Author

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
Analysis: Expert assesses motivation behind insurrectionists’ actions
By: Matt Bastin - 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 […]
Tennesseans play role in mob scene at U.S. Capitol
By: Lonnie Lee Hood and Matt Bastin - 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 […]
Former extremists get opportunities for a fresh start through tattoo removal programs
By: Matt Bastin - 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 […]
Living conditions at Tennessee drive-through safari raise red flags
By: Lonnie Lee Hood and Matt Bastin - 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 […]