Author

Kendyl Kearly

Kendyl Kearly

Kendyl Kearly is a writer and editor who grew up in Oak Ridge. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, she has worked with New York Magazine, Esquire, Manhattan magazine, Capitol File, Bustle and Cityview magazine, among others. Her work has received honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards.

“That girl”: Tennessee women share stories of making it in politics
By: - November 2, 2021

Everyone called Crystal Ottinger “that girl” during her election. Some people asked her husband how he felt about her running before they could vote for her. And after the 34-year-old became Cocke County mayor, residents would find her father and “tell on” her if they didn’t like her work. “I don’t think men have that […]

Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility (Photo: Tennessee Department of Corrections)

Accidental and overdose deaths jump during prison staffing shortage
By: - October 28, 2021

One issue keeps Tennessee Department of Corrections Commissioner Tony Parker up at night: the prison staffing crisis. Correctional officers currently have a vacancy rate of 44 percent in Tennessee. The department finished the 20-21 fiscal year with a hiring decline of 38 percent. The officers that Parker does have are working on weekends and their […]

Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility (Photo: Tennessee Department of Corrections)

COVID rates at CoreCivic prisons soar above rates at state-run facilities
By: - October 18, 2021

At two private prisons, COVID-19 positive test rates are three times higher than at the average state-run facility in Tennessee, according to Tennessee Department of Corrections aggregate data.  Both managed by a contractor, CoreCivic, Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility and South Central Correctional Facility have overall positive test rates of 31 percent and 28 percent, respectively. […]

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