Tennessee News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the Y12 complex has about 4,500 employees and another 2,000 contractors. (Enzo/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Alliance sounds alarm on contamination in Oak Ridge

A Knoxville-based environmental group is voicing health and safety concerns about the development of a landfill for radioactive waste from the Y12 Ura…

Determining SNAP eligibility involves considering such factors as residency, age, relationship, citizenship, Social Security number assignment, employment, resources, income and relevant deductions. (Mikhailov Studio/Adobe Stock)

TN families hit 'income cliff' when trying to get SNAP benefits

With the next Farm Bill stalled in Congress and rising food insecurity in Tennessee, advocacy groups say there's a pressing need to address a hurdle …

The latest KFF survey reveals one in six respondents say they can't afford to take time off work to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including more than one-third of Hispanic adults and one-in-five Black adults. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

A new survey found 59% of Black and Hispanic adults reported they have already received the new COVID-19 vaccine or intend to do so. According to …

Hispanic and multiracial high schoolers were most likely to report poor mental health, while Black and Hispanic students were most likely to report symptoms of depression, according to The Sycamore Institute report. (Highwaystarz/Adobe Stock)

Report uncovers trends in TN youth mental health crisis

More young people in Tennessee are experiencing poor mental health and symptoms of depression, and suicide attempts have been trending upward…

The University of Tennessee System saw an increase in enrollment this fall with more than 58,000 students enrolled in the system's five campuses, representing a 4.8% increase from last fall.<br />(Rido/AdobeStock)

UT System rolls out guaranteed admission for top high-school grads

As a bold step to attract academically gifted students, the University of Tennessee System is implementing a guaranteed admissions program. This …

The Social Security Administration calculates its annual cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

TN Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 3.2% increase in 2024

Social Security is a critical benefit for older Americans, and recipients in Tennessee and across the country will see an increase in their benefits …

Black Americans have a disproportionately higher prevalence of stroke and the highest death rate from stroke compared with any other racial group. (Waseem Ali Khan/AdobeStock)

Tennesseans encouraged to act 'FAST' on World Stroke Day

In Tennessee and across the country, this Sunday is World Stroke Day. One out of four people worldwide will experience a stroke in his or her …

Report: Major TN utility lags in clean energy transition

A report by the Sierra Club rates utility companies for what they say they are doing to transition to cleaner energy sources, compared to what they …

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found flu shots lower the chance of getting the flu by from 40% to 60% among the general population. (RFBSIP/AdobeStock)

Seasonal influenza prevention starts now in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at more than 100 county health departments across the state beginning Nov. 1…

Tennesseans will see peak colors for fall foliage across the state through Oct. 28, according to the Farmer's Almanac 2023. (Jacki/AdobeStock) <br /><br /><br />

Report highlights importance of leaving autumn leaves for wildlife

While it might feel natural to rake the leaves in your yard this fall, the leaves might play a more natural role in your garden or lawn. A new …

Medical interpreter cohort students after completing first half of their training. The vision of Centro Hispano is to see every Latino and Latina in East Tennessee thriving culturally, educationally and economically. (Courtesy of Centro Hispano de East Tennessee)

Knoxville nonprofit bridges language divide in Latino community

For the growing population of Latinos in Knoxville, having a medical interpreter can make a world of difference. The nonprofit Centro Hispano de …

The Environmental Protection Agency uses RadNet monitors to track fluctuations in gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles in Tennessee. (hamara/Adobe Stock)

TN group takes up nuclear weapons prohibition at UN meeting

A Knoxville group of concerned citizens will head next month to an international meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York. Their focus is …

Ford's BlueOval City complex could create up to 30,000 jobs in the region, including site operations and support positions, with more than $1 billion in annual earnings. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Ford BlueOval City to boost jobs, economy in rural west TN

Most of the news about the automotive industry this month is focused on the United Auto Workers' strike against the Big Three automakers, but the …

The last open enrollment period saw a record high number of Tennessee residents signing up for health insurance. More than 340,000 people enrolled in private health plans. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment for health insurance begins Nov. 1

The open enrollment period to purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace begins Nov. 1, and experts urge consumers to do some research …

Tennessee is among 17 states where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infant mortality rates are

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Black Women Face Greater Risk for Maternal Mortality in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a pregnancy shouldn't be fatal - but Black women are three times more likely to die than white women from pregnancy-related causes…

A recent survey found more than one in three older adults lack extra prescription medications they would need in case of an emergency. (MIKHAIL/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Survey: Opportunities for TN Older Adults to Increase Disaster Preparedness

September is National Preparedness Month, when AARP raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. A recent …

In Tennessee, almost 801,000 people are facing hunger. Almost 198,000 of them are children, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Alisaaa/Adobe Stock)

Working for Better Access to Doctors, Heathy Foods in Rural TN

September is Hunger Action Month, and Tennessee groups are working to get more heart-healthy foods to people in rural communities as well as greater …

More than 400 mass shootings have occurred this year in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archives. (Fitz/AdobeStock)

TN ‘Moms Demand Action’ Calls for More Action on Gun Safety Laws

As Tennessee lawmakers continue in their special legislative session on public safety, mental health and gun reform, hundreds of groups and activists …

A 2020 study found the COVID-19 pandemic affected Gen Z and their views in key areas such as leadership and living with their parents as well as well-being, and how the pandemic has shaped their beliefs about the future of work, education and much more. (Jacob Lund/AdobeStock)

Groups Provide Vital Resources for Gen Z During Mental-Health Crisis

Mental health has emerged as a pressing concern for young individuals belonging to Generation Z, those born after 1996. A recent study shed light on …

When you get SSI, you may also get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Your local social services or medical assistance office can give you information about Medicaid. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

Feds to Expand Awareness of SSI Benefits to Tennesseans

The Social Security Administration has taken a proactive step to bridge the gap between critical financial assistance and the people who may be eligib…

On Election Day, voters can only cast ballots at their assigned polling place. The polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/AdobeStock)

Voter Education Pushed Ahead of Memphis Municipal Election

As municipal elections in Memphis approach, groups are making an urgent push for more voter education in Shelby County. More than 550,000 voters …

In July, Gov. Bill Lee announced appointments to the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, to position the Volunteer State as a national leader for nuclear energy innovation and advancement. (Angellodeco/Adobe Stock)

TN Group Fights Y-12 Nuclear Weapon Expansion in Oak Ridge

An environmental group in Knoxville wants to stop construction at the Uranium Processing Facility, part of the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak …

Over 1.2 million people have received training and support services from Goodwill across the U.S. to help grow their careers. (Azeemud-Deen Jacobs/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Goodwill, Google Collaborate for Job Training in TN

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public…

The FBI reported in 2022 that American Jews account for 2.4% of the U.S. population, but that antisemitism drove 63% of reported religiously motivated hate crimes. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee On Board to Counter Growing Antisemitism

The Volunteer State, like many others, isn't immune to the recent wave of antisemitic acts and rhetoric, and the state is fighting back through …

The last day to request an absentee ballot for the Aug. 3 Metropolitan General Election is July 27. Aug. 15 is the deadline to register to vote in the runoff election scheduled for Sept. 14. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Ballots Already Being Cast for Nashville's Municipal Election

As municipal elections in Tennessee fast approach, groups are making an urgent push for more voter education in the Nashville metro area. More than 4…

Three in 10 transgender youths aged 13 to 17 live in states that have passed bans on gender-affirming care, according to the Human Relations Campaign. (Adragan/AdobeStock)

Tennessee Ban on Health Care for Transgender Youths Takes Effect

A new law banning gender-affirming health care for transgender youths is now in effect in the Tennessee. The law prohibits medical providers from …

Pollination is crucial to more than 1,200 food crops. It nourishes nearly 200,000 different plants that yield various oils, cotton, seeds, and vegetables. (Victoria Virgona/Adobe Stock)

Legislation Aims to Protect U.S. Food Supply by Saving Pollinators

Tennessee is home to 350 species of bees and some of them are in trouble. Bees and other pollinators are on the decline across the country, and some …

Research shows students who do not read over the summer lose two to three months of reading proficiency, but reading four to six books has the potential to stop, mitigate or reverse the

Fostering Early Literacy in Tennessee for a Brighter Future

To help combat learning loss and strengthen early literacy in Tennessee, the Gov.'s Early Literacy Foundation is spearheading efforts to promote …

The U.S. Postal Service is planning some more price changes soon. As of July 9, the first-class mail

TN Observes National Postal Worker Day on Saturday

This Saturday is National Postal Worker Day, celebrated annually to show appreciation for postal workers in Tennessee and across the country…

Black/African American students of both genders, Hispanic/Latino females, and white males saw growth in college-going rates above the statewide growth of 1.5 percentage points, according to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. (Kyta Willet)

Trade School Programs In Hot Demand in Tennessee

By Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public Ne…

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book reports the median pay for child care workers, who typically must hold a range of credentials, was $28,520 per year or $13.71 an hour in 2022. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

'Kids Count' Data Show Some Improvement for TN Children

The annual Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E Casey Foundation ranked Tennessee 36th among the states for children's well-being. The report found …

Cardiac arrest may be caused by irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias. A common arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. (Pixelaway/Adobe Stock)

Saving Lives: CPR, AED Awareness Month in Tennessee

In one year alone, 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest. CPR and AED awareness are recognized in June to emphasize the importance of these life-…

It would have taken approximately 815,000 additional trucks to handle the 14.7 million tons of freight that originated by rail in Tennessee in 2021, according to the Association of American Railroads. (Fabrus/AdobeStock)

Swift Passage of Rail Safety Bill Urged

During National Rail Safety Month, Congress is being urged to take swift action to pass the Rail Safety Act of 2023. The measure aims to prevent …

In 2022, Save the Children reached nearly 900,000 children in the United States and distributed more than 5 million meals. (AdobeStock)

Summer Break is Broken for Many Rural Tennessee Kids

An advocacy group is expanding summer learning opportunities for families in the Volunteer State. In Tennessee and across the country, isolation and …

A recent U.S. Census Bureau analysis found South American (46%) and Cuban (35.9%) groups had higher levels of bachelor's degree attainment than all other Hispanic-origin groups in 2021 and for the entire 16-year period.(AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Census Data: Significant Growth In Hispanic Enrollment, Degree Attainment

In Tennessee and across the country, the rapidly growing Hispanic population made remarkable strides in college enrollment and educational attainment…

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, a high percentage of older adults with a dedicated health care provider, and low prevalence of severe housing problems. (InputUX/AdobeStock)

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Volunteer State is among the bottom of states when it comes to caring for its most …

In 2022, Tennessee had close to one million K-12 students enrolled in nearly 1,906 schools in 148 school districts. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeSTock)

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an education advocacy group wants school districts in Tennessee and across the country to focus on critical m…

Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in Tennessee and across the country there is a shortage of medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperac…

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report showed 55% of youth age 21 in Tennessee in 2021 were employed part-time or full-time, and 63% had stable housing. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/AdobeStock)

Report: TN Shows Strength in Foster Youth Transitioning To Adulthood

In Tennessee, the number of foster youths near adulthood has dropped slightly, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation looked at …

The Cumberland Fossil Plant is the largest generating asset in the TVA coal fleet and is located in Stewart County, Tennessee. It powers approximately 1.1 million homes. (David/AdobeStock)

TN Groups Call To Action for TVA Pivot To Clean Energy

Environmental groups in Tennessee have an urgent call to action for the Tennessee Valley Authority to cut fossil-fuel emissions and replace their coal…

A new EPA report states climate change can increase children's pollen exposures as seasons lengthen and temperatures warm. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

In Tennessee and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

In 1943, during WWII, ground was broken in rural East Tennessee for the first production building at the Y-12 Plant. The plant's job was to make enough enriched uranium for an atomic bomb. (Angellodeco/Adobe Stock)

TN Groups Fight Nuclear Processing Expansion in Erwin

Environmental groups want to stop the Nuclear Fuel Services plant in Erwin, Tennessee, from refining highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons…

More than 86,000 students attend Metro Nashville Public Schools, which is the nation's 42nd-largest school district. (Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock)

Poll: Public Education Top Priority for Nashvillians

A new Vanderbilt University Poll shows that 56% of people in Nashville think the city is on the wrong track. Pollsters surveyed 1,016 adults living …

A recent American Hospital Association report reveals price increases for existing drugs continue to outpace inflation, which helped drive a 19.7% increase in drug expenses per patient between 2019 and 2022. (Flamingo-Images/AdobeStock)

Report: Financial Pressures Mount for Hospitals, Putting Patient Access to Care at Risk

A recent report reveals that the mounting financial pressures hospitals in Tennessee and across the country are facing are ultimately affecting access…

In Tennessee, growth in the electric vehicle/hybrid sector could add 200,000 EVs by 2028, which the Tennessee Department of Transportation said creates a challenge in terms of the state's ability to build and maintain transportation infrastructure. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

New Law Aims to Help with TN Traffic Congestion

Legislation has been signed to revamp the roads in fast-growing Tennessee and spend more money on them. The Transportation Modernization Act invests …

The law allows pharmacy providers to appeal their reimbursement from pharmacy benefit managers for drugs and devices, according to the Department of Commerce and Insurance. (Syda Productions/AdobeStock)

Poll: TN Voters Favor Policies that Hold P-B-M's Accountable

In Tennessee and across the country, prescription drug prices are skyrocketing, and a new national poll found most voters want lawmakers to regulate …

The latest drinking water testing (from August 2022) in Nashville by Metro Water Services didn't show any reportable levels of the six types of PFAS that EPA is planning to regulate. (Elena Kharichkina/Adobe Stock)

Officials Take Comment on Tennessee Drinking Water Cleanup

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comments on its proposed new drinking water regulations. The agency announced plans to …

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 134 mass shootings in Tennessee since 2014. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee Educator Calls for More Action on Gun Safety

As investigators still search for a motive in the gun deaths of six people at the Covenant School, thousands continue to march daily at the State …

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