Author
Election chaos and violence possible in Tennessee, experts say
Mere minutes after President Donald Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand by,” during the first presidential debate the group started posting merchandise and graphics online bearing the phrase. Based on their posts, the “western chauvinist” group that marched with the KKK at the “Unite the Right” Charlottesville riot in 2017 heard Trump’s call to […]
In Rutherford County, incumbent and challenger face off for second time
In 2018, the Tennessee House of Representatives race in District 49 was decided by just 1,041 votes. Rep. Mike Sparks, the Republican incumbent first elected in 2010, beat Democrat Chris Mayor by five percent. In 2016, Sparks, who was first elected in 2010, beat Democrat Brandon Thomas by a margin of 61%-39%. Sparks and Thomas […]
In-person voting rule challenges Rutherford County voter ill with COVID-19
On July 29, Brittney Whidden received a phone call from the Rutherford County Election Commission. While her husband’s absentee ballot had been approved, hers would not be. Whidden pushed back, and the election commission made an exception. Whidden, who tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering, received her ballot via mail July 31, but reached […]
Students work to better Black history and slavery education in TN
When Mariah Toennies was temporarily on crutches and sitting out of gym class, she said she was able to speak with her teacher at Nolensville High School a little more than usual. During one conversation her teacher learned Toennies was adopted by a white family, and that her birth father was black. Toennies said her […]
Living conditions at Tennessee drive-through safari raise red flags
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 […]
Foster care organization for LGBTQ youth launches
Just months after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a new bill prohibiting gay couples from adopting, the state is getting a new foster care organization exclusively serving LGBTQ+ homeless youth. True You TN is in the beginning stages of opening, having just acquired their 501(c)3 and preparing to fundraise. The group, founded by Executive Director […]