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Music Spotlight: Carrie Brockwell

Jun 11, 2026 at 09:18 am by Bethany Bowman

When Carrie Brockwell started compiling her collection of songs for her new album, That's Real, which blends country music storytelling with Yacht Rock influences, she had n.... Read More

Songwriting With: Soldiers Releases Daddy's Son for Father's Day

Jun 19, 2026 at 08:00 am by Bethany Bowman

Anyone who has listened to and/or written music knows that there is a healing aspect to it, and it is never more evident than when working with veterans. Veterans John ".... Read More

Teacher Attrition Remains a Significant Challenge

Jun 09, 2026 at 02:02 pm by JC Bowman

Recently, I joined WKRN News anchor Tori Gessner on a story about teacher attrition. Tennessee saw the largest percentage decline in its teacher workforce between the 2023-24.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Paige King Johnson

May 29, 2026 at 07:18 am by Bethany Bowman

I was instantly drawn to Paige King Johnson and her music when I first met her at CRS in 2023. I knew then that I wanted to feature her in my column, and, more than three ye.... Read More

Bluff City Education Blues

May 27, 2026 at 02:23 pm by JC Bowman

There was a time when the people of Memphis believed their public schools could not possibly become any more complicated. Then the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation arrived.... Read More

Education will be a Top Priority for Senator Marsha Blackburn as Governor

May 15, 2026 at 10:11 am by JC Bowman

During my interview with Senator Marsha Blackburn, it was clear she is passionate about education, and if she becomes Tennessee’s governor, education will be central to.... Read More

Travis Bolt Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Jun 02, 2026 at 12:08 pm by Bethany Bowman

Music Spotlight artist Travis Bolt recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut on May 29th, the week before CMA Fest. This follows his recent TV debut, where he performed "Blues.... Read More
Lauren Agee

What happened to Lauren Agee?

Apr 16, 2018 at 12:00 pm by Michelle Willard

Lauren Agee thought her weekend would be filled with wakeboarding, cliff diving and partying. But it ended with her floating facedown in Center Hill Lake. Agee was camping wi.... Read More

Graduates: Don’t Just Wait for the Future—Lead It

May 19, 2026 at 11:50 am by JC Bowman

Ah, the Class of 2026. Welcome to a world of continual chaos and upheaval. You’re stepping into a world where your computer now requires you to prove you’re not a.... Read More

James Robert Webb Releases 'Weekend Outlaw'

Jun 06, 2025 at 07:33 am by Bethany Bowman

As reported in my Music Spotlight column in 2020, James Robert Webb was a gifted musician before he became an acclaimed radiologist. However, like many of us with dual caree.... Read More

Time to Recalibrate Our Educational Compass

Dec 09, 2025 at 11:53 am by JC Bowman

Imagine a universe where parents and educators lead the debate on education. In the current paradigm, we are playing a high-stakes game of educational chess. The result could.... Read More

Experience Christian Church pays $7.5M for historic factory

Apr 17, 2018 at 09:00 am by Michelle Willard

The Experience Christian Church bought the historic factory that has been its home since 2009, according to records from the Rutherford County Register of Deeds. Built in 192.... Read More
Red Bull

Red Bull Announces 2025 Jukebox Songwriting Competition

May 22, 2025 at 12:05 pm by Bethany Bowman

Red Bull is turning up the volume for the second year with the return of its electrifying Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition— open for submissions now through Ju.... Read More

Movie Review: Someone Like You

Mar 26, 2024 at 05:32 pm by Bethany Bowman

With her newest movie, Someone Like You, fans of Karen Kingsbury’s movies and books are in for the treat of their lives. While her books have been put to film on many.... Read More

Ashley Anne Releases Generational Heartbreak EP

May 18, 2026 at 03:00 pm by Bethany Bowman

Following up with my Music Spotlight artists is one of my favorite things to do. It is fascinating to see what has transpired since the last interview. Because Ashley An.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Braxton Keith

May 15, 2026 at 08:20 am by Bethany Bowman

Braxton Keith is from Midland, Texas, and his music proudly reflects that fact. He did not grow up in a musical family, but his great-aunt gave him her piano, which he learn.... Read More

Joe Galante, Duane Eddy, Don Mclean, and Darius Rucker Have Been Added to Music City’s Walk of Fame

Oct 06, 2023 at 04:11 pm by Bethany Bowman

Joe Galante, Duane Eddy, Don Mclean, and Darius Rucker Have Been Added to Music City’s Walk of Fame On Wednesday, October 4th, four extremely deserving individuals rece.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Noah Thompson

Jan 11, 2025 at 01:56 pm by Bethany Bowman

The one word that came to mind when I heard Noah Thompson for the first time was “unexpected.” And I believe that is part of why Thompson won American Idol in 20.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Ashley Wineland

Oct 26, 2024 at 09:00 am by Bethany Bowman

When Ashley Wineland’s song, “Tumbleweed,” came across my email, I knew from the heartfelt song that I wanted to feature the artist. The more I dug into he.... Read More
Michelle with Lamar (and long hair)

An Open Letter to Lamar: Will you be a statesman or a partisan?

Jan 21, 2020 at 10:00 am by Michelle Willard

Dear Lamar Alexander, As the United States Senate begins the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, I can't help but remember a conversation I had with you in 2014. Yo.... Read More

Music Spotlight: NEEDTOBREATHE

Aug 21, 2023 at 04:00 pm by Bethany Bowman

When I saw the rock band NEEDTOBREATHE had new music coming, a bell went off. Weren’t they a band that my kids used to listen to? Indeed, they are. NEEDTOBREATHE is an.... Read More

Why John Paul Stevens is wrong about the Second Amendment

Apr 03, 2018 at 10:00 am by clervin

When the current gun-control debate morphed into full-fledged hysteria, I assumed some gun-control legislation may pass, but don’t kid yourselves, kids, the governm.... Read More

Remembering the Rose Garden Marines

Jul 03, 2024 at 12:48 pm by Bethany Bowman

The country music legend, Lynn Anderson became the U.S. Marines's unofficial ambassador 50 years ago when they used her award-winning song, ‘I Beg Your Pardon (I Never.... Read More
Slideshow

Music Spotlight: Beasley Brothers

Sep 02, 2022 at 12:49 pm by Bethany Bowman

The Beasley Brothers are a country duo formerly from North Alabama but now based out of Nashville. They are comprised of Lawson and Jackson Beasley. Being only 18 months apart.... Read More
Day in Corona

Day in Corona: Hope springs eternal with better projections

Apr 07, 2020 at 12:35 pm by Michelle Willard

  I've been keeping an eye on the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's COVID-19 projection website. It's interactive and informative, if you can trust the data.... Read More