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If a worker dies on the job, many states limit surviving spouse workers' compensation

Jul 20, 2023
For example, if a widow or widower chooses to remarry, they may no longer receive compensation.
 In Tennessee, lawmakers recently passed legislation to amend workers' compensation laws, making the state more favorable for surviving spouses.
AndreyPopov/Getty Images

The past, present and future of “Hard Bargain” Tennessee

Jul 4, 2023
A historic home in Franklin, Tennessee, serves as a monument to generational sacrifice.
A plaque outside the McLemore home in Franklin, Tennessee tells the story of “Hard Bargain.
Courtesy of the Hard Bargain Association

The whiskey drinking boom is causing a "whiskey fungus" boom

Jun 19, 2023
The mysterious mold is spreading in a rural Tennessee town near the expanding Jack Daniel’s operation.
Patrick Long examines a bush covered in “whiskey fungus.” He says the growth of the organism is damaging the grounds of his business, a wedding venue in Tennessee.
Caroline Eggers/Nashville Public Radio

The future is uncertain for Tennessee drag artists

In about a week we’ll learn what becomes of Tennessee’s anti-drag legislation. The law, which aims to heavily restrict drag performances in the state, has been stalled in a legal battle over free speech protections. But what has news of the law meant for the business of drag? For Cameron Wade, an HR generalist and […]
Cameron Wade, also known as Justine Van de Blair, shares what life has been like following the news of Tennessee's anti-drag law.
Cody Stallings

Tennessee’s new anti-drag law comes with economic costs

Mar 31, 2023
The bill’s vague language is making drag queens, businesses and festivals apprehensive about future performances.
“Our performers don't perform or do anything that's considered lewd or obscene," said Josh Cloud, owner of the Big Drag Bus. "But the definition of obscene or lewd is up for debate.”
Courtesy Tyler Shields

Why Tennessee is turning down millions of federal dollars for HIV prevention

Feb 3, 2023
State officials said they will instead use state funds they can control, including cutting out organizations tied to abortion care.
State officials spurned around $8 million in federal funding, saying they will instead use state funds that can be directly controlled — and denied to organizations like Planned Parenthood.
Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images

To make the most of a new Ford electric truck plant, Tennessee neighbors need sewer help

Dec 21, 2022
Ford needed a sewer line to build its $5.6 billion plant in Tennessee. But neighboring communities now have to build their own wastewater system to accommodate new residents who come for the new plant jobs.
The town of Mason has its own utility system including water and sewer. Utilities have been the most difficult hurdle to overcome in developing the West Tennessee megasite.
Blake Farmer/WPLN News

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They cleaned the U.S.' largest coal ash spill; many have died waiting for compensation

Sep 26, 2022
Coal ash contains a slew of toxic elements. The Tennessee Supreme Court is weighing the latest effort to block the workers’ cases.
In December 2008, more than 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash were released from a holding pond at the Kingston Fossil Plant in Harriman, Tennessee.
Lily Jamali/Marketplace

Obstetricians weigh their legal risks under Tennessee's new abortion ban

Aug 29, 2022
The new laws punish those who perform abortions, now criminalized as a felony that comes with a fine.
Dr. Kimberly Looney previously served as chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. She’s now moved into private practice and expects she will receive more scrutiny because of her experience providing abortions.
Blake Farmer/WPLN News

As homelessness rises, some states make it illegal to sleep outside 

Aug 11, 2022
In Missouri, it’s now illegal. In Tennessee, it can be a felony. But criminalizing homelessness could make it harder for people to find homes.
Inflation and high rent prices in New York City are contributing the city's ongoing homelessness crisis.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images