Podcast appearances and mentions of Justin J Pearson

America is watching Black political power come under attack in real time—but this story didn't start with today's headlines. In this urgent conversation, Amanda sits down with Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson to unpack the centuries-old playbook of minority rule: how powerful elites divide us, redraw the maps, and rig the system to hold onto power. Amanda traces the hidden history—from Reconstruction to today's gerrymandering battles—to reveal why Black political power has long been the greatest threat to oligarchy. Then, Representative Justin J. Pearson shares what he's witnessing on the ground in Tennessee, where attacks on Black representation are reshaping democracy in real time. We explore how communities can organize, build power, and fight back—and why hope remains a discipline, even now. - Why attacks on Black political power are really about protecting elite minority rule- How racialized redistricting is reshaping the South and the upcoming midterms  - Why the Voting Rights Act became a target—and what's at stake now - Why multiracial coalitions have always terrified those in power- What Rep. Pearson says ordinary people can do right now to fight back To support Representative Pearson, go to: https://www.votejustinj.com/ About Rep. Pearson:  Representative Justin J. Pearson is a Tennessee state legislator, community organizer, environmental justice advocate, and candidate for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. A lifelong Memphian, Pearson first gained prominence organizing grassroots campaigns that took on some of the most powerful corporate interests in the country. He helped lead the successful fight to stop the Byhalia Pipeline, protecting the drinking water of more than a million residents, and has organized campaigns to challenge environmental pollution, corporate exploitation, and policies that harm working families. His advocacy has included efforts to stop unfair utility contracts, hold polluters accountable, and push for stronger protections for Memphis's air, water, and soil. In 2023, Pearson became a national voice for democracy and gun safety as one of the "Tennessee Three," after being expelled from the Tennessee House by the GOP supermajority for participating in a protest calling for action following the Covenant School shooting. He was later reinstated and returned to office, Today, Pearson continues to advocate for voting rights, environmental justice, economic fairness, and democratic participation. He is currently running for Congress in Tennessee's 9th District, where he has been a leading voice against racial gerrymandering and efforts to dilute Black political power. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Ralph welcomes political consultant and pollster, Celinda Lake, to outline a ten-point Progressive Contract for America that she and Ralph believe – if adopted by Democratic candidates— will ensure they landslide the Republicans in the midterms. Then, Ben Cohen stops by to fill us in on his “Free Ben & Jerry!” campaign to take back the brand from the conglomerate that no longer retains the social justice values of their original company. Plus, Marine Corp veteran, Matthew Hoh, tells us about the provocative speech he made on Veterans Day entitled “Armistice Day and the Empire.”Celinda Lake is a political strategist and president of Lake Research Partners. She and her firm are known for cutting-edge research on issues including the economy, health care, the environment and education, and have worked for a number of institutions including the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Governor's Association, AFL-CIO, SEIU, CWA, Sierra Club, NARAL, Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, VoteVets Action Fund, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Her international work has included work in Liberia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus Ukraine, South Africa, and Central America.I think [a Compact for America] is a really, really, really important idea, and it's absolutely essential to winning…And it should include concrete economic proposals. And it is noticeable that the two people who won governorships in 2025—Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill—both had contracts with their voters.Celinda LakeDemocrats need to lay out ten concrete proposals and run on them. We have the critique of what's going on. We understand what's happening in real people's lives. The third leg of the stool is offering our alternative—and a concrete alternative that people can pass on to their friends and family, that people can hold us accountable for. And the last of the ten proposals in the contract needs to be something about campaign finance reform. We have to get corporate money out of politics, or our system will continue to be rigged against us and rotting from the middle.Celinda LakeBen Cohen is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime anti-war activist. He is a co-founder of the ice cream company Ben & Jerry's and a prominent supporter of progressive causes. He is co-founder of Up In Arms, a public education and advocacy campaign pushing for a common-sense approach to military budgeting.What's happened is that the company recently got owned by the Magnum Corporation, and the Magnum Corporation has disbanded that independent board of directors. I mean, it's kind of a crazy, stupid move because it's under that independent board (which has legal authority over the social mission and the quality of the product and the use of the trademark) it's under that independent board that the company has grown and done so well. But they've gotten rid of the independent board.Ben CohenWhen Ben & Jerry's was in the midst of trying to fend off this acquisition, there were some new laws that were passed in Vermont that allowed a consideration of the benefit of the community with regard to a potential sale. And after the sale happened, B Corporation started. And I've talked with the founder of B Corp, and he was saying that one of the inspirations for starting B Corporations was what happened to Ben & Jerry's. So B Corporations are a different legal structure for corporations which requires them to take into account the social benefit to the community and legally makes it easier to resist these efforts to have the company taken over.Ben CohenMatthew Hoh is a disabled Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War and former Afghan War State Department Officer. In 2009, after being appointed to the Foreign Service, Hoh resigned his post in Afghanistan over the Obama administration's escalation of the Afghan War. He is now an analyst and commentator on foreign and military policy issues as a senior fellow with the Eisenhower Media Network. He serves on the advisory boards of many peace organizations, including Veterans for Peace and World Beyond War, and is an associate member of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity.The United States recognized Armistice Day as a holiday until after the Second World War. And then in the height of the Cold War in the early 1950s, this idea of a holiday dedicated to peace, a holiday dedicated to the abrogation of warfare, a holiday that exposed just how false the motives for war are—oh that was incredibly troublesome. That was very problematic for the American empire (again, at the height of the Cold War). So there was this campaign to rename Armistice Day to Veterans Day. And this way, it became not a remembrance of the horrors of war, of what war entailed, of who profited from war. But rather a celebration of American veterans, that they have won freedoms, they have protected us from overseas enemies—and utilizing veterans, then, as a tool to crush dissent, to silence opposition.Matthew HohClick here to sign up to get a copy of Matthew Hoh's "Armistice Day and the Empire”News 6/19/26* Our top stories this week are about major local progressive victories. Here in Washington, DC Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George – endorsed by a broad coalition of groups including the Metro DC DSA, the AFL-CIO, the Sierra Club and many more – has triumphed in the Mayoral primary. Lewis George trounced her centrist opponent, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who was backed both by major local corporate interests, such as the realtor lobby and even the Washington Parking Association, but also Democratic Party power brokers, including two former DNC Chairs. Lewis George, hailed as DC's answer to Zohran Mamdani, won over 50% of the vote in the first round, meaning that while this is DC's first mayoral election under ranked-choice voting, this race will not trigger this mechanism. McDuffie, for his part, won around 36% of the vote, coming ahead of Lewis George only in Ward 3, the wealthiest in the District. While votes remain to be counted, McDuffie has conceded.* Another DSA-backed candidate is poised to win a seat on the DC council. In Ward 1, Aparna Raj appears to have come up just short of 50% but while this means the race will go to a second round of ranked-choice reallocation, given that Raj is more than 25 points ahead of her nearest opponent, her victory is all but guaranteed. This is based upon data from the DC Board of Elections. Raj's impending victory, paired with that of Janeese Lewis George and others like Oye Owolewa demonstrates that the DC DSA is an electoral force to be reckoned with.* In more progressive electoral news, Semafor reports Bernie Sanders has endorsed former Congresswoman Cori Bush in her “comeback” bid for her old seat. Bush, a nurse and Black Lives Matter activist, was a member of the “Squad” in the House before she was defeated by a primary challenge from the right, backed in large part by AIPAC money. With the Republican redistricting in her home state of Missouri, this seat is now the sole remaining safe Democratic seat in the Show-Me State. In a statement, Bush said she was “honored to be endorsed” by Sanders, whom she called a “true leader in our movement to guarantee healthcare, housing, and childcare for all.”* Another much-publicized Bernie endorsement was announced this week: that of Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson. Pearson was originally running as a primary challenger against longtime incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen in Tennessee's 9th congressional district, but since the state Republicans redrew the districts Cohen has decided to retire, leaving the Democratic nomination to Pearson for the taking. While this district has been drawn in such a way to make it difficult for a Democrat to win, Pearson argues that “You've got a number of disaffected Republican voters, you've got a number of distraught MAGA voters, and you've got fired-up Democrats, which is a perfect recipe for success for us…Because our tent is big enough for everybody who is feeling that this status quo was rigged and broken against working-class folk, and want to see a future that is more just,” per the Intercept.* Elsewhere in the South, the race in Florida's 20th congressional district is descending into chaos. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the powerful centrist Democratic congresswoman who was drawn out of her traditional seat by the recent Republican-led redistricting is now officially running in this district, a move that “disappointed” Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried, according to the Miami Herald. Fried further stated that Wasserman Schultz “[refused] to engage in meaningful dialogue about her decision.” Elijah Manley, the progressive candidate in this race, had harsher words for DWS. In a quote reported by Florida Politics, Manley stated “I'm not surprised that Debbie Wasserman Schultz is carpetbagging to FL-20, a black opportunity district, abandoning her own district and constituents…She is no different than the Republicans that are eviscerating black representation across the South. She is everything that's wrong with the broken unpopular Democratic establishment…I look forward to retiring her from public office permanently.”* Facing down the barrel of this decision, several of the Black candidates running in the 20th convened to discuss a plan to consolidate in order to ensure the district would continue to be represented by a Black member of Congress, as it has been for the past 34 years. However, CBS reports that plan has “fallen apart” as the filing deadline passed with none of the major Black candidates bowing out. This report includes statements from Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who, the piece notes, resigned from this very seat in disgrace earlier this year amid a congressional ethics investigation, saying she is “excited to campaign in the district I have represented for the last 5 years.” Dale Holness, the former Mayor of Broward County, said, “It has to be about policies that produce prosperity for the people.” Elijah Manley, said “I think it's going to come down to who works the hardest, and I think I'm going to work the hardest.” To this end, Manley has recently racked up major progressive endorsements in Florida, including Armando Grundy-Gomes, President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, through President Matthew Grocholske, and Black Voters Matter lead Florida organizer Jamil Davis. According to the most recent polling, Manley lags behind Wasserman Schultz 21% to 39% in initial ballot testing, but blitzes into the lead 36% to 27% after voters receive candidate biographical information, per Florida Politics.* Another major political story from Florida is the comeback bid of former Congressman Alan Grayson. Grayson, who won a House seat in 2008, lost it in the Tea Party wave of 2010, won another seat, ran unsuccessfully for Senate, and then sought a comeback in 2018 is running in Florida's 7th congressional district, AOL reports. Grayson, known during his time in Congress for his “combative style and frequent clashes with Republicans,” is seeking to unseat scandal-plagued incumbent Republican Congressman Cory Mills. As this piece notes, Mills has “faced allegations ranging from sextortion claims made by a former girlfriend to accusations that he embellished aspects of his military record,” as well as what appears to be clear instances of corruption, such as driving government contracts to entities he owned. However, before these two have any chance of facing off against one another, both will have to get through his own party's primary.* Looking to Latin America, the outgoing President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, has published a fascinating op-ed in the Washington Post. In this piece, President Petro emphasizes how his government – considered one of the most opposed to American intervention in the region – has cooperated with the United States on shared objectives including stopping the “deadly flow of drug trafficking and transnational criminal violence.” Throughout the op-ed, Petro goes to great lengths to talk up Trump and how they have collaborated on mutual goals, even ending the piece by writing that “with continued U.S.-Colombia partnership, we can truly make the Americas great again.” This apparent about face from Petro, culminating in an obsequious appeal to Trump's favor, has led many to speculate about Petro's motivations here, including fear for his own safety, possible persecution within the American legal system or intervention in Colombia if his designated successor Ivan Cepeda ultimately wins the Colombian runoff presidential election this month. Whether or not this stratagem will work remains to be seen, but with Trump, flattery can get you everywhere.* In neighboring Peru, votes continue to be counted in the razor's edge race between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez. The votes for the election, held on June 7th, are almost completely counted now – the tally stands at 99.38% – and at the moment Fujimori leads by around 39,000 votes. However, around 140,000 votes have been formally challenged, with 60% of those coming from Fujimori strongholds like Lima as well as Peruvians abroad. This from Reuters. Peru's political system has been wracked by instability, with the country going through nine presidents in the last ten years. Another painstakingly close election is unlikely to restore stability no matter who comes out on top.* Finally, we turn to the Middle East, where it seems the numerous parties involved in the latest round of peace talks may have finally reached a deal. According to Al Jazeera, in addition to the US-Iran agreement, rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which includes financial concessions to the Islamic Republic, Israel and Hezbollah are pursuing a ceasefire in Lebanon. However, Israel's notoriously loose interpretation of ceasefire agreements jeopardizes both this deal and MOU. Journalist and expert Rania Khalek states simply that “From Iran's perspective, continued Israeli strikes would be a violation of that understanding.” Vice President JD Vance, who has been intimately involved in these negotiations, expressed a sharp warning to Israel not to jeopardize the deal and risk alienating Trump, their “only ally” left. Trump for his part is already hedging, saying “If it works out, I'm going to take the credit…If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD,” per CNN. A report in the Hill indicates that Republican Senators would largely oppose the deal if it were submitted for their approval, but given the increasing concentration of foreign policy powers in the executive branch, it is unlikely the Senate will even be consulted.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

This week, join us for a great episode as we host Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson! We have a great talk about why he is running for Congress and how the recent nationwide redistricting will impact voting in November.

Democracy is under attack—and this conversation made clear that the fight for voting rights is entering a dangerous new phase.On Thursday May 14, Lauren Groh-Wargo, CEO of Fair Fight Action (Rights & Insights), and Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson joined BigTentUSA's urgent discussion on the fallout from “Louisiana v. Callais”. Groh-Wargo and Pearson sounded the alarm on escalating efforts to dismantle fair representation across the South. From racial gerrymandering and attacks on Black voting power to coordinated pushes for partisan redistricting, the speakers warned that extremist lawmakers are testing how far they can weaken democracy—and counting on people to tune out. The conversation highlighted mounting threats in states like Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, while emphasizing that courts alone will not stop the damage. Instead, organizers urged attendees to focus on turnout, state supreme court races, grassroots organizing, and sustained public pressure.Folks, the time to organize, mobilize, and fight back is now.Speakers' Recommended Actions:* Push back hard against voter suppression, racist gerrymandering, and attacks on democracy by calling them out publicly and keeping the pressure on.* Build bigger, stronger coalitions by bringing together community groups, workers, young people, businesses, and pro-democracy allies.* Reach more voters—including people who feel disconnected from politics—through year-round grassroots organizing and community outreach.* Focus on turnout in the 2026 midterms and key state and local races that will shape voting rights and representation.* Support local organizers and stay involved beyond election season through advocacy, education, and community action.Check out our ACT NOW page:https://bigtentusa.org/act-now/ Learn more about Fair Fight Action here:https://www.fairfight.com/Learn more about Rep. Pearson's campaign here:https://www.votejustinj.com/ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Lauren Groh-Wargo is a political and civic engagement strategist, executive, and advocate for economic and voting rights. She partnered with Stacey Abrams in 2012 to build Democratic and progressive infrastructure in Georgia, and in response to 2018 voter suppression, founded and serves as CEO of Fair Fight Action, which combats suppression and advances voter education. Fair Fight played a key role in the 2020 election and 2021 Georgia runoff. An organizer at heart, Lauren has led campaigns and advised nonprofits nationally for over 20 years. She holds an Economics degree from American University and lives in Atlanta with her partner and son.Rep. Justin J. Pearson launched his campaign for Tennessee's Ninth Congressional District on October 8, 2025, declaring it “a campaign for The People.” A movement leader and Tennessee lawmaker, he rose to national prominence as part of the Tennessee Three, standing up for gun reform and being overwhelmingly reelected after expulsion. A lifelong organizer, he helped lead the victorious Byhalia Pipeline fight, shut down a cancer-causing sterilization plant, and now challenges Elon Musk's xAI data center. The second-youngest state legislator, Pearson is a national voice for justice, honored with the Truman Center's 2024 Moral Courage Award. He's running to bring that fight to Congress. Pearson is married to his partner in life and the struggle for justice Oceana R. Gilliam-Pearson. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

We interview Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson of the “Tennessee Three” on his journey into politics and his new race for U. S. Congress. Check out the latest Black Lawyers news, our free Black Lawyers Directory, Black Law and Medical student scholarship, and Merchandise all year round at TheBlackLawyers.com.

"He's had 20 years..." Rep. Steve Cohen is still suing instead of just running no matter what the district looked like and some democrats are NOW saying that the margins COULD result in some being flipped, right after calling it all racist. And now the Memphis City Council is stepping in, despite the changes having nothing to do with them. Also on the show: we hear a new proposition from LA Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt and how he would handle crime/homelessness, Justin J. Pearson unleashes his acting skills over the weekend, and Jake honors the life and legacy of baseball legend Bobby Cox. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a fatal blow to the Voting Rights Act, triggering a new wave of redistricting fights in the midst of midterm primary elections. Last week, the court struck down a Louisiana congressional map with a second majority-Black district. The decision requires there to be evidence of intentional racism to prove that a map is discriminatory, making it nearly impossible to successfully challenge racial gerrymandering. Following the 6-3 decision along partisan lines, Louisiana suspended its already active congressional primary, throwing out cast ballots. Alabama's Republican governor took steps to gerrymander her state's maps ahead of November elections. Tennessee GOP leaders also convened a special session to eliminate the last remaining Democratic stronghold in the state, home to Memphis, a majority-Black city and district; the new map would split Memphis into three districts and further split Nashville and the surrounding counties into five districts. On Thursday, Tennessee Gov. Lee signed a bill that repealed a state law prohibiting mid-decade redistricting, and the new map was passed by Tennessee Republicans.“The primary goal of what they're doing. It is to dilute Black political voting power and representation, and it's starting at the U.S. congressional level,” state Rep. Justin J. Pearson tells The Intercept Briefing. The Democratic Tennessee state representative for Memphis is running for U.S. Congress in the district at the heart of the state's re-districting fight. “When you look across the South, the truth is about at least a dozen seats are likely to be taken in this very racist redistricting era that we are in, but it won't stop there," Pearson says. "We have over 200 legislative seats in the House and the Senate that are also likely to be eliminated through racist redistricting that is happening.” Voting rights journalist and author Ari Berman says SCOTUS's latest blow to voters' rights is a “power grab.”This week on the podcast, Berman and Pearson speak to host Jessica Washington about how the latest Supreme Court decision bolsters President Donald Trump and Republicans' aims to take control of voting in the country.“This is now the third major decision by the Roberts court gutting the Voting Rights Act,” says Berman. “You can't understand this latest attack on the Voting Rights Act unless you understand the attacks that came before it, and how this is part of a pattern. ... This is part of a larger conservative counterrevolution against the civil rights movement of the 1960s.”Berman says that this ruling could bring us back to the “dark days” before the Voting Rights Act made the United States a “multiracial democracy.” Now you look at what's going to happen in these places, in places like Tennessee, in places like Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi. If they eliminate all of their Black members of Congress, that's going to make politics a white-only game." Pearson says that the Supreme Court's assertion that these protections are no longer necessary is a lie. “The hatred that hung us on lynching trees did not disappear. It dissipated into institutions of power, into state houses, into governor's mansions, into the U.S. Senate, into the U.S. House, into the presidency of the United States,” says Pearson. “Everybody has to do more than they are currently doing in this moment in time in order for us to preserve this modicum of a democratic constitutional republic. … Because what is likely to happen is the most significant purging of Black political power and elected Black leaders since the end of Reconstruction.”For more, listen to the full conversation of The Intercept Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.Keep our investigations free and fearless at theintercept.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning, we've got a lot to unpack. First, we head to Tennessee to break down the escalating redistricting fight and growing concerns about efforts critics say could dilute Black voting power. Justin J. Pearson joins us to discuss what's happening, what's at stake, and why this battle could have major implications beyond Tennessee. Then we pivot to the midterms and the fight for young voters with political pollster and strategist Joshua Doss and activist Cameron Kasky. Are Democrats doing enough to energize younger voters, and could turnout determine the future of the election? And finally, we tackle growing concerns around hantavirus with friend of the show Dr. Frita. What is it, how does it spread, and how worried should people actually be? Politics, public health, democracy, it's all coming up this morning. This episode is sponsored by FFRF. Visit https://ffrf.us/don or text DON 511511 to join or learn more. Because freedom belongs to all of us. Text Fees May Apply This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/donlemon This episode is brought to you by Aura Frames. Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DONLEMON. Promo Code DONLEMON Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memphis will be split into three congressional districts under the new U.S. House map that Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law on Thursday. What followed is absolute chaos at the House, as characters like Justin J. Pearson, Justin Jones, and Steve Cohen wasted no time with theatrics and race-baiting. Also on the show: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claims that nobody should be earning billions of dollars, the hantavirus could either be a dud or the next COVID-19, and syndicated columnist Ron Hart joins the show to talk the redistricting change and more on Ted Turner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered another severe blow to the 1965 Voting Rights Act striking down protections against discrimination aimed at racial minority voters. After the ruling, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted a solid red map calling on the Tennessee legislature to redraw districts to ensure Republicans dominate every election. Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson represents District 86 which covers Memphis and Shelby County. He says, "This is the only district that's in the entire state that is majority black and is Democratic that ensures representation for the people in our community. Representation they would not get otherwise because those would be all majority white districts. The fact that Marsha Blackburn who is running for governor of this state is proposing this, and other folks who are doing the similar thing, is really worrisome to the representation we deserve and that has been fought for. The reality of this is the use of racism, of bigotry, that created the need for District 9 in the first place have not disappeared. And our right to be able to choose a representative who understands our values, understands our culture, understands our dignity is extremely important. Now we are being told racism will not be viewed by the court, but racism can be used to take away, strip away our voting rights." Justin J. Pearson is now running for District 9 against incumbent Steve Cohen. NewsChannel 5+ can be seen on Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2. Inside Politics also streams live Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 3pm on our website: https://www.newschannel5.com/live3 as well as the NewsChannel 5 Now app on Connected TVs through Roku, AppleTV, AndroidTV, etc. The episode will air throughout the weekend on NewsChannel 5+ Sat. at 5:30am, 3pm, Sun. at 1am, 9am, 7pm, Mon. at 2:30pm and Tues., 3pm unless pre-empted. This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jen Psaki looks at polling in key midterm Senate races that shows Democrats ahead, tied or within striking distance as Donald Trump's popularity continues to sag to new lows. Graham Platner, who essentially clinched the Democratic nomination for Senate from Maine when his opponent dropped out today, joins to discuss the grassroots energy behind his campaign and the significance of his race to eventual Democratic control of the Senate. "Any road to a Democratic Senate goes through the state of Maine," he says. Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for Senate from Maine, talks with Jen Psaki about the role Donald Trump plays in his race and with the voters he hopes to make his constituents, and discusses the posture Democrats should take to make the most of any political power they are able to attain in the midterm elections. J.P. Cooney, former federal prosecutor, talks with Jen about the Trump administration's bad faither prosecution of James Comey. Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson talks about defending voting right in the wake of the Supreme Court gutting the Voting Rights Act.   To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Air Force One touched down in Memphis this morning amid PLENTY of local leaders like Justin J. Pearson leading protests against his visit. We breakdown all the soundclips from the Memphis Safe Task Force roundtable, and his surprise visit to Graceland. Also on the show: Where does Memphis rank in America's fatass list? We also cover Alan Ritchson beating his neighbor in Nashville, teens raided downtown Memphis over the weekend, and Mayor Paul Young gives a presser right after Trump's visit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3.11.2026 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Target Fast Ends. Justin J. Pearson Slams Musk xAI Gas Turbines. Florida Anti-DEI Bill A year-long national boycott of Target over its rollbacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives has ended. Until Freedom's Tamika Mallory will join us to discuss the success of the boycott. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has approved plans for 41 gas turbines at the xAI facility in Southaven. Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson will explain why this decision has drawn criticism from local activists and advocacy groups, who argue that the approval process ignored public concerns and violated environmental regulations. Mississippi's Incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith will face Democratic candidate Scott Colom, who won out over two primary opponents, in November. We'll talk to Colom about his victory. And Georgia's special election to replace former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th Congressional District is headed to an April runoff. In Florida, State House Republicans have passed an anti-DEI bill that includes criminal civil penalties for elected officials. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A monumental day in Memphis politics! That's according to Rep. Justin J. Pearson who, along with hundreds of Memphians, decided to go to former Vice President Kamala Harris' book tour event at the Orpheum last night. Was it sold out, or was it "sold out"? Also on the show: Kreston the Sax Offender drops in the studio as we play some "Guess That Tune" for two segments, syndicated columnist joins the show to talk about the latest political headlines, and WVNN host Dale Jackson drops by. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Hogg joins Kanew to talk about why gun safety laws work, and why his organization Leaders We Deserve is backing Rep. Justin J. Pearson's effort to replace Congressman Steve Cohen, who equated Pearson's challenge with "Pearl Harbor".

State Rep. Justin J. Pearson talked about his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his views on the Memphis Safe Task Force on "Behind The Headlines."

Host Shilpi Chhotray is joined by Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson, a fierce advocate taking on corporate power — from Big Oil to Big Tech. You may know him as one of the two Black representatives who was expelled for demanding gun reform on the House floor after The Covenant school shooting in Nashville. But long before becoming one of the youngest members of the Tennessee legislature, Rep. Pearson was on the frontlines in South Memphis, organizing against a crude oil pipeline that threatened his hometown.Now, in Rep. Pearson's district, Elon Musk's xAI project is expanding its empire with massive, unregulated data centers that pollute the air, threaten their water, and undermine hard-won environmental protections. This conversation is about fighting against entrenched corruption, unchecked corporate and political power, and billionaires who put profit over people's health and future.Key Topics Covered:Defeating the Valero / Plains All American Byhalia PipelineThe rise of Elon Musk's xAI data center in Memphis and the environmental toll of artificial intelligenceMoney in politics: How corporate lobbying and billionaires shape elections and policyCivil disobedience: The role of protest, direct action, and speaking truth to powerKeeping people power alive in the face of corruption and broken systemsProximity to the fight: Understanding your local representatives, connecting local struggles to federal policies, and focusing energy where it can make the most impactResourcesMemphis Community Against PollutionRep. Justin J. Pearson's Speech on the House floor before being expelled“How Long, Not Long” Martin Luther King Jr. speech after marching from Selma to MontgomeryNAACP and Advocacy Groups Appeal Permit for xAI's South Memphis Data CenterOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rep. Justin J. Pearson joins to tell us why he decided to run for congress in Memphis: "We need new energy to meet this moment."

Dolly Parton was in America's prayers after a social media post that scared everyone. Her sister, Fredia, put out a post asking for prayers on behalf of Dolly's health which sent the country in a scramble, obviously. She's doing well, she isn't dying, and that led to the question of the day: who are elder celebrities as beloved as Queen Dolly? Also on the show: Justin J. Pearson announces his campaign against Rep. Steve Cohen, James Comey pleads not-guilty, Kristin Noem plays ICE cosplay again, and a suspect behind the January Palisades fires was arrested... and it wasn't climate change! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-TN) is back with an update on if or when President Donald Trump will deploy National Guard troops to the streets of Memphis.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Headlines for September 17, 2025; “Single Shots to the Head”: U.S. Veteran, Volunteer Surgeon Sees “Extermination of a People” in Gaza; “Perish or Leave”: Hundreds of Thousands Flee as Israeli Military Invades Gaza City; How Video Games, Discord & Deep Web Influenced Alleged Kirk Killer; Trump Uses “Black Criminality” Myth to Take Over Black-Led Cities: Memphis Rep. Justin J. Pearson; Robert Redford the Activist: Hollywood Icon Was Lifelong Champion of Environment & Independent Film

Headlines for September 17, 2025; “Single Shots to the Head”: U.S. Veteran, Volunteer Surgeon Sees “Extermination of a People” in Gaza; “Perish or Leave”: Hundreds of Thousands Flee as Israeli Military Invades Gaza City; How Video Games, Discord & Deep Web Influenced Alleged Kirk Killer; Trump Uses “Black Criminality” Myth to Take Over Black-Led Cities: Memphis Rep. Justin J. Pearson; Robert Redford the Activist: Hollywood Icon Was Lifelong Champion of Environment & Independent Film

President Trump announced plans during the show, signing the “Memphis Safe Task Force" memorandum alongside Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn and Governor Bill Lee. We break down the plans, listen to each of the leaders' remarks about the move, and explain EXACTLY why Memphis Democrats are not happy to see the national guard make the moves they refuse to. Don't believe Memphians want this? We take several callers welcoming troops with arms wide open. Also on the show, more news has come out over the weekend about Tyler Robinson, the alleged Charlie Kirk assassin, and we share everything that's been released so far. We also listen in on Justin J. Pearson and Will Richardson telling us they don't want help; they want resources, aka cash money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The history, consequences, and current state of political violence in America; Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson discusses his plans to fight back against the Trump Administration's plans to send national guard troops to Memphis; ‘The 1619 Project: Born on the Water' is the subject of this week's Velshi Banned Book Club

Jen Psaki looks back at past examples of political violence in the United States and how political leaders addressed the country with calls for unity and cooler heads, with examples from John Boehner to Utah Governor Spender Cox, who spoke this morning at a press conference announcing that the suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk is in custody. Senator Tina Smith discusses the dire state of politics in the U.S.While the suspect in the Kirk shooting is in custody, Kash Patel's poor performance leading the FBI did not go unnoticed. Andrew Weissmann joins to explain how the FBI is supposed to work in normal times under normal leadership.Donald Trump has named Memphis as the next target of his military policing plan. Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson expresses his vehement opposition to what Trump intends to do.NATO suffered significant alarm when Russia sent drones into Poland in what is widely seen as a test of NATO readiness. Donald Trump seemed more inclined to excuse Vladimir Putin than to rally with allies, Jen Psaki explains.And a CDC panel assembled by Trump HHS secretary and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy will decide whether they endorse the new booster, which will determine whether residents of as many as 16 states are able to access the vaccine this season. 

Rep. Justin J. Pearson joins the Bullpen to discuss Elon Musk's AI company polluting Black neighborhoods.   Host: Dr. Rashad Richey (@IndisputableTYT) Bullpen guest: Justin J. Pearson *** SUBSCRIBE on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠  ☞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠⁠  ☞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠  https://www.facebook.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TWITTER⁠⁠⁠⁠  ☞     ⁠⁠⁠⁠  https://www.twitter.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ ☞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Velshi is joined by Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT), economist Mohamed El-Erian, Brookings' Andre Perry, TN State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, Vanity Fair's Molly Jong-Fast, New York Times' Nicholas Kristof, Caitlin Dickerson from The Atlantic, and attorney Petra Molnar.

Catherine Coleman Flowers has dedicated her life to fighting for the most vulnerable communities — people who have been deprived of the basic civil right to a clean, safe and sustainable environment.  When she was first on Climate One in 2021, Flowers talked about growing up in Lowndes County, Alabama, and working to stem the raw sewage contaminating homes and drinking water in her county and beyond. In recognition of this work she was granted a MacArthur “Genius Award.” Now, she picks up the story, discussing her awareness of racialized disinvestment in the South, the work of the inaugural White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the impact of unfettered fossil fuel production nationwide. Guests: Catherine Coleman Flowers, Founder, Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ) Justin J. Pearson, State Representative, Tennessee General Assembly On Monday, Google's Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt and Irina Raicu, Director of the Internet Ethics Program at the Markkula Center, will speak with Climate One about the development of sustainably powered artificial intelligence. Tickets are on sale through our website. And on April 22 and 24, Climate One will once again be hosting a series of SF Climate Week events at The Commonwealth Club! Join us for conversations with environmental luminaries such as Margaret Gordon, Jenny Odell, Project Drawdown, Grist, and Abby Reyes. Tickets are on sale now. Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Coleman Flowers has dedicated her life to fighting for the most vulnerable communities — people who have been deprived of the basic civil right to a clean, safe and sustainable environment.  When she was first on Climate One in 2021, Flowers talked about growing up in Lowndes County, Alabama, and working to stem the raw sewage contaminating homes and drinking water in her county and beyond. In recognition of this work she was granted a MacArthur “Genius Award.” Now, she picks up the story, discussing her awareness of racialized disinvestment in the South, the work of the inaugural White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the impact of unfettered fossil fuel production nationwide. Guests: Catherine Coleman Flowers, Founder, Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ) Justin J. Pearson, State Representative, Tennessee General Assembly On Monday, Google's Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt and Irina Raicu, Director of the Internet Ethics Program at the Markkula Center, will speak with Climate One about the development of sustainably powered artificial intelligence. Tickets are on sale through our website. And on April 22 and 24, Climate One will once again be hosting a series of SF Climate Week events at The Commonwealth Club! Join us for conversations with environmental luminaries such as Margaret Gordon, Jenny Odell, Project Drawdown, Grist, and Abby Reyes. Tickets are on sale now. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think people are gonna show up for her. We're gonna win this thing.” Kamala surrogate Rep. Justin J Pearson says the vibes are good but run through the tape - and weighs in on racist stickers Marsha Blackburn gave at the UT game: “She doesn't care about Tennesseans.”

The U.S. is gearing up for a presidential election between a climate advocate and a climate denier. Scientists have given humanity a deadline to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels if we want a habitable Earth. While there has been some progress, it's not anywhere nearly enough, and the consequences of our failure to address our fossil fuel addiction is becoming more and more obvious. All of which generates lots of anxiety about the election's outcome.  So what are some ways we can address that anxiety? Can that worry be put to good use? Guests: Lise Van Susteren, General and forensic psychiatrist; Author Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO, Hip Hop Caucus David Hogg, Gun control activist; Cofounder, March for Our Lives, Leaders We Deserve Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

The U.S. is gearing up for a presidential election between a climate advocate and a climate denier. Scientists have given humanity a deadline to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels if we want a habitable Earth. While there has been some progress, it's not anywhere nearly enough, and the consequences of our failure to address our fossil fuel addiction is becoming more and more obvious. All of which generates lots of anxiety about the election's outcome.  So what are some ways we can address that anxiety? Can that worry be put to good use?  Guests: Lise Van Susteren, General and forensic psychiatrist; Author Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO, Hip Hop Caucus David Hogg, Gun control activist; Cofounder, March for Our Lives, Leaders We Deserve Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

Tom Steyer rose to public prominence as the billionaire investor and climate organizer who ran for president in the 2020 election on a climate-first platform. While he didn't secure the Democratic nomination, his dedication to supporting and advancing climate solutions has remained steadfast.  In his new book, “Cheaper, Better, Faster: How We'll Win the Climate War,” Steyer argues that we are in a defining moment: We face the daunting, existential threat of climate change. And yet, with this great challenge comes a great opportunity for innovation, global leadership and economic growth. But can capitalism, the system that helped create and exacerbate the climate crisis, be the system that fixes climate chaos?  Guests:  Tom Steyer, Co-Executive Chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions, Investor, Author  Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

Tom Steyer rose to public prominence as the billionaire investor and climate organizer who ran for president in the 2020 election on a climate-first platform. While he didn't secure the Democratic nomination, his dedication to supporting and advancing climate solutions has remained steadfast.  In his new book, “Cheaper, Better, Faster: How We'll Win the Climate War,” Steyer argues that we are in a defining moment: we face the daunting, existential threat of climate change. And yet, with this great challenge comes a great opportunity for innovation, global leadership and economic growth. But can capitalism, the system that helped create and exacerbate the climate crisis, be the system that fixes climate chaos?  Guests: Tom Steyer, Co-Executive Chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions, Investor, Author  Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

Ramses Ja and guest co-host Q Ward are back with part 2 of their conversation with Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's special guest is the dynamic Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson. He joins Ramses and guest co-host Q Ward for an informative discussion on a range of critical topics. Part 1 of 2 part series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. military is one of the world's largest consumers of fossil fuels. And its carbon pollution is equally huge. At the same time, climate disruption is already amplifying crises and conflicts around the world — making climate change, in the words of one military expert, “a threat multiplier.” The Department of Defense has been making moves to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The Air Force has recently invested in electric aircraft, and several bases are tapping into geothermal energy — capturing heat from deep underground. Others are building their own microgrids — islands of electricity that can run on clean sources. This week we explore how the U.S. military is trying to balance global security with climate threats. This episode also features a reported story by NPR's Quil Lawrence, originally broadcast on NPR's All Things Considered on October 2, 2023. Guests: Sherri Goodman, Secretary General, International Military Council on Climate & Security  Neta C. Crawford, Montague Burton Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

The U.S. military is one of the world's largest consumers of fossil fuels. And its carbon pollution is equally huge. At the same time, climate disruption is already amplifying crises and conflicts around the world — making climate change, in the words of one military expert, “a threat multiplier.” The Department of Defense has been making moves to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The Air Force has recently invested in electric aircraft, and several bases are tapping into geothermal energy — capturing heat from deep underground. Others are building their own microgrids — islands of electricity that can run on clean sources. This week we explore how the U.S. military is trying to balance global security with climate threats. This episode also features a reported story by NPR's Quil Lawrence, originally broadcast on NPR's All Things Considered on October 2, 2023. Guests: Sherri Goodman, Secretary General, International Military Council on Climate & Security  Neta C. Crawford, Montague Burton Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford

Pearson joins to talk about state Republicans attacking Memphis again over gun safety referendums, and Kanew calls on Mark Green to release his unredacted army discharge papers.

The leaders at the top of the Republican Party want the U.S. to double down on carbon-intensive oil and gas — and avoid reckoning with the damage they cause.  As temperatures continue to rise, a majority of young Republican voters say clinging to that stance could spell trouble for the sustainability of the GOP. And yet, conservatives aren't a monolith when it comes to climate. A small wing of the party is warming up to the idea of climate action. The question is: Can those Republicans, who take climate seriously, move the needle on bipartisan climate action?  Guests:  Emma Dumain, Reporter, E&E News Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Mariannette Miller-Meeks, U.S. Representative (R-IA 1st District) and Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus Danielle Butcher Franz, CEO, American Conservation Coalition

The leaders at the top of the Republican Party want the U.S. to double down on carbon-intensive oil and gas — and avoid reckoning with the damage they cause.  As temperatures continue to rise, a majority of young Republican voters say clinging to that stance could spell trouble for the sustainability of the GOP. And yet, conservatives aren't a monolith when it comes to climate. A small wing of the party is warming up to the idea of climate action. The question is: Can those Republicans, who take climate seriously, move the needle on bipartisan climate action?  Guests:  Emma Dumain, Reporter, E&E News Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Mariannette Miller-Meeks, U.S. Representative (R-IA 1st District) and Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus Danielle Butcher Franz, CEO, American Conservation Coalition

The nation's electric grid needs to be expanded and made more reliable for our future energy demands and climate forecasts. The way we've built transmission in the past — regionally siloed with short term planning — is now suffering from reliability and capacity issues and won't work for the next century. The Department of Energy is drafting plans for national transmission corridors to help speed new construction. It's also handing out funds to build new lines and upgrade existing infrastructure to increase capacity. Meanwhile, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently passed a rule requiring utilities to work together and take a longer view on planning their transmission needs. But it will still take years to accomplish these changes. Can we build a robust national transmission system that serves our decarbonized future at the speed we need? Guests: Shelley Welton, Presidential Distinguished Professor of Law and Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, Department of Energy  Danielle Fidler, Senior Attorney, Clean Energy Program, Earthjustice Pat Wood, CEO, Hunt Energy Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

The nation's electric grid needs to be expanded and made more reliable for our future energy demands and climate forecasts. The way we've built transmission in the past — regionally siloed with short term planning — is now suffering from reliability and capacity issues and won't work for the next century. The Department of Energy is drafting plans for national transmission corridors to help speed new construction. It's also handing out funds to build new lines and upgrade existing infrastructure to increase capacity. Meanwhile, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently passed a rule requiring utilities to work together and take a longer view on planning their transmission needs. But it will still take years to accomplish these changes. Can we build a robust national transmission system that serves our decarbonized future at the speed we need? Guests: Shelley Welton, Presidential Distinguished Professor of Law and Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, Department of Energy  Danielle Fidler, Senior Attorney, Clean Energy Program, Earthjustice Pat Wood, CEO, Hunt Energy Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.

Tonight on The Last Word: David Pecker testifies AMI bought the Karen McDougal story to influence the 2016 election. Also, Trump's immunity case becomes the latest Supreme Court controversy. Plus, the Arizona indictment adds details to the “fake electors” plot. And Tennessee enacts a law allowing teachers to carry guns. Adam Klasfeld, Faith Gay, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Ryan Reilly, TN State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, and Jennifer Aprea join Ali Velshi.

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson falsely tie border security to voting. Also, Vice President Harris slams the Arizona abortion ban. Plus, Tennessee Senate Republicans advance a bill to arm teachers a year after a deadly Nashville school shooting. And President Biden is using his cash advantage to target key voting blocs. Rep. Madeleine Dean, Perry Stein, Bradley Moss, AZ state Sen. Eva Burch, Beth Gebhard, and TN state Rep. Justin J. Pearson join Katie Phang.

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Jan. 11, Tennessee Rep. Justin J. Pearson discusses how the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has impacted the rising generation of political leaders and why he thinks U.S. institutions are being degraded through partisan politics.

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump Jr. testifies in the New York civil fraud trial. Also, a judge could delay Donald Trump's classified documents trial. Plus, Maine gun laws come under scrutiny after the mass shooting. And evacuations from Gaza at the Rafah Border Crossing begin. Adam Klasfeld, Tim O'Brien, Bradley Moss, Glenn Kirschner, Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, Ellison Barber and Nicholas Kristof join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Tonight on The Last Word: Special Counsel Jack Smith responds to the Trump protective order motion. Also, The New York Times reports Justice Clarence Thomas's $267K RV is financed by a wealthy health care executive. And a Tennessee Democrat who was expelled after participating in a gun protest wins back his seat. Andrew Weissmann, Neal Katyal, Harry Litman, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and TN State Rep. Justin J. Pearson join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Climate justice is taking center stage -- geopolitically, socially and morally. In a contagiously courageous conversation, Member of Parliament in the UK David Lammy and Tennessee state representative Justin J. Pearson discuss how brave leadership can shepherd global movements and uplift historically marginalized communities in the face of humanity's greatest challenge: climate change. "We must have outrage, but we must have optimism as well," says Lammy.

Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” talks about James Clayton's BBC interview with Elon Musk where he refused to let the interviewer get away with his false claims of increased hate speech on Twitter; MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan's contentious interview with Matt Taibbi about the Twitter Files; David Sacks's explaining why hate speech is a red herring; Bud Light's VP of Marketing Alissa Heinerscheid trying to explain how the Dylan Mulvaney partnership was an attempt to push the message of inclusivity; an Anheuser-Busch worker explaining how the Dylan Mulvaney partnership is already jeopardizing his job as sales of Bud Light plummet; resurfaced footage of the “Tennessee Three's” Justin J. Pearson proving the expelled Democratic lawmaker is a fraud; Kamala Harris defending the expelled democratic lawmakers protest within the Nashville capital; why Brandon Johnson won the Chicago mayoral election despite his pushing for lowering academic standards and defending looting; Donald Trump telling Tucker Carlson why he doesn't think that Joe Biden will run in the 2024 election; Joe Rogan's epic attack on mainstream media; and much more. WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/