Tennessee Senate Declines Veto Override on Parole Expansion Bill

Tennessee Senate efforts to override Governor Bill Lee's veto on expanding parole board authority are faltering, with key supporters like Sen. Paul Rose stepping back and predictions that an override vote would fail. Meanwhile, in Iowa, Republicans failed to deliver on property tax reform despite controlling all branches of government, leaving the issue unresolved amid rising tax burdens and budget deficits. On the national stage, House Freedom Caucus members initially opposed a large GOP tax and spending bill but ultimately fell in line, with only two Republicans outside the caucus voting against it, illustrating the faction's recent pattern of acquiescence to party leadership under pressure. President Trump reportedly pressured dissenting conservatives during negotiations, contributing to the bill's passage despite internal GOP resistance. Separately, in the Midwest, gray wolf population recovery has sparked conflict between environmentalists and local farmers, with the wolf's resurgence leading to livestock losses and ongoing debates over federal protections. These diverse political and environmental issues highlight the tensions between governance, party dynamics, and local interests across the country.