Tennessee News & Current Events | Public News Service

In two states and 38 local areas, the minimum wage will hit or surpass $17 per hour for some or all hourly workers in 2025. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Tennesseans to miss out on minimum wage increase in 2025

In January, low-wage workers in Tennessee will be missing out on pay hikes seen in 23 other states. In the new year, the minimum wage will reach or …

Audubon's scientists analyzed 140 million bird observations and used advanced climate models to predict the impact of climate change on the loggerhead shrike's range. (AGAMI/Adobe Stock)

TN bird enthusiasts embark on annual count of feathered friends

Bird lovers across Tennessee are enthusiastic participants in the nation's longest-running community science project. The Audubon Society's 125th …

In Tennessee, the SNAP asset limit is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with a disabled member or someone age 60 or older. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Proposed SNAP, Summer EBT cuts threaten more than 600,000 Tennesseans

Several federal programs may face budget cuts as the new administration proposes sweeping actions to reduce the federal debt. Advocates for the …

Almost half of LGBTQ+ youths aged 13-17 faced bullying in the past year and those who did were significantly more likely to attempt suicide compared with those who were not bullied, according to a Trevor Project survey. (Andrii Zastrozhnov/Adobe Stock)

TN awaits decision in case on gender-affirming care for trans youth

A Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, is expected by mid-2025. Since 2021…

For the 2023-2024 school year, Tennessee awarded nearly $577 million through 16 scholarship programs for public and select private two- and four-year colleges and universities. (Adobe Stock)

College cost still a major hurdle for Tennessee students

A new report from The Sycamore Institute reveals the persistent challenge of college affordability in Tennessee. Despite state and federal aid …

So far, the Safe Haven Baby Box hotline has handled more than 9,000 calls, supporting parents across all 50 states, including referring more than 500 women to crisis pregnancy centers, assisting with 10 adoption referrals, and facilitating more than 150 legal Safe Haven surrenders. (Tsado/Adobe)

Tennessee offers new Safe Haven Baby Boxes for parents

Advocates say Tennessee is taking a big step toward infant safety by installing new Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Chattanooga and Atoka. Nationwide…

In 2023, the highest-cost 10 drugs comprised about one-third of the total disbursements within the 340B Drug Pricing Program. (Azee Jacobs/Adobe Stock)

TN health centers voice concerns about future of low-cost drug program

Access to reduced-price medication is vital for many low-income rural Tennesseans and the clinics serving them are concerned about potential cuts to a…

The Tennessee Department Mental Health Services provides a wide range of resources and programs for people of all ages who are managing mental illness or significant emotional challenges. (vejaa/Adobe Stock)

Support for Tennesseans facing grief, loss during holiday season

'Tis the season for celebration and good cheer. However, for many Tennesseans, the absence of a loved one, whether through death, divorce or another …

Whooping cough is a common, contagious respiratory illness with frequent outbreaks in various settings such as schools, hospitals and large geographic areas, peaking every few years. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

Whooping cough cases rise in Tennessee, nationwide

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a comeback and a Tennessee medical expert stressed the preventable, highly contagious bacterial infection …

The proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act in Tennessee aims to give parents the power to choose the best education for their child and a say in how their taxpayer dollars are used. (BalanceFormCreative/Adobe Stock)

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

A Tennessee education advocacy group is voicing concerns about Project 2025, which aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and transfer …

Each year, almost 33,000 Tennessee adults are newly diagnosed with diabetes. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Tennesseans urged to prevent diabetes with healthier habits

November is National Diabetes Month and experts said with healthier habits, more Tennesseans can reverse prediabetes and prevent Type 2 diabetes and …

Project IKE, a uranium enrichment facility, will be situated on a 920-acre site in Oak Ridge in Roane County. U.S. Department of Energy land will be transferred to the private company Orano USA for the project. (HTGanzo/Adobe Stock)

Alliance sounds alarm on new uranium enrichment facility in Oak Ridge

A Knoxville environmental group is raising concerns about a new uranium enrichment facility slated to be operated in Oak Ridge. Unlike past sites …

A report from the University of California-Berkeley found Tennessee has more than 480,000 children ages 0-through-5, but has an early childhood teaching workforce of only 33,800. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Study reveals Tennessee child care workers face poverty wages

Child care workers across the nation, including in Tennessee, are struggling with poverty-level wages according to a new report. It revealed in …

The Latino voter turnout is expected to grow by 6.5% compared with 2020, while non-Hispanic voter turnout is projected to increase by just 1.5% from 2020 levels. (Mediteraneo/Adobe)

Expert warns Tennesseans of harmful misinformation on Election Day

Election Day is finally here, and this year more than 17 million Latinos are expected to cast a ballot. Latino voters are now the country's second …

The gray bat, one of Tennessee's two endangered bat species, is the state's largest mouse-eared bat. Its gray coat sets it apart from other Myotis bats, and it's mainly found in eastern and middle Tennessee. (creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Debunking the horror: Tennessee bats essential to ecosystem, economy

From vampires to Dracula to the Halloween thriller Bats, stories often paint bats as scary animals. A spooky Halloween-themed campaign Real Scary …

In 2026, it is estimated Medicare Part D enrollees will likely save $1.5 billion on out-of-pocket costs due to negotiated drug prices. (C Daniels/Adobe Stock)

Medicare open enrollment can bring cost savings for Tennesseans

For millions of Tennesseans age 65 and older, Medicare can be a vital resource and it is the time of year to give their coverage a closer look…

About 496,000 Latino Americans are disenfranchised, with more than 5% of Latino voters in Arizona and Tennessee affected by felony voting bans. (Adobe Stock)

Past felony convictions keep almost 400,000 in TN from voting

Tens of thousands of Tennesseans with felony convictions are unable to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election. Research by The Sentencing Project shows …

A Chattanooga Regional Anti-Hunger Conference is coming up Oct. 22. The Tennessee Justice Center, along with community members and groups working to fight food insecurity, will gather to discuss federal programs like WIC, SNAP and Child Nutrition. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)<br />

TN expands SNAP assistance to residents post-Helene

Tennessee has expanded food assistance for Northeast Tennessee residents still cleaning up after Hurricane Helene. What's known as the Disaster …

Tennessee's new HEAL Program will provide $65 million to eligible counties affected by Hurricane Helene. The money will be divided equally among the affected counties to help with cleanup and rebuilding. (Ruslan Gilmanshin/Adobe Stock)

East TN mobile health center rolls in to help, post-Helene

A community health center in East Tennessee is offering essential medical services on wheels, to families cleaning up after Hurricane Helene…

In Metro Nashville Public Schools, more than $558 million was allocated based on individual needs of each student through student-based budgeting for the 2023-2024 school year. (bersch28/Adobe Stock)

TN grant program funds early health care career pathways

Metro Nashville Public Schools and Nashville State Community College are working together to help some high school students launch health care careers…

Climate change, marked by rising temperatures, sea levels and extreme weather, poses significant threats to Tennessee. The environmental shifts are predicted to cause more illness, death and forced relocation of Tennesseans. (michelmond/Adobe Stock)

Report exposes donors funding climate change disinformation in TN

As Tennesseans deal with record-breaking heat, hurricanes and prolonged drought linked to a changing climate, a new report showed how American …

The HBCU Liberation Tour aims to get students in historically Black colleges to engage in the political system and register to vote. (Adobe Stock)

HBCU Liberation Tour seeks to mobilize young Black voters in TN, South

Polling shows that many young people of color in Generation Z are ambivalent about voting, but one group of activists is working to change that…

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the United States may face a shortage of up to 12,500 anesthesiologists by the year 2033. (romaset/Adobe Stock)

TN sidesteps opportunity to address anesthesiologist shortage

A shortage of anesthesiologists in Tennessee could have been addressed with legislation this year but it died in committee. Now, there is an effort …

According to AARP, by 2029 at least 10% of Part D beneficiaries in 19 states and the District of Columbia will be eligible for a new out-of-pocket cap. (Rattanachat/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Tennesseans on Medicare will see big savings next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act caps prescription drug costs at $2,000 per …

Volkswagen has issued a recall for nearly 100,000 electric ID.4 SUVs. The recall is due to a reported issue where vehicle doors may open unexpectedly. (filmbildfabrik/Adobe Stock)

UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on healthcare, safety, wages

United Auto Workers' contract negotiations kick off today with Volkswagen at its Chattanooga plant, covering over 4,000 UAW members. The union says …

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

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)

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 …

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