affects Tennesseans. They also discuss tariffs and if what President Trump is doing is constitutional. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Larry Woods and David Plazas from the Tennessean join host Pat Nolan to discuss the first month of the Trump presidency which has been a whirlwind of change. Topics include cutting federal jobs, DEI, cabinet choices and the legality of some of these things the president has done. With over 40 lawsuits filed with court rulings and injunctions, where does that leave the average citizen?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a contentious Special Session at Capitol Hill last week with the passing of Governor Bill Lee's school voucher bill and new immigration legislation, state representative John Ray Clemmons joins host Pat Nolan to discuss the Democrat's response and their plan for 2025 in this episode of Inside Politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Inside Politics, House Speaker Cameron Sexton fields questions from host Pat Nolan about this weeks Special Session at the state capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Inside Politics, host Pat Nolan is joined by Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Political Science & History Professor at Vanderbilt University to discuss President Trump's first few days and actions in office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry joins this edition of Inside Politics to discuss her new book: "It's What You Do Next: the Fall and Rise of Nashville's First Female Mayor." The book is available at major retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Nashville continue to grow in 2025 as it has in years past? Here to talk about the local economy is Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Ralph Schulz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot has happened in Washington since the November 5th election and the inauguration is still nearly two months away. Here to discuss how the federal government may and should move forward is former Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper, who represented Tennessee's 5th Congressional District from 2003 to 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Plazas with The Tennessean and Steve Cavendish with Nashville Banner join this edition of Inside Politics to share what aspects of Mayor O'Connell's transit plan will be prioritized and when it will commence.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanderbilt University Professor of History and Political Science Thomas Schwartz joins this edition of Inside Politics to share how some of President-elect Trump's viewpoints have changed - and how others have not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which states are the most hotly contested for the presidential election? Will Mayor O'Connell's transit plan pass? That and much more is discussed on this pre-election edition of Inside Politics with political analysts Larry Woods and Bill Phillips. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nashville Banner reporter and author Steven Hale joins this edition of Inside Politics so share his new book, "Death Row Welcomes You," and how it traces the lives of condemned prisoners at the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Hall fills in for Pat Nolan on this edition of Inside Politics and discusses the upcoming transit referendum with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell along with other issues concerning locals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How accurate are presidential polls ahead of the election? Are there still any voters who are undecided at this point with just over three weeks to go until Nov. 5? Find out on this edition of Inside Politics with Scripps' Deputy Political Director Joe St. GeorgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Tennessee House Representative Gloria Johnson (D - Knoxville) unseat incumbent Marsha Blackburn this November? What strategies does she plan to implement? Find out on this edition of Inside Politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin Peay State University professor of political science Michael Bednarczuk is our guest on this edition of Inside Politics detailing how and if the vice-presidential debate will change voters' minds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a little over 45 days until the election, both presidential candidates still have a lot of ground to cover to motivate voters to show up to the polls and cast their ballots. But how will they succeed? What rhetoric will they use? Vanderbilt Professor of Philosophy Robert Talisse joins this edition of Inside Politics to share what motivates voters at this point in the 2024 campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The late Father Charles Strobel's new book, "Kingdom of the Poor," covers his interpretation of meaning and understanding. Find more about the writing process and who helped complete it.  Guests are Katie Seigenthaler (Finn Partners, Charles Strobel's niece, co-editor), and Rachel Hester (Room in the Inn Executive Director). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political analysts Larry Woods (D) and Bill Phillips (R) join this edition of Inside Politics to preface the presidential debate on September 10. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Professor of History and Political Science at Vanderbilt University, updates viewers on the current situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanderbilt Professor of History Nicole Hemmer joins this edition of Inside Politics to share the impact the Democratic and Republican Conventions may have had on undecided voters and what strategies both sides plan to utilize to gain as many votes as possible before Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice Mayor Angie Henderson joins the program to share the accomplishments and what still needs to be done in Metro Nashville on this edition of Inside Politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic and Republican analysts Larry Woods and Bill Phillips join this edition of Inside Politics to share thoughts on Democratic nominee Kamala Harris's running mate selection Tim Walz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Inside Politics, author Betsy Phillips joins the program to discuss her new book, "Dynamite Nashville," which investigates bombings that occurred in the Nashville area in years past. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esteemed attorney, professor, and political expert David French with Lipscomb University joins this edition of Inside Politics to discuss the recent reshuffling in the presidential race and strategies each side plans to implement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With two wars concurrently waging and more people voting in 2024 than ever before, the global political landscape has certainly shifted - though it hasn't had its shortage of surprises. Here to share thoughts on political trends both in the US and abroad is Dr. Thomas Schwartz, distinguished professor of history and political science at Vanderbilt University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nashville Banner editor-in-chief Steve Cavendish joins the program to explain how attendance at the polls may play out this year with the primary elections looming. We also discuss agendas that hopeful candidates are running on like school vouchers.  Other topics include national elections, such as the race between incumbent Senator Marsha Blackburn and likely Gloria Johnson, as well as incumbent Andy Ogles defending his 5th District Republican nomination against Nashville Metro Council Member Courtney Johnston. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chloe Akers, founder of Best of Tennessee, joins the program to encourage moderate and undecided voters to participate in the primary election and to reiterate that an informed decision is the best way to preserve democracy.  To catch up on other shows that you may have missed, visit newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MTSU Political Science Professor John Vile (PhD) joins this edition of Inside Politics to share his analysis on the June 27 Presidential Debate, how factual each candidates' arguments actually were, and who emerged as a "winner."  For more information on state, local, and national politics, go to newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we near the 2024 elections, the upcoming debate between incumbent Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and Metro budget finalization, David Plazas with The Tennessean joins the program to discuss local, state, and national political trends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Courtney Johnston, Metro Councilwoman overseeing Metro District 26, is campaigning in the national primary race against TN 5th District Rep. Andy Ogles. How will she better serve the needs of constituents in this district? How will she do a better job than Rep. Ogles? Find out on this edition of Inside Politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

a 61-page memo considered a whistleblower about improprieties within Metro Police has been recently released. What exactly did it say about misconduct among leadership? Who will review these allegations? Here to discuss is Steven Hale, reporter for Nashville Banner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony charges in New York's hush money trial involving Stormy Daniels. How has the public responded? Will he face jail time? Will he still have a chance at winning the presidential election in November? To answer these questions, we invite Democratic panelist Larry Woods and Republican panelist Bill Phillips to join the program and share their insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nashville Metro Council at Large Member Delishia Porterfield joins this edition of Inside Politics to share her thoughts regarding Mayor Freddie O'Connell's plans to deliver on his proposals given Metro's already-tight budget and a looming referendum on mass transit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy plays a large role in presidential election outcomes. This year, foreign affairs play a role as well. Joining us is Vanderbilt University History and Political Science Professor Thomas Schwartz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Mayor of Nashville Megan Barry joins this edition of Inside Politics to explain why she believes serving Tennessee's 7th District in Washington will benefit Tennesseans and what she could do for constituents that current Rep. Mark Green (R) has not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The eventful 113th Tennessee General Assembly has come to a close. Much has happened over the last four months, and it was not without controversy. Here to explain the impact of what legislation was passed, what was not passed, and what is on the agenda moving forward are local reporters Blaise Gainey (WPLN) and Stephen Elliott (Nashville Banner). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in American history, a United States president stands trial for criminal charges. Joining us via Zoom to analyze the first week of former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York City is John Vile, Political Science Professor at Middle Tennessee State University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Senate Bill SB1325 passed earlier this week, which could authorize school faculty and staff in Tennessee to carry concealed weapons on school grounds. State Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) joins the show to explain the rationale for passing such legislation and its consequences for teachers, students, and the public.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Bill Lee signed the dissolution of the TSU Board into law. With the board vacated, and with university president Glenda Glover retiring following the 2023-2024 school year, the university's future remains unclear. To unpack how and why this happened is NewsChannel 5's Capitol Hill reporter Chris Davis, with Ben Hall filling in for Pat Nolan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.