Chris O’Brien @THEChrisOB profile

Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

Followers

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Following

260K

Media

802

Statuses

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PIO @TNECD | @UFJSchool alum 🐊 | National Parks Guy | Glorified Tabloid Writer

Joined August 2015

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Elementary school students and leaders have formed a tunnel that House lawmakers will be forced to walk through when session starts in an hour or so. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Enormous crowd and scene here at the Capitol. Stretches all the way to the Legislative Plaza. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Parents are in tears over being kicked out of Civil Justice Subcommittee. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Vanderbilt students just showed up and this crowd has easily doubled in size. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Caught up with an emotional @SarahShoop33 after she and other Covenant families were kicked out of Civil Justice Subcommittee. "I don't think they get what this means. We're here for six people who were killed in our school. We're just trying to do something.". @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

A human chain has formed outside of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville. @myeowenstv is at the other end at the state Capitol. @voices4saferTN tells me they’re expecting about 13,000 people in support of gun reform one year after Covenant. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Folks are linking arms now, as the chain is really starting to take shape. @voices4saferTN told me yesterday they had roughly 6,200 people registered. That grew to over 9,000 today. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Crowd is really growing here. I’m estimating currently between 700 and 1,000 and growing. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Covenant mother Sarah Neumann is being consoled by Reps. Gloria Johnson, Jason Powell and Justin Pearson as special session adjourns in chaos. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

I asked the Covenant parents nonprofit if they felt the legislature cared about what they'd been through the last few months. Emotions were very raw. "It's concerning how much more they may care about what the lobbyists from the gun industry have to say.". @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Hundreds, maybe somewhere between 300-400 people (mostly children and parents) here now and another 100 or so in the House chamber. It is LOUD. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Yes, actually. He was asked, "It's been reported that you're living Davidson County or this immediate area, yet you've gotten mileage and per diem almost every week for the past year based on Crossville travel. How do you justify that?. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Wild sequence of events. Democrats have walked out of session after Rep. Justin Jones was ruled out of order and cannot speak for the rest of the day. Protest broke out in the gallery and Speaker Cameron Sexton ordered it to be cleared. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

BREAKING: Rep. Scotty Campbell has resigned effective immediately, according to Speaker Cameron Sexton. @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Rep. Justin Pearson just came up to the gallery to meet with some of his supporters. Shared a very heartfelt moment with a Covenant mother. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Rep. Justin Jones has arrived to vote in his Special Primary Election. @WKRN .#TNLeg23 . For background:.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Caught Rep. Justin Jones in the hallway. He’s heading over to Speaker Cameron Sexton’s office to deliver a message of his intent to put forward a vote of no confidence. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Impromptu protest has broken out in the Capitol rotunda. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Democrats are leading a prayer with some Covenant mothers as tensions simmer down a bit. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Whew. Covenant families are gashing the Senate right now. One mother, Becky Hansen (background way right in the photo), said something along the lines of, “All they’ve done is prove they are incapable of the job they have been called to do.”. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Rep. Justin Pearson has joined the impromptu protest in the Capitol rotunda. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Protesters with a loud promise. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Final video I’ll post for a few hours from the @AMarch4OurLives, as we’re headed to the governor’s press conference in an hour or so here. Cannot understate the size of this crowd enough. I’d estimate well over 2,500, maybe even 3,000. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Tensions getting even hotter here. A Moms Demand Action member was asked by Rep. Gino Bulso where she’s getting data that more guns = less safety. She said something along the lines of “you can go and check Mr. Google.”. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Not sure what happened but the top is coming off this place. It is DEAFENING in here, I can barely hear a thing. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Covenant families nonprofits breaking out some new shirts today. House session slated for 2:00p today. Senate (which will go very fast) at 4:00p. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

A bill to allow former/active law enforcement or military to carry guns in schools has passed Civil Justice Committee, despite Covenant mothers giving emotional testimony. Rep. Chris Todd said it includes athletic events or field trips. Crowd is irate. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Democrats are speaking as frustration has spilled over. They are IRATE. @WKRN

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Rep. Justin Pearson with an impromptu speech to supporters as he files out of session. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Pretty decent turnout from a bunch of different orgs here in Nashville for a rally calling for stricter gun laws. Looks like Moms Demand Action is leading with a handful of others joining in. Still a few folks trickling in. Maybe 400-500 here?. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Anyone with a sign was just kicked out of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

NEW: Bill to allow anyone who has an enhanced handgun carry permit to have guns in schools is kicked down the road. Rep. Jody Barrett (sponsor) says too many stakeholders, too complex. Gallery clapped and Chairman Lowell Russell asked THP to clear the room. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Protest has broken out into song. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

I asked Sexton yesterday if he had a response to Rep. Jones and Rep. Pearson calling for his resignation. He was curt. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

The Tennessee Holler

@TheTNHoller

2 years

NEWSWEEK: “Thousands of Christians have signed an online petition by Faithful America demanding Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton's resignation.”

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

One Republican — Murfreesboro Rep. Charlie Baum voted against all three expulsions today. He took a second to explain that decision to me. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

In a little preview of tomorrow, some members of clergy are leading songs today in the state Capitol. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Several Democratic lawmakers here now. The chain has been moved to more of a linked group listening to some speakers. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

NOTABLE — they kicked out Covenant School parents as part of this clearing.

Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

NEW: Bill to allow anyone who has an enhanced handgun carry permit to have guns in schools is kicked down the road. Rep. Jody Barrett (sponsor) says too many stakeholders, too complex. Gallery clapped and Chairman Lowell Russell asked THP to clear the room. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Chaos just ensued in the House. Rep. Justin Pearson got in Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton’s face before he was bumped by Rep. Scott Cepicky and Rep. Jason Zachary. Scrum after. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

First set of marchers are pretty sizable. At least a couple hundred by my estimate. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has arrived in Nashville. She’s scheduled to make two appearances tonight, one at Nashville Pride. @WKRN

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Rep. Justin Pearson rallying the gallery just ahead of House session today. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Still short of 8am here and the line to get into the Capitol already stretches around the building. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Not sure the sound went with my last video (maybe it did — I can barely hear a thing here). Protesters just relentless with their chants outside the House. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

What a wild day. Probably the most chaotic I've had since the expulsion hearings back in April and one of the most ever for me. Here's a brief wrap on everything we saw on @WKRN today. #TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

CONFIRMED: In addition to the Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta passenger rail route getting grant approval, there is another:. Rep. Steve Cohen’s office confirmed to me a grant for Nashville-Memphis has been approved. Still a long way to go but this is next step. @WKRN.#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Getting a little tense in Civil Justice Committee. Rep. Chris Todd got some boos and shocked faces after saying they need to eliminate more gun-free zones. Rep. Jason Powell was not happy about it. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Chants of “You’ve done nothing!” break out here at the end of Senate session. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Some of the signs in the gallery near me. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

With Senate session scheduled for about 40 min from now, there’s a trio praying. Sign on the floor reads, “May we be safe from gun violence.”. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Latest look from inside. Want to make a note that, at least up until this point, the rally (protest?) has been nonviolent. Loud? Certainly. Violent? No. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

House just voted to end debate over Jones’s expulsion and Rep. John Ray Clemmons is FURIOUS. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

BREAKING: Metro Nashville has filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee over the state taking over the majority of seats on the Nashville airport authority. Background on @WKRN and #TNLeg23 here:.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

3 years

#BREAKING: Madison Cawthorn has lost the NC District 11 Republican primary to Chuck Edwards, according to his campaign. @SpecNews1MTN.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

BREAKING: TACIR has completed its study on passenger rail in Tennessee and is recommending TDOT move forward to bring in new routes. First corridor with priority is Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta, followed by Memphis-Nashville and Knoxville-Chatt-TriCities. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

At a presser from the three Democratic reps who interrupted House session last week, and they broke out in song. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Back to work — Rep. Gino Bulso filed an amendment to allow first cousins to marry in TN if they see a genetic counselor. Said he disagreed with Obergefelle v Hodges but that first-cousin marriage should be legal under it. Bill on the table would outlaw it. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Not quite 8am and roughly 60-70 state troopers just walked in the Capitol. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Mother’s name is Sarah Neumann. Her five-year-old, Noah, goes to Covenant. Says his favorite colors are purple and rainbow, and he loves cars and rock-and-roll. He survived the shooting, but the trauma still exists. @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Rep. Justin Pearson just gave an impromptu speech to a contingency of protesters that stuck around after being cleared from the gallery. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Tennessee State University student leaders are leading a press conference with some civil rights leaders, calling on the state to reverse its action of vacating the Board of Trustees. Started with a song. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

As some of my colleagues have already reported, resolutions have been filed to expel Rep. Johnson, Jones and Pearson. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Finally made my way inside the Capitol where the rally has expanded. Rallygoers have made a tunnel as House members walk into the chamber. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

It is LOUD in here. Can hear the echoes all the way down on the ground floor, two levels below. Can’t see outside but was just told the crowd is still sizable there, too. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

I missed the lead up to this, but Rep. Justin Jones just got pretty heated. Pointed at Leader William Lamberth and said, “You’re a racist!” repeatedly. Gallery somewhat joined him and Speaker Sexton cleared the gallery. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

It’s been a really tough night in Tennessee. Between our coverage, I just wanted to take a second to thank and shoutout our outstanding photojournalist Joe Gregory. Always a class act, never complains and, as you can see, works through the toughest conditions. @WKRN.#tnwx

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Here’s the moment where everything fell apart in the House. Special session ends in chaos. Fantastic job by State Capitol Photojournalist Joe Gregory. @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

WKRN News 2

@WKRN

2 years

HAPPENING NOW: Chaotic ending to the TN Special Session as Rep. Justin Pearson approaches Speaker Sexton with a sign and is pushed away by security.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

BREAKING: The Tennessee House has expelled Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville). @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Now that session has been canceled for the evening, the group of protesters who were expected to be in the Capitol are instead marching around it. They’re joined by Rep. Justin Pearson. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

It’s chaos in the House as protesters have derailed session. Representatives all over the floor, Democrats and Republicans going after each other for breaking rules, etc. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

3 years

Lamberth and @SenJohnson will be speaking at a rally led by @MattWalshBlog in a few hours. A counter-rally in the same space by @MidTNDSA starts in about a half hour. @adammintzer and I will have full coverage of both sides tonight on @WKRN.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

9 years

When SpongeBob absolutely cooked Squidward #GreatestSpongebobMoments

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Pretty good turnout for the folks here. My estimate right now is roughly 1,000 or so, but people continue to stream in, so it’s growing fast. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

8 years

“Go Noles”

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Couple dozen kids from Glendale Elementary are writing letters to Gov. Bill Lee asking for stronger gun control. They’re marching to the Gov’s residence in about a half hour to deliver them. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

3 years

Some personal news: Stoked to be heading to Nashville to join @WKRN as a state Capitol reporter!!. Will be taking some time off before getting going in July. Looking forward to telling the stories for the people of Tennessee!! 🤠

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

4 years

#BREAKING for my old alma mater…@UF is now a top 5 public university. 🐊

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

NEW: Press Sec. for Speaker Cameron Sexton tells me Justin Jones and Justin Pearson will be sat, if the county commissions vote for it. Statement:. “The two governing bodies will make the decision as to who they want to appoint to these seats…”. @WKRN .#TNLeg23 . 1/2.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Not a huge surprise, but @Campbell4TN and @VoteBobFreeman told me today they’ll be filing a bill to legalize recreational cannabis. Story coming on @WKRN website soon.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Well, as you might have heard, I do have some personal news. TLDR: Yes, my last day at @WKRN was this week, as I’m starting a role as a PIO for @TNECD. I’m so lucky and blessed to have met so many wonderful people in my role, and I have so many people to thank. 🧵:

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Truly never know what you’ll see in East Nashville 😂😂. @WKRN

Adam Mintzer

@adammintzer

1 year

.@THEChrisOB with the EXCLUSIVE of the day! @WKRN

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

BREAKING: Sources tell me a three-judge panel has unanimously ruled against Tennessee’s airport authority law. The new board is reinstated immediately. Background:. @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Some scenes. Majority of the students here currently are from McGavock High School. More are on the way. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

Rep. Bo Mitchell has his mic cut during debate. He continued anyway, apologizing to Covenant families in the gallery as this bill heads toward passage. @WKRN .#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

NEW: The House Republican Caucus is VERY frustrated with the Senate Republican Caucus after the Senate Judiciary Committee only passed three bills. From House Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison: "They're hurting people who are truly grieving right now.". @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

As previously reported, special session is costing Tennessee taxpayers $58,000 per day. You may remember this morning the Senate adjourned until Monday since the House refuses to close out special session. Rep. John Ray Clemmons just asked for the numbers. @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

In addition to this, still photographers have told me they’ve been barred from the House floor. As far as I know, that’s never been the case and is a new rule.

Chris Davis NC5

@ChrisDavisMMJ

1 year

Evidently the new TN House rules extend beyond legislative procedure. All public guests are limited to the far side of the House gallery. And for some reason, on this side, all of the photographers are forced to cram into this side of the balcony.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

About 90 seconds in, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton warns protesters to quiet down and a few didn’t. One was kicked out. Didn’t take long. @WKRN .#TNLeg23.

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

“Shame on you!” chant echoing in the chamber as lawmakers adjourn and leave. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

House Dems are holding a presser this morning, calling on TN Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds to resign. They’re citing TN law which says commish must be ‘qualified to teach in the school of the highest standing over which the commissioner has authority.’. @WKRN.#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

NEW: House Democratic Caucus pens a letter to Speaker Cameron Sexton, requesting equity on House committees. There's a rule that minority party is supposed to at least have equal representation in committee as on House floor. Democrats have 24.2% of the House. @WKRN.#TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Downed power lines, trees on houses, debris everywhere. Nesbitt Lane (Madison) took a pretty big hit. Not sure if tornado damage or just general storm but working to get details. @WKRN .#tnwx

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Capitol crowd is streaming back into Legislative Plaza. Plaza is about to be even more packed than it already was. @WKRN .#TNLeg23

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

9 years

WHEN YOU START THE SEASON UNRANKED AND THEN MAKE IT TO STATE. BOYS ROCKLEDGE XC IS GOING TO STATE!!! 😭😍😭😍😭✊🏼✊🏼 #FinishedBusiness

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

1 year

NEW: Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) plans to file a bill he calls the 'Freedom to Have Children and a Family Act.'. It would expand abortion exceptions in Tennessee, mostly surrounding conditions that would leave a mother sterile. More tonight on @WKRN at 5:00p. #TNLeg24

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

2 years

Quick break from the legislative tweets. To my Davidson County folks…go vote!!.Early voting is open until Sept. 9th. Legitimately took me four minutes from the time I got in line to the time I left. Also it’s UF gameday, Go Gators (sorry to all my Vols out there).

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Chris O’Brien

@THEChrisOB

7 years

Me: I need to hit the gym, get my weight right, eat better, and overall be more healthy. Also me:

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