Tennessee News & Current Events | Public News Service

In Fiscal Year 2023, Tennessee's Department of Correction allocated about $907 million for incarceration expenses, not including capital expenditures. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

TN forum to focus on shaping statewide criminal justice policy

Tennessee's justice system may be getting a makeover, as a forum on Thursday will cover new ideas to modernize it. The Sycamore Institute event will …

One year of nuclear weapons spending could fund an estimated one-third of the costs for climate change adaptation in developing countries, and solarize more than 16.5 million homes. (Hamara/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

TN group echoes global call: No money for nuclear weapons

A Knoxville-based environmental group is raising awareness about increasing U.S. nuclear weapons spending and supporting this week's global effort to …

In March, 65% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats supported allowing a leader of Israel to speak on campus. By June, support among Republicans increased to 73%, while it remained unchanged at 63% for Democrats. (Nopommajun/Adobe Stock)

Study reveals shifting American views on free speech amid Israel-Hamas war

A recent study by Vanderbilt University found that Americans generally love free speech, but their views change occasionally. One instance of this …

Nationwide in 2021, 44% of youths in the one-day count of youth incarceration were in detention and 53% had been committed to a secure-placement facility, which is the juvenile equivalent of imprisonment. (Danheller/Adobe Stock)

TN youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

A new report showed the rate of juvenile crime continues to fall but disparities remain in Tennessee and nationwide. The Sentencing Project report …

In 2023, eight counties in Tennessee had fewer than 75% of their estimated eligible voters registered to vote. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)<br /> <br />

Ways cited to increase voter engagement, turnout in TN ahead of Nov. 5

As the general election nears, a study from the think tank ThinkTennessee found the Volunteer State trails most neighboring states on voter …

In a statewide sampling effort, TDEC sampled 29 PFAS compounds in untreated water that supplies public drinking water systems. (goodluz/Adobe)

Report: Land application of toxic sludge making TN waters contaminated

The latest research reveals high levels of PFAS chemicals have been detected in Tennessee's soil and water, leading to demands for a statewide ban on …

In 2023, 72% of patients at Tennessee's Community Health Centers aged 12 and older were screened for depression and received a follow-up plan, up 7% from 2020. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

TN community health centers see significant growth in patient care

Tennessee's community health centers are vital to the well-being of nearly 428,000 residents, according to new data. The centers must report …

A recent Vanderbilt University poll found nearly one in three Tennessee children have had a mental health diagnosis, including 17% diagnosed with anxiety and 10% with depression. (Adobe Stock)

Experts offer health tips for TN kids back in classroom

With Tennessee children back in school, health experts have advice on how parents can prioritize their children's well-being. Medical professionals …

TennCare offers medical coverage to roughly 1.3 million Tennessee residents. (Dmytro/Adobe Stock)

TN offers free diapers through Tenncare, CoverKids

Some Tennessee parents now have access to monthly supplies of free diapers under the state's Medicaid program. TennCare provides coverage for …

The Hardeman County Community Health Center offers maternal health services, supporting women throughout pregnancy and postpartum. It provides care for early and mid-stage pregnancies and collaborates with a team of physicians to ensure healthy deliveries. (Hardeman Community Health Center)

Rural TN health centers celebrate National Health Center Week

This is National Health Center Week, highlighting the dedication of people working in 1,400 Community Health Centers across America - including 260 …

If finalized, lenders would retain the ability to take into account health-related details pertaining to disability payments and comparable benefits, as well as medical information relevant to the loan's purpose. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Tennesseans could benefit from eliminating medical debt from credit reports

Many Tennesseeans could see higher credit scores if a rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau goes into effect. The proposal would …

Tennessee's child care cost burden, measured as a percentage of median household income, rose dramatically to 40.9% in 2022-23. Hardin County faced the highest burden, at 105.7%, while Fayette and Williamson Counties had the lowest, at 19.6% each. (davit85/Adobe Stock)

TN rural counties show slight improvement in poverty rates

The latest report on the well-being of Tennessee's children noted improvements in some areas and challenges in others. Statewide, child poverty …

Cherokee Health Systems serves East Tennessee and its surrounding counties through 19 health centers,<br />telehealth services and a mobile unit. (Cherokee Health Systems)<br />

East TN health centers' community gardens: More than fresh produce

In rural Tennessee, many residents lack access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food. So, two health center systems in the state are sprouting …

This week, the Biden administration announced $1.2 billion in student debt forgiveness for 35,000 public service workers, following the Supreme Court's rejection of Biden's broader student loan forgiveness plan last year. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Expert provides student loan repayment tips for Tennessee grads

Tennesseans who graduated from college this summer may be celebrating now but they have also just joined the millions of Americans facing student loan…

Strong family bonds, safe schools and support from caring adults can all protect LGBTQIA+ youths from depression and suicidality, according to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. (Derrick)

Report: 988 lifeline provides robust support for mental health crisis in Tennessee

A mental health report in Tennessee revealed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. The report from the advocacy group Inseparable …

Families forced from their homes in Gaza face severe shortages of essential services, especially safe drinking water. As of this month, over 1.5 million Palestinian children are in need of humanitarian assistance. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

Alliance sounds alarm on rising weapons cost, tax burden

CLARIFICATION: Parts of this story were rephrased to clarify that the United States does not send nuclear weapons to Israel or any other nation…

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 440,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. (Vika art/AdobeStock)

'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost

By Ashli Blow for Tennessee Lookout.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

The latest EPA Clean School Bus funding of $940 million goes beyond health and environmental benefits. It supports school districts' transportation needs as well. (Adobe Stock)

$12 million in EPA rebates for clean school buses in Tennessee

Some Tennessee school districts are among 41 in the Southeast receiving funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus rebate pro…

Connectus Health received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last year. The funding helps improve health outcomes for patients at the highest risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. (Gorodenkoff)

Tennessee health centers bridging gap in women's health care services

The Tennessee Primary Care Association and its affiliated community health centers are working to increase accessibility to essential women's health-c…

As of March, Tennessee still had about 23% of its federal education funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program, which could be used to help boost achievement. The deadline to allocate the funding is Sept. 30. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book shows some improvement for TN children

Tennessee ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children, at 36th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has proposed issuing water withdrawal permits, which would allow several local water utilities to increase the amount of water they pull from the Duck River by about 16 million gallons daily. (RobertMiller/Adobe Stock)<br />

Middle TN's Duck River on list of 'nation's most endangered' waterways

The Duck River, which flows through seven Middle Tennessee counties, has made a national list of "most endangered" rivers. The group American Rivers …

While 67.7% of Tennesseans are homeowners, a rate that ranks 29th in the country, nearly 20% of<br />homeowners are cost burdened. (D Guest Smith/Adobe)

New TN law tackles housing affordability with more multifamily homes

In response to Tennessee's critical housing shortage, a new law allows local governments to incentivize developers to build more affordable housing…

Compared to other states, Tennessee ranks 41st in the country for its higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care for youth. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Nashville superintendent works to nurture students' mental health

In Tennessee and across the country, Black women who are school superintendents are tackling the challenges faced by students from marginalized …

The Tennessee Lead and Copper Rule tests taps at risk of lead contamination. If more than 10% exceeds the limit, water systems must take action. (GDM photo and video/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

EDF maps show progress on Tennessee lead service line replacement

Tennessee has fallen behind on lead service line replacement, with the Environmental Defense Fund's new maps showing only one utility with a public …

Children of color are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid, underscoring the unwinding's potential impact on families of color. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: More than 59,000 Tennessee kids lose health coverage post-COVID

A new report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families says nationwide, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and …

The bill mandates staff to undergo 80 hours of training annually 40 hours on basic school policing and 40 hours on commission-approved school policing curriculum at their own cost. (Rawpixel.com)

Group voices concerns about new TN law arming teachers, staff

Grassroots organizations are sounding the alarm about Tennessee's new law allowing teachers and other school employees to carry guns. Gov. Bill Lee …

Individuals present during atmospheric nuclear weapons testing could qualify for a single, substantial financial payment as compensation. (Hamara/AdobeStock)

RECA expansion bill impacts Tennessee, awaits House approval

A Knoxville-based environmental group is advocating for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expansion, currently awaiting House approval…

The United Auto Workers union has more than 600 local chapters and a history of bargaining contracts with more than 1,000 employers. (Ilja/Adobe Stock)

VW workers make history as first Southern automaker to unionize

Late Friday, a majority of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers. The vote is historic, as they are …

Senate Bill 2019, sponsored by Rep. Shane Reeves, R-Bedford, is expected to be signed by the governor. It would take effect July 1, 2024. (18percentgrey/Adobe Stock)

TN poised to expand access to opioid treatment at Community Health Centers

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Tennesseans struggling with opioid addiction, as a bill has been passed to increase access to treatment …

According to a Pew Research study, while a significant majority of Black adults support providing reparations to descendants of enslaved people in the U.S., only a small minority of white Americans shares the same view. (f11photo/Adobe Stock)

TN reparations ban bill set for vote today

The Tennessee House of Representatives plans to vote today on House Bill 474, to end the study of reparations in the state. A Memphis nonpartisan …

A Becker's Hospital report indicates about 85% of healthcare facilities around the country are short of allied health professionals. (Chanelle Malambo/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

VUMC partners with local schools to tackle healthcare staffing shortage

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the WorkingNation/Public News Service Coll…

In 2022, Tennessee's uninsured rate was 9.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

'Dual-eligible special needs' coverage may benefit TN seniors

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Tennessee who have special medical needs but not everyone knows they are availa…

A report from the Tennessee HealthCare Campaign recommended the federal government needs to strengthen 340B drug pricing and other federal negotiation mechanisms to make needed medicines more readily available and less expensive for hospitals to purchase and administer. (Spotmatikphoto/AdobeStock)

Medicaid expansion could save TN rural hospitals from closing

A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …

Tennessee residents typically spend around $177 per month on electric bills, which amounts to an annual expenditure of $2,124. (ABCDstock/Adobe Stock)

TN bill would boost public's role in TVA decision-making process

Tennesseans want more say in how the Tennessee Valley Authority plans for their future electricity needs and a bill now in Congress could give the pub…

Data show Oak Ridge residents pay $2.67 million in taxes toward nuclear weapons programs. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Alliance: 'Skyrocketing' Y-12 facility costs affect TN taxpayers

A Knoxville-based environmental group is voicing concerns over what it sees as an increasing financial strain imposed on taxpayers by nuclear weapons …

According to the American Lung Association, more than 63 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy spikes of soot pollution. (BCH Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

TN groups monitoring soot pollution pleased by new EPA standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized stronger air quality standards for soot pollution and one regional organization said it is a step in…

In a 2021 report by the state, about 31% of patients served by Community Health Centers in Tennessee had no health insurance. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Making TN healthcare headway is goal of 'Day On the Hill'

Tennessee healthcare advocates and leaders are headed to the State Capitol on Wednesday to voice their concerns over issues that affect patients' acce…

More than 131,000 Tennesseans have already cast their ballots during early voting. (rawpixel/Adobe Stock)

New Tennessee law could lead to voter confusion at the polls

As municipal elections in Tennessee fast approach, groups are making an urgent push for more voter education - especially in the Nashville metro area…

Regaining voting rights has been shown to reduce recidivism rates, meaning more Tennesseans would<br />be able to reenter their communities, work, and earn money to pay off their debts. (rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: TN voting-rights restoration process 'overly complicated'

In Tennessee, almost a half million people won't be able to vote in any upcoming elections because of a past felony conviction, and one organization …

Bryce Shanklin, a Williamson County career rural mail carrier, unloads the U.S. Postal Service vehicle he uses for delivering mail. (Jeremy Woodard)

Calls for increased rural Postal Service staffing grow louder

Across the country, and especially in rural parts of Tennessee, U.S. Postal Service staffing shortages are being blamed by some for delays in mail …

Hispanic adults have made the most progress in attainment in Tennessee, with an increase of 12.6 percentage points from 2009 to 2022. (Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

Report: TN could do more to help improve degrees, certificates attainment

New data show how many people pursue degrees or other credentials after high school, and the numbers show the Volunteer State has some work to do to …

Y12 annually hosts female high school students as part of a program called

Lawsuit probes EPA decision in allowing Oak Ridge landfill

Environmental groups in Tennessee will soon learn more about the approval process behind a radioactive waste landfill which has been processing and st…

Every dollar spent on SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic activity. For Tennessee, that is a total expected economic impact of up to $140 million from Summer EBT benefits. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Summer EBT food program estimated to help 644,000 kids

One in eight Tennesseans who have experienced hunger is a child. The Volunteer State is tackling childhood hunger this summer by opting into the new …

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates a state-level, fully refundable Child Tax Credit of $1,300 for those younger than 18, and $1,560 for children younger than 6, would cut Tennessee's child poverty rate by 25%. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

State of Child report: One in five children younger than 5 lives in poverty

Tennessee's "State of the Child" 2023 report shows some progress, but also highlights ongoing areas of concern. From the Tennessee Commission on …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects by the autumn of 2024 to develop national recommended ambient water quality criteria for PFAS to protect aquatic life and human health. (Eifel Kreutz/Adobe Stock)

Report: PFAS chemicals contaminate TN rivers, lakes

The latest research reveals alarming levels of contamination in northeastern Tennessee waterways, by the chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl …

Donors have the opportunity to contribute a full blood donation every 56 days, which is roughly equivalent to eight weeks. (Belish/AdobeStock)

Group urges Tennesseans to donate blood amid critical shortage

Blood donations are important year-round, and January, which is National Blood Donor Month, presents a unique challenge due to the holiday season…

In 2019, Black Americans represented 14% of the total U.S. population, but 33% of the total prison population and 46% of the prison population who had already served at least 10 years. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

Report cites racial disparity in imprisonment

Tennessee's incarceration rates stand out internationally, and there are glaring racial disparities in prisons and jails. New research examines the …

The latest America's Health Rankings report showed some strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, and low rates of income inequality compared to other states. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Report: Tennessee ranks 44th for health outcomes

A new report highlights what Tennessee could focus on to improve the health of its residents. The latest America's Health Rankings report ranks …

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