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Skrmetti questioned over Human Rights Commission jobs | Tennessee

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-05-19 15:37:00


The Tennessee attorney general’s office will retain the 30 positions from the Human Rights Commission when it assumes the commission’s duties on July 1, following the commission’s abolition by legislation signed by Gov. Bill Lee. The transition, part of a longstanding change, is expected to have no financial impact as existing resources and commission funding will be used. The AG’s Civil Rights Enforcement Division invites current commission employees to apply for new roles. Democrats criticized AG Skrmetti, alleging broken promises to absorb staff and expressing concern over the commission’s dismantling and future direction. The commission will hold its final meeting this Friday.

(The Center Square) – The Tennessee attorney general’s office will keep the 30 positions allocated to the Human Rights Commission when it takes over the commission’s duties on July 1, a spokesman said.

The 62-year-old Human Rights Commission was abolished by a bill passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Bill Lee last week. The change is not expected to have a financial impact on the state as the attorney general can use existing resources, including the funding for positions at the commissions, according to the bill’s fiscal note.

“The Office of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Enforcement Division is committed to building a strong, qualified team to effectively and efficiently enforce the Tennessee Human Rights Act,” wrote Chad Kubis, a spokesman for Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, in an email to The Center Square. “The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office notified current employees of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission that if they wish to be considered for a position in the Civil Rights Enforcement Division, they may contact the AG’s office to schedule an interview. We hope to engage with many of them throughout the transition.”

Democrats criticized Skrmetti on Monday. House Democratic Leader Karen Camper accused the attorney general of a “breach of trust.” She said Skrmetti promised her that the Human Rights Commission staff would be absorbed into other state agencies.

“There is still time to right this wrong … it is up to you to determine how your legacy as attorney general will be remembered: as one who dismantled a vital institution and misled those trying to protect it – or as someone who corrected course and chose to stand on the side of fairness, truth, and the people of this state,” Camper said.

Rep. Jesse Chism, D-Memphis, who chairs the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, sent Skrmetti a letter asking for clarification.

“Is it your intention to simply to push aside their collective decades of training and expertise with only a cursory glance at their resumes? If so, does this represent a change in direction of the Human Rights Commission’s mission now that it is under your direction,” Chism wrote in the letter.

The Human Rights Commission will hold its last meeting on Friday.

The post Skrmetti questioned over Human Rights Commission jobs | Tennessee appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



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

The article presents factual reporting on the Tennessee attorney general’s office assuming responsibility for the Human Rights Commission, highlighting the key actions taken by Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly. The article does not show a clear ideological stance but includes criticisms from Democratic lawmakers, which reflect partisan opposition to the decision. The tone of the piece is neutral, and it does not promote a particular viewpoint but rather reports on the differing perspectives. The inclusion of Democratic criticism provides a balance, allowing readers to understand the opposing views without casting judgment on either side.

News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Local artist finds purpose through painting

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www.youtube.com – WBIR Channel 10 – 2025-07-04 07:15:50

SUMMARY:

Seymour artist Chelsea Adkins discovered her true passion through painting after seeing a window painting video on TikTok. Initially trying it on her sliding glass door, she quickly turned her hobby into a thriving full-time business. Chelsea, who previously disliked desk and call center jobs, finds joy and purpose in creating colorful murals around Morristown, especially patriotic-themed art. Supported by her family and faith, she plans to finish a children’s book, Milly Tries Everything, about enjoying the journey of self-discovery. Chelsea’s positive impact continues through her art, shared on her Facebook page, Chelsea Paints, inspiring her community.

Seymour’s Chelsea Adkins is using her artistic talents to bring color to the community.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

TWRA prepares for uptick in impaired boaters for Fourth of July weekend

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www.wkrn.com – Nikki McGee – 2025-07-03 18:03:00

SUMMARY: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), alongside local law enforcement, is intensifying efforts to catch boaters driving under the influence during the Fourth of July weekend. With warm weather expected, impaired boating incidents may rise as environmental stressors like heat and waves accelerate intoxication. Tennessee’s BUI penalties now match DUI laws, with a legal BAC limit of 0.08. Between 2019 and 2023, alcohol-related boating fatalities increased by 237%. In 2025, 12 fatalities have occurred already. TWRA advises passengers to ensure a sober driver both on the water and for the ride home, aiming to prevent tragic deaths from impaired boating.

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The post TWRA prepares for uptick in impaired boaters for Fourth of July weekend appeared first on www.wkrn.com

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Building housing fireworks goes up in flames after electric box fire

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www.youtube.com – FOX13 Memphis – 2025-07-03 12:51:14

SUMMARY: A building housing fireworks in White Haven caught fire due to an electrical box overheating, causing an accidental blaze. Firefighters from Memphis responded overnight, battling flames with fireworks igniting inside the structure. A charred and overheated electrical meter was identified as the fire’s origin. Video footage showed intense flames and smoke alongside sporadic fireworks going off. Though the building suffered total loss, firefighters remained on scene to extinguish hot spots and prevent reignition. Authorities confirmed the owner was storing fireworks inside, which fueled the fire’s intensity and hazards faced by emergency crews during containment efforts.

Fireworks lit up the night sky while a building burned after a spark ignited in a building’s electrical box. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/whitehaven-building-housing-fireworks-goes-up-in-flames-mfd-says/article_5778dbe5-2ca1-43c1-b007-e8571c1d9959.html

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