Former Rep. Robin Smith, House Speaker Glen Casada, and his chief of staff Cade Cothren are facing a delayed trial as Smith claims attorney-client privilege over information on her laptops and phones related to a bribery scandal. Smith pleaded guilty to a kickback scheme involving Cothren’s vendor, Phoenix Solutions. The story also delves into the rise and fall of Casada and Cothren, with implications for House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Meanwhile, Attorney General Skrmetti’s opinion on guns in Tennessee raises questions about restrictions on certain firearms.
In a separate incident, the Justice Department filed money-laundering charges against RT employees who allegedly hired a Tennessee media company, Tenet Media, for internet propaganda to influence the 2024 presidential election. Former President Trump called it part of a conspiracy to defeat him. Congressman Andy Ogles is requesting the return of phone data seized by the FBI, claiming it relates to his legislative work.
Former Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn lost her job at the University of Florida after the resignation of former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse as president amidst scandal. Schwinn’s controversial tenure in Tennessee includes no-bid contracts and being criticized by lawmakers for misuse of funds. The article reflects on Schwinn’s questionable practices and her abrupt departure from both academia and state government.
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