Tennessee
How tougher regulations on short-term rentals can boost revenue for state, local govs
Some short-term rental properties go undetected by authorities, but a new report offers tips on how officials can crack down on unregulated rental units to boost revenue and reduce their negative impacts on communities.
Wildfires are coming to the Southeast. Can landowners mitigate the risk in time?
No other part of the country has seen such a sharp rise in the number of big fires. The bigger challenge, though, is getting people to embrace the prescribed burns that can prevent them.
This state is shrinking the public-private pay gap for state workers
Nationally, public employees earn nearly 15% less than their private sector peers—including benefits.
‘License plate flippers’ help drivers evade police, tickets and tolls
A few states and cities are cracking down on the devices, which obscure or conceal license plates.
Few states require foster homes to respect LGBTQ youths' identities
The lack of explicit anti-discrimination policies around gender and sexuality can have dire consequences for children and teens, advocates say.
Tennessee law to let teachers carry guns in schools caused a ruckus, but has drawn little interest
The law assigns teachers sole liability for anything that might go wrong with their gun, including an accidental shooting, or their failure to prevent a tragedy.
Tennessee House votes to arm teachers despite opposition
In spite of protesters, a bill that would allow teachers to carry a gun goes to governor for signature.
How many of your state’s lawmakers are women? If you live in the southeast, it could be just 1 in 5.
A record number of women were elected to statehouses last year. But in the Southeast, where some legislatures are more than 80% male, representation is lagging as lawmakers pass bills that most impact women, like near-total abortion bans.
A huge EV factory is coming to west Tennessee. Here’s how locals are ensuring they benefit.
Communities are using an organizing tool intended for sports stadiums to bargain with energy transition projects for labor standards and affordable housing.
How improvements in onboarding can lower employee turnover
One of the greatest challenges confronting state and local governments is a badly understaffed workforce. Here’s one technological and personal way to confront that problem.
States Decide if Workers Fired Over Vaccine Mandates Can Collect Unemployment
When employers fire people because they fail to follow company policy, employees are generally not eligible for benefits. But three states have or could make non compliant workers eligible.
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Ford to Invest Billions in Electric Vehicle Production in Two States
One governor is describing a planned facility as the largest economic development project his state has ever seen.
Local Corrections Costs Rose by $25 Billion in Last 40 Years
But the coronavirus has ushered in creative lower-cost alternative jail programs that could last long after the pandemic, local leaders say.
This Billionaire Governor’s Coal Companies Owe Millions More in Environmental Fines
The richest person in West Virginia, who is also the state’s governor, owns coal companies that routinely violate environmental laws. Latest filings say the companies owe over $3 million for not complying with a major water pollution settlement.
High Obesity Rates in Southern States Magnify Covid Threat
In the American South, obesity is playing a role not only in covid outcomes, but in the calculus of the vaccination rollout.
Memphis-Area Residents Without Internet Must Wait Days for Vaccination Appointments, While Others Go to the Front of the Line
The county’s decision to prioritize vaccinations for internet users — and its failure to set aside any appointments for callers — raises issues of equity and access, say experts.
The Morality of Canceling Student Debt
COMMENTARY | High rates of college debt and delinquency undermine both the physical and mental health of young adults.
'None of Us Are Immune': Growing Number of Elected Officials Diagnosed With Covid-19
In March, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was the first prominent elected official to receive a positive test result for the coronavirus. Dozens have followed since then.
One Tennessee Prosecutor Says He Won’t Enforce Controversial Abortion Law
The Nashville district attorney says he won’t prosecute doctors who fail to inform patients that a medication abortion can be reversed—a claim medical groups say isn’t backed up by science.
Tennessee Reduces Improper Unemployment Payments through Data and Determination
COMMENTARY | The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development implemented technology solutions to help mitigate improper unemployment insurance payouts.
Tennessee Using Federal Coronavirus Funds for Police Training
The state will spend $300,000 of its federal funding to assist local police agencies in training new recruits.
