Public News Service

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)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

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 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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

Los adultos hispanos son los que m�s han progresado en sus logros acad�micos en Tennessee, con un aumento de 12.6 puntos porcentuales de 2009 a 2022. (Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

Informe: TN podría hacer más para mejorar obtención de títulos y certificados

Nuevos datos muestran cuántas personas obtienen títulos y otras credenciales después de la escuela preparatoria, y las cifras muestran …

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 …

According to Apprenticeship Tennessee, companies investing in apprenticeships see a significant return on their investment, with estimates of a $1.46 return for every $1 invested. (romul014/Adobe Stock)

Apprentices in demand for Tennessee construction careers

The apprenticeship "learn-while-you-earn" model has emerged as a game-changer for Tennessee employers who want to cultivate a skilled and dedicated wo…

Determining SNAP eligibility involves considering such factors as residency, age, relationship, citizenship, Social Security number assignment, employment, resources, income and relevant deductions. (Mikhailov Studio/Adobe Stock)

TN families hit 'income cliff' when trying to get SNAP benefits

With the next Farm Bill stalled in Congress and rising food insecurity in Tennessee, advocacy groups say there's a pressing need to address a hurdle …

The Social Security Administration calculates its annual cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

TN Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 3.2% increase in 2024

Social Security is a critical benefit for older Americans, and recipients in Tennessee and across the country will see an increase in their benefits …

When you get SSI, you may also get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Your local social services or medical assistance office can give you information about Medicaid. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

Feds to Expand Awareness of SSI Benefits to Tennesseans

The Social Security Administration has taken a proactive step to bridge the gap between critical financial assistance and the people who may be eligib…

In July, Gov. Bill Lee announced appointments to the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, to position the Volunteer State as a national leader for nuclear energy innovation and advancement. (Angellodeco/Adobe Stock)

TN Group Fights Y-12 Nuclear Weapon Expansion in Oak Ridge

An environmental group in Knoxville wants to stop construction at the Uranium Processing Facility, part of the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak …

Research shows students who do not read over the summer lose two to three months of reading proficiency, but reading four to six books has the potential to stop, mitigate or reverse the

Fostering Early Literacy in Tennessee for a Brighter Future

To help combat learning loss and strengthen early literacy in Tennessee, the Gov.'s Early Literacy Foundation is spearheading efforts to promote …

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book reports the median pay for child care workers, who typically must hold a range of credentials, was $28,520 per year or $13.71 an hour in 2022. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

'Kids Count' Data Show Some Improvement for TN Children

The annual Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E Casey Foundation ranked Tennessee 36th among the states for children's well-being. The report found …

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report showed 55% of youth age 21 in Tennessee in 2021 were employed part-time or full-time, and 63% had stable housing. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/AdobeStock)

Report: TN Shows Strength in Foster Youth Transitioning To Adulthood

In Tennessee, the number of foster youths near adulthood has dropped slightly, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation looked at …

A new EPA report states climate change can increase children's pollen exposures as seasons lengthen and temperatures warm. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

In Tennessee and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

More than 86,000 students attend Metro Nashville Public Schools, which is the nation's 42nd-largest school district. (Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock)

Poll: Public Education Top Priority for Nashvillians

A new Vanderbilt University Poll shows that 56% of people in Nashville think the city is on the wrong track. Pollsters surveyed 1,016 adults living …

In Tennessee, growth in the electric vehicle/hybrid sector could add 200,000 EVs by 2028, which the Tennessee Department of Transportation said creates a challenge in terms of the state's ability to build and maintain transportation infrastructure. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

New Law Aims to Help with TN Traffic Congestion

Legislation has been signed to revamp the roads in fast-growing Tennessee and spend more money on them. The Transportation Modernization Act invests …

The law allows pharmacy providers to appeal their reimbursement from pharmacy benefit managers for drugs and devices, according to the Department of Commerce and Insurance. (Syda Productions/AdobeStock)

Poll: TN Voters Favor Policies that Hold P-B-M's Accountable

In Tennessee and across the country, prescription drug prices are skyrocketing, and a new national poll found most voters want lawmakers to regulate …

Report: Tennessee's 'State of the Child' is Improving

Tennessee's "State of the Child 2022" report is an assessment of how children are faring, and this year's edition focuses on the situation for …

Tennessee's teacher shortage has been so severe, a law went into effect July 1, 2022, allowing retired teachers to <a href=

return to the classroom to teach without losing their pension benefits. (Johoo/Adobe Stock)">

TN Apprenticeship Program Aims to Address Teacher Shortage

Tennessee is working to overcome the state's teacher shortage, especially in rural areas, with a residency-based program for would-be educators…

Salaries for local government workers have not kept up with inflation compared to private sector workers, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. (Adobe Stock)

How Inflation Hurts Local TN Governments

Rising prices and less consumer spending could have an effect on local government services in Tennessee, according to a new report from the Sycamore …

Los salarios de los trabajadores del gobierno local no se han mantenido al d�a con la inflaci�n en comparaci�n con los trabajadores del sector privado, seg�n datos del Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU. (Adobe Stock)

Cómo la inflación perjudica a gobiernos locales de TN

El aumento de los precios y la disminución del consumo podrían tener un impacto en los servicios del gobierno local en Tennessee, segú…

According to the Berkley Economic Review, the average stadium generates around $145 million per year, but says none of this revenue goes back into local communities. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: New Billion-Dollar TN Stadium Comes with Economic Tradeoffs

The Tennessee Titans are slated to get a new Nashville stadium, which experts are calling the most expensive publicly financed NFL stadium in the …

Ampliar las licencias profesionales de enfermer�a a los beneficiarios de DACA y los titulares de Estado Temporal de Protecci�n (TPS) podr�a ayudar a aliviar la escasez de enfermeras en Tennessee. (Acci�n de Adobe)

Gobernador firmará expansión 'histórica' para trabajadores inmigrantes en TN

Un proyecto de ley en el escritorio del gobernador Bill Lee ampliaría la elegibilidad para ciertos tipos de licencias de trabajo a los beneficiar…

Older Americans pay for more than half of prescription drug costs out-of-pocket, and many ration their medications or skip prescription refills due to prices. (Adobe Stock)

Older Americans Can Expect Higher Drug Prices in 2022

Older adults will likely shell out more for healthcare costs in 2022. Medicare beneficiaries will see their premiums for 'Part B,' which covers …

Healthcare provisions in The Build Back Better Act would increase Medicaid and CHIP coverage for people after a pregnancy, from 60 days to one year postpartum. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Potential in Congress to Close TN Health-Coverage Gap

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Many low-income Tennesseans without health insurance would quality for 'zero-dollar' out-of-pocket health coverage under a new …

Joe Biden has picked 431 nominees to fill key roles in his administration so far, according to a tracker run by the Partnership for Public Service. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Reform Needed to Address Federal Vacancies, Slow Nomination Process

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Numerous government positions remain unfilled, and experts say overdue nominations and a Senate backlog highlight the need for an …

According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the uninsured rate increased to 10.9% in 2019, and probably is higher now because of losses in coverage during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Workers Urge Medicaid Expansion a Year After Pandemic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - More than 790,000 Tennesseans have been infected with COVID-19, and more than 11,000 have lost their lives one year into the novel …

Se estima que el 48% de los estudiantes hispanos son estudiantes de primera generaci�n, en comparaci�n con el 28% de los estudiantes blancos, seg�n el Instituto Nacional de Pol�tica Postsecundaria. (Adobe Stock)

"Descenso precipitado" de estudiantes universitarios Latinos

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- La cantidad de estudiantes latinos en los campus universitarios se han reducido en un 20% el año pasado, en gran parte …

More than half of Tennessee children receive healthcare through the state's Medicaid program, TennCare. (Adobe Stock)

Gov. Lee Signs Medicaid Waiver, Despite Stern Opposition

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Gov. Bill Lee has signed a resolution authorizing major changes to the state's Medicaid program, TennCare. Critics warned the …

Most of the wood harvested in the United States is exported to Southeast Asia for furniture manufacturing. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Timber Industry Crippled by Double Whammy: Trade War, COVID-19

By Andrew Muhammad for The Conversation. Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan/Tennessee News Service reporting for the Conversation-Public News …

Countries are projected to collectively invest an estimated $1.1 trillion per year over the next five years into low-carbon energy strategies.(Adobe Stock)

COVID Relief Could Help Mitigate Climate Change, Reboot Economy

By David L. McCollum for The Conversation. Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan/Tennessee News Service reporting for the Conversation-Public News …

Despite the nationwide eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many renters are being forced to leave their homes during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Homelessness Expected to Worsen Despite Eviction Moratoriums

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As eviction moratoriums let up at the start of the new year, more families are likely to experience homelessness. People without …

So far, the IRS says it's issued about 160 million direct stimulus payments to Americans. (Adobe Stock)

IRS Extends Stimulus-Check Deadline to Nov. 21

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- More than 110,000 Tennessee residents have yet to receive their stimulus payments, according to data from the Center for Budget …

In a new book, Lumina Foundation president and chief executive Jamie Merisotis says it's time to rethink higher education and workforce training to sustain the future U.S. workforce in an age of robotics, artificial intelligence and other technologies. (Lumina Foundation)

Workers' "Human Skills" Will Still be Critical, Post-Pandemic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Uniquely human traits and capabilities will be more important in the post-coronavirus work landscape, according to Jamie …

States like Tennessee with narrower Medicaid eligibility are expected to see larger increases in the number of uninsured residents in the coronavirus recession. (Adobe Stock)

Feds Quietly Loosen Restrictions on ACA Enrollment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The federal government has quietly changed a policy that could make it easier for some residents to sign up for health insurance…

$Research shows allowing police officers to handle minor infractions in schools often marks a student's first contact with the criminal justice system, potentially setting them up for a lifetime of collateral consequences. (Adobe Stock)$

TN Spends Millions on Police at Schools. Will COVID-19 Prompt Changes?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The national spotlight on police violence has many reexamining the role of police officers in schools. Before the pandemic…

Restaurants across Tennessee continue to go out of business because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: One in Five TN Businesses Vulnerable to Coronavirus Recession

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- One-in-five Tennessee businesses operates in an industry most likely to be affected by the coronavirus recession, according to a …

About half of Black student borrowers who entered college in 2004 defaulted on their student loans within 12 years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Shrinking Number of Black Students at UT-Knoxville, Other Public Institutions

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Most public colleges and universities are failing to enroll numbers of Black students representative of their state populations - …

Almost two-thirds of Americans say closing their local library would have a major impact on their community, according to a 2015 Pew survey. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Considers Emergency Funding for Public Libraries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Many Tennesseans depend on libraries for everything from paying bills, to Telehealth appointments, to completing coursework…

Research shows unemployment insurance can help stabilize family finances and economic activity when people lose jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: TN’s Unemployment Benefits Among Lowest in Nation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennesseans are filing for unemployment in record numbers, yet a new report from the Sycamore Institute says the state's …

Childhood obesity and related chronic diseases such as diabetes are on the rise in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Health Disparities Growing Among TN Kids

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee ranks 48th in the nation for the health of its youngest residents, according to 2018 data released this week by the …

Civilian Conservation Corps members at a camp near Esco, Tenn. (Lewis Hine, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons)

Reviving a Depression-Era Program Could Put Young People to Work

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nationwide, the youth unemployment rate during the coronavirus pandemic is the highest it has been since the Great Depression…

Experts say the U.S. Postal Service could run out of money by summer without federal assistance. (Adobe Stock)

Postal Service More Than Mail for Rural Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Postal workers in Tennessee are among those calling for swift action by Congress to save the U.S. Postal Service. Keith Pullen…

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PNS Daily Newscast - April 18, 2024

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TN: Budget Policy & Priorities