Happy April Fool’s Day!
Watch out and beware of all phone calls, social media posts, and advertisements. Today is Saturday April 1, 2017, also known as April Fool’s Day. This is the day when pranksters rejoice and tomfoolery is rampant, so be on alert. How did this holiday get started in the first place? The origin of April Fool’s […]
House Republicans Pass Legislation Strengthening Tennessee Campaign Finance Laws
The full House passed legislation this week to strengthen Tennessee campaign finance laws, with House Republicans leading the charge to require funds donated to a campaign be deposited and maintained in a traditional bank or credit union account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Current statute allows campaign funds to be invested in […]
Legislation Stiffens Penalties Against Felons With Firearms
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved major legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) yesterday to enact tougher sentences for violent felons in possession of firearms. The legislation continues Norris’ series of anti-crime laws dubbed “Crooks with Guns” passed over the last decade to curb gun-related violence and focus resources on keeping violent criminals […]
House Approves Legislation Protecting Identities Of Minors In Crime Situations
Earlier this month, House lawmakers unanimously approved legislation designed to protect the identities of Tennessee minors who fall victim to crimes, especially those that are sexual in nature. House Bill 344 protects the identities of minors in a crime situation, unless a court waives confidentiality at the request of the victim’s parent or legal guardian. […]
State Senators Approve Bills Aiding the Families of Law Enforcement Officers and Emergency Responders Who Are Killed in the Line of Duty
The Senate State and Local Government Committee approved two bills this week aiding the families of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1059, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), calls for a $250,000 death benefit from the State of Tennessee for any firefighter, volunteer rescue worker, or law […]
Broadband Accessibility Act Clears Additional Key Legislative Hurdle
House Bill 529, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, cleared an additional key legislative hurdle this week after gaining unanimous approval from the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee. As introduced, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act seeks to expand broadband internet services across the state, especially to Tennessee’s rural areas that currently completely lack coverage. Tennessee […]
Alexander, Corker Introduce Bill to Rescue Americans with Zero Options for Insurance on the Affordable Care Act Exchanges
Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today introduced legislation to rescue Americans with Affordable Care Act subsidies who have zero options for health insurance on the exchanges for the 2018 plan year. “There are 34,000 Knoxville area residents who rely on an Affordable Care Act subsidy to purchase insurance, and after the one […]
Rep. Andy Holt Introduces Bill to Reform Legislative Reception Excess
Representative Andy Holt (R-Dresden) announced Tuesday that the State Government Subcommittee will hold a hearing on HB 1007, which he intends to amend to prohibit closed-door legislative receptions funded by taxpayer dollars. Rep. Holt describes his legislation as a “first step” towards untangling the web of taxpayer-funded spending on lobbyists: “I can’t sit here in […]
Women May Be at Higher Risk for Sports-Related Concussion than Men
Women athletes are 50 percent more likely than male athletes to have a sports-related concussion, according to a preliminary study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 69th Annual Meeting in Boston, April 22 to 28, 2017. “Sports-related concussion is a significant public health problem and research has typically focused […]
Jefferson County Democrats Meet and Elect New Officers
Members of the Jefferson County Democrats met today at the Jefferson City Library to elect new officers. The meeting quickly moved through the process of nominations and voting. Five positions in total were voted upon, as well as additions to the executive member committee. John Sonnen was voted again as the Chair of the Jefferson […]
Fire Department Funding Hot Topic with Budget Committee
The Jefferson County Budget Committee continued their work on the fiscal year 2017/18 budget earlier this week with a review of the County’s Debt Service, Capital Projects and Non Profit requests. Included in the non profit were funding requests from the various fire departments, the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Alliance, Jefferson County Humane Society […]
Legendary Carson-Newman Football Coach Ken Sparks Passes
Following a five-year battle with cancer, legendary Carson-Newman University head football coach Ken Sparks passed away Wednesday morning at 1:30. He was 73. Sparks announced his retirement on Nov. 14. He finished his Carson-Newman career after 37 seasons, 338 wins, 99 losses and two ties. His career winning percentage of .7699 is the fourth highest […]
School Board Steps Up for Students and Staff in Light of Proposed Changes at Mountain View Youth Development Center
In unanimous action Thursday evening, March 23, 2017, the Jefferson County School Board approved a resolution drafted by Director of Jefferson County Schools Edmonds that goes on record in opposition to changes that may be contemplated by the State of Tennessee regarding educational placement of inmates at Mountain View Youth Development Center and any intent […]
Making the Most of College Visitation
It’s that time of the year: many hopeful high school juniors and seniors are looking toward college educations. A lot goes into the process of picking a proper school that is both affordable and fun. It can be a confusing time for students, parents, and everyone else involved in the process. Here are some tips […]
World Record Is University’s First and Rokerthon 3’s Most Ambitious
UT’s attempt to gather 4,000 faculty, staff, students, and alumni in Neyland Stadium on March 29 to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest human letter — a Power T — is the largest record-breaking attempt in Rokerthon 3. NBC’s Today show and weatherman Al Roker will be broadcasting live from Neyland Stadium during the […]
House Leaders Advance Legislation Establishing Long-Term Care For Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder
This week, members of the House Health Committee advanced legislation that that would establish a long-term system of care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. House Bill 384 establishes the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder. This 16-person advisory council would make recommendations and provide leadership in program development regarding matters […]
