News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Community advocates call for improvements of micro-transit system, while federal grant uncertain
SUMMARY: The microtransit system in Knoxville, known as CAT Connect, has faced criticism for not meeting expectations. Designed to function like Uber or Lyft by connecting passengers to fixed routes, it primarily serves one North Knoxville neighborhood, leaving others without adequate access. Justice Knox, a grassroots group, proposed the system in 2019, but advocates say it lacks necessary software and fails to provide essential services, like access to jobs and fresh food. While neighboring cities like Chattanooga and Birmingham have successful microtransit services, Knoxville’s program has delivered only 50 rides since launching in August 2024, raising concerns.
Justice Knox said the katConnect system is not meeting expectations in connecting those who live outside bus routes’ range.
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Mobile opioid addiction treatment in Tennessee requires workarounds, for now
SUMMARY: Belmont University is launching two mobile units funded by $6.4 million in opioid settlement money to provide harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, focusing on transient and unhoused populations. MAT, which uses drugs like buprenorphine (Suboxone), eases withdrawal symptoms and lowers overdose risk but can’t be dispensed outside clinics under Tennessee law. The mobile teams offer wound care, primary care, and mental health services, connecting patients to brick-and-mortar clinics for treatment and transportation. Security concerns also limit on-site dispensing. Similar mobile MAT efforts in Tennessee and Rhode Island highlight regulatory and community challenges.
The post Mobile opioid addiction treatment in Tennessee requires workarounds, for now appeared first on wpln.org
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
STUDY: 14% of Tennesseans feel lonely
SUMMARY: A study by mental health provider A Mission For Michael found that 14% of Tennesseans feel lonely, with 4.6% (261,451 people) reporting they are “always lonely.” The highest chronic loneliness rates are in Haywood and Lewis counties (5.5%), while Williamson and Hamilton counties have the lowest (4.4%). Loneliness varies across Tennessee, and persistent loneliness can severely impact well-being. Executive Director Anand Mehta emphasized the importance of professional support to help individuals cope and connect. Nationally, Tennessee ranks low in loneliness compared to Mississippi (71%) and other states. The study used surveys and county health data for comprehensive analysis.
Read the full article
The post STUDY: 14% of Tennesseans feel lonely appeared first on www.wkrn.com
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Immigrant detainees begin arriving at former prison in rural Tennessee town
SUMMARY: Immigrant detainees have begun arriving at the West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason, a former prison converted into an ICE detention center operated by CoreCivic. The facility reopened after Mason officials approved agreements with ICE and CoreCivic despite public opposition. The prison, closed in 2021 under a Biden administration order, was reopened following Trump’s reversal to support mass deportations. CoreCivic claims the center will create nearly 240 jobs and generate significant tax revenue for Mason, a financially struggling majority-Black town. However, concerns persist over detainee mistreatment, with CoreCivic facing fines and lawsuits related to abuse and understaffing at Tennessee prisons.
Read the full article
The post Immigrant detainees begin arriving at former prison in rural Tennessee town appeared first on wpln.org
-
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed7 days ago
Group in lawsuit say Franklin county prison land was bought before it was inspected
-
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed6 days ago
Lexington man accused of carjacking, firing gun during police chase faces federal firearm charge
-
The Center Square6 days ago
California mother says daughter killed herself after being transitioned by school | California
-
Mississippi News Video7 days ago
Carly Gregg convicted of all charges
-
Mississippi News Video7 days ago
2025 Mississippi Book Festival announces sponsorship
-
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed6 days ago
Arkansas medical marijuana sales on pace for record year
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed6 days ago
Local, statewide officials react to Charlie Kirk death after shooting in Utah
-
Local News6 days ago
US stocks inch to more records as inflation slows and Oracle soars