Blaise Gainey
Blaise Gainey is a Political Reporter for WPLN News. He is the youngest of three siblings, husband and father of two. He previously held the State Government Reporter position for WFSU News in Tallahassee. He is from Apopka, Fla., and graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He previously worked for The Florida Channel and WTXL-TV. He is excited to move to another capital and report on state government. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, outdoor activities and enjoying family time.
Follow Blaise Gainey on Twitter: @BlaiseGainey
Email Blaise Gainey at bgainey@wpln.org
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Tennessee is facing a stark increase in gun violence. With more than 1,500 people killed by gunfire in 2021, Tennessee is now No. 10 in the nation for firearm mortality per capita. But that’s not stopping state lawmakers from passing bills to expand access to guns. -
A measure backed by Gov. Bill Lee would allow Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development to make deals without making the public aware, and it has now passed the Senate. -
Current law allows local Tennessee law enforcement agencies to report to the federal government when they arrest a person that is unauthorized to be in the United States. A bill heading to the governor would require it.
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Firearms have become the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., as calls for gun reform have grown louder. Here in Tennessee, Republicans in charge have ignored them. -
Legislation known as the Flag Bill has passed the House and has made it to the last stop in the Senate, but it may never get a vote. -
Several bills in the Tennessee House are attempting to prevent expelled lawmakers from making their way back into the legislature. One of them is headed to the House floor. -
A bill moving through the Tennessee legislature would allow voters to register with a party, ultimately skipping the current process of choosing which primary ballot they want. Some find the language of the measure contradictory. -
Tennessee lawmakers want school students to learn firearm safety in public school.
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Republican lawmakers in Tennessee are making their umpteenth attempt to end same-sex marriage. This time around they want to make sure a public official is not required to solemnize a marriage, which would mean LGBTQ couples could be denied their fundamental right to marry. The bill is heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk, and if he signs it, it’ll be effective immediately. -
The Secretary of State’s Office in Tennessee says formerly incarcerated felons must get their gun rights restored before their voting rights. This is due to an update in the state’s voter restoration process, and the rule is causing a split between Republicans and Democrats in the House.
