Tennessee News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the ACLU, more than 100,000 transgender people younger than age 18 live in Tennessee, which is the latest state to enact a ban on allowing them to receive gender-affirming health care. (Zamrznuti Tonovi/Adobe Stock)

Friday, June 20, 2025

Reaction to TN's ban on gender-affirming health care for trans youth

Tennessee this week joined two dozen other states in banning gender-affirming medical care for young people who are transgender. The U.S. Supreme …

According to one estimate, repealing clean energy tax credits would drive up electric bills in Tennessee by up to 15%, and commercial and industrial bills up to 19% in the next several years. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Congress' big budget bill risks $73 billion in Southeast clean energy investments

Tennessee's clean energy progress could stall if the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" now being debated in the U.S. Senate repeals some tax credits…

Tennesseans to join 'No Kings' rallies Saturday to oppose Trump policies

Activists in Nashville are holding a rapid-response protest today for Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Meanwhile more than 1,800 "No Kings" rallies against …

According to KFF, Medicaid enrollees with disabilities face more challenges in finding work. Among people ages 19-64, 32% receive disability income while 68% do not. Employment rates are lower for Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities (37%) compared to those without (68%). (Adobe Stock)

Work requirements could push over 300,000 Tennesseans off Medicaid

As Congress pushes for Medicaid cuts and new work requirements for the program, experts have warned more Tennesseans could lose their health coverage …

The Kids Count Data Book showed an improvement in low-birth-weight rates in Tennessee but worsening in health insurance coverage, with 93,000 children in the state now uninsured. (Miss Irine/Adobe Stock)<br />

Kids Count Data Book ranks TN 37th for child well-being

Tennessee ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children, at 37th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

A new survey found about two-thirds of students disciplined or threatened with discipline said it happened during campus protests held in public spaces like the quad or campus green. (Lomb/AdobeStock)

Report: Free speech rights curtailed for students on Tennessee campuses

Students and faculty are increasingly being investigated and punished for exercising their right to protected speech on Tennessee college campuses…

Tennessee hospitals, particularly in rural areas, could be in jeopardy. A major drop in Medicaid coverage would increase the amount of unpaid care, forcing hospitals to absorb the costs or shut down.<br />(My Ocean studio/AdobeStock)

Trump administration budget proposal threatens rural TN cancer patients

More than 1.5 million people in Tennessee, or 20% of the state's population, rely on health insurance provided by Medicaid. Maddie Michael, …

Recent Consumer Reports testing found concerning pesticide levels, some 100 times higher than deemed safe, in 20 percent of the foods tested, including common produce items such as blueberries and green beans. (AdobeStock)

Lawsuit seeks transparency on new dietary guidelines affecting Tennesseans

A nonprofit is suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for not releasing records that could show beef industry influence in the …

For African American women, alcohol use can heighten the risk of heart conditions like high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy, which are already more prevalent in this population.(Milles Studio/Adode Stock)

Tennessee women may need to rethink their relationship with alcohol

As Women's Health Month winds down, public health officials in Tennessee are raising awareness about the growing issue of alcohol misuse among women…

In Tennessee, more than 4,000 people are employed with the Head Start program, and fiscal year funding last year was over $195 million. (Nina Lawrenson/Adobe Stock)

Head Start prepares TN kids for kindergarten, despite uncertain funding

Tennessee families who depend on Head Start programs for child care are watching Congress carefully, to make sure its federal funding isn't cut…

According to the poll, nearly nine in 10 adults without a higher education degree or credential believe at least one type of academic credential is valuable. (D Lahoud/Adobe Stock)

Report: Despite barriers, Tennessee adults want college degrees

As students graduate across Tennessee, a new report shows many adults still hope to earn a college degree -- but high costs and limited access often …

The anesthesiologist assistant field is expected to grow more than 26% by 2032, with a median salary of $215,000. (Robert Kneschke/AdobeStock) <br />

Lipscomb University master’s program would address health care workforce

Lipscomb University's College of Pharmacy is poised to launch Tennessee's first Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant master's degree program pending G…

More than half of Tennessee children receive health care through the state's Medicaid program, TennCare. (N Lawrenson/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Budget cuts to Medicaid, SNAP would 'devastate' TN communities

As Congress debates a host of federal budget cuts, groups advocating for lower-income Tennessee families said the state will not be able to handle …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's PFAS action plan focuses on tackling the most pressing compliance issues and responding to concerns from Congress and drinking water systems regarding national primary drinking water regulations for specific PFAS chemicals. (Somphong/AdobeStock)

Will the EPA’s PFAS plan improve Tennessee drinking water?

An environmental group is voicing concern about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to tackle PFAS pollution. The EPA recently …

As part of its training standards, community health workers are required to complete initial training, either in-house or through outside programs, within 30 days of their start date, before they begin working with clients on their own. (Adobe Stock)

Accreditation for TN community health workers can improve health outcomes

Despite uncertainty about Medicaid funding in Congress, Tennessee is moving ahead to help improve people's health outcomes with a program for …

In 2023 in Tennessee, 26% of Hispanic adults had an associate degree or higher, compared to 40% of white, non-Hispanic adults. (Cambo27/Adobe Stock)

Report: TN Latino college students rely less on financial aid

Latino students in Tennessee and nationwide apply for financial aid at higher rates than some other ethnic groups, according to new research but they …

A key factor for producers is whether the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture will provide financial relief to farmers as the Department did during President Donald Trump's first term. (Branex/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee farmers, consumers expected to feel Trump's tariffs

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Although just 16% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, the regions make up 88% of the territory covered by the U.S. Postal Service and contain 57% of its post offices. (Carmen K. Sisson/Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural TN would feel greatest effects if USPS goes private

Members of the Trump administration have proposed privatizing the U.S. Postal Service by selling it off to a corporation, such as FedEx or UPS…

Since bird flu outbreaks began in 2022, more than 456,000 birds in Tennessee have been affected, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Abdullah/Adobe Stock)

TN poultry expert says backyard chickens won't save money on eggs

Rising egg prices have some wondering if raising backyard chickens could save money, but experts warn that this may not be a money-saving option…

The Individualized Education Account Program helps Tennessee families by offering funding for approved educational expenses customized to support each student's individual learning needs. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee educators warn against dismantling U.S. Department of Education

Tennessee educators are expressing concern over President Donald Trump's push to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and return control to the …

Family caregivers face higher risks of heart attack, stroke and mental health issues, but research shows having just four hours of respite each month can significantly improve their health and well-being. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten lifeline for TN caregivers

A Tennessee nonprofit is warning that potential Medicaid cuts could threaten crucial support for the state's nearly 1 million family caregivers…

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants are authorized to work in 22 states, but not in Tennessee.<br />(Svitlana/Adobe Stock)

Could new legislation solve rural TN anesthesiologist shortage?

A bill in the Tennessee General Assembly is reigniting debate over how rural hospitals can staff anesthesia providers. House Bill 979 would address …

Experts recommend starting allergy medication early to help your body better manage symptoms once pollen season begins. (Adobe Stock)

Allergy season in full swing in Tennessee, tips for relief

Spring has sprung in Tennessee, which means flowers and trees are blooming, pollen is plentiful and allergy sufferers are feeling the itchy effects…

Tennesseans to 'Walk Like MADD' to prevent impaired driving

CORRECTION: The number of traffic fatalities in 2024 in Tennessee represents all traffic deaths, not just those that were alcohol-related. (8:18 a.m…

In the Biden administration's final year, the USDA and EPA reaffirmed a goal to halve food waste by 2030 but supermarkets are not legally required to comply. Retailers can help by donating unsold food and educating consumers on cutting waste at home. (lado2016/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Major supermarkets fail to cut food-related methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

Tennessee's aviation infrastructure earned a

Report Card: TN gets 'C' for its infrastructure

Tennessee gets a grade of "C" in a new Report Card about the condition of America's infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers said the …

The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association is challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture's denial of $2.2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funds to Black farmers' heirs at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing while white farmers' families inherit benefits, Black farmers' descendants are excluded. (La Famiglia/Adobe Stock)

Discrimination shields some Black farmers from USDA funding freezes

Cuts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have affected farming communities nationwide but a national group said its Black farmers remain unaffected…

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 50% of Tennessee adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment or care in 2022. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

NAMI Tennessee to rally for Day on the Hill for mental-health care

Tennessee advocates are gathering at the state Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to prioritize mental health funding and policies to strengthen fami…

Lumina Foundation research predicts that by 2031, 72% of U.S. jobs will require some form of higher education or skills training beyond high school. (Marius Venter/Adobe Stock)

TN works to encourage more people to earn degrees, credentials

Tennessee is working to get more people into college and career training programs, which the state says will be needed for good jobs in the future…

TN postal workers protesting for National Day of Action

Tennessee Postal workers are protesting and mobilizing against the threat of postal privatization, which they said could lead to higher costs…

The Tennessee Valley Authority provides power to Orano USA's Project Ike Enrichment site in Oak Ridge. (PikePicture/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear-energy backers: Innovation powers security, economic growth in TN

Tennessee is emerging as a key hub for global nuclear energy innovation, with recent investments in the state and a commitment to expand nuclear from …

Y-12 employs 5,000 people, whose objectives include processing highly enriched uranium for the nation's nuclear stockpile. (Enzo/AdobeStock)

Uncertain future of Y-12 complex under Trump administration threatens jobs, economy

A Knoxville environmental group is raising concerns over federal budget cuts and their effects on jobs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ri…

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

Tennesseans with disabilities advocate for essential services and defend their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Tennessee Disability Coalition)

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Tennessee's Disability Day on the Hill is an opportunity for people living with a disability to unite, and engage in the legislative process…

About 2.3% of the population in Tennessee lives with developmental disabilities, or around 160,000 individuals across the state. (Adobe Stock)

TN disability rights advocates concern over impact of Section 504 rollback

Advocates for people with disabilities in Tennessee are concerned about the potential impact of a lawsuit challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitatio…

Tennessee has made progress in child care availability but as of 2024, 37 counties are still considered child care

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

Many Tennessee families cannot afford child care and providers cannot afford to pay their staff fair wages, according to a new report. The …

According to The Center for American Progress, about 146 million American citizens do not possess a valid passport. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

SAVE Act would make it harder for Tennesseans to vote, critics say

Congress is preparing to pass a bill, which would make it harder for millions of Tennesseans to register and to vote. The Safeguard American Voter …

Paraquat is a dangerous pesticide, currently banned in more than 70 countries but <br />still approved for use in the United States. (Marritch/Adobe Stock)

Feds petitioned to eliminate 'extraordinarily toxic' pesticides in food

One organization is taking the Trump administration's promises to "Make America Healthy Again" seriously. The Center for Biological Diversity is …

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., came to Memphis, Tenn., to support the sanitation workers' strike on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination. (Gerald Zaffuts/Adobe Stock)

MLK III on legacy, building connections for dignity, respect, civility

In Tennessee and nationwide, communities are celebrating Black History Month, recognizing the contributions and achievements of African Americans to …

Daily sunlight exposure can boost a person's internal vitamin D production. However, factors such as skin tone, location, weather, time of year and time of day can all influence how much you produce. (Catahula/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Outdoor activities may help beat winter blues, SAD

As winter drags on and more snow showers are expected this week, many Tennesseans face what is known as seasonal affective disorder, a type of …

Jen Fisher's son Raleigh has received all the recommended vaccines for a child his age but his mother still worries about potential exposures given faltering vaccination rates in Tennessee. She said even a weakened form of virus could send him to the emergency room. (Sarah Jones Portraits)<br />

A health bright spot fades as TN childhood vaccination rates slip

By Daniel Chang and Sam Whitehead for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the KFF Health News…

A child's brain is 90% developed by age 5, yet low-income children hear 30 million fewer words by age 3 and may start school 18 months behind. Many rural children lack even one book in their household. (Adobe Stock)

Creating adaptive education solutions for kids in rural TN

Education gaps run deep in rural Tennessee, so community leaders there are working to bridge the divide. The challenges include teacher shortages …

A Red America, Blue America Research survey revealed a majority of voters, 52%, would be less likely to support legislators who voted to fund private education with tax dollars. (Rawpixel/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Tennesseans oppose expansion of private school voucher program

A recent online survey revealed strong opposition among Tennessee voters toward expansion of the state's private-school voucher program. More than 50…

In 2022, 6% of all cars, light trucks and SUVs produced in the United States were manufactured in Tennessee. (Tobias Arhelger/Adobe Stock)

UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on higher wages, health care, retirement

The United Auto Workers union is negotiating its first union contract with Volkswagen at its Chattanooga plant, covering more than 4,000 members…

The six largest water systems in Tennessee collectively manage more thanb 874,000 service lines, accounting for more than 30% of the state's more than 2.8 million drinking-water lines. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee accelerating efforts to replace lead pipes

Tennessee is working to eliminate lead pipes under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which require most lead pipes to be removed within …

The 2024 State of Child report reveals that in 2021, Tennessee families benefited from tax credits, with 24 percent claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit averaging $2,130, and 25 percent claiming the Child Tax Credit averaging $3,128. (Oksana Kuzmina/Adobe Stock)

Report: 20% of TN children under five live in poverty

Tennessee's "State of the Child" 2024 report shows some progress, but also highlights ongoing concerns. The report from the Tennessee Commission on …

The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition offers English Innovations classes, blending collaborative, in-person English learning with online tools. (TIRRC Votes)

Group prepares TN for mass deportations amid economic concerns

Immigration and deportation are key topics in this week's Tennessee legislative session, and a local nonprofit group is helping residents prepare for …

TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program, offering health-care services to around 1.5 million residents, with an annual budget of about $18.6 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Potential Medicaid cuts threaten rural hospitals and Tennesseans

In Tennessee and across the country, federal safety net programs face potential cuts as the Trump administration eyes budget reductions. A House G-O-…

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