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Grant allows expansion of Conexion Americas program for Hispanic entrepreneurs
Each year, Conexión Américas in Nashville assists more than 9,000 Hispanic entrepreneurs seeking business opportunities, but a $210,000 grant from Bank of America will allow an expansion to the existing program. Aspiring Hispanic entrepreneurs will now have access to classes, coaching and networking opportunities to build their skills and help their existing businesses grow. Participants will […]
Loudon County Schools sued over alleged sexual harassment of 8th grade student
On Dec. 3, a Loudon County public school student attempted to take his life after school staff failed to take reports of sexual harrassment seriously, a lawsuit alleges. The male student, identified as “John Doe,” was unsuccessful in his suicide attempt and his parents have filed a lawsuit against the Loudon County Board of Education. […]
Gay bar owners seek to increase security in the wake of shooting of a gay nightclub in Colorado
Over the past year, Wendy McCown-Williams has noted how heated political discussions about the transgender community had affected her business. McCown-Williams, a transgender woman, has owned a gay bar in rural Tennessee for six years and welcomed everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or political leanings. Drag shows have been a common occurrence at her bar, […]
Conservation groups file complaint seeking stronger oversight over wastewater plants
This story has been updated. Attorneys at Southern Environmental Law Center are pointing to a “massive” bacterial bloom as a sign that rapid development is overwhelming the state’s water resources. In September, landowners living near Trace Creek in Dickson County noticed a film of bacterial colonies forming on the waterway and alerted the Harpeth Conservancy, […]
Environmental groups press for confirmation of TVA nominees
Almost 18 months after being nominated, none of President Joe Biden’s six nominees to the Tennessee Valley Authority board have been confirmed, including the chief of staff to former Vice-President Al Gore. Now, TVA could face a loss of a quorum on the board as the nation’s largest public utility is set to make critical […]
Tennessee faith leaders denounce white supremacy conference at Montgomery Bell State Park
An organization of Tennessee faith leaders from multiple denominations, is denouncing an annual conference of white supremacists at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tenn. Every year since 2017, the New Century Foundation holds its annual American Renaissance conference at the park. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes the New Century Foundation as “a self-styled […]
Think Tennessee report: noncompetitive races partially to blame for low turnout
Tennessee’s historically low voter turnout was significantly less than in 2018 and noncompetitive races were partially to blame, according to analysis by Think Tennessee, a civic engagement organization. Controversy defined the days leading to Election Day as Davidson County voters reported receiving ballots for the wrong congressional districts.. A day before Election Day, the Davidson […]
Vanderbilt Medical experts: Climate change affects health
An increase in auto-inflammatory diseases, skin conditions and even cancer may result from creeping global climate change, healthcare professionals said during a Monday seminar hosted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center as part of a series on health equity. “I think it’s important to take a step back and just acknowledge that climate change impacts every […]
Memphis utility postpones vote on TVA
Memphis’ public utility company was set to vote Nov. 16 on whether to enter a “never-ending” contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority but announced Thursday that an appeal has caused delays. After spending months deliberating whether to leave TVA as a power provider, Memphis Light, Gas and Water officials revealed their intentions in September to […]
Metro Nashville Planning seeks input on Global Mall development
Metro Nashville officials are asking residents to help shape the future of Global Mall to serve Antioch’s needs. Since purchasing the building, Mayor John Cooper and City Council member Joy Styles have sought to turn the former mall and surrounding area into a community center providing much-needed infrastructure for Antioch residents. Metro officials noted that […]
Rep. John Gillespie wins second term with comfortable margin in Shelby County
Rep. John Gillespie, R-Cordova, remains undefeated in state House District 97 after beating Democratic challenger Toniko Harris by nearly 15%. Gillespie, a self-described moderate Republican, has a political career that includes serving as a campaign manager for former Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, who held office 2010-2018. Gillespie was first elected to the legislature in […]
Taylor win in Shelby County keeps Senate District 31 red
Republican Brent Taylor overwhelmingly defeated Democrat Ruby Powell-Dennis for the State Senate District 31 seat and will now replace Sen. Brian Kelsey, who did not seek reelection and is pleading guilty to campaign finance charges. On Tuesday night, Taylor defeated Powell-Dennis with a 32% lead, which he attributed in part to the redistricting of District […]