TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT CLARIFIES WHEN JURY MUST DETERMINE WHETHER A PRIOR OFFENSE IS A “CRIME OF PUNISHMENT”
In an opinion released today, the Tennessee Supreme Court held that a prior conviction for robbery can increase the penalty for a criminal defendant’s conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, but only if a jury finds that the prior robbery was committed with the use of violence. In 2022, a Madison County jury convicted […]
Help Our Feathered Friends This Winter
As winter settles over our region, it brings more than just cold temperatures and frosty mornings. For our wild birds, the season is a time of scarce resources and increased survival challenges. While the beauty of cardinals, chickadees, and finches against the snowy landscape can bring joy to many, it’s also a reminder of their […]
Unemployment Rates Below 5% in Vast Majority of TN Counties
NASHVILLE – Today, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced that 91 of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5% for November, with unemployment rates decreasing in 17 counties. Moore and Williamson counties recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rates for November at 2.6%. Those counties also reported rates of 2.6% […]
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s 2024 Accomplishments Result in Safer Roads, Schools, and Communities for All Tennesseans
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security marked a year of significant achievements in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to protecting and serving Tennesseans. From hiring and training over 150 State Troopers to advancing school safety initiatives and enhancing first responder communication systems, the department’s efforts directly contributed to making Tennessee a safer place to […]
TDOE Releases 2023-24 Online State Report Card
the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2023-24 State Report Card, including the 2023-24 School Letter Grades and highlighting interactive features for families and users to learn more on how districts and schools are performing across the state. The State Report Card offers families, education leaders, elected officials, and the public a variety of interactive displays that can […]
TDOE Releases 2023-24 Education Savings Account (ESA) Report
The Tennessee Department of Education announced significant gains in participation and academic outcomes for the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, reflecting a growing demand for educational choice and flexibility. The release of the 2023-24 Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) report highlights the second year of the program in operation. The ESA program allows students who […]
Holiday Tips and Tools for Parents Introducing New Technology at Home
Unwrapping new technology presents this holiday season? The holiday season is a popular time for gifting new devices like tablets, smart watches, gaming consoles and phones. While new devices can feel exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. You may be asking yourself “What should I do to maintain safety?” or “How can I set appropriate […]
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Extended in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for eight Tennessee counties. These counties were impacted by severe rainfall and flash flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene as declared in the Federal Disaster Declaration FEMA DR-4832. The deadline for applications […]
Weekly East Tennessee Construction Report for December 19, 2024 – January 1, 2025
ANDERSON COUNTY, SR 62 between SR 61 and Union Valley Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present and use extreme caution in this area. BLOUNT COUNTY, I-140 East and […]
TVA Offering Rapid Rebuilding Assistance to Businesses Impacted by Helene
New TVA EnergyRight program aims to assist rebuilding businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Incentive funding available to businesses in 22 counties designated by FEMA as disaster areas across East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. Replacing damaged equipment with energy efficient components can help lower businesses’ operating costs. TVA EnergyRight has developed a Rapid […]
Phillip Batts to Step Down; Ron Overton Named as Replacement
Jefferson County Schools announces that Phillip Batts, Supervisor of Transportation and School Safety, will step down from his position effective December 27, 2024. Batts has been named the Chief of Police for the Town of Dandridge, where he will continue his distinguished career in public service. “Phillip has been an integral part of our team, […]
Oaths of Office Administered for Dandridge Officials
DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — The Town of Dandridge marked a significant moment on December 2, 2024, as newly elected and re-elected officials took their oaths of office. The ceremony was held in the historic Town Hall, attended by community members, family, and friends eager to witness the formal swearing-in of their town leaders. Alderman George Gantte, […]
TDOT Updates Strategic Highway Safety Plan
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and its safety partners have signed a new Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) for Tennessee committing to reducing serious injuries and deaths on roadways. The goal of the SHSP is to take a proactive approach towards zero deaths. Updated every four years, the 2025-2029 plan includes the first Vulnerable Road User (VRU) […]
Family Tips for Enjoying the Winter Holidays
The holiday season is a time to make and share delicious food, exchange gifts and enjoy cherished traditions. But for many families, the “happiest time of the year” also means unmanageable stress. Year-end schedules are often crammed with social events that place extreme demands on our time. We may feel pressured to splurge on gifts […]
TN AG Division of Consumer Affairs Warns Tennesseans of Website Scammers Posing as Dealerships
The Office of the Tennessee Attorney General urges consumers to be aware of scam websites posing as classic car and heavy equipment dealerships. Even though scammers answer the phones, send videos, and even fake business licenses, consumers will be swindled out of their money if they fall for these scams. Leo’s Luxury Motors claimed to […]
