Author

Matt Bastin

Matt Bastin

Matt Bastin is a freelance journalist from Nashville. His areas of research are human rights, protest coverage, and extremism with a particular emphasis on white nationalism

Eric Munchel of Nashville entered the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Analysis: Expert assesses motivation behind insurrectionists’ actions

By: - January 20, 2021

As Joe Biden takes over as President of the United States Wednesday, one expert provides background analysis on why insurrectionists like Eric Munchel, known as “Zip Tie Guy,”may have been inspired to break into the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6. Munchel, of Nashville, was arrested by the FBI on Jan. 10 and charged with one count […]

Do these look like tourists to you? (Photo: Alex Kent)

Tennesseans play role in mob scene at U.S. Capitol

By: and - January 7, 2021

As photo and video of Wednesday’s rioting at the U.S. Capitol spread across social media, Tennesseeans began recognizing friends and neighbors, with prominent elected officials and local leaders among the mob who entered the federal building and temporarily halted certification of President-Elect Joe Biden’s win. NashvilleResist, a popular political Twitter account, reported that at least […]

Sign outside Removery Nashville. Removery uses laser technology to remove unwanted tattoos. (Photo: Matt Bastin)

Former extremists get opportunities for a fresh start through tattoo removal programs

By: - October 20, 2020

There are always people  trying to leave hate  groups in hopes of living a better life after a destructive past. The process of exiting brings all sorts of complications as people come to terms with the magnitude of their hate-filled beliefs and make the choice to leave behind the friends and the groups that have […]

Tennessee Animal Safari. (Photo: Matt Bastin)

Living conditions at Tennessee drive-through safari raise red flags

By: and - August 3, 2020

On any given day at the Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, visitors in vehicles line the gravel driveway for several hundred yards, snaking past the entrance, down the road, and doubling back again to finally enter the park. Once inside the park visitors can drive through 5.5 miles of safari trail and feed a variety […]