Monday - May 25, 2026
News Tipoffs - Tennessee Editors Newsletter for Tuesday April 21, 2026 ( 34 items )  

23 Members of the Class of 2026 Complete Pro Bono Pledge
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Vanderbilt Law School posted the following news: * * * 23 Members of the Class of 2026 Complete Pro Bono Pledge * Twenty-three members of the Class of 2026 were recognized in April for completing Vanderbilt Law School's Pro Bono Pledge, through which students commit to complete at least 75 hours of pro bono legal work and community service during their law school careers. At least 50 of those hours must be served in law-related activities and at least ten ho  more

Admirals Club Lounge Inspired by Music City Coming to Nashville International Airport
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 21 [Category: BizAerospace] -- American Airlines posted the following news: * * * A new Admirals Club lounge inspired by Music City coming to Nashville International Airport American Airlines continues to invest in elevating the customer experience with plans for a new, expanded Admirals Club(R) lounge at Nashville International Airport(R)'s (BNA(R)) new Concourse A. When complete, the approximately 17,400-square-foot lounge will be the largest airline lounge at BNA   more

Americans for Tax Reform: GOP Can Further Help Middle Class By Ending the Inflation Tax on Capital Gains
WASHINGTON, April 21 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on April 20, 2026, by John Kartch and Sean Rowen: * * * GOP Can Further Help Middle Class By Ending the Inflation Tax on Capital Gains Three-fourths of households with a capital gains filing make less than $200k * President Trump and House and Senate Republicans can further help middle class households by ending the inflation tax on capital gains. IRS data shows that 74% of households with a capital gains fili  more

APSU partners with Armored Trucking Academy to expand Clarksville's CDL training options
CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Austin Peay State University posted the following news: * * * APSU partners with Armored Trucking Academy to expand Clarksville's CDL training options * Armored Trucking Academy is a commercial truck driving school in Clarksville, now offering expanded CDL training through partnerships with APSU and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. | Contributed photo CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University's Professional and Workforce Developme  more

Army Reserve works with Air Force to build standardized medical supply system for real-world care
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, April 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland issued the following news: * * * Army Reserve works with Air Force to build standardized medical supply system for real-world care * JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Army Reserve and Air Force personnel partnered at the Theater Lead Agent for Medical Materiel warehouse at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field Annex from April 6-10, 2026, to build and standardize medical supply systems   more

Binghamton University: Dig It - Harpur Graduate Connects the Past to the Present Through Archaeology, Geography
BINGHAMTON, New York, April 20 -- Binghamton University issued the following news: * * * Dig it: Harpur graduate connects the past to the present through archaeology, geography Amari Pavati '26 is earning a degree in geography and ancient Mediterranean studies with a minor in Judaic studies By Asia Ferrera '27 Amari Pavati '26 has a deep passion for geography, archaeology, and Jewish culture that shines through his extracurricular and academic achievements. This spring, he's earning a bache  more

ETSU faculty tapped to shape Tennessee music economic strategy
JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, April 20 -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news: * * * ETSU faculty tapped to shape Tennessee music economic strategy * ETSU faculty have been appointed to Tennessee's Music Advisory Council, helping shape statewide strategy for music, culture and economic development. Two East Tennessee State University faculty members are helping shape the future of music in Tennessee, and the appointments signal something bigger than two seats at a table.   more

Evaluating Current Technology Before Buying AI
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Evaluating Current Technology Before Buying AI * Programming at TBA's 2026 Convention kicks off June 11 at 9 a.m. EDT with Catherine Sanders Reach, director of the North Carolina Bar Association's Center for Practice Management. Every legal tech vendor has an AI pitch, but is your firm actually ready to buy? This session will cut through the hype with a problem-fi  more

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Issues Beige Book on April 15, 2026
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis issued the following Beige Book on April 15, 2026: * * * Summary of Economic Activity Economic activity has remained unchanged since our previous report. Employment levels were unchanged and wage growth was moderate. Prices have risen moderately, and several contacts expressed concern about escalating energy costs. Consumer spending has remained unchanged and banking conditions remain steady. Manufacturing activity has increased mo  more

Five Vanderbilt Law Professors Honored with 2026 Hall-Hartman Awards
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Vanderbilt Law School posted the following news: * * * Five Vanderbilt Law Professors Honored with 2026 Hall-Hartman Awards * Five Vanderbilt Law professors - Farhang Heydari, Francesca Procaccini, Christopher Serkin, Sean Seymore, as well as adjunct professor John Richmond -were honored with the 2026 Hall-Hartman Awards for Outstanding Teaching from the Vanderbilt Bar Association. Hall-Hartman Awards are based on a student poll administered by the VBA. Th  more

Foundation for Economic Education Posts Commentary: Rising Electricity Prices
DETROIT, Michigan, April 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education posted the following commentary on April 20, 2026, by Olivia Hansen, graduate student at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado: * * * Rising Electricity Prices High power costs are driving up the cost of living. * Half of Americans now struggle to pay basic bills on time. Nearly four in ten people have been displaced from their homes by rising costs, as housing costs jumped sharply in just two years, medical   more

Gatton secures additional state funding
JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, April 20 -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news: * * * Gatton secures additional state funding * Before there were professors, a building or a first class of student pharmacists at East Tennessee State University, there were donation cans at grocery store checkout lines and a challenge from the governor. More than two decades later, ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy stands as a testament to the support of donors big and small - including th  more

Governor Signs TennCare Ban on Gender Transition Services
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Governor Signs TennCare Ban on Gender Transition Services * Gov. Bill Lee last week signed into law a measure ( SB2118/HB2498 ) that bars TennCare from covering any gender transition treatments, surgeries or hormone therapies. Those already undergoing gender transitions may continue to receive care covered through TennCare through March 31, 2027, if a physician de  more

Jon Victor '27 Named 2026 Cheek Scholar
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Vanderbilt Law School posted the following news: * * * Jon Victor '27 Named 2026 Cheek Scholar * Jon Victor '27 has been selected as a Cheek Scholar for the Class of 2028. The honor was announced by Amanda Rose, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Law. The Cheek Business Law Scholarship provides supplemental scholarship funds for a student completing the Certificate in Law & Business. The scholarship, endowed by James H. Cheek III, J.D. '67, is awarded each spri  more

Laura Collins '26 Wins the 2026 Nagareda Prize for Article on Standards of Proof
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Vanderbilt Law School posted the following news: * * * Laura Collins '26 Wins the 2026 Nagareda Prize for Article on Standards of Proof * Laura Collins '26 has won the 2026 Nagareda Prize for her paper "Heightened Proof." The award, sponsored by the Branstetter Litigation and Dispute Resolution Program, was announced by the program's director, Edward Cheng, who holds the Hess Chair in Law. The annual prize, which honors the late Richard Nagareda, the first  more

Legislature Votes to Keep Judicial Candidate Addresses Confidential
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Legislature Votes to Keep Judicial Candidate Addresses Confidential * The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill last week to make confidential the addresses of candidates on nominating petitions for the offices of judge, chancellor, district attorney and public defender. The legislation, HB1659/SB1720, was sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, and Rep. J  more

Marian University Expands Reach to Address Growing Nursing Shortage in Tennessee
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, April 20 -- Marian University posted the following news: * * * Marian University Expands Reach to Address Growing Nursing Shortage in Tennessee * As population growth accelerates across Middle Tennessee, healthcare leaders are warning of a significant nursing shortage in the years ahead, underscoring a broader national need for skilled, compassionate caregivers. Through a partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas, Marian University Leighton School of Nursing is helping  more

Nationwide Survey: Most Farmers Can't Afford Fertilizer
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 14 (TNSrep) -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release: * * * Nationwide Survey: Most Farmers Can't Afford Fertilizer An overwhelming majority of America's farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. The percentage who pre-purchased fertilizer varies significantly by region. Conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation April 3-11, the survey shows   more

New Affordable Apartments in Austin, Texas, Helped by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK
DALLAS, Texas, April 20 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release: * * * New Affordable Apartments in Austin, Texas, Helped by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK * AUSTIN, TEXAS, April 20, 2026-Austin, Texas, residents have new affordable housing options, thanks in part to a $2 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through member, Bank OZK. The banks joined Austin Housi  more

Organizations call on Congress to support rural small businesses
LYONS, Nebraska, April 21 [Category: Sociological] -- The Center for Rural Affairs posted the following news release: * * * Organizations call on Congress to support rural small businesses * LYONS, NEBRASKA - The Center for Rural Affairs and 22 organizations from across the country are asking Congress to support rural small businesses as lawmakers consider funding for 2027. On Monday, the groups, representing 17 states, sent a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Sen  more

Peabody-Jordan collaboration expands to advance teacher development and curriculum design
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Vanderbilt University posted the following news release: * * * Peabody-Jordan collaboration expands to advance teacher development and curriculum design * By Jennifer Kiilerich As part of Jordan's nationwide education reform initiative, scholars at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development are partnering with four Jordanian universities through the Early Grade Education Activity (ASAS) to co-create curricula and support professional deve  more

Reason Foundation Issues Commentary: Tennessee Bills Would Eliminate the State's Legal Kratom Market
LOS ANGELES, California, April 21 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following commentary on April 17, 2026, by Sephria Reynolds, criminal justice and drug policy analyst: * * * Tennessee bills would eliminate the state's legal kratom market Tennessee's kratom bills are aimed at reducing overdoses, but simply prohibiting kratom is unlikely to reduce drug overdoses within the state. * Tennessee lawmakers are advancing legislation that would effectively ban kratom and criminalize its possess  more

Tennessee Tech engineering students take study abroad experience to two continents
COOKEVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- Tennessee Technological University issued the following news release: * * * Tennessee Tech engineering students take study abroad experience to two continents * A group of Tennessee Tech University engineering students recently took their learning global, traveling to Brazil for a hands-on study abroad experience and later sharing their work on an international stage at the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) conference in Rome. During the 10-day tri  more

Trevecca's Online Ed.D. in Leadership Rated Among Nation's Best by Princeton Review
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 21 -- Trevecca Nazarene University issued the following news: * * * Trevecca's Online Ed.D. in Leadership Rated Among Nation's Best by Princeton Review Trevecca has been ranked as one of the top schools in the U.S. for online Doctor of Education programs by The Princeton Review. The ranking takes into account flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, the diversity of students' career backgrounds and global opportunities. In recent years, the E  more

U of A Startups Altaris MedTech, Bubby Band Earn More Than $40,000 at Arkansas Governor's Cup
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, April 21 -- The University of Arkansas' Walton College of Business issued the following news: * * * U of A Startups Altaris MedTech, Bubby Band Earn More Than $40,000 at Arkansas Governor's Cup U of A startups earned more than $40,000 at the 25th annual Arkansas Governor's Cup, a startup competition open to students in seven states across the mid-south with a $141,000 cash prize pool. Altaris MedTech, which is developing a spray-based strep test that eliminates the ne  more

U.S. Buys Land for New Chattanooga Federal Courthouse
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * U.S. Buys Land for New Chattanooga Federal Courthouse * The federal government has purchased a 22,000-square-foot property on Georgia Avenue in downtown Chattanooga for $4.1 million. It was the last parcel needed to build a new federal courthouse on Vine Street, Local 3 News reports. Planners say that location offers the best schedule, cost, security, constructabi  more

U.S. Judicial Panel Drops Part of Amicus Disclosure Rule
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * U.S. Judicial Panel Drops Part of Amicus Disclosure Rule * The U.S. Judicial Conference's Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules voted last Thursday to abandon a key part of a proposed rule governing the disclosure of who finances friend-of-the-court briefs. Reuters reports that committee members took the action after key judges expressed concern the measure could   more

UM Joins Regional Universities to Create Mid-South AI Consortium
OXFORD, Mississippi, April 21 -- The University of Mississippi issued the following news: * * * UM Joins Regional Universities to Create Mid-South AI Consortium Partnership aims to expand artificial intelligence research and workforce, industry collaboration * With the signing of a new regional agreement today (April 20), the University of Mississippi is joining forces with partner institutions to position the Mid-South as a national hub for applied artificial intelligence research. Repres  more

University of Memphis Among Partners in Newly Launched Mid-South AI Research Consortium
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, April 21 -- The University of Memphis issued the following news: * * * University of Memphis Among Partners in Newly Launched Mid-South AI Research Consortium Today the University of Memphis joined the University of Arkansas, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in signing a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic collaboration on the development of a Mid-South AI Research Consortium. Present at the signing were  more

University of Tennessee Research Team Examines Consumer Preferences for Tennessee Wines
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 -- The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture issued the following news release: * * * University of Tennessee Research Team Examines Consumer Preferences for Tennessee Wines * Study examines wine origin and quality attributes KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -What do you look for when you buy wine? Is price the main consideration? Or do you notice quality logos, region of production or alcohol content? Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agric  more

USDA Designates 22 Tennessee Counties as Natural Disaster Areas
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency issued the following news release: * * * USDA Designates 22 Tennessee Counties as Natural Disaster Areas * This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including   more

Voters Now Must 'Declare Allegiance' on Ballot Applications
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Voters Now Must 'Declare Allegiance' on Ballot Applications * Tennessee voters will see new language on primary election ballot applications, which will require them to declare they are a bona fide member of the party whose primary they are voting in, Knox News reports. The language comes from an existing 1972 law, though it is now being highlighted on the ballot   more

Where Dental Care Isn't Reaching, They Go
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, April 20 -- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center posted the following news: * * * Where Dental Care Isn't Reaching, They Go * Teresa O'Daniel was killing time. It was a stretch of downtime between visits to Margaret Newton Elementary School and a Lake County middle school, and she found herself scrolling through what health services might exist in the area surrounding Tiptonville, Tenn. A name she didn't recognize popped up, a rural ministry. She called. Th  more

Winston Law Dedicates Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Winston Law Dedicates Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership * The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law on Friday dedicated the Pamela Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership. Seventeen past TBA presidents -including Reeves' husband Charles Swanson -were on hand to celebrate the renaming of the institute. According to the school, the renaming   more