Tennessee

Protesters gather to condemn a Confederate monument in Knoxville, Tenn., last August. This week, the state's lawmakers abandoned — for the second time — a resolution denouncing neo-Nazis and white nationalists.

Tennessee Lawmakers Decline — Again — To Advance Measure Denouncing Neo-Nazis

5:19pm April 04, 2018

by Colin Dwyer

The first resolution died in the state Legislature after failing to get GOP support last month. A Republican lawmaker revived a nearly identical version — but withdrew it earlier this week.

An example of an all-natural, biodegradable casket is arranged by Larkspur Conservation's executive director, John Christian Phifer

National

Tennessee 'Natural' Burial Ground Will Offer A Simpler Farewell — Casket Optional

8:16am March 11, 2018

Larkspur Conservation features trails, picnic tables, a meadow — and, soon, "natural" burial plots. The founders hope the space will offer a more meaningful and less expensive way to say goodbye.

Phil Bredesen, the former Democratic governor of Tennessee, is running for the seat now held by Republican Sen. Bob Corker. Bredesen's campaign contacted the FBI on Thursday about a potential breach of its system.

Senate Campaign In Tennessee Fears Hack After Impostor's Emails Request Money

8:40pm March 08, 2018

by Miles Parks

An email sent to the campaign of former Gov. Phil Bredesen seemed to indicate "unauthorized access to campaign-related information," according to a letter sent to the FBI.

Rescuers work on the scene of a school bus crash in November 2016 in Chattanooga, Tenn. School bus driver Johnthony Walker was convicted Thursday of negligent homicide and other charges in the crash, which killed six children.

National

Bus Driver Convicted Of Negligent Homicide In Crash That Killed 6 Children

10:33am March 02, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

Prosecutors argued that the driver was talking on his cell phone and driving 20 miles over the speed limit when he crashed the bus into a tree in November 2016.

This statue of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest was removed from a park in Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday night, following the sale of the park to a nonprofit group.

Finding A Legal Loophole, Memphis Takes Down Its Confederate Statues

4:50pm December 21, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

To skirt a state law prohibiting the monuments' removal, the city sold two of its parks to a new nonprofit. "In all of my life in Memphis, I've never seen such solidarity," said Mayor Jim Strickland.

A machine coined "The Enrober" provides the "Willy Wonka moment" of MoonPie-making, when the treats are propelled under a gooey chocolate waterfall.

Even After 100 Years, People Are Still Reaching For The Moon(Pie)

9:18am November 25, 2017

by Melanie Peeples

Though the marshmallow-chocolate-graham cracker treat began a century ago as a coal-miner's snack, it is still made by the same Chattanooga bakery and has since become a cultural icon of the South.

National

Judge Promises Reduced Jail Time If Tennessee Inmates Get Vasectomies

6:42pm July 21, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

According to an order issued in May, people serving time in White County Jail can shave 30 days off their sentences if they obtain long-term contraception. Critics say the order is unconstitutional.

Michelle Griffith is one of about a thousand adult learners at Motlow State Community College outside of Nashville, Tenn.

The First State To Offer Free Community College To Nearly Every Adult

12:00pm June 11, 2017

by Emily Siner

Free college programs are popping up across the country, but Tennessee is the first state to offer free community college to almost every adult, regardless of when they finished high school.

Kris Ingram, a DJ hired to perform at a prom at The Rustic Barn, looks through debris for his equipment after the event venue in Canton, Texas, sustained major tornado damage on Sunday.

National

Severe Weather Kills At Least 14 People Across 5 Southern States

2:10pm May 01, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

People are taking stock of the damage after heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes swept through over the weekend. The American Red Cross is calling it the deadliest start to tornado season in nine years.

The remains of a business in Gatlinburg, Tenn., smolder on Nov. 29, after a devastating wildfire damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 buildings and killed at least 14 people.

National

2 Juveniles Charged With Arson, Suspected Of Starting Deadly Tennessee Wildfire

11:22am December 08, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The fire in east Tennessee that began last month has killed at least 14 people and caused widespread destruction in the town of Gatlinburg. Two minors have been arrested and might be tried as adults.