Inside Politics - NewsChannel 5 Plus Nashville

With the recent military action in Venezuela, what is America's current approach to foreign policy?  Thomas A. Schwartz, Ph.D. Vanderbilt University Professor of Political Science and US Foreign Relations joins host Ben Hall as they discuss how this current action by the Trump administration is different from the Cold War and H.W. Bush's approach in the first Iraqi War.  Schwartz compares Bush engaging with the United Nations to sanction a united coalition under UN law to invade Iraq while Trump "doesn't worry about international law, getting international approval and just acts on the basis of the president's se...

A comment about a private Facebook post after Charlie Kirk's death causes a UT professor to be suspended. Tamar Shirinian, M.A., Ph.D. thought the University of Tennessee at Knoxville would protect Freedom of Speech as they had done for other employees and protest groups in the past including controversial words spoken by Charlie Kirk earlier in the year. The school is taking action to fire her after public officials have called for her termination. Shirinian's lawyer, Robb Bigelow thinks there is a double standard when it comes to freedom of speech.

Shirinian says she has...

Political Strategist Tucker Karnes, Public Affairs for Cooley Public Strategies breaks down the highly contested TN-07 Congressional Race.  Karnes joins host Ben Hall to analyze the dramatic numbers from the special election comparing them to the November 5, 2024 race between Democrat Megan Barry and Republican Mark Green.  With Megan Barry pulling in over 120,000 votes just a year earlier, the Aftyn Behn campaign's primary mission was mobilizing Democratic voters. What other critical factors contributed to a 13 point swing from Republicans in 2024 to 2025?  Which counties delivered the biggest impact?  Will this voting pattern reshape the 2026 mid-terms? What does this mean for District 5's U...

The fiercely competitive TN-07 Congressional race with Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps is underway. But 4 other names will be on the ballot for the General Election, December 2nd. We continue our coverage by introducing you to 3 of the 4 Independent candidates who want your vote to represent District 7 in Washington. Teresa "Terri" Christi, Jon Thorp and Bobby Dodge join host Ben Hall to tell us why you should vote for an Independent candidate. Robert James Sutherby declined our invitation due to a scheduling conflict.

All candidates on set believe that most Americans align with their...

In January 2025, Club for Growth a Washington D.C.-based political action committee issued a stark warning to all State Republicans to support Governor Bill Lee's School Freedom Act.

State Representative Jody Barrett who represents Dickson, Hickman and Lewis Counties chose to stand by his constituents and voted "no". Barrett says he is pro-school choice, but "I just didn't like this particular plan. It wasn't going to do enough for the amount of money it was going to cost the state. There were a lot of fiscally responsible questions and responsibility questions."

When Barrett ran...

District 15 State Senator Paul Bailey (R) sent out a press release urging Governor Lee to fund SNAP benefits for Tennesseans after the federal government shutdown, which halted payments November 1st, affecting more than 690,000 Tennesseans - including 20,635 constituents in district 15.  

Bailey's concerns stem from a firsthand look at the crisis during an October visit to a local food bank, where he witnessed empty shelves and overwhelming demand. "Tennessee had reached crisis mode before November 1st." Bailey highlighting how "the elderly and working-class families struggling to make ends meet," and relatives raising children not their own have already exhausted l...

Republican Primary Winner Matt Van Epps will face Democrat Aftyn Behn December 2nd in the General Election for U.S. Representative for the TN-07 Congressional District. Matt Van Epps returns to Inside Politics to answer more question from host Ben Hall. Van Epps says his experience in the military and small business while still serving National Guard helped him win the primary. Van Epps says his goals if elected will be multifaceted. "Driving down the cost of living, driving our economy, decreasing inflation are all incredibly important and will be a priority on day one." He will also prioritize...

Democratic Primary Winner Rep. Aftyn Behn will face Republican Matt Van Epps Dec. 2nd in the General Election for U.S. Representative for theTN-07 Congressional District.  Aftyn Behn returns to Inside Politics to answer more questions from host Ben Hall.  Behn touts her campaign as "grassroots energy and not taking Corporate PAC money."  She considers herself an angry social worker who will fight for Tennesseans.  Behn said, "This race is not about left vs right but top vs. bottom."  She is running to "make life affordable for Tennesseans and reverse cuts from the Big Ugly Bill."  Behn says her main p...

As Chief Development Officer Bob Mendes wraps up his political career in Nashville government, he's taking stock of the key projects that have reshaped Music City over the past decade and a half.

The numbers tell a compelling story: the Nashville area generates an approximate 40% of Tennessee's income—a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by state lawmakers creating ongoing tension between state and city on major development projects.

Mendes sees striking parallels between today's East Bank development and The Gulch's transformation. Mendes sees the pace of East Bank's economic development as fast compared to Nashville's hi...

Nashville’s Chief of Police, John Drake, grew up in Nashville and became a patrol officer in 1988. He has watched how the job has evolved—from the types of crimes patrol officers investigate to the tools they use to make arrests. Drake says his main priorities are reducing crime while maintaining public trust and protecting citizens’ rights. He also weighs in on using the National Guard in American cities to address crime. Overall, Drake notes that crime in Nashville has fallen significantly, with homicides down 30% and nonlethal shootings down 40%. He also discusses the use of license plate readers, the rise i...

With the federal government grinding to a halt, Republican Senators and President Trump have not reached a funding deal with Senate Democrats over Healthcare premium subsidies being extended.

Congressman John Rose of TN-06 gives us his opinion why the Federal government shutdown occurred. Host Ben Hall also questions him about releasing the Epstein files and his reaction to President Trump saying that the military should use American cities as training grounds. Rose also spoke about his bid for Tennessee Governor in 2026. Rose commented on Marsha Blackburn not accepting his invitation to debate him.

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With President Trump ordering the National Guard to Memphis to solve the crime problem, questions about how to best use this resource and who will be in charge arise. Representative Antonio Parkinson for Dist. 98 Shelby County gives insight to who is involved with making decisions, what military presence will look like in the city and how the Guard will be used.  Plus, Representative Parkinson also discusses the impact of the Big Beautiful Law on SNAP benefits, housing and state budget.

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Inside Politics concludes a 5 week project to introduce you to the candidates who would like to be your U.S. Representative for TN-07. We offered all Democrat and Republican candidates the opportunity to sit down with Ben Hall for an interview before the Primary election. By random drawing after the interviews were completed, we present the final two candidate’s interviews on Friday, September 19.

Candidate interviews on this show are: Joe Leurs (R) and Lee Reeves (R).

Davidson County Administrator of Elections Jeff Roberts answers questions about the special election process.

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Inside Politics continues a 5 week project to introduce you to the candidates who would like to be your U.S. Representative for TN-07. We offered all Democrat and Republican candidates the opportunity to sit down with Ben Hall for an interview before the Primary election. By random drawing after the interviews were completed, we present the next 3 candidate’s interviews on Friday, September 12.

Candidate interviews on this show are: Gino Bulso (R), Vincent Dixie (D), Matt Van Epps (R).

 NewsChannel 5+ can be seen of Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch...

Inside Politics continues a 5 week project to introduce you to the candidates who would like to be your U.S. Representative for TN-07. We offered all Democrat and Republican candidates the opportunity to sit down with Ben Hall for an interview before the Primary election. By random drawing after the interviews were completed, we present the next 3 candidate’s interviews on Friday, September 5.

Bo Mitchell (D), Adolph Agbeko Dagan (R), and Stewart Parks (R) are our guests.

 NewsChannel 5+ can be seen of Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch. 5.2. 

In...

Inside Politics continues a 5 week project to introduce you to the candidates who would like to be your U.S. Representative for TN-07. We offered all Democrat and Republican candidates the opportunity to sit down with Ben Hall for an interview before the Special Election Primary. By random drawing after the interviews were completed, we present the first 3 candidate's interviews on Friday, August 22.

Republican Mason Foley, Democrat Aftyn Behn, and Republican Stuart Cooper are our guests on this show. 

 NewsChannel 5+ can be seen of Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on Ch...

Inside Politics begins a 5 week project to introduce you to the candidates who would like to be your U.S. Representative for TN-07. We offered all Democrat and Republican candidates the opportunity to sit down with Ben Hall for an interview before the Special Election Primary. By random drawing after the interviews were completed, we present the first 3 candidate's interviews on Friday, August 22.

Republican Jody Barrett, Democrat Darden Hunter Copeland and Republican Tres Wittum are our guests on this show. 

 NewsChannel 5+ can be seen of Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 250, Spectrum/Charter Ch. 182 and over the air on...

Congressman John Rose, US Representative for TN Dist. 6 is our guest.  After 6 1/2 years at the capitol hill, he is running for governor in 2026.  Inside Politics host Ben Hall asks him about his campaign strategy and how the entrance of Marsha Blackburn will affect the race.  Rose says that the job of governor is like being the CEO of the state of Tennessee.  He says his experience building businesses, managing companies and hiring people will help him to achieve goals and objectives.  He feels a business background is best for the office of governor.  Rose also answers questions about debating Marsha...

What are the state comptroller duties and how do they affect the state or a city's budget? How is he involved with state universities and big private industry projects? Jason Mumpower is Tennessee's Comptroller of the Treasury and is our guest on this episode of Inside Politics.

He voted in favor to lease The Boring Company state land for free underneath SR41 Murfreesboro Pike. He talks about the project costing taxpayers free or low cost. He visited the Las Vegas loop in March to learn about the Boring Company. What about the rates, timeline and future expansion...

On this episode of Inside Politics, Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell joins host Ben Hall as they review the 4 Democratic candidates for the District 7 primary election October 7th and what their plan is to win the congressional seat December 2nd in the general election.

Campbell also discusses the Elon Musk Tesla Tunnel that she calls a decision made "behind closed doors...without public comment and input".   She also mentions the exclusion of State Representative Justin Jones from the meeting even though the tunnel affects his district.  Campbell  also talks about the arrest of young democrats after a co...

On this episode of Inside Politics, host Ben Hall welcomes Tennessee State Rep. for House District 59, Caleb Hemmer, to respond to several topics that were discussed on last week's episode with Speaker Cameron Sexton.

Topics include the 7th Congressional District race, school vouchers and Nashville's relationship with the legislature.

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On this Inside Politics, Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton answers various questions candidly about The East Bank Development . Cameron Sexton serves on the East Bank Authority.  With state investments like the Titan's stadium and TPAC, he is concerned about costs and the lack of decision making power of the East Bank Authority vs. Metro government's control.  Sexton asked:  Does Metro want TPAC in the East Bank Development? Is Metro trying to run out the clock to change the deal?

The two also discussed the DCS lawsuit, school voucher tracking, the big beautiful bill impact on Ten...

Tennessee Congressman Mark Green announced at the end of June that he will be stepping down as U.S. Representative for District 7 just six months into his second term. What happens next for constituents? This has left candidates scrambling to get paperwork filed to throw their hat in the ring for both Republicans and Democrats. Who is considering a bid for the seat? Host Ben Hall invites GOP Chair of Williamson County Steve Hickey and Perry County GOP Chair Bob Ousley to explain the demographics of the district and what voters in District 7 are looking for in their U...

How can you push for gun safety reform in Tennessee?  SaferTN.org was developed during the days after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville March 27, 2023 as a pro-second amendment, bi-partisan non-profit gun safety organization.  Safer TN board member Todd Cruse and Host Ben Hall discuss how Safer TN helps get gun safety legislation through capitol hill.  Cruse shares concerning statistics about firearm violence in Tennessee.  Tennessee leads the nation in firearms stolen from vehicles and firearms are the  #1 cause of death of youth 1-17.  Safer TN believes gun safety and security of firearms starts at home and in your vehicl...

Although President Trump campaigned on the slogan "America First", he ordered bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities as a preventative attack on Iran intervening in the Israel/Iran conflict. What will be the consequences? Did we prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons? How will the rest of the world respond the next time this problem occurs?  Did the president ignore the Constitution without the approval of Congress?  Lipscomb University Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Susan Turner Haynes and host Ben Hall dig through the intel and discuss Iran's nuclear capabilities, their allies' involvement and nuclear proliferation throughout the world.  Plu...

In 2020 Tennessee's DCS was under Federal court oversight due to a lawsuit filed by Brian A.  The oversight ended in 2017. Tennessee was mandated to overhaul it's foster care system and implement measures to improve child welfare outcomes.  Now in 2025, new complaints of multiple and unstable placement of children, sub-standard living conditions, overdue stays at assessment centers, high turnover rate for caseworkers, over-burdening workers with 4-5x as many cases than average, as well as not keeping track of children, providing inadequate mental and physical care and shackling children when taking them off sight for doctor's visits.  Marcia Lowry, Executive Dir...

Top stories this week, then April Calvin, Director of Office of Homeless Services is our guest.  She is here to talk about the results from the Point in Time Count that occurred January 23, 2025.  We saw an increase of 4.1% since January 2024, but unsheltered population decreased by 17%.  Other metrics were discussed as well as some controversy with community partners.  

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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.

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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.

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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...

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.

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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 ci...

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.  

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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...

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. 

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. George

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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). 

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Political analysts Larry Woods (D) and Bill Phillips (R) join this edition of Inside Politics to preface the presidential debate on September 10. 

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Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Professor of History and Political Science at Vanderbilt University, updates viewers on the current situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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). 

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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In his newest book, "The Flaming Moderate," Nashville author Bo Roberts shares instances in which people with different political affiliations cross the aisle to govern America and solve problems. 

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Tennessee lawmakers are pursuing a controversial policy that has come under intense scrutiny in states that have passed similar laws. Such laws could potentially overhaul the state's public school system. To discuss the topic in-depth is one of the bill's major proponents, State Rep. Scott Cepicy (R-Culleoka) of the 64th District. 

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Mayor Freddie O'Connell joins this week's Inside Politics to inform viewers about how he and his administration plan to manage Nashville's growth, from affordable housing in the East Bank, to the recently announced transit referendum that will occur in November 2024. 

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Proposals circling around the State Legislature seek to eliminate the current Tennessee State University board of trust and reinstate one appointed by Governor Bill Lee. To join us on the program is Senator Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville), who district (19) includes the TSU campus. 

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What are some unknown facts regarding slavery in Tennessee? How have people with ancestors who were enslaved traced back their lineage? Joining this edition of Inside Politics in honor of Black History Month are author and journalist Bill Carey and Tennessee State Representative Karen D. Camper. 

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It's looking more and more likely by the day that President Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the November elections. How will Biden's age and Trump's legal woes impact the outcome? Debra Maggart-Breske, Republican Strategist, and Larry Woods, Democratic Strategist, join our program to take a look inside this issue. 

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The Ukraine-Russia conflict is approaching its second anniversary. Concurrently, the Israel-Hamas war has just passed its four-month mark. How has U.S. involvement affected the progress of each conflict and for how long will it continue? We discuss with Dr. Thomas Schwartz, professor at Vanderbilt University and historian of the foreign relations of the United States.

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NewsChannel 5 Capitol Hill reporter Chris Davis joins this edition of Inside Politics to discuss Governor Bill Lee's upcoming State of the State address. 

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Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton joins Pat on this edition of Inside Politics to preview the agenda for the 113th Tennessee General Assembly. 

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Welcome to Capitol Hill is the title of a new book on Tennessee politics that outlines the worst scandals over the last 50 years. On this episode of Inside Politics, host Pat Nolan is joined by Joel Ebert and Erik Schelzig, two veteran reporters of Tennessee government and politics to discuss their book.

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Inside Politics host Pat Nolan is joined by Deana Ivey, newly appointed President of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. 

On this edition of the show, we take a look at how tourism and hospitality performed in 2023 as a whole and what lies ahead for the future. 

For more information about the program, visit the NewsChannel 5+ website at - https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics

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