By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers.
President Abraham Lincoln said, “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice,” but Honest Abe’s words apparently fall on the deaf ears of Tennessee’s Republican leaders.
Since Democratic lawmakers demonstrated in protest of new congressional maps during a recent special legislative session, GOP leaders have been meting out their own brand of justice.
On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally removed Sen. Charlane Oliver, a Nashville Democrat, from the Government Operations Committee, as well as taking her per diem for legislative work — lawmakers living 50 miles or less from the Capitol receive $86 a day — for standing on her desk the final day of a recent special legislative session to protest newly drawn congressional maps carving up majority-Black Memphis.
McNally’s move comes two weeks after House Speaker Cameron Sexton stripped House Democrats of their committee assignments for protesting the special redistricting. Senior Reporter Sam Stockard has details.
And in our top story, Senior Reporter Anita Wadhwani reports a watchdog group is asking for an investigation into the conduct of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in the Tennessee criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Kilmar Abrego Garcia arriving at a downtown Nashville courthouse with his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, for a Feb. 26. 2026 hearing. A federal judge ruled the government was “vindictive” in bringing criminal charges against him. A watchdog group has now filed a complaint with the New York Bar against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for his role in the case. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Anita Wadhwani
A national watchdog group alleges Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche breached ethical rules in the Tennessee prosecution of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was cleared last week of criminal charges after a judge concluded the prosecution had been vindictive.
NEWS AND NOTES
Democratic state AGs say their staff excluded from Vance anti-fraud meeting | Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
Former Metro councilman and pastor accused in 'fraud scheme' to steal $200 million from drug company | Jennifer Kraus, NewsChannel 5 (Nashville)
PACs fuel majority of Harshbarger's campaign funding | Ben Smith, Johnson City Press
FEATURED ON THE LOOKOUT
Nashville’s tourism industry is expecting an enormous financial return from the 2030 Super Bowl, which was announced at a ceremony, pictured here, on May 19. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
Nashville is planning to pour $60 million into Super Bowl LXIV while expecting a greater return on the investment than any event the city’s ever held, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. But some economists say the game doesn’t always provide the forecasted financial boost.
Hemp products, including those with the cannabinoid Delta 9, will be illegal in Tennessee as of July 1. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Adam Friedman
A combination of state and federal rules are going to reshape Tennessee’s once-burgeoning hemp industry starting in July, making most popular hemp-derived cannabis products, like THCA, will be illegal to sell
Commentary
Freedom Summer was a 1964 movement to call attention to the plight of Black Mississippians; Is it time for a Tennessee Freedom Summer? (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
by Rev. Earle Fisher
If Mississippi was ground zero for Freedom Summer in 1964, Tennessee may well be ground zero for Freedom Summer 2.0 and the fight to redeem democratic possibility in America.
ICYMI
Three-judge panel upholds Tennessee redistricting | Anita Wadhwani |
CVS sues Tennessee over pharmacy benefit manager monopoly law | Adam Friedman
COMMENTARY
Restless in Seattle | Bruce Barry
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