Rep. Andrew Farmer to chair Judiciary Committee
State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, was appointed Jan. 16 by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, to serve as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “Representative Andrew Farmer’s work experience and dedication to the rule of law make him a solid choice to lead our newly unified judicial committee in the House,” Sexton said. “His strong leadership will keep […]
Jefferson County School Among 52 Organizations Across Tennessee To Champion Students Joining Team tnAchieves
tnAchieves Announces 2025 Team tnAchieves Members tnAchieves is proud to announce that 52 organizations across the state have championed students in their communities by joining Team tnAchieves in 2025. tnAchieves relies on support from community partners to open doors and enhance connections in each of the 74 counties we serve. Team tnAchieves is a coalition […]
Jefferson County School Board Makes Formal Resolution Opposing Education Freedom Scholarship Act
Local Republican Party and Grassroots Organization Join Fight The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] – In a 7-0 slam-dunk vote, the Jefferson County School Board sent a strong message to the Tennessee General Assembly that its proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act is unacceptable and should not be enacted. Action was taken on the resolution Monday night, January 27th in […]
American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Tips for Keeping Children Comfortable During Cold, Flu Season
Cold and flu season has arrived, and children face higher risks of getting sick. Respiratory viruses are usually the culprit – and the symptoms they cause can make children feel miserable. “Cold and flu viruses thrive in cold, dry air which is why we become so vulnerable to them as the weather shifts,” Lanre Omojokun Falusi, MD, […]
FDA Proposes Significant Step Toward Reducing Nicotine to Minimally or Nonaddictive Level in Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would make cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products minimally or nonaddictive by limiting the level of nicotine in those products. If finalized, the United States would be the first country globally to take such a bold, life-saving action to prevent and reduce smoking-related disease […]
Douglas Lake Boating Advisory Lifted
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is lifting a boating safety advisory for Douglas Lake that has been in place for several months following flooding from Hurricane Helene. The large field of floating debris that accumulated in Douglas Lake above Dandridge was contained by a boom and has mostly dissipated onto the shoreline as crews work […]
Tennessee’s Navigate Reconnect Shows Strong Impact on Non-Traditional Students, Increasing College Enrollment Outcomes
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is pleased to announce the findings of the inaugural report on Navigate Reconnect, Tennessee’s primary college coaching and advising program for adults over 25. The study found that students who worked with a Navigate Reconnect coach, also known as “Navigators,” stayed in school or completed a technical certificate or degree […]
Tennessee AG Skrmetti Secures Nationwide Win Against Biden Administration’s Unlawful Title IX Rules
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti secured a nationwide victory today against the Biden Administration’s illegal and unconstitutional Title IX rules. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky ruled that the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX rules—rules that would have compromised girls’ privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms and required teachers and administrators to use […]
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 […]
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 […]
TENNESSEE STATE PARKS TO HOST FIRST DAY HIKES TO START YEAR
Tennessee State Parks will hold First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, with most of the 59 state parks hosting the events as part of the parks’ year-long Signature Hikes series. The free guided hikes, led by park rangers, are available for all ages and abilities. The First Day Hikes vary from easy walks to […]
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 […]
As 40th year winds down, mission of AMOS remains strong
The Christmas season is always a busy time for those at Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS), but this year’s Coats for the Cold event showed why the Carson-Newman University ministry continues to be needed – 40 years after it first began. “This was the largest coat drive in our history,” said AMOS Executive Director […]
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, […]
