Industry consolidation has hurt fan experience, lawmakers say — NASHVILLE — Music and sports fans could see the true cost of an online ticket purchase under new legislation proposed by state Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, and Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville. The Nashville Democrats say the legislation is needed to improve transparency and fairness for consumers, who routinely see ticket…

Legislation entrusts reproductive healthcare decisions, including abortion, to women, doctors — NASHVILLE — Democratic lawmakers—alongside doctors, faith leaders and community health advocates—announced Monday comprehensive legislation to restore legal access to reproductive care, including abortion, in Tennessee. The Fundamental Right to Reproductive Health Care Act would protect reproductive healthcare decisions as a “fundamental right” and restrict government from intruding on that freedom…

Senate Democratic leaders call for action to ‘uproot’ culture of police brutality — MEMPHIS — Senate Democratic leaders issued statements following charges against the police officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Senate Democratic Leader: “While I applaud the swift action of the district attorney, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Memphis Police Department, there is no justice for Tyre Nichols today.

‘Corporate greed’ driving investors to harass homeowners in older, established neighborhoods, senator says — NASHVILLE — Are you looking to sell your property? Do you know anyone who may want to sell a property or land? Many homeowners in Middle Tennessee have grown accustomed to unsolicited texts, phone calls and postcards from someone asking if they’re willing to sell their property. …

On January 23, 1964, the United States ratified the 24th Amendment, prohibiting any poll tax in elections — NASHVILLE — Tennessee Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville, marked today’s anniversary of ratifying the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by committing to an effort to expand voting rights in the state. “On this day 59 years ago, Congress ratified the 24th Amendment, ending any poll tax in elections for federal…

NASHVILLE — Sen. London Lamar, chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, issued a statement today on the inauguration of Gov. Bill Lee. Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis: “If the governor is ready to begin working to improve life for everyday Tennesseans, he’ll find no better partner than Senate Democrats. “We want to lead the nation…

Democrats say they are committed ‘as long as it takes’ to restore access to safe, legal reproductive care — NASHVILLE — Tennessee Democratic lawmakers on Friday marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision (Jan. 22, 1973)—the landmark case that guaranteed a private right to an abortion in America. In a state where Republican politicians have now banned all abortion procedures, even in cases…

In a letter, local officials say defaulting on U.S. debt could devastate local governments, business and residents — NASHVILLE — In a letter from state Sen. Heidi Campbell, a group of 20 Nashville elected officials are urging the city’s three-member congressional delegation to support raising the nation’s debt ceiling to avoid a “devastating” default. “Please place the interest of the citizens you represent ahead of the desire to…

The Commercial Appeal reports federal funding for local nonprofit HIV surveillance programs will end May 31 — NASHVILLE — Democratic leaders today criticized a decision by Gov. Bill Lee’s health department to cut off federal funding for community-based HIV prevention, detection and treatment programs, calling it “heartless” and “irresponsible.” The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Lee’s Tennessee Department of Health informed nonprofit agencies and organizations that it will…