SUMMARY: Tennessee offers the Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship to support residents pursuing master’s degrees in behavioral health fields like psychology, social work, and counseling. The scholarship provides up to $30,000 in tuition assistance, with a maximum of $15,000 per academic year, addressing the state’s growing need for behavioral health professionals. Over $6.4 million has been allocated, including $2 million from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. Recipients must commit to working at state-funded treatment agencies serving vulnerable populations. The program is administered by state associations to ensure graduates fulfill their public service commitments. Applications are open to Tennessee residents enrolled or enrolling in accredited in-state programs.

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The post Getting a master's degree in behavioral health? TN could help you pay for it appeared first on www.wkrn.com

by Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout
August 25, 2025

Three East Tennessee companies devastated by Hurricane Helene in fall 2024 are set to receive an unprecedented million-dollar infusion each to help rehire workers and resume production.

Gov. Bill Lee and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter announced the Unicoi County factories will receive grants totaling more than $4 million to retain and retrain employees who lost jobs after the hurricane destroyed factories last September.

“Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented disaster for our state, and one year later, many Tennesseans remain forever changed by the loss of life and severe flood damage,” Lee said in a statement.

All three companies are located along the Nolichucky River in Erwin Riverview Industrial Park and are either in the preliminary stages of resuming work or preparing to restart, according to the state.

The grants mark the first time the Economic and Community Development Department has provided funds after a natural disaster for companies to keep employees and retrain them, according to McWhorter.

Companies receiving the grants are:

• Foam Products, a fabricator and distributor of foam insulation and packaging products, which is investing $4.4 million and retaining 47 employees. The company estimates $20 million in damages if it were to rebuild the entire facility.
• PlastiExports, a Mexico-based plastics company, which is investing $7.4 million and keeping 53 employees. It sustained more than $14 million in damages and loss.
• PolyPipe, which manufactures polyethylene pipe to deliver natural gas, is investing $27.1 million and retaining 66 employees. The storm completely destroyed its building.

“The devastation from Hurricane Helene was unlike anything we’ve faced in our company’s history,” said PolyPipe CEO Mark Brenon. “This grant is not just funding – it’s a lifeline for our employees, our customers and our future here in Erwin.”

Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com.

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Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

This content presents a factual report on government aid provided by a Republican governor to businesses affected by a natural disaster. The focus on economic development, support for private companies, and job retention aligns with center-right priorities emphasizing business and economic recovery. The tone is neutral and informative without evident partisan framing or critique.

SUMMARY: The Eastern black rail, a small, secretive marsh bird with red eyes, was federally listed as threatened in 2020 due to significant population declines exceeding 75% over 10-20 years. Once found in Tennessee wetlands, it faces extinction from habitat loss caused by wetland destruction and sea level rise. The Fish and Wildlife Service is drafting a recovery plan to protect the bird, which inhabits freshwater and saltwater marshes and wet meadows. However, wetland protections in Tennessee have weakened, complicating local conservation efforts. Public feedback on the recovery plan is open until September 15.

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The post A marsh bird found in Tennessee wetlands is endangered. FWS is drafting a plan. appeared first on wpln.org