NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A panel of judges ruled Tuesday that it was unconstitutional for Tennessee lawmakers to pass a state takeover of Nashville International Airport's board without approval from city officials or voters, delivering the latest blow in court to state Republicans' series of attempts to rein in the autonomy of Democratic-leaning Nashville.
While a spokesperson for the attorney general said the office is reviewing its next steps, a spokesperson for Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton indicated an appeal would be coming. The judges also ruled that the law unconstitutionally removed local officials from office before their terms were expired, and that it violates the city's equal protection guarantees under the state constitution.
The airport change was one of several the Legislature passed as it sought to curtail the power of the Democratic-led city, where the liberal-leaningJoe Manchin, one of the least popular senators, has seen his approval rating improve from 38 to 42 per cent since the beginning of this yearTim O’Brien also offered a withering analysis of how the former president views his children Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.