Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Marianna Bacallao

@mariannabac.bsky.social

230 followers 31 following 66 posts

Reporter at @WPLN.bsky.social, Nashville’s @NPR.org station Previously @gpbpolitics, @gpbmacon She/Her 🎙️✨🇨🇺💙💜🩷

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

This Is Nashville @thisisnashville.bsky.social · 12h

It's Thursday, which means it's Roundabout time. Congressional District 7 candidate Rep. Jody Barrett, Owen School prof and @tennesseelookout.com contributor Bruce Barry, and @wpln.bsky.social's @mariannabac.bsky.social join to help us think through the biggest news – including the special

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio @wpln.bsky.social · 2d

Former Tennessee commissioner Matt Van Epps will face off against state Rep. Aftyn Behn in December’s general election to replace U.S. Congressman Mark Green.

@mariannabac.bsky.social reports: wpln.org/post/trump-p...

Trump pick Van Epps to face Rep. Behn in fight for open TN congressional seat

Former Tennessee commissioner Matt Van Epps will face off against state Rep. Aftyn Behn in December’s general election.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · 3d

Who's on the ballot for Tennessee's congressional primary? Some candidates have suspended their campaigns, but their names will still be an option during Tuesday's primary election.

Here's everything to know before going to the polls:

wpln.org/post/what-to...

What to know before you vote in Tennessee’s special congressional primary

Tuesday’s congressional primary will determine the final matchup for the Dec. 2 general election to replace former District 7 Congressman Mark Green.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · 8d

Out-of-state groups have funneled millions of dollars into Tennessee’s special congressional race.

Nearly $850,000 of that outside money has gone to opposing Republican state Rep. Jody Barrett, who voted against the governor's school voucher program earlier this year.

wpln.org/post/dark-mo...

Dark money groups outspend Tennessee congressional candidates, oppose Republican Jody Barrett

Out-of-state groups have funneled millions of dollars into Tennessee’s special congressional race, outpacing the fundraising totals for most frontrunners.

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

Anita Wadhwani @anitawadhwani.bsky.social · 15d

Bobby Cain, the first Black student to graduate from high school during Southern integration dies in Nashville at 85 wpln.org/post/first-b... @mariannabac.bsky.social @wpln.bsky.social

First Black student to graduate during Southern integration dies at 85

Bobby Cain a made history as the first Black student to graduate from an integrated high school in the South. He died in Nashville on Monday at the age of

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · 22d

Early voting in Tennessee’s special primary election kicks off today and runs through Oct. 2.

Here’s how Republicans and Democrats running for congress are trying to stand out in the race without a lot of lead time.

wpln.org/post/early-v...

Early voting for Tennessee's special congressional primary begins. Here's how candidates are trying to stand out

As early voting kicks off, Republicans and Democrats running for the state’s 7th congressional district are trying to distinguish themselves.

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio @wpln.bsky.social · Sep 9

Elon Musk's Boring Co. is pushing back its timeline for opening an underground rideshare in Nashville.

Here's what to know about the project:
wpln.org/post/what-to...

What to know about Elon Musk's Nashville tunnel project

Here’s everything we know so far about the Boring Company's proposed “Music City Loop" in Nashville.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Aug 26

Cracker Barrel is changing its logo back to the iconic man and barrel. The Tennessee-based company’s new, more minimalist design sparked outcry from fans — and the White House.

wpln.org/post/cracker...

Cracker Barrel brings back old logo after public outcry, plea from Trump

Cracker Barrel is changing its logo back to the iconic man and barrel after the company's new, more minimalist design sparked outcry from fans — and the

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Aug 20

Nashville Pride faces an existential threat as long-time sponsors pull their funding.

The org’s grim financial situation mirrors a nationwide decrease in giving to LGBTQ organizations. Organizers are asking for the community to fill the gap.

wpln.org/post/nashvil...

Nashville Pride raises alarm as long-time sponsors pull funding

The future of Nashville Pride is uncertain as organizers face a more than $300,000 shortfall year-over-year in corporate giving and volunteers.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Aug 14

The race for Tennessee’s 7th congressional seat is taking shape — less than 2 months before the special primary election to replace Mark Green

State lawmakers from both parties, a candidate with Elon Musk's America Party & a man pardoned for Jan. 6 have all joined the race

wpln.org/post/meet-th...

Meet the congressional candidates for Tennessee’s special election

With the filing deadline come and gone, the candidates are set for the Oct. 7 special primary election.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Aug 13

A small town in rural Tennessee will soon be the site of a privately-run ICE detention center.

Local officials in Mason, Tennessee narrowly approved the contract at a contentious townhall.

wpln.org/post/a-regio...

A regional ICE detention center is coming to rural Tennessee

A small town in rural Tennessee will soon be the site of a privately-run Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. The town of Mason’s 600-bed

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jul 31

Tennessee is moving forward with executing a man on death row next week, despite concerns that his heart implant may prolong his death.

wpln.org/post/tenness...

Tennessee can execute man despite medical complications, state supreme court rules

Tennessee is moving forward with executing a man on death row next week, despite concerns that a heart implant may prolong his death or worsen his pain.

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio @wpln.bsky.social · Jul 18

Nashville will see more ICE agents, says DHS Secretary Kristi Noemi. During a visit to Nashville, she also said it isn’t up to her if ICE deports Kilmar Abrego Garcia for a second time while he’s awaiting trial in Tennessee. wpln.org/post/nashvil...

Nashville will see a rise in ICE agents under Trump’s budget plan

During a Friday visit to Nashville, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that ICE will be sending more officers to the city.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jul 16

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March, will remain in jail for at least another week over fears that releasing him could trigger a second deportation.

A Nashville judge is expected to rule soon on what's next for Abrego Garcia.

wpln.org/post/abrego-...

Abrego Garcia’s path to release is uncertain. Here’s the latest from a Nashville courthouse.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man wrongly deported to El Salvador in March, will remain in jail for at least another week over fears that releasing him could

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jul 7

Anti-LGBTQ legislation passed in Tennessee has life-long natives leaving their home state for bluer pastures. Others are determined to stay.

Hear why:

wpln.org/post/lgbtq-t...

LGBTQ Tennesseans are fleeing the state. Hear from those who chose to stay

Anti-LGBTQ legislation passed in Tennessee has life-long natives leaving their home state for bluer pastures. But others are determined to stay.

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio @wpln.bsky.social · Jun 27

The final episode of WPLN’s 4-part series “The Country In Our Hearts” is out now!

WPLN’s @rosegilbert.bsky.social reports that a new wave of Kurds are coming to America. But today, America is a nation in turmoil.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 25

A federal judge has delayed Abrego Garcia's release by a few days, but when he is released, he'll be quietly transferred to ICE custody. Prosecutors say there's a chance he'll be deported before his trial.

wpln.org/post/abrego-...

Abrego Garcia to return to ICE custody, could be deported before trial

Kilmar Abrego Garcia will soon be back in ICE custody, more than three months since his wrongful deportation to El Salvador.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 25

Homeland security is outside the federal courthouse in Nashville where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is expected to be released from jail.

The Maryland man was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March.

ICE is expected to arrest Abrego Garcia upon his release.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 25

Homeland security is outside the federal courthouse in Nashville where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is expected to be released from jail.

The Maryland man was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March.

ICE is expected to arrest Abrego Garcia upon his release.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 23

A new Tennessee law would make it a felony to house someone who doesn't have legal status.

Religious leaders and immigrant advocates are suing to block the law before it takes effect, arguing that it could apply to immigrants who have citizenship.

wpln.org/post/religio...

Religious, immigrant groups sue Tennessee over law on 'harboring' immigrants

A new Tennessee law that would impose criminal penalties for housing immigrants without legal status. The lawsuit hopes to block the law before it takes effect July 1.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 20

A Nashville police investigation points to the identity of a possible suspect in the attack on civil rights attorney Z. Alexander Looby's home in 1960.

But police say that it would take a confession or direct eye witness testimony to truly solve the bombings.

wpln.org/post/nashvil...

Nashville police uncover new details in Civil Rights bombing cold case

MNPD’s nearly year-long investigation into bombings by the KKK points to the identity of a possible suspect in the attack on Z. Alexander Looby's home.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 18

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care.

Now, transgender kids in half of all U.S. states will not be able to access the care. It has many contemplating a move out of the Volunteer State.

wpln.org/post/trans-k...

SCOTUS upholds Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, a stunning setback to transgender rights.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 14

My latest for RNS & @npr.org:

RNS @rns.org · Jun 14

Historically one of President Donald Trump’s most loyal demographics, evangelicals are divided over just how far to go with immigration crackdowns.
religionnews.com/2025/06/09/i...

In evangelical churches, a rift over Trump’s immigration policies

NASHVILLE (RNS and NPR) — Historically one of President Donald Trump’s most loyal demographics, evangelicals are divided over just how far to go with immigration crackdowns.

religionnews.com

Reposted by Marianna Bacallao

Daniel Burke @burke13.bsky.social · Jun 13

In response to ICE raids, the Diocese of Nashville has told its congregants they’re not obligated to attend Mass on Sunday “if doing so puts their safety at risk.”

great reporting here from @mariannabac.bsky.social

www.npr.org/2025/06/13/n...

Why the Catholic bishop of Nashville told Catholics they don't have to attend Mass

The Diocese of Nashville has told Catholics that they do not have to attend Mass if they fear for their safety. That's in response immigration actions taken by the Trump administration in the city.

Marianna Bacallao @mariannabac.bsky.social · Jun 13

LIVE UPDATE: After months of being detained in an El Salvadoran prison, Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s path to release is uncertain.

A federal judge in Nashville will soon rule on whether he has a right to bail. Even if he does, he could remain in ICE custody indefinitely.

wpln.org/post/man-wro...

Man wrongly deported to El Salvador pleads not guilty to smuggling charges in Nashville

After months of being detained in an El Salvadoran prison, Abrego Garcia’s path to release is uncertain. He pleaded not guilty to smuggling charges Friday.