Tennessee Archives

Helene’s flooding swept away 11 workers at a Tennessee factory. Now the state is investigating

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee state authorities are investigating the company behind a plastics factory where 11 workers were swept away by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said Wednesday that the agency is investigating allegations involving Impact Plastics at the direction of the local prosecutor. Employees in the factory in the small community of Erwin asserted that they weren’t allowed to leave in time to avoid the storm’s impact. It wasn’t until water flooded into the parking lot and the power went out that the plant shut down and sent workers home. Several never made it.… Continue Reading

Tennessee football’s 10% talent fee opens discussion of how many schools and sports will follow

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Tennessee’s announcement of a 10% talent fee on 2025 football season tickets to help pay players could have been considered inevitable in the still-evolving era of name, image and likeness compensation. Especially with revenue going directly to players likely in the fall of 2025. It nonetheless sent shock waves throughout the sport and could spur other Power Four conference programs to follow suit. The question is whether even diehard fans are willing to absorb another surcharge, though this one could directly impact on-field talent.… Continue Reading

The Smoky Mountains’ highest peak is reverting to the Cherokee name Kuwohi

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The highest peak at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is officially reverting to its Cherokee name more than 150 years after a surveyor named it for a Confederate general. The U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted on Wednesday in favor of a request from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to officially change the name Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi. The Cherokee name for the mountain translates to “mulberry place.” The park says Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee people and the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, and Kuwohi is one its most popular sites, with more than 650,000 visitors per year.… Continue Reading