Tennessee News Share

01/09/2024

"'When we find our voices, we find our own way to stand in the gap for kids,' said Missy Testerman, a TN educator chosen as the nation’s teacher of the year

Testerman is calling on America’s 3.5 million teachers to “find their voice” on behalf of students as many states, like TN's Republican-led state legislature, seek to censor teachers, ban books, and push voucher policies that send taxpayer funding to private schools."

Learn more: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/education/2024/08/28/teacher-of-the-year-tennessee-teachers-advocate/74966303007/

31/08/2024

“'There have been statewide polls, and they have said the Republican-led state legislature is out of step with what they want in terms of the core common sense gun measures,' said State Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville)

Democratic TN lawmakers announced Wednesday they are reintroducing a bill to allow large cities in TN to regulate safe gun storage in cars.

This comes in the wake of the Republican-led state legislature's threat to withhold sales tax revenue from the city of Memphis for wanting to ask voters if they favor stricter gun safety measures."

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Cases of state preemption are often found in red states with blue cites and vice versa. If Memphis wants to fight back, they will likely have to go to court.

31/08/2024

“'TN has known of the issues at Trousdale Turner for years,' said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

The U.S. Department of Justice is launching a civil investigation into the conditions at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, a notorious privately run prison plagued by understaffing, violence, contraband and sexual misconduct, officials announced Tuesday.

Trousdale Turner is run by Brentwood-headquartered private prison operator CoreCivic, yet the state government led by Republican Gov. Bill Lee remains responsible and liable for its treatment of incarcerated people."

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“Tennessee has known of the issues at Trousdale Turner for years,” said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.

30/08/2024

“'This is a tremendous win for those who have lost their vital health coverage due to TennCare's unlawful policies and practice' said Michele Johnson, the Tennessee Justice Center’s executive director.

TennCare, Tennessee’s brand of Medicaid, violated the due process clause of the 14th Amendment and the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Following years of litigation, a federal court has ruled that Tennesseans saw their TennCare coverage wrongfully terminated."

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Years-long class action suit found insurance provider violated ADA, 14th Amendment

30/08/2024

"'The people in power, overwhelmingly, especially in these very red legislatures, are men,' said Jean Sinzdak associate director of Center for American Women and Politics.

Tennessee is among the worst for putting women in public office. Knox County voters will have an opportunity to elect a woman in almost every single race this fall, up and down the ballot.

With Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race and two women fighting to be Tennessee's U.S. senator, more women than men are on Knox County ballots."

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With Vice President Kamala Harris at the top and two female Senate candidates below, more women have stepped up for down ballot races as well.

30/08/2024

"Labor Day is just around the corner and whether you're planning on heading out on the town or you just want to explore something new, we've got you covered!"

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Labor Day is just around the corner and whether you're planning on heading out on the town or you just want to explore something new, we've got you covered!

29/08/2024

"The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has been awarded a $34.7 million grant from the Biden Administration's U.S. Department of Education to enhance college readiness.

This grant will directly engage with high schools and feeder schools in Monroe, Grainger, Cumberland, Jackson, Bedford, and Hardeman counties."

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The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has been awarded a $34.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance college readiness.

29/08/2024

"Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has officially selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate, he'll go up against Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Trump’s named no. 2."

Learn more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/06/walz-harris-vice-president-vs-vance-trump/74675074007/

28/08/2024

“Kamala Day, a rally in support of presidential candidate Kamala Harris, draws a large crowd in Knoxville's Market Square, Saturday, August 24, 2024.”

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Kamala Day, a rally in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, draws a crowd in Market Square.

28/08/2024

“Biden's attempts to provide relief to millions of Americans have not fared well before the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, which last year struck down an earlier plan that would have benefited more than 40 million Americans and forgiven nearly half-a-trillion-dollars in loans.

The Supreme Court declined to reinstate the Biden-Harris administration's latest plan to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers, leaving them in limbo while the appeals process plays out.

Biden’s SAVE plan has been the subject of legal challenges from more than a dozen GOP-led states in recent months.

The latest program is an income-driven repayment plan in which monthly payments of a loan are based on the borrower's income.”

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The Justice Department had asked the Supreme Court to lift a sweeping appeals court order that blocked the program, known as the SAVE plan.

28/08/2024

"'Last year alone, over 10,000 women left state to receive maternal healthcare,' said Emily Cupples, director of the Tennessee Freedom Circle.

This past Sunday marked two years since TN banned abortions. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, states now decide their own abortion laws. Tennessee moved quickly after the ruling. About two months later, state lawmakers passed some of the toughest abortion restrictions in the nation.

Since TN's Republican-led state legislature passed what's known as a trigger law or ban after Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion clinics across the state closed. Now, doctors are leaving as well."

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This past Sunday marked two years since Tennessee banned abortions, except to prevent serous injury or death in the mother.

27/08/2024

“‘For me personally, this is one of the most important albums I’ve ever made – because it’s family,’ Dolly Parton wrote about ‘Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables.’

Parton continues to share her East Tennessee with fans, with much help from her family. The legendary country artist has released two new songs from her upcoming musical and visual Parton family project and revealed the album’s 37-song track list.”

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The legendary country singer is honoring her East Tennessee heritage in a new family project with over 30 songs. Here’s when you can listen.

27/08/2024

“‘I saw Tennesseans being failed by Republican leaders. I thought why not now? Why not me?’ Luis Mata, candidate for HD 49, said.

First-time political candidates are often spurred into action by personal experiences.

Three new Democratic candidates on the ballot this fall in Tennessee are making the personal political through advocacy and action. Here’s what to know about Shaundelle Brooks, Allie Phillips and Luis Mata.

One first-time candidate looking to flip a Republican district is Luis Mata, a community organizer with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. Mata is running for state House District 49 on a platform focused on cost of living issues, education and healthcare access. He noted that rising housing prices in Middle Tennessee have pushed people farther away from Nashville’s downtown urban core.

‘District 49 is in the Laverne, Smyrna, North Rutherford County area. In recent years we have seen a growing diversity, demographics changing. In that district, it’s a lot of people have been priced out of Nashville.’”

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First-time political candidates are often spurred into action by personal experiences. Three new Democratic candidates on the ballot this fall in Tennessee a

26/08/2024

"TN hopes to expand broadband access to all unserved and underserved areas of the state with the help of $813 million from the Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

While multiple Republicans in Congress voted for the Infrastructure Act, both TN Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and TN Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) voted against it, despite advocating for broadband expansion."

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Tennessee’s goal is to get the state up to speed by 2028, ensuring every area has access to broadband internet.

26/08/2024

Catch up on the news you might have missed!

25/08/2024

"'The Democratic party's differing positions on abortion and education allows our party to compete in more races than initially anticipated,' said Democratic House Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons.

With less than 100 days until the election, state Republicans and Democrats have narrowed their election maps to a handful of seats as each party sees a chance to add members to next year’s General Assembly.

Democrats see seats in Memphis, Knoxville, Clarksville, Smyrna and possibly Signal Mountain as up for grabs.

Allie Phillips, the Democratic candidate in western Clarksville’s House District 75 seat, has raised more than her opponent Jeff Burkhart with $186,000 in the bank compared to his $85,000."

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Tennessee Republicans and Democrats have narrowed their election maps to a handful of seats as each party sees a chance to add members.

25/08/2024

"'They're either in very bad shape because they've been hit so many times by bullets or they're dead,' Trump said of the service members who received the Medal of Honor during his administration.

During a visit to Chattanooga on Thursday, Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty defended former President Donald Trump's denigration of the Medal of Honor as well as other comments the former president has made about service members.

'I have never heard him say anything other than honorable things,' said Hagerty.

In a speech to donors, Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, said the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is a "much better" award than the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration given to service members."

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During a visit to Chattanooga on Thursday, Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty defended former President Donald Trump's denigration of the Medal of Honor as well as other comments the former president has made about service members.

25/08/2024

"'It’s important we lay out expected conduct and behavior that’s needed when you come onto our school campuses,' said State Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis).

School is back in session, and this year, students and staff aren’t the only ones required to abide by a code of conduct — parents and other visitors will also have to follow a set of rules set by the district.

A new bipartisan law, sponsored by Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis), mandates school boards adopt a code of conduct for parents and other guests who visit campus."

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A new bipartisan law, sponsored by Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis), mandates school boards adopt a code of conduct for parents and other guests who visit campus. The proposal passed last legisla…

24/08/2024

“'They snap a finger, and here we go – up another 5.25%. And there’s nothing anybody can even do about it, or even question it,' said Dr. Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Get ready to pay more on your electric bill. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) backed by Gov. Lee approved a 5.25% rate hike at Thursday’s meeting. TVA said this new 5.25% hike will add $4.35 to the average electric bill starting October 1."

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TVA says this new 5.25% hike will add $4.35 to the average electric bill starting October 1.

24/08/2024

“‘Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,’ said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

The Food and Drug Administration Thursday gave the green light to two updated COVID-19 vaccines to help people protect themselves from the latest strains of the virus.

The new COVID vaccines are designed to keep the shots up to date with the virus, which keeps evolving to evade our immune systems.”

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The Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to two updated COVID-19 vaccines to protect against recent variants of the coronavirus.

23/08/2024

"Even though winter is still several months away, the Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Niña watch for November through January."

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Even though winter is still several months away, the Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Niña watch for November through January.

23/08/2024

“'I’m truly honored to represent TN,' said William Mendoza-Euceda, TN's youngest delegate at the Democratic National Convention.

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is underway in Chicago with more than 70 TN delegates present, a few of which are teenagers.

Mendoza-Euceda believes U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is motivating a lot of young voters."

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Day two of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is underway in Chicago with more than 70 Tennessee delegates present, a few of which are teenagers.

22/08/2024

“'As an OB, when Dobbs happened, I was so upset. I feel like if I don’t take the steps and try to make change, I will regret it the rest of my life,' said Dr. Laura Andreson.

It’s a similar story for other Middle Tennessee candidates including Alison Beale, Claire Jones, and Ailina Carona. They were each spurred into advocacy work by a combination of Tennessee’s strict abortion ban and the deadly March 2023 shooting at Nashville’s Covenant School. Then they became disillusioned by Tennessee lawmakers doubling down on lax gun laws and refusing to widen exceptions for abortion. So they put their name in the ring to replace those lawmakers.

Andreson told a friend involved in the Williamson County Democratic Party that she’d like to run, but not for a couple of years. Ultimately, she was persuaded that the time is now to challenge Rep. Jake McCalmon (R-Franklin) in House District 63."

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Spurred by gun violence and the reversal of Roe v. Wade, more women are entering state politics

22/08/2024

“'I don’t expect anybody to take advantage of it,' said Josh Arrowood, teacher at South Greene Middle School.

A new state law from the Republican-led state legislature that passed this spring would let him, under certain conditions, carry the gun at his workplace, too.

He carries his handgun most everywhere he goes in his rural TN community but because of the way the law was written and between concerns about his personal liability and ambivalence about the new law from local school leaders, he won’t be carrying his gun to class this school year."

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Josh Arrowood carries his .22-caliber handgun most everywhere he goes in his rural Tennessee community — to church at Freewill Baptist, at the Food City store where he shops for groceries and in the Greene County Courthouse, where he serves as a commissioner.

22/08/2024

“State Sen. Oliver (D-Nashville) hopes to see a hate crime law passed in TN. ‘We have way too many people coming from out of state who think that it’s okay to bring their hatred and their bigotry, and we need to let them know that our laws are going to be stiff around that and they’re not welcome here,’ Oliver said.

Community leaders gathered Saturday to address hate speech following multiple summer protests involving alleged extremist groups in downtown Nashville.

In particular, ‘Stop Hate in Nashville’ rally organizers spoke about the impact of hate on the city’s youth. Speakers addressed an incident from mid-July, when a group of alleged neo-Nazis shouted racial slurs at children walking home after playing drums downtown.

‘The Neo-Nazis were here a few weeks [ago] and terrorized children,’ Pastor Venita Lewis, a civil rights activist, said. ‘We just don’t want that hate in the city of Nashville, and we will come together for our children.’”

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Community leaders gathered Saturday to address hate speech following multiple summer protests involving alleged extremist groups in downtown Nashville.

21/08/2024

"Renewing or making a change to your TN driver license soon? You might be one of the first to get a new design.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced the new look Monday. The design will expand to all service centers over the next few months."

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The new design comes with improved security features to reduce forgeries, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said.

20/08/2024

"State Rep. Gloria Johnson, the Knoxville Democrat running for U.S. Senate, will be on stage at the Democratic National Convention.

Johnson rose to prominence in protest against Tennessee's Republican-led legislature in the aftermath of the 2023 deadly Covenant School shooting.

Johnson is using the momentum in her effort to unseat U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn."

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The Tennessee Three will be on stage on a critical night at the Chicago convention, just before Vice President Kamala Harris' speech.

20/08/2024

"Hamilton County public school students outperform private school voucher recipients on state tests.

As TN's education savings account program begins its second year, data shows that county students attending public schools outperformed those receiving vouchers to attend private schools on state tests.

Known informally as private school vouchers, the education savings account program allows low-income students to use around $9,000 of state money for private school tuition and other education-related expenses. The program launched for students zoned to Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools at the start of the 2022-23 school year and expanded to Hamilton County Schools the following fall."

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Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Elena Hightshue, right, helps Naomi Okafor, 3, Beckett Anderson, 2, and Roman Bruell, 2, as they work on a puzzle matching game at the Montessori School on Friday. The school began participating in Tennessee's education savings account program this year. As Tennessee's...

19/08/2024

"'We should not be in fear of our lives for being LGBTQ+ people,' said Shannon Bryant with Blount Pride.

During previous years, Blount Pride would spend the tail-end of summer making the final preparations for its annual Pride Festival. This year, the group is not taking its usual approach.

They received a letter from District Attorney General Ryan Desmond who said a law from the Republican-led state legislature that was ruled unconstitutional in West Tennessee would be enforced, effectively banning public drag performances."

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Maryville leaders said they would not enforce the state's anti-drag law, because an injunction against it remains in place from an earlier lawsuit.