TENNESSEE RIVER VALLEY

Apr 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can underwater plants warn us about hidden chemicals in rivers?

Rivers hide more than just fish and rocks. They also carry invisible chemicals from everyday products. One group, called PFAS, sticks around for years and mixes into water systems. Scientists recently tested a common underwater plant, Potamogeton crispus, to see if it could act like a warning sign f

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Tennessee’s New School Rules: Who Really Gets to Speak Freely?

Tennessee has a long record of pushing LGBTQ+ people to the sidelines. Back in 2018, a local prosecutor argued that domestic abuse laws shouldn’t apply to gay couples. Fast forward to 2023, and one city nearly made being gay illegal just by passing a local rule. That kind of history shows a pattern:

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Apr 25 2026CRIME

Tennessee joins Indiana in blocking Bitcoin ATMs over scam worries

Tennessee just made it illegal to own or run a Bitcoin ATM starting July 1. The law treats it like a minor crime, similar to simple drug possession. State leaders say those machines are too often used to trick people—especially older adults—out of their savings. In 2023, U. S. seniors lost $257 mill

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Apr 07 2026SPORTS

Nate Ament's NBA Future: A Tough Call for Tennessee Fans

Tennessee basketball fans now face a big question: Will Nate Ament take his talents to the NBA or stick around for another year? The debate is heating up. Ament’s coach recently made his stance clear, saying draft day is likely the best move. But is this advice just fatherly wisdom—or a smart basket

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Apr 03 2026OPINION

Safety Tech Helps Keep Riverton Secure

Riverton’s council members often think about how to protect the town and its families. A violent crime in the neighborhood a little over two years ago made everyone feel unsafe. After that, people called for help and worried about children playing outside or being alone at home. The town’s

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Feb 17 2026CRIME

Neighbors Take Action: How a Small Community Thwarted Crime with Signs and Cameras

Valley Glen, a quiet part of the San Fernando Valley, has seen its residents step up to keep their streets safe. Facing a surge of break‑ins linked to gangs from South America, homeowners installed 22 warning signs and set up infrared license‑plate readers plus video cameras. The initiative reported

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Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

How Tennessee Raised Its School Test Scores

Tennessee students are now scoring better on the big national tests that check reading, math and history. The change shows how strong policies can move a whole state forward. The tests are not just for bragging. They help teachers see where students need help and guide school leaders on what to foc

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Feb 15 2026EDUCATION

Students Gain Real‑World Skills Through School Business Club

Valley High’s business club, DECA, is turning ordinary classes into real‑world training. The club has grown fast in its third year, thanks to teacher Nick DeFrancesco’s guidance. Students meet after school and sometimes more often, practicing role‑plays and case studies that mimic real busines

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Jan 11 2026CRYPTO

Tennessee Takes Aim at Crypto Sports Betting

Tennessee is cracking down on three platforms offering sports betting through crypto. Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto. com have been told to stop their sports event contracts in the state. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) says these platforms are breaking the law by not having a license.

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Jan 09 2026HEALTH

Speeding Up Health Checks: New Tech Comes to Illinois

Riverside Healthcare is bringing in fresh imaging tech to Illinois. This move aims to make health checks quicker and easier for patients. The new tech is part of a team-up with CIVIE, a company that helps run radiology services. This isn't just about new machines. It's about making the whole proces

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