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University of Tennessee students positive about campus free speech
A recent survey shows most University of Tennessee students are positive about their campus’s commitment to free expression, in contrast to conservative rhetoric. The 2023 Campus Climate Survey, published by UT before the fall semester, shows 92% of UT students said their campuses were committed to free expression, and 89% felt comfortable expressing themselves. Eight […]
Expulsion effort yields fast fundraising for Johnson support in Knox County
Republican attempts to punish Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson D-Knoxville have led to quick fundraising success for Knox County Democrats, who are putting together a fund to support her. Matt Shears, chair of the Knox County Democratic Party, said that his party raised over $10,000 since Monday night. The money will be for Johnson in the […]
In Tennessee and Russia, “sister cities” wait, while US-Ukraine ties grow
Amid the war between Russia and Ukraine, an East Tennessee town is changing its relations with the people of both nations. Oak Ridge, Tennessee is a sister city to Obninsk, Russia, leading collaborations and visitor exchanges between the cities. Both have been centers for nuclear energy research, with Oak Ridge home to Oak Ridge National […]
Knoxville Republican Davis wins House race marked by allegations of antisemitism
In the Knoxville House District 18 race to replace departing Rep. Eddie Mannis, Republican Elaine Davis defeated Democrat Greg Kaplan to keep the seat red. Davis received 10,905 votes or 54.10%. Kaplan received 9,253 votes or 45.90%. “I’m looking forward to serving the 18th District in Nashville,” Davis said. “We reached out to the voters, […]
Gloria Johnson, target of GOP ire, wins reelection in new district
Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson, a perpetual target of GOP ire, has defeated Republican David “Pozy” Poczobut to win Tennessee House District 90. “We ran an extremely positive campaign about the things we wanted to do. And they ran an extremely negative campaign,” Johnson told The Lookout by phone, saying Poczobut’s campaign focused on tearing her […]
Candidates spar for the “secret city”
In East Tennessee’s State House District 33, incumbent John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, is facing two-term Oak Ridge City Council member and middle school art teacher Jim Dodson, the Democratic nominee. The district includes much of Oak Ridge, nicknamed the “secret city” for its role in enriching uranium for nuclear weapons. Both candidates have spoken in […]