East Tennessee man pushes to expand protections for firefighters and EMS under state law

The "Back the Blue Act" makes assaulting a law enforcement officer a felony with 60 days of mandatory jail time, with EMS and fire personnel excluded. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Hayden Bradfield believes all first responders should be treated equally …

The Westhaven Foundation presents over $12K to Alzheimer’s Association Tennessee Chapter

The Westhaven Foundation, a resident-run philanthropic nonprofit organization within Southern Land Company’s Westhaven community in Franklin, Tennessee, presented the Alzheimer’s Association Tennessee Chapter a check for $12,754 on Wednesday, June 19. The …

East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra Has Independence Day Concert Thursday

The East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra will have a special patriotic performance at the annual Collegedale Freedom Celebration Thursday at 8 p.m. at The Commons (4950 Swinyar Dr. in Collegedale). This family-friendly concert is free and open to the public.  …

MAPCO adds THC beverages at 23 stores in Tennessee

MAPCO adds THC beverages to select locations. | MAPCO C-store chain MAPCO has added Better Than Booze, a nonalcohol, hemp-derived THC beverage brand, to 23 of its stores across Tennessee. “As one of the first major regional c-store chains to commit shelf …

Fluffy new arrival is waddling around at the Tennessee Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just in time for the holiday weekend, the Tennessee Aquarium is celebrating an adorable addition to its Penguins’ Rock colony: a tiny Gentoo Penguin chick named Sherbert — at least for now. Sherbert hatched on May 29 to first- …

AHA files amicus brief in second lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s 340B contract pharmacy law 

The AHA June 27 filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee that defends the state’s 340B contract pharmacy law prohibiting drug companies from denying hospitals the same 340B discounts for drugs dispensed at …

Trump administration plan could allow reconstruction in 85,000 acres of Tennessee National Forest land

Around 85,000 acres across the state, including pockets of the Cherokee National Forest, are currently protected under the 2001 Roadless Rule. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Around 85,000 acres of national forest land in Tennessee could be open to road construction, …

New Tennessee immigration laws

Judge again delays Abrego Garcia’s release from Tennessee jail over deportation concerns

Homelessness on the rise in the Tennessee Valley

DECATUR, Ala. (WAFF) - The latest government data shows the homeless population in Alabama grew nearly 40% from 2023 to 2024. Leaders at one local shelter say they’re feeling that growth every day. Hands Across Decatur is a day shelter where the unhoused …