Local/State

KNOXVILLE, TN (Sept. 30, 2020) – In the first September meeting, City Council members unanimously agreed to authorize Mayor Indya Kincannon to execute a 10-year contract with Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. (WCI) for disposal of solid waste that will save city taxpayers an estimated $523,557 a year – or $5.2 million over a decade….

KNOXVILLE, TN (September 21. 2020) – The Knoxville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (KNAACP) has made a request to Knox County Schools Supt. Bob Thomas to hold open meetings of the Disparities in Educational Outcomes Committee (DEOC),  and the DEOs Steering and Oversight Committee (SOC). According to the KNAACP,…

This Saturday, take time to meet and learn about the democratic candidates vying for political office. Look for their names on the November 3rd ballot along with presidential contenders Biden and Trump. Candidate for Senate Marquita Bradshaw has dedicated Saturday, Sept 19 to meet and greet her potential East Tennessee constituents. Bradshaw lives in Memphis….

Unlike many candidates, who fade back into the fabric of inaction after loosing, that’s not the case with Matthew Park. After loosing his bid to represent House District 15 in the State Representative seat, Park and Andrew Dison, who was his campaign manager, continue their commitment to gain much needed reforms, equality, and fair justice…

The Maryville Huddle Report: Gov. Lee’s August Special Session cost taxpayers $100k to protect GOP corporate special interest, and makes it a felony for citizen’s to have non-violent protests on government and other properties.   Results of General Assembly Special Session: The COVID-19 liability immunity bill passed. A group who gained the most from the bill…

Milwaukee, WI (August 2020) – Under the theme “Uniting America,” the convention will bring together individuals from different backgrounds and communities who are answering the call to help steer the nation out of chaos and crisis. Democrats are not just including more Americans than ever before, but ensuring that all Americans see themselves reflected in…

AAUW Maryville and the League of Women Voters of Blount County are co-hosting a CAR PARADE at 6 pm. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. On August 18, 1920, 100 years ago, the Tennessee Legislature voted to ratify the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote, becoming the 36th and deciding state to do…

Provided by the progressive Maryville Huddlers, an organization that has for many years, given a voice and actions to unfair governmental policies on the local and state level. The Blount County Democratic organizations have led and been recognized in the region for their activism and results for many years. Voting Absentee: This past week the TN Supreme…

KNOXVILLE, TN (Aug. 3, 2020) — At 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Knox County Board of Health will convene as usual via Zoom for its weekly meeting. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has proposed that the Board observe 30 minutes of public forum at the start of the meeting. Each speaker will have up to three…

A statement regarding the scheduled opening date of Knox County schools for the 2020-21 school year as victims of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate.   KNOXVILLE, TN (July 20, 2020) – As Knox County Commissioner of District One, I cannot support the forthcoming plan by Superintendent Bob Thomas and the Knox County School Board’s…

  Six days away from the August 6 election and Tennessee is in trouble. Our public schools are underfunded, people are being incarcerated on a massive scale, hospitals are closing, and our climate is in crisis. I’m running for the Tennessee State House of Representatives in District 15 as the progressive Democrat to bring real solutions to…

So far this year, Mayor Indya Kincannon has appointed 54 community members and people with specialized expertise to serve on boards, commissions and committees. “I am thankful to the many people who volunteer their time and share their insights to help our city function better,” Mayor Kincannon said. “Fresh ideas and a willingness to serve…

Early voting is Friday, July 17th, through August 1st, when voters will be using the Knox County Election Commission’s new “paper ballot” system. The paper system replaces the electronic voting machines. KNOXVILLE, TN (July 13, 2020)— Approved in December, the change comes right on time considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the paper ballots, the community…

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=585920458776960

            Who will you send to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 15? (Atty. Troy Jones is also on the ballot as an independent. (The Enlightener didn’t find a picture to post, nor did he respond to the invitation.)   Knoxville, TN (July 7, 2020) – The East Tennessee…

Nashville, TN (July 7, 2020) – Gov. Lee is convening a meeting of the State Capitol Commission on Thurs, July 9th to discuss removal of the bust. The commission’s decision will then be forwarded to the Historical Commission. If the latter agrees, the bust may be removed. To share your opinion contact Gov. Lee at:  email…

By Patricia Williams James Mackler is on the ballot for TN Senator to replace retiring lifelong politician, Republican Senator Lamar Alexander who has held the position since 2003. Mackler is a fighter for his family, his state, and his countrymen. After the 9/11/2001 attack on American ground, Mackler left his law practice and enlisted in…

Washington, D.C. – Although the motion passed 319-96, the Republican Congressman sent from Knoxville, Tennessee voted against it. Public Law No: 116-91 (12/19/2019) Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act or the FUTURE Act This bill permanently authorizes funding for minority-serving institutions of higher education and increases the authorization of appropriations for Pell…

“June is Pride Month, and earlier this week we won a huge victory in the fight for equal rights…” -James Mackler The Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ Americans cannot be fired on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s an important step in the right direction, but there is still work to be…

We see you and we thank Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. CAPTION: Tennessee Representatives Vincent Dixie, Bob Freeman, Gloria Johnson, and Larry Miller have championed the rights of Tennessean’s access to reproductive health care, counseling, and support.   To send a personal message of appreciation to these legislators click here; To learn more about the…

This week in sunlight…. TN State Rep. (Dem-Knoxville Dist13) Gloria Johnson’s accounting of the events oflegislation on June 11.  By  Gloria Johnson, TN State Representative Nashville, TN (June 11, 2020) – I want to tell you a bit about what goes on in the legislature. Please remember that I am honored you sent me there,…

Minneapolis, MN (June 2, 2020)— Amidst the peaceful protesting over the killing of George Floyd, CBS News and Fox 9 have confirmed that most of the rioters and violent protesters in Minneapolis are linked to white supremacist groups. According to the Department of Safety Commissioner John Harrington, most of the arrests are in fact linked to white nationalist…

Sunrise Movement Knoxville endorses Matthew Park, a progressive democrat for Tennessee State House D-15 Seat. Knoxville, TN (June 10, 2020) – The Sunrise Knoxville movement has endorsed democratic candidate Matthew Park for State House Dist. 15 in the upcoming primary election on August 6, 2020. In a unanimous vote, the membership of Sunrise Knoxville stated,…