For a second time this season, the flu is surging, with at least 41 states reporting high or very high levels of the virus. Emergency room visits for the virus have shot up nearly 30% this week compared to the week before. The increase in cases has led to temporary school closures in places nationwide, including …
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has introduced two innovative resources to address the needs of the state’s expanding senior population. The first initiative, TBI Find, is a mobile application now available for both Apple and Android devices. This app connects users with real-time information regarding Silver Alerts issued in Tennessee. After more than two …
Tennessee’s “State of the Child” 2024 report shows some progress but highlights ongoing concerns. The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth report examines kids’ health and mental health, education, family economics, and childcare. It also looks at the state’s child welfare and youth justice data. Kylie Graves is the policy and legislative affairs director at the …
A bill filed in the Tennessee General Assembly would lower the age to carry a handgun to 18, down from 21. Current state law prohibits people under 21 from carrying a handgun unless they meet specific exemption criteria. That criteria includes being an active duty servicemember at least 18 years old, an honorably discharged veteran …
Waffle House has announced an egg surcharge as the nation faces the rising cost of eggs and a shortage due to HPAI (bird flu). According to a press release from Waffle House, the company has implemented a temporary $0.50 per egg surcharge on all menus. Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that bird …
With new telephone numbers in high demand, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission approved adding the new 729 area code to the existing 423 area code region, which covers our area. Starting February 5, 2025, all local calls made within the 423-area code must be dialed using 10 digits (area code and the 7-digit telephone number). On and …
Monday, Feb. 3, was National Missing Persons Day, and the Marion Co. Sheriff’s Office posted information about several individuals who have been missing for long periods of time in the area on its Facebook page. We have also shared all the information on our Facebook page at Sequatchie Valley Now.
With Valentine’s Day on the way, the Better Business Bureau warns of potential scams. If you use dating apps, be cautious. Scammers may use fake pictures to catfish and ask for money or personal information. The BBB notes that people in their 50s and 60s are often targeted with promises of romantic relationships that later …
The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives have passed Gov. Bill Lee’s statewide expansion of school vouchers, otherwise known as the “Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025.” The legislation was passed after hours of debate on both sides of the issue during a speedy four-day special session on vouchers, disaster relief, and immigration enforcement. The …
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has announced that unemployment rates in more than 20 Tennessee counties declined from the previous month. December unemployment rates were down in 23 of the state’s 95 counties compared with November rates. Rates remained the same in 39 counties and increased in 33 counties. All but …
