Inside Politics - NewsChannel 5 Plus Nashville
Inside Politics is a weekly, half-hour show televised by NewsChannel 5+ in Nashville, Tennessee. It premieres on Fridays at 7PM Central Time (Comcast Channel 250, Charter 182). This audio-only format of the show is identical to what is televised and is available anywhere you get your podcasts so you can listen outside of the viewing area or available for download in case you miss the televised broadcast. The show features numerous high-profile guests as well as historical and political subject matter experts including professors from Vanderbilt University, reporters from other Nashville news outlets, and household name politicians like Representative Jim Cooper, former Nashville M...
THE STATE OF METRO NASHVILLE with MAYOR FREDDIE O'CONNELL

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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A Recap of the Legislative Session with TN House Majority Leader William Lamberth.

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...
SHOULD THE DEATH PENALTY RESUME IN TN?

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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INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND TENNESSEE

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...
Foster Youth Bill of Rights

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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Celebrating 50 Years of Pat Nolan

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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Nashville and National Politics

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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Refugee Resettlement in Limbo

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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Changes in American and Foreign Policy

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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The Ever Evolving National Political Scene

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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Democratic Response to Special Session and Plan for 2025

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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Cameron Sexton Recaps Special Session

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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Are we approaching Trump's Golden Age?

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 on New Book

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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State of Nashville's Economy - 2024

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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Washington's Reaction to the Election - Trump's New Cabinet

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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How Will Metro Implement Choose How You Move?

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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How Did Trump Win?

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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Election Night Preview

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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Death Row Welcomes You

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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Transit Discussion and More with Mayor Freddie O'Connell

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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U.S. Political Analysis with Joe. St. George

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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Gloria Johnson for US Senate: What Is Her Strategy to Win?

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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What to Expect When Tuning into the Vice-Presidential Debate

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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Post-Debate Reaction: Did Harris or Trump Benefit?

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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Remembering Charles Strobel: Kingdom of the Poor

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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Prefacing the September 10 Debate

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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Ukraine and Middle East Update

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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What Lies Ahead After the National Conventions?

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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What Has the New Metro Council Accomplished so Far?

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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Who Is Tim Walz?

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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Dynamite Nashville: New Book by Betsy Phillips

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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Joe Biden Drops Out: Other Political News with David French

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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What is the Direction of Politics Worldwide?

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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Will Voter Turnout in Tennessee Remain Dismal?

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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Best of Tennessee: Will Voter Turnout Increase During the Primaries?

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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June 27 Presidential Debate Recap: Who Won?

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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Politics in 2024 - What to Know

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 for House District 5

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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Metro Police Improprieties: Will the Community Review Board Work?

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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