Tennessee News

Education Department investigating states with school mask bans

(AP) -- The Education Department says it’s investigating five Republican-led states with universal mask bans, saying the policies could amount to discrimination against students with disabilities or health conditions. The department’s office for civil rights sent letters to education chiefs…

Judge rules for TVA in nuclear sale, utility to give refund

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A judge ruled Tennessee Valley Authority does not have to sell an unfinished Alabama nuclear plant to a company, but must refund millions over the aborted deal. The ruling issued Thursday is a victory to the…

Tennessee schools can request remote learning due to virus

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's education commissioner says classrooms and schools facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and quarantines can request a temporary shift to remote instruction if their districts can show a need. In a letter dated Friday, Tennessee…

US confirms soldier from east Tennessee killed in bombing

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Defense says a soldier from east Tennessee was one of 13 U.S. troops killed in a suicide bombing at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport this week. The Defense Department said Saturday that 23-year-old Army…

Bojangles closing eateries for 2 days; workers won't be paid

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina-based Bojangles chain of restaurants says it will close all of its company-owned establishments on two upcoming days, portraying it as a chance to provide its thousands of employees a “well-deserved break.” But Bojangles’…

Nashville drummer Kenny Malone dies

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Drummer Kenny Malone, a prolific session drummer for country and pop stars, has died. His friend Dave Pomeroy says he died Thursday after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He was 83. Malone played on the Dolly Parton…

Tennessee flood response aided by out-of-town cellphones

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — When deadly floods knocked out all communications but radio in rural Tennessee last weekend, emergency officials had a new tool at their disposal. Bobby Brown is director of Humphrey County's 911 center, located in the hard-hit…

Tennessee House Speaker unveils redistricting panel members

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton announced the members selected to serve on the House’s redistricting committee. According to a news release, Sexton’s office on Thursday said the committee will include eight Republicans and four Democrats. Lawmakers…