Author
Late again, Tennessee finally distributes funds to feed hungry kids
After months-long delays, state officials announced on Thursday that eligible families will finally be receiving funds from a federal summer food program to help with the rising cost of groceries. Summer Pandemic-EBT is an emergency program that originally rolled out with the 2020 CARES Act to assist families with meals after schools closed due to […]
On the record with Metro Nashville Public Schools board candidates
Davidson County is one of 59 Tennessee counties offering partisan school board elections for the first time after the legislature passed a bill to allow them during a 2021 special session. As in other large counties, including Williamson and Knox, opposing candidates are in many races facing off over divisions created by school districts’ management […]
In Tennessee’s first partisan school board elections, candidates in key races address issues
In Williamson County, candidates are competing in hotly contested school board races, representing how divisive politics have become around teachers and students. Last year, Gov. Bill Lee signed into law a bill allowing political parties to nominate candidates for school board races, which were previously nonpartisan elections. The bill followed a series of clashes between […]
Memphis Council approves taxpayer-backed investment in convention project; Mayor is not so sure
After heated debate, the Memphis City Council passed a resolution agreeing to invest $200 million into the One Beale development — and back 100% of bonds incurred to pay for the project — in an effort to attract conventions to the city. But the administration of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland was reluctant to agree, leaving […]
Gimme shelter: Nashville’s homeless have few options to escape from heat
On a hot and humid Tuesday night, Samantha McAlpine made her daily rounds on Green Street, just south of downtown Nashville, offering food, water and relief to members of the local homeless community. Across from Green Street Church of Christ, homeless residents emerged from the tents they use as temporary housing. As they congregated around […]
Memphis City Council approves reproductive autonomy bill
(This story has been updated.) The Memphis City Council passed a resolution Tuesday labeling reproductive autonomy a necessity as part of a larger effort by local elected officials to combat strict state laws on abortion. Last week, Memphis City Council member JB Smiley announced he would introduce a resolution aiming to discourage local law enforcement […]
Tennessee cities grapple with enforcement of new abortion laws
Since the U.S. Supreme Court effectively overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, municipal officials across Tennessee have grappled with how to respond to and enforce new abortion legislation. Some were quick to push back on the ruling with opposing legislation while others confirmed they would uphold Tennessee’s “trigger ban” law, which will take effect […]
For LGBTQ Tennesseans from immigrant families, culture may add extra hurdle to acceptance
For some LGBTQ Tennesseans, growing up meant coming to the realization that their sexual orientation could be used against them by society, including members of their families. According to the Movement Advancement Project, about 3.5% of Tennessee adults identify as non-cisgender. But despite being only a small percentage of the state’s population, LGBTQ residents face […]
Hamilton County District Attorney race features family dynasty vs. veteran attorney
A heated race in Hamilton County has candidates clashing on key issues, including whether they will enforce Tennessee’s abortion ban if elected. After Coty Wamp handily beat incumbent Neal Pinkston in the Republican primary, she now faces John Allen Brooks, the Democratic candidate, for the position of Hamilton County District Attorney during a term in […]
Businesses craft policies in response to Tennessee abortion ban
Following Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade, several companies announced their support for reproductive rights by offering to cover abortion expenses for employees. Tennessee’s abortion “trigger ban” law will take effect in mid-August. creating a near-total ban on abortions within state borders. Tennessee is one of 13 states that have abortion trigger […]
Plans for wastewater treatment plant cause uproar in Hickman County
One January day in rural Hickman County, drivers on Highway 7 noticed an inconspicuous sign posted on a bridge crossing Lick Creek, a pristine waterway used for recreation and farming. Few dared to stop and read, since the bridge obscured the view of incoming traffic, until one curious local hiked to the sign, took a […]
Thousands of Tennesseans protested for abortion rights on Friday
More than a thousand women marched through downtown Nashville Friday to protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade, creating a clear path for Tennessee’s abortion “trigger ban” law to go into effect. Abortion-rights advocates met at the Legislative Plaza to discuss the future for thousands of women who may soon be […]