Nashville is on lockdown because of the coronavirus, but a week ago, state lawmakers were still trying to decide whether to continue this year’s legislative session. The decision to call a recess set off a flurry of last-minute debates.
The Tri-Star State: Unpacking Last Week’s Flurry Of Business At The Tennessee Legislature
The National Conversation With All Things Considered
Starting on Monday, March 23, All Things Considered will convert the 8 p.m. hour (Monday-Friday) into a live program focused on the global coronavirus crisis: The National Conversation With All Things Considered.
Coronavirus In Tennessee: FEMA Closes Field Offices; Doctors Urge Gov. Lee To Order People To Stay Home
This post will be updated regularly with the latest on the spread of coronavirus in Tennessee. A reminder: Public officials say the overall risk to the public remains low, and the most effective way to prevent the spread is by scrubbing your hands and covering your cough.
Country Music Legend Kenny Rogers Dies At 81
Country music icon Kenny Rogers, whose hits included “Lucille,” “Lady” and “The Gambler,” died late Friday at his home in Sandy Springs, Ga., his family said in a statement. He was 81.
What You Need To Know From Tennessee’s 171-Page Pandemic Plan
As the infection count for COVID-19 continues increasing, Tennessee is relying on its Novel Virus Pandemic Influenza Response Plan. That’s a 171-page document that lays out what steps the state should take to manage a highly infectious virus. WPLN News spoke to Tyler Whetstone, a government and politics reporter at the Knoxville News Sentinel who read the full document and shares some key takeaways.
Nashville Will Ramp Up COVID-19 Screenings, Including At Drive-Thru Tents
Metro Nashville is planning to open as many as five drive-thru coronavirus testing centers across the city. They’ve formed a partnership with local health providers, including St. Thomas Health, Meharry Medical College, Nashville General Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As of Thursday, officials had counted 75 cases in Davidson County.
Vanderbilt Students Scramble For Housing As Campus Closes
Kirsten Bailey is a Vanderbilt senior currently living on the university’s mostly empty campus. She’s staying there as long she can – she has an internship in Brentwood, and her parents, back in Cincinnati, are immunocompromised. She worries about putting them at risk. She requested to remain on campus for the rest of the semester, […]
Nashville’s Criminal Justice Agencies Struggle To Get On The Same Page About Coronavirus
As the coronavirus continues to spread through Tennessee, one group is particularly vulnerable: people in jail. Many suffer underlying health conditions. Plus, they’re locked into tight quarters, often without regular access to soap or hand sanitizer. Law enforcement officials are now grappling with how to balance public safety and public health.
Tennessee General Assembly Approves Emergency Budget, Adjourns Until June
Tennessee’s legislature approved a fast-tracked budget of about $39.8 billion late Thursday night after a marathon day of activity and as the state responds to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The amount is about $900 million less than what was initially proposed by Gov. Bill Lee’s administration.
Gov. Lee Calls On Tennesseans To Help With Child Care During School Closures
About 1 million students will be out of school by the end of the week in Tennessee due to closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This means many parents will need child care, so Gov. Bill Lee is asking individuals, organizations and churches to pitch in.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM