By Ivan Sanchez In a joint effort to confront the scourge of substance abuse, the Biden-Harris Administration and Tennessee’s Opioid Abatement Council (OAC) have announced substantial funding initiatives totaling over $120 million. While the federal government allocates $39.4 million to bolster mental health and substance abuse services nationwide, the OAC unveils its inaugural community grants, amounting to $80,936,057, dedicated to combating opioid addiction within Tennessee. According to KFF, data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “The U.S. saw improvement in opioid-related death rates from 2017 to 2018, before they sharply accelerated during the pandemic and with…
Author: Ivan Sanchez
By Ivan Sanchez On March 18, the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) National Conference in Nashville welcomed a special guest: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., the triumphant winner of America’s Got Talent season 6. The conference, a convergence of educators, administrators, and advocates in adult education, was graced by Murphy’s captivating presence as he shared his remarkable journey and served as a beacon of hope for adult learners across the nation. Murphy’s narrative was a testament to the transformative power of adult education. Raised in humble beginnings in West Virginia and Michigan, he faced adversity early on, dropping out of…
By Ivan Sanchez NASHVILLE, TN — In a landmark decision, the Tennessee Supreme Court abolished a long-standing legal principle known as the accomplice-corroboration rule, which required testimony from a criminal defendant’s accomplice to be supported by other evidence. The Court’s ruling, however, applies only prospectively, impacting future cases but not those already in progress. The case at the heart of this ruling involved three individuals charged with murder following a tragic incident in Memphis.Tony Thomas and Laronda Turner were convicted of first-degree premeditated murder, primarily based on the testimony of Demarco Hawkins, who confessed to participating in the crimes. All…
By Ivan Sanchez Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, often referred to simply as Selena, continues to captivate hearts and inspire generations long after her untimely passing. Born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena rose to become one of the most celebrated Mexican American entertainers of the late 20th century. Selena’s journey to stardom began at an early age. Growing up in a musical family, she started performing at local events and competitions, showcasing her remarkable vocal talent. With the unwavering support of her family, particularly her father Abraham Quintanilla Jr., who managed her career, Selena’s star began to shine brighter…
By Ivan Sanchez The recent Supreme Court case of Donald J. Trump v. Norma Anderson et al. tackled the contentious issue of whether states possess the authority to enforce Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against Presidential candidates. The Justices’ opinions shed light on the delicate balance between state and federal powers, particularly in the context of a Presidential election. Justice Barrett, in her concurrence, stressed the limited scope of the case, which was brought by Colorado voters under state law. She concurred with the majority’s opinion that states lack the power to enforce Section 3, emphasizing that the case…
By Ivan Sanchez NASHVILLE, TN — Conexión Américas unveiled the Mi Huella Exhibition, a celebration of Latinx artistry, at Casa Azafrán on March 7 at 6 pm. This vibrant showcase features the works of four exceptional Latinx artists: Alvaro Hernandez, Cesar Pita, Izamar Rodriguez, and Yanira Vissepo. Through diverse mediums such as mixed media, photography, sculpture, and illustration, these artists explore the theme of “Mi Huella” or “My Imprint,” delving into their unique journeys, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Alvaro Hernandez, a passionate photographer, sees his craft as a medium for self-expression, inspired by cinematic storytelling. He views photography not merely…
By Ivan Sanchez The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a storied history intertwined with the evolution of civil rights in the United States. Since its inception, the FBI has grappled with issues of discrimination while striving to uphold justice and equality for all citizens. SSA Lowanda Hill, a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI, provides insights into the bureau’s engagement with civil rights issues. Reflecting on historical milestones, Hill notes the groundbreaking achievements of individuals like James Wormley Jones, the first African American FBI Special Agent, and Sylvia Elizabeth Mathis, the first female African American Agent. Hill emphasizes the…
By Ivan Sanchez NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville native Creea Shannon Smith is not only a second-year Ph.D. student at Vanderbilt University specializing in Biomedical Informatics but also a passionate advocate for diversity and empowerment in STEM fields. Smith’s journey into the world of academia and community advocacy has been driven by a profound interest in the intersections of science, technology, and community empowerment. Smith’s recent internship at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy underscores her commitment to leveraging data science and Artificial Intelligence to address societal disparities. “My selection was largely attributed to my educational background and…
By Ivan Sanchez FSC Franchise Co., a renowned franchisor behind Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap, is eyeing Tennessee for its next wave of expansion. With over 180 locations nationwide, the company’s brands have garnered popularity for offering unique dining experiences tailored to local communities. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, boasting 143 locations in 21 states, has established itself as a family sports pub where friends and families can gather to watch games while enjoying a satisfying meal. The Brass Tap, with 40 current locations in 16 states, sets itself apart as a craft beer bar and entertainment venue, offering an…
By Ivan Sanchez WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Supreme Court recently abstained from ruling on three cases that could have significant impacts on race-neutral admissions, military readiness, and LGBTQ rights. Since the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the court has undergone a noticeable rightward shift. From curtailing affirmative action to terminating nationwide protections for reproductive freedom, the court has demonstrated a proclivity for contentious cases. In the Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board, a 4th Circuit panel determined that a magnet school’s lottery system was race-neutral and thus permissible. The Virginia magnet school implemented a lottery…