Aftyn Behn

Nashville businessman Darden Copeland won the Democratic primary for Tennessee's new 7th Congressional District, positioning him to face incumbent Congressman Matt Van Epps in the midterms. The contest garnered national attention, while Van Epps ran unopposed in this year’s Republican primary. Copeland defeated other Democrats, including Vincent Dixie.

Tennessee Republican leaders unveiled a 'Monument to the Unborn' following the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision, which upheld the state's near-total abortion ban. The article highlights Tennessee's high maternal mortality rate and declining OB-GYN residency interest, criticizing lawmakers for prioritizing anti-abortion symbolism over addressing maternal health care shortages.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell reported raising $206,368 for his 2027 reelection campaign, leaving his campaign with $544,843 on hand. Potential challengers like Metro Councilmember Joy Styles, Lou Wilbanks, and others have not yet launched campaigns, with several prominent figures confirming they will not run. State Rep. Bob Freeman and others donated to O’Connell’s campaign, while Sam Davidson remains undecided about a mayoral bid.

Tennessee Representative Aftyn Behn filed 14 federal civil rights complaints against the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) over issues including disability discrimination, sexual assault in certified placements, retaliation against families reporting misconduct, and falsified case records. The complaints seek federal investigations, halting parental rights terminations, and compliance with Olmstead Act requirements for children with disabilities.

A Tennessee state lawmaker is calling on federal officials to launch a sweeping investigation into the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS), citing unspecified concerns.