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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SUMMARY: Increasingly, U.S. schools are implementing cell phone bans to reduce distractions and improve academic and social growth. At least 22 states have passed legislation, with varying policies—from full-day bans in New York and Arkansas to instructional-time bans in Kentucky and Tennessee. Enforcement methods include Yondr pouches, teacher collection, and stricter punishments. The movement is driven by concerns over addictive social media, cheating, bullying, and declining performance. Opponents cite safety during emergencies, personal freedom, and economic disparities affecting access to alternative devices. The trend is expected to continue, with future studies assessing the impact on student outcomes and digital responsibility education.

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SUMMARY: The University of Memphis has closed its Office of Multicultural Affairs and is winding down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to comply with Tennessee’s new “Dismantling DEI Departments Act.” Signed into law in May, the act bans public institutions from maintaining offices or programs that promote DEI using “discriminatory preferences.” The university president announced restructuring and removal of DEI references from websites and scholarships. The closure, effective immediately, impacts student support services, prompting concerns from student leaders. Despite this, the university emphasizes its ongoing commitment to student success. The student body is racially diverse, reflecting the broader Memphis community demographics.

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The post U of M shutters Multicultural Affairs Office, begins dismantling DEI to comply with new Tennessee law – The Tennessee Tribune appeared first on tntribune.com