Sarah Grace Taylor
@sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social
Back home covering TN state government for the new Nashville Banner. Previously at POLITICO, Seattle Times, Chattanooga TFP.
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
At @nashvillebanner.bsky.social it’s our end of year fundraiser. Nonprofit news with no paywall and this helps us stay that way. Please subscribe or give $$ if you can. Or repost this and I will offer a Thing To Do In Nashville for each one. nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org/makeagift/?c...
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Nashville Public Media is supported by people like you. Support Nashville Public Media today.
nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM
At @nashvillebanner.bsky.social it’s our end of year fundraiser. Nonprofit news with no paywall and this helps us stay that way. Please subscribe or give $$ if you can. Or repost this and I will offer a Thing To Do In Nashville for each one. nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org/makeagift/?c...
Yes, Kamala Harris encouraged people to vote at a Dem event in Nashville today. No, she did not endorse or even mention Aftyn Behn.
Behn also left the event moments before Harris arrived.
@nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/18/n...
Behn also left the event moments before Harris arrived.
@nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/18/n...
Kamala Harris rallies Nashville crowd after Aftyn Behn left - Nashville Banner
Former Vice President Kamala Harris visited Nashville to encourage voting in special election, avoided any direct reference to nominee Aftyn Behn.
nashvillebanner.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Yes, Kamala Harris encouraged people to vote at a Dem event in Nashville today. No, she did not endorse or even mention Aftyn Behn.
Behn also left the event moments before Harris arrived.
@nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/18/n...
Behn also left the event moments before Harris arrived.
@nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/18/n...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
A chancellor halted Gov. Lee's deployment of the Tennessee Nastional Guard for law enforcement duties in Memphis.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
November 18, 2025 at 3:45 AM
A chancellor halted Gov. Lee's deployment of the Tennessee Nastional Guard for law enforcement duties in Memphis.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
Late news: Chancellor halts National Guard deployment in Memphis
Via @nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
Via @nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
Court blocks Tennessee's National Guard deployment in Memphis - Nashville Banner
Chancellor blocks Tennessee from using National Guard in Memphis law enforcement operation, citing lack of 'grave emergency' or 'disaster.'
nashvillebanner.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Late news: Chancellor halts National Guard deployment in Memphis
Via @nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
Via @nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/17/m...
We found that many voucher schools basically gave themselves discretion over which students with disabilities they could/would accommodate.
Many often explicitly banned LGBTQ+ students and some threatened expulsion for “immorality,” comparing queerness to bestiality.
Many often explicitly banned LGBTQ+ students and some threatened expulsion for “immorality,” comparing queerness to bestiality.
Tennessee voucher schools often exclude LGBTQ+ students and those with disabilities from inclusivity policies, citing religion and bandwidth.
✏️: Lillian Avedian and @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social
✏️: Lillian Avedian and @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social
LGBTQ+, disabled students face exclusion from private schools - Nashville Banner
Some Tennessee private schools receiving state-funded vouchers exclude LGBTQ+ students and those with disabilities, raising concerns about discrimination.
nashvillebanner.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
We found that many voucher schools basically gave themselves discretion over which students with disabilities they could/would accommodate.
Many often explicitly banned LGBTQ+ students and some threatened expulsion for “immorality,” comparing queerness to bestiality.
Many often explicitly banned LGBTQ+ students and some threatened expulsion for “immorality,” comparing queerness to bestiality.
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
The @nashvillebanner.bsky.social is one such nonprofit local news orgs and was just awarded a grant from AJP. You can follow us on here and subscribe or support us here: nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org/makeagift/?c...
November 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The @nashvillebanner.bsky.social is one such nonprofit local news orgs and was just awarded a grant from AJP. You can follow us on here and subscribe or support us here: nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org/makeagift/?c...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
According to @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social, the telephone rally played the whole Lee Greenwood song "God Bless the USA"
Matt Van Epps called in Donald Trump for a tele-rally on Thursday, where the president praised the Republican as a "star" and called opponent Aftyn Behn a "lunatic." Meanwhile, the nonpartisan Cook Report moved the race into a competitive category.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/14/d...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/14/d...
Donald Trump talks up Matt Van Epps, criticizes Aftyn Behn - Nashville Banner
President Trump hosts tele-rally to support Republican Matt Van Epps in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, urging Republican turnout.
nashvillebanner.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
According to @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social, the telephone rally played the whole Lee Greenwood song "God Bless the USA"
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
A survey by the American Muslim Advisory Council found that 46 percent of Muslim students in Tennessee have been bullied or harassed at school. In Nashville, Muslim students and staff are advocating for inclusive policies and religious accommodations.
✏️: Lillian Avedian
✏️: Lillian Avedian
Muslim students face challenges in Nashville schools - Nashville Banner
Muslim students in Nashville schools face challenges in securing religious accommodations and feeling safe and welcomed, but there are some bright spots.
nashvillebanner.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:16 PM
A survey by the American Muslim Advisory Council found that 46 percent of Muslim students in Tennessee have been bullied or harassed at school. In Nashville, Muslim students and staff are advocating for inclusive policies and religious accommodations.
✏️: Lillian Avedian
✏️: Lillian Avedian
National democrats are pouring into Aftyn Behn’s campaign for congress and there is noticeable momentum for the unlikely dem win since the party’s success on the November ballot.
Van Epps’ campaign told me yesterday that they’ve noticed too.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/13/t...
Van Epps’ campaign told me yesterday that they’ve noticed too.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/13/t...
Democrats target Tennessee's 7th Congressional District - Nashville Banner
Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election sees Democrat Aftyn Behn challenge Republican Matt Van Epps in what has become a critical battleground race.
nashvillebanner.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM
National democrats are pouring into Aftyn Behn’s campaign for congress and there is noticeable momentum for the unlikely dem win since the party’s success on the November ballot.
Van Epps’ campaign told me yesterday that they’ve noticed too.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/13/t...
Van Epps’ campaign told me yesterday that they’ve noticed too.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/13/t...
We found that the amount of info shared by voucher recipient schools varied, but what curriculum and testing resources are disclosed skew religious and include materials with misinformation often marketed toward homeschoolers like Abeka and Bob Jones University.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/10/t...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/10/t...
Some Tennessee EFS recipients lack accountability of others - Nashville Banner
Testing and curriculum choices in Tennessee's private schools receiving public funding through school vouchers falls far short of public school requirements.
nashvillebanner.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
We found that the amount of info shared by voucher recipient schools varied, but what curriculum and testing resources are disclosed skew religious and include materials with misinformation often marketed toward homeschoolers like Abeka and Bob Jones University.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/10/t...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/10/t...
Cade Cothren is plotting his return to “public service.” via @nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/08/p...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/08/p...
Now Officially Pardoned, Cade Cothren May Return to ‘Public Service’ - Nashville Banner
Pardons for Cade Cothren and Glen Casada, involved in a political kickback scheme, may pave way for Cothren's return to public life
nashvillebanner.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Cade Cothren is plotting his return to “public service.” via @nashvillebanner.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/08/p...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/08/p...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
Times are tight for a lot of Americans right now, but business is booming for CoreCivic. Company announced Wednesday that its 3rd quarter profits were up nearly 25 percent compared to the same period last year. Revenue from ICE was up 54.6 percent. nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/06/n...
Vanderbilt to open campus in NYC, MNPD arrest a shooter - Nashville Banner
Nashville International Airport awaits DOT flight reductions due to government shutdown; MNPD arrest a man for a shooting spree.
nashvillebanner.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Times are tight for a lot of Americans right now, but business is booming for CoreCivic. Company announced Wednesday that its 3rd quarter profits were up nearly 25 percent compared to the same period last year. Revenue from ICE was up 54.6 percent. nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/06/n...
THP facilitated about 600 traffic stops as part of its operation with ICE. We got reports for each of those and found only about 14% gave a reason for the stop.
THP redacted trooper names from the report, so I mapped one “primary unit”throughout the first shift:
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/05/t...
THP redacted trooper names from the report, so I mapped one “primary unit”throughout the first shift:
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/05/t...
Reviewing records of ICE, THP immigration operation in Nashville - Nashville Banner
A review of records from ICE and THP's immigration sting in Nashville raises concerns about racial profiling and lack of transparency. Advocates demand accountability.
nashvillebanner.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:44 PM
THP facilitated about 600 traffic stops as part of its operation with ICE. We got reports for each of those and found only about 14% gave a reason for the stop.
THP redacted trooper names from the report, so I mapped one “primary unit”throughout the first shift:
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/05/t...
THP redacted trooper names from the report, so I mapped one “primary unit”throughout the first shift:
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/05/t...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
New: Videos show ICE/CBP agents are scanning peoples' faces on the street to verify citizenship. ICE has tool to instantly look up unprecedented number of databases with just a photo
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
ICE and CBP Agents Are Scanning Peoples’ Faces on the Street To Verify Citizenship
Videos on social media show officers from ICE and CBP using facial recognition technology on people in the field. One expert described the practice as “pure dystopian creep.”
www.404media.co
October 29, 2025 at 2:42 PM
New: Videos show ICE/CBP agents are scanning peoples' faces on the street to verify citizenship. ICE has tool to instantly look up unprecedented number of databases with just a photo
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
ICE has taken 365 allegedly undocumented immigrants into custody from Nashville jails since President Donald Trump was sworn in, including some arrested for minor offenses.
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
ICE detentions rise in Nashville since Trump took office - Nashville Banner
A closer look at the Nashville numbers produced by Donald Trump's mass deportation effort as ICE agents increase enforcement and deportations from local jails.
nashvillebanner.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:25 PM
ICE has taken 365 allegedly undocumented immigrants into custody from Nashville jails since President Donald Trump was sworn in, including some arrested for minor offenses.
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
In Woodbine, a small group of volunteers rides bikes throughout the neighborhood, distributing food and Narcan, fighting huge problems. Woodbine doesn’t have a major grocery store, and after recent deaths, the neighborhood’s unhoused community fear for their lives.
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
Woodbine's burrito brigade: A lifeline for the homeless - Nashville Banner
A group of volunteers in Woodbine, Nashville distribute burritos and supplies to people living on the streets, building relationships along the way.
nashvillebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:28 PM
In Woodbine, a small group of volunteers rides bikes throughout the neighborhood, distributing food and Narcan, fighting huge problems. Woodbine doesn’t have a major grocery store, and after recent deaths, the neighborhood’s unhoused community fear for their lives.
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee is co-sponsoring a Senate bill to prevent SNAP -- food aid for needy families -- from lapsing on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown, while blaming Democrats for the shutdown,
Tennessee Sen. Blackburn to support food program funding during shutdown • Tennessee Lookout
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn said Monday she is backing legislation to keep Supplemental Nutition Assistance Funding from lapsing.
tennesseelookout.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee is co-sponsoring a Senate bill to prevent SNAP -- food aid for needy families -- from lapsing on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown, while blaming Democrats for the shutdown,
This is extremely cool for us and for Nashville.
As always, I’m proud of the Banner, grateful to be a part of it and excited to see us grow.
As always, I’m proud of the Banner, grateful to be a part of it and excited to see us grow.
Some news: We received a $1.2M grant from@theajp.bsky.social to expand our statehouse & local coverage — including new beats in health, housing & environment to deepen civic engagement in Middle TN. The funding boosts our revenue team for a stronger, sustainable newsroom primed for growth.
American Journalism Project awards Nashville Banner $1.2M grant - Nashville Banner
The Nashville Banner will receive a $1.2 million grant from the American Journalism Project to expand its newsroom and strengthen local journalism.
nashvillebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:34 PM
This is extremely cool for us and for Nashville.
As always, I’m proud of the Banner, grateful to be a part of it and excited to see us grow.
As always, I’m proud of the Banner, grateful to be a part of it and excited to see us grow.
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
Some news: We received a $1.2M grant from@theajp.bsky.social to expand our statehouse & local coverage — including new beats in health, housing & environment to deepen civic engagement in Middle TN. The funding boosts our revenue team for a stronger, sustainable newsroom primed for growth.
American Journalism Project awards Nashville Banner $1.2M grant - Nashville Banner
The Nashville Banner will receive a $1.2 million grant from the American Journalism Project to expand its newsroom and strengthen local journalism.
nashvillebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Some news: We received a $1.2M grant from@theajp.bsky.social to expand our statehouse & local coverage — including new beats in health, housing & environment to deepen civic engagement in Middle TN. The funding boosts our revenue team for a stronger, sustainable newsroom primed for growth.
I spent three months trying to get Behn and Van Epps to answer policy questions, which several other primary candidates answered.
They won’t do it.
Here, @scavendish.bsky.social writes about how truly lame it is for candidates not to share their policies.
As a voter in D7, I also think it sucks.
They won’t do it.
Here, @scavendish.bsky.social writes about how truly lame it is for candidates not to share their policies.
As a voter in D7, I also think it sucks.
Editor Steve Cavendish says there’s a word for candidates who won’t answer questions about what they would do if elected to office: cowards.
✏️: @scavendish.bsky.social
✏️: @scavendish.bsky.social
Tennessee Congressional candidates dodge key questions - Nashville Banner
Candidates in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District decline to answer basic questions, showing a lack of independent voices and thoughtful leadership.
nashvillebanner.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:59 PM
I spent three months trying to get Behn and Van Epps to answer policy questions, which several other primary candidates answered.
They won’t do it.
Here, @scavendish.bsky.social writes about how truly lame it is for candidates not to share their policies.
As a voter in D7, I also think it sucks.
They won’t do it.
Here, @scavendish.bsky.social writes about how truly lame it is for candidates not to share their policies.
As a voter in D7, I also think it sucks.
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
Wright Middle School’s mariachi ensemble plays shows all over Nashville. On Thursday, they’ll open for Jason Isbell at the Ryman. Along the way, they’ve learned to play with pride from Maikel Rodriguez, who wants them to embrace their talent.
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
Ryman Auditorium show a big one for Wright Middle School mariachi ensemble - Nashville Banner
Wright Middle School's mariachi ensemble prepares for a performance at the Ryman Auditorium, overcoming obstacles and embracing their heritage.
nashvillebanner.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Wright Middle School’s mariachi ensemble plays shows all over Nashville. On Thursday, they’ll open for Jason Isbell at the Ryman. Along the way, they’ve learned to play with pride from Maikel Rodriguez, who wants them to embrace their talent.
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
Resharing this guide by @iamstevenhale.bsky.social.
First Amendment rights are dicey right now but more important than ever to exercise.
Everyone be careful!
nashvillebanner.com/2025/09/05/k...
First Amendment rights are dicey right now but more important than ever to exercise.
Everyone be careful!
nashvillebanner.com/2025/09/05/k...
First Amendment Rights and Protesting in Tennessee - Nashville Banner
Learn about your rights when protesting in Tennessee. Understand the laws, types of speech, and guidelines for peaceful protests.
nashvillebanner.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Resharing this guide by @iamstevenhale.bsky.social.
First Amendment rights are dicey right now but more important than ever to exercise.
Everyone be careful!
nashvillebanner.com/2025/09/05/k...
First Amendment rights are dicey right now but more important than ever to exercise.
Everyone be careful!
nashvillebanner.com/2025/09/05/k...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
Charlie Hatcher, ex Tennessee ag commissioner and scion of the Hatcher Family Dairy, is running against US Rep Andy Ogles in the GOP primary next year.
Charlie Hatcher to challenge Andy Ogles in 2026 primary - Nashville Banner
Longtime Tennessee commissioner of agriculture, Charlie Hatcher, is planning to challenge U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in the 2026 Republican primary in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District.
nashvillebanner.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Charlie Hatcher, ex Tennessee ag commissioner and scion of the Hatcher Family Dairy, is running against US Rep Andy Ogles in the GOP primary next year.
While Nashville tries to fix food deserts, the number of people seeking food assistance through Metro Social Services is going up. The two issues converge in communities like North Nashville.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/10/15/n...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/10/15/n...
Hunger crisis in North Nashville: A closer look - Nashville Banner
Metro Social Services holds food pop-up in North Nashville to address hunger crisis. High turnout reveals growing need for affordable, healthy food access.
nashvillebanner.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:19 PM
While Nashville tries to fix food deserts, the number of people seeking food assistance through Metro Social Services is going up. The two issues converge in communities like North Nashville.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/10/15/n...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/10/15/n...
Reposted by Sarah Grace Taylor
IWI US is not the first gun company to see Tennessee as a more attractive home for the weapons industry. What makes it different is its direct ties to a military that a number of experts and a United Nations commission say is carrying out a genocide in Gaza. nashvillebanner.com/2025/10/09/i...
Tennessee Welcomes Israel Weapon Industries Headquarters - Nashville Banner
Israel Weapon Industries relocates its headquarters to Tennessee, investing $16 million and creating 72 jobs. The move is linked to the state's pro-gun stance.
nashvillebanner.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:03 PM
IWI US is not the first gun company to see Tennessee as a more attractive home for the weapons industry. What makes it different is its direct ties to a military that a number of experts and a United Nations commission say is carrying out a genocide in Gaza. nashvillebanner.com/2025/10/09/i...