Investigates
State to investigate new allegations that Tennessee funeral director continues to exploit grieving immigrant families
A Tennessee funeral director and embalmer who surrendered his licenses early in 2020 after he failed to return bodies to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala for burials has continued to offer funeral services in immigrant communities — and, in at least one recent instance, neglected for months to deliver remains to a grieving family. Roommates and […]
A Tennessee funeral director made promises to immigrant families; he didn’t deliver
Ramy Jadiel Ajualip Primero, the baby in his family, died unexpectedly at just 18 months old. He was rushed to the hospital after experiencing convulsions. A grim prognosis ensued. With no hope for recovery, the boy was taken off life support 15 days later. In shock, Ramy’s parents were certain of one thing: they wanted […]
Director de funerarias hizo promesas a familias inmigrantes y no cumplió
Ramy Jadiel Ajualip Primero, el bebé de su familia, murió inesperadamente con solo 18 meses de edad. Fue trasladado de urgencia al hospital después de sufrir convulsiones. Se produjo un pronóstico sombrío. Sin esperanza de recuperación, el niño fue retirado del soporte vital 15 días después. En estado de shock, los padres de Ramy estaban […]
Nashville Electric Service temporarily relents on disconnections
Nashville Electric Service has once again suspended disconnections for non-payment of utility bills through January 31 at the urging of Mayor John Cooper and Vice Mayor Jim Shulman following a report by Tennessee Lookout detailing thousands of shut-offs among city residents. The utility company’s grace period for customers unable to pay their electric bills during […]
Fake COVID-19 cures, money mules and puppies: Scams on the rise
With a pandemic raging on and many folks working from home, it’s never been a better time to introduce a furry friend into the family, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers have adapted to the pandemic as well. Like many Americans this year, Kati Rager, 32, hoped to find a puppy to […]
As cold weather and homelessness converge, advocates criticize lack of safe housing measures
At the convergence point of a deadly pandemic and the coldest weather of the year, a plan in Nashville for an overflow shelter for people without homes is drawing criticisms from community advocates who have been frustrated by the city’s response to homelessness throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Nashville’s cold weather shelter opened this week to […]
Nashville health director under Human Resources investigation
Metro Department of Public Health Director Dr. Michael Caldwell is the subject of multiple human resources complaints, which are currently under investigation. Complaints to the Metro Human Resources Department are not a public record until an investigation is completed. Multiple sources told the Tennessee Lookout the complaints are serious in nature. Caldwell could not immediately […]
Metro Council member to Trump-backing colleague: ‘(Expletive) off’
The same political rancor that has divided friends and families across the country played out in spectacular fashion among Metro Council members over the weekend, culminating in one member telling a conservative colleague to “(Expletive) off.” The drama was triggered by a group email sent to council members from a person named Bruce Crawford, who […]
Rural jail populations surge again posing new risks as coronavirus cases spike
After an initial reduction in jail populations at the start of the epidemic, thousands of men and women have been newly incarcerated in local lockups across Tennessee — creating overcrowded conditions in rural counties even as the state experiences record levels of death and infection as COVID-19 continues its spread outside urban areas. Data from […]
In rural Tennessee, lack of resources lead to dismal situation for domestic violence victims
If you come to Paris from Clarksville — arguably the closest “big” town — you’ll drive through a stunning display of scenery as you cross the Tennessee River Bridge. As you transition from Stewart County to Henry County, vibrant emerald-colored trees, some still blooming with pink flowers despite spring being long gone, line the sides […]
Tennessee women in rural areas more likely to be domestic violence victims
Near the downtown area of Paris, Tennessee, a long set of concrete stairs, partially overgrown with crabgrass and weeds, leads up a hill to the maroon front door on Depot Street, a small pastel orange house surrounded by tall, skinny trees. On the night of May 22, 2018, Jessica Jones got off work from her […]
Taxpayer funded corporate incentives fail to produce promised jobs
When Canadian entrepreneurs touting a healthy new snack product scouted Kingsport, Tenn. as their new headquarters in 2015, local economic development officials like Clay Walker were enthusiastic. They sampled the gluten-free, non-GMO fruit and vegetable bars and worked to seal a deal that would bring 273 jobs to the northeast Tennessee town of 54,000 in […]