Drowning Deaths Rise in the United States
Drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, following decades of decline, according to a new CDC Vital Signs study released today. Over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022, 500 more per year compared to 2019. CDC experts looked at drowning deaths, self-reported swimming skills, participation in swimming lessons, and exposure to […]
TN AG Skrmetti Leads 18 States in Lawsuit against Federal Agency’s Unlawful Attempt to Control Private Businesses
Leading a coalition of eighteen states, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti today filed a lawsuit fighting federal agency overreach by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). On April 29, 2024, the EEOC issued new sexual harassment guidance that unlawfully extends Title VII’s protections against sex-based discrimination to cover gender identity. Under the EEOC’s guidance, an employer may […]
Disaster response exercise being held throughout Tennessee
The Tennessee Military Department, along with several state and local agencies, are conducting an emergency response exercise throughout Tennessee from May 15-19. Named “Tennessee Maneuvers 2024,” the exercise will occur in Bradley, Coffee, Davidson, Gibson, Hamilton, Hawkins, Knox, Loudon, Madison, Maury, McMinn, Rhea, Rutherford, Sullivan, and Wilson counties. Numerous police and fire departments will be […]
TDOE Highlights Promotion Pathways for Students & Strong Support for Families
Tennessee Department of Education is highlighting the multiple pathways available to support 3rd and 4th grade students who may benefit from extra learning supports. Additionally, new and updated resources are available to support districts and schools as they work with families in determining the best pathway for their student. “As districts and schools begin to have essential […]
Tennessee Promise Application Deadline Extended to May 31 Due to Extraordinary FAFSA Issues
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced today the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for the Tennessee Promise scholarship program will be extended to Friday, May 31. The new deadline provides high school seniors and their families additional time to complete their FAFSA and remain eligible for the state’s tuition-free higher education program. […]
A Heartfelt Thank You to Teachers and Educators
As we celebrate National Teacher Day on May 7, 2024, and observe National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10, 2024, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the dedicated teachers and educators in Jefferson County. Your commitment to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning does not go unnoticed. You are the unsung […]
Kara Campbell of Jefferson Elementary Serves On Tennessee Distinguished Educator Council Financial Literacy Commission
As educators in your community, we see more than concerns in the classroom. We see families struggling to live month to month. We see people going into debt over emergencies because they simply don’t have enough saved to help them recover. Most importantly, we see the stress financial strains put on families. Financial stability begins […]
AAP Offers Resources for Parents on the Many Health Benefits of Immunization for their Babies
Introducing a new baby to your home, whether as a new parent or as part of a growing family, can be challenging. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is helping new parents learn the facts about vaccines with a new, completely free set of video courses for parents. “Having a baby is a wonderful, life-changing event. […]
Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. […]
Tennessee Leads Lawsuit against EEOC’s Illegal Federal Overreach
On Thursday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, alongside Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, led a coalition of 17 States in suing the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over its new rule mandating workplace abortion accommodations through an illegal interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2022 (PWFA). “Congress passed the bipartisan Pregnant Workers […]
Director of Schools Releases Statement Regarding TN House Bill 1202
Jefferson County, Tennessee Director of Schools – I am releasing the following statement on the below TN House Bill 1202. Once signed into law. Jefferson County Schools will not immediately change any policy or procedure allowing staff to begin carrying a gun this school year. I will have discussions concerning policy and procedure of employees […]
Jefferson County Commission Rejects Proposed Wheel Tax
The Jefferson County Commission faced a crucial decision regarding a proposed wheel tax during its meeting on April 15, 2024. The tax, which had previously contributed approximately 0.08 cents to the budget in past cycles, was up for consideration once again. Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett revived the issue by proposing a $30 wheel tax, stipulating […]
Resurfacing work upcoming on US 129 “The Dragon”
Motorists traveling on US 129 “The Dragon” in Blount County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have an impact on traffic. Beginning on Monday, April 22, crews will begin posting signage and mobilizing equipment for upcoming resurfacing activities between Tabcat Creek and the Tennessee/North Carolina state line on US 129 “The […]
Tennessee Unemployment Numbers Trend Down in March
NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate dropped for the second consecutive month in March, according to new data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The seasonally adjusted rate for the month came in at 3.2%, 0.1 of a percentage point lower than February’s rate of 3.3%. Tennessee’s all-time low unemployment rate is 3.1%, which […]
TN AG Skrmetti Joins Coalition Demanding EPA End Its Racially Discriminatory Practices
On Tuesday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined a 23-state coalition demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modify existing regulations in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These regulations consider “disparate impacts” to forward race-conscious “environmental justice” initiatives. “Federal agencies continue to pursue rules that treat people differently based solely on the color of their […]
