Marianna Bacallao
@mariannabac.bsky.social
Reporter at @WPLN.bsky.social, Nashville’s @NPR.org station
Previously @gpbpolitics, @gpbmacon
She/Her 🎙️✨🇨🇺💙💜🩷
Previously @gpbpolitics, @gpbmacon
She/Her 🎙️✨🇨🇺💙💜🩷
Republican Matt Van Epps has been sworn in as Tennessee’s newest congressman, after narrowly winning a special election in the 7th District this week.
The former state commissioner's path to victory involved being more selective about his association with President Trump.
wpln.org/post/what-va...
The former state commissioner's path to victory involved being more selective about his association with President Trump.
wpln.org/post/what-va...
What Van Epps' congressional win tells us about Trump's role in future campaigns
The GOP victory comes after a campaign that was selective about Van Epps’ association with President Donald Trump.
wpln.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Republican Matt Van Epps has been sworn in as Tennessee’s newest congressman, after narrowly winning a special election in the 7th District this week.
The former state commissioner's path to victory involved being more selective about his association with President Trump.
wpln.org/post/what-va...
The former state commissioner's path to victory involved being more selective about his association with President Trump.
wpln.org/post/what-va...
Republican Matt Van Epps has won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional seat in a special election that turned into an unexpected battleground.
wpln.org/post/republi...
wpln.org/post/republi...
Republicans keep Tennessee congressional seat in unexpectedly close race
Republican Matt Van Epps fended off Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn with nearly 53% of the vote, a much narrower margin than previous years.
wpln.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:48 AM
Republican Matt Van Epps has won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional seat in a special election that turned into an unexpected battleground.
wpln.org/post/republi...
wpln.org/post/republi...
Polls closed a few minutes ago in Tennessee’s special congressional election. I’m here at a watch party hosted by Republican candidate Matt Van Epps as results trickle in from across TN’s far-reaching 7th District. Stay tuned!
December 3, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Polls closed a few minutes ago in Tennessee’s special congressional election. I’m here at a watch party hosted by Republican candidate Matt Van Epps as results trickle in from across TN’s far-reaching 7th District. Stay tuned!
Tennessee's special congressional election could be closer than expected — in a district that Trump swept by 22 points last year.
Both parties have poured millions of dollars into the race between Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn and combat veteran Matt Van Epps. #tnpol
wpln.org/post/tenness...
Both parties have poured millions of dollars into the race between Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn and combat veteran Matt Van Epps. #tnpol
wpln.org/post/tenness...
Tennessee's special congressional race could be tight. Here's who's running
Tuesday’s special congressional election could be a much tighter race than anticipated. Republicans swept Tennessee’s 7th congressional district by 22
wpln.org
December 1, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Tennessee's special congressional election could be closer than expected — in a district that Trump swept by 22 points last year.
Both parties have poured millions of dollars into the race between Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn and combat veteran Matt Van Epps. #tnpol
wpln.org/post/tenness...
Both parties have poured millions of dollars into the race between Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn and combat veteran Matt Van Epps. #tnpol
wpln.org/post/tenness...
Tennessee's 7th congressional district has been a Republican stronghold for decades, but Democrats see December's special election as an opportunity to flip the seat.
wpln.org/post/how-com...
wpln.org/post/how-com...
How competitive is Tennessee's special congressional race?
Republican Mark Green's surprise retirement could present an opportunity for Democrats.
wpln.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Tennessee's 7th congressional district has been a Republican stronghold for decades, but Democrats see December's special election as an opportunity to flip the seat.
wpln.org/post/how-com...
wpln.org/post/how-com...
Reposted by Marianna Bacallao
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
October 9, 2025 at 3:26 PM
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
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...
@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.
wpln.org
October 8, 2025 at 2:05 AM
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...
@mariannabac.bsky.social reports: wpln.org/post/trump-p...
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...
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.
wpln.org
October 6, 2025 at 7:06 PM
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...
Here's everything to know before going to the polls:
wpln.org/post/what-to...
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...
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.
wpln.org
October 1, 2025 at 7:29 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Marianna Bacallao
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
wpln.org
September 24, 2025 at 3:17 PM
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
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...
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.
wpln.org
September 17, 2025 at 7:40 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Marianna Bacallao
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...
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.
wpln.org
September 9, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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...
Here's what to know about the project:
wpln.org/post/what-to...
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...
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
wpln.org
August 26, 2025 at 11:28 PM
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...
wpln.org/post/cracker...
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...
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.
wpln.org
August 20, 2025 at 8:26 PM
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...
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...
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...
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.
wpln.org
August 14, 2025 at 6:37 PM
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...
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...
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...
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
wpln.org
August 13, 2025 at 2:09 PM
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...
Local officials in Mason, Tennessee narrowly approved the contract at a contentious townhall.
wpln.org/post/a-regio...
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...
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.
wpln.org
July 31, 2025 at 9:35 PM
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...
wpln.org/post/tenness...
Reposted by Marianna Bacallao
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.
wpln.org
July 18, 2025 at 7:18 PM
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...
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-...
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
wpln.org
July 16, 2025 at 9:04 PM
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-...
A Nashville judge is expected to rule soon on what's next for Abrego Garcia.
wpln.org/post/abrego-...
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...
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.
wpln.org
July 7, 2025 at 8:10 PM
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...
Hear why:
wpln.org/post/lgbtq-t...
Reposted by Marianna Bacallao
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.
WPLN’s @rosegilbert.bsky.social reports that a new wave of Kurds are coming to America. But today, America is a nation in turmoil.
June 27, 2025 at 7:12 PM
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.
WPLN’s @rosegilbert.bsky.social reports that a new wave of Kurds are coming to America. But today, America is a nation in turmoil.
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.
The Maryland man was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March.
ICE is expected to arrest Abrego Garcia upon his release.
June 25, 2025 at 6:51 PM
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.
The Maryland man was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March.
ICE is expected to arrest Abrego Garcia upon his release.
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.
The Maryland man was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March.
ICE is expected to arrest Abrego Garcia upon his release.
June 25, 2025 at 6:40 PM
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.
The Maryland man was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March.
ICE is expected to arrest Abrego Garcia upon his release.
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 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.
wpln.org
June 23, 2025 at 10:51 PM
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 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...
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...
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.
wpln.org
June 20, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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...
But police say that it would take a confession or direct eye witness testimony to truly solve the bombings.
wpln.org/post/nashvil...