NASHVILLE – Just now, the Republican-led Tennessee General Assembly passed new Congressional maps set to be in effect for the 2026 August primary election. This map dilutes the voice of black Memphians and harms their ability to elect a Representative from their community. The following is a statement from the Tennessee Democratic Party Black Caucus Chair, Solomon Trapp: “That congressional leaders would vote to disenfranchise one of the few remaining sources of representation for Tennessee’s Black communities is, sadly, no surprise. History has a way of repeating itself when those in power refuse to learn from it. This is nothing less…
Author: Press Release
Nashville, TN – Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite announced today her office will hold a seminar for area churches and non-profits on maintaining tax exemptions to local property taxes. The seminar will be held in conjunction with the Tennessee Office of the Comptroller on May 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Sonny West Conference Center, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, First Floor, at the Howard Office Building in Nashville. “Over the years, our office has received questions from and assisted local tax-exempt organizations about which circumstances require them to re-file for tax-exempt status,” said Assessor Wilhoite.…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is urging eligible high school seniors who have not yet claimed their TN Direct Admissions offer to act now! Thousands of Tennessee high school seniors have already claimed their college spot for the fall, but many still have the opportunity to secure theirs before time runs out. The deadline to claim TN Direct Admissions is June 1. Last year, more than 45,000 eligible high school seniors received personalized Direct Admissions letters offering guaranteed admission to participating Tennessee institutions. To date, approximately 7,000 students have officially claimed their spot. One student, after receiving the admission letter, wrote, “I was so happy, I almost cried! I was so…
Nashville Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle on being named the Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. The recognition was announced during a recent TOSS Mid-Cumberland Superintendents’ Study Council. Dr. Battle was selected by her peers in the Mid-Cumberland Region for her leadership, commitment to student success, and service to public education. “Dr. Battle’s leadership reflects the best of what is possible when schools, families, community partners, and civic leaders work together in support of students,” said Melissa Jaggers, President and CEO of Alignment Nashville. “Alignment Nashville exists to help bring those partners and…
Mayor Freddie O’Connell filed the third budget of his first term, a fiscal year 2027 budget that prioritizes affordability by reducing the local grocery tax and making the city’s largest-ever investment into housing. “Reducing our grocery tax doesn’t just change a line on a receipt; it acknowledges that feeding your family shouldn’t be treated like a luxury, and putting nearly twice as much funding toward housing reflects our serious commitment to making our city more affordable,” said Mayor O’Connell. “It’s also right to take care of our Metro workers and that’s why we’re fully funding our employee pay plan. To…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Acclaimed portrait artist Michael Shane Neal unveiled his latest work, an official portrait of President Joe Biden, during a special ceremony held April 14, 2026, at Syracuse University. The unveiling drew an audience of university officials, students, art patrons, and distinguished guests, marking a significant moment for both the institution and the artist. Neal, widely recognized for his mastery in portraiture and his ability to capture the character and presence of his subjects, was commissioned to create the piece as part of Syracuse University’s ongoing efforts to celebrate leadership and public service. The portrait presents President Biden in…
NASHVILLE, TN – The Nashville Department of Waste Services (NWS), in collaboration with the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA), Foam Cycle, and the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), today announced Nashville’s first Foam Recycling Drop-Off Program on Earth Day. Mayor Freddie O’Connell attended a ribbon-cutting event at East Convenience Center, where he also placed the first piece of foam into the new Foam Cycle system to mark the start of the service. A generous equipment donation from PSRA has placed the Foam Cycle foam densifier system at the Metro-operated East Convenience Center at 943 Dr. Richard G. Adams Drive. The service is…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Starbucks officials announced the global coffee company will invest $100 million to expand its North American presence by locating a Southeast corporate office in Nashville. Starbucks has major plans for its newest business location, where it will employ up to 2,000 people over the next several years to serve in a variety of corporate-related operations. The announcement expands on the company’s news released last month regarding its broader North America growth strategy. The Nashville office will directly support continued coffeehouse expansion…
Nashville, TN – For the 17th year, Nashville took an in-depth look at the socio-economic wellbeing of Davidson County residents. This year, a team of researchers found that Nashville’s African American residents are challenged with affordability issues in comparison to other Nashvillians. Researchers identified historic and contemporary causes of Nashville’s wealth gap, current trends, and forecast potential future impacts. The findings in the 17th annual Community Needs Evaluation (CNE) report: “Affordability Challenges for African Americans in Nashville: Enduring Legacies. Emerging Issues” were shared before a room of community stakeholders, faith-based leaders, advocacy groups, and elected officials on the state and local…
Stand Up Nashville held a 90s-themed party dubbed The Housing Party. The event brought together concerned community members, housing advocates, and residents who’ve faced evictions, rent hikes, and have been forced to move outside of the city due to affordability. The purposeful party focused on educating and empowering attendees in a fun, yet fundamental way to champion immediate housing solutions. “The Housing Party builds on a communal theme, while teaching people about why new housing models and solutions should matter to Nashville,” shared Shani Glapion, a SUN organizer. “House parties in the 90s brought people together for a fun, positive experience…