After a year and a half studying under the shade of the Sherrill tree, my sports reporter, Erin Douglas, or E2 as she’s still often called (she was one of two Erins to work here, thus E2), is heading off to college to finish her education. While I wish her well in her future endeavors, that …

November is the month for Thanksgiving, literally and figuratively, so it’s time for my annual column giving thanks for those who have made my life easier.

As the days start getting shorter and darker, people might feel impacted by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The downturn in mood that happens with the change in light is likely associated with decreased levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the body. If you are a…

This column is written several days in advance of publication, so the midterm elections have not yet been held as I write this. Some of you may be reading this before Election Day, and others are reading it after the votes have been counted.

Tennessee is a unique state, not only because we have incredibly talented citizens, but because of our geography. We border eight states. That can be an advantage and a disadvantage at times. When economic times are good, people want to relocate to our state. When economic times are difficul…

Forget football, at least for a moment. In Tennessee, which used to be known as the “Hog and Hominy State,” November used to be known as “hog droving” season.

I figured out the hard way recently how you can blow $639 and have nothing to show for it. All you have to do is buy a new car (well, it was new last Christmas Eve, and I’m still paying for it; so I consider it new). Then, and this is the important part, you have to park it inside your garag…

Lawmakers are considering a massive handout to corporate America known as the PTAB Reform Act of 2022. If passed, the bill would have disastrous consequences for bootstrap innovators like me, and, in the long run, keep potentially millions of life-changing inventions out of the hands of Americans.

This week in "David Carroll's News and Notes," David Carroll goes over some of the most distinctive voices he still hears in his head. Read his full column here. 

When you hear the term “urban forest,” the connotation usually conjures up the image of trees among buildings and the canopy it creates. That is somewhat misleading. The true definition is so much more than that. Urban forests encompass the entire vegetative landscape, not just solo tree spe…

This week in "TN History for Kids," Bill Carey tells the story of Ben "Pap" Singleton. Read his full column here. 

I know you will be disappointed, so let me go ahead and apologize. I will not be writing about politics this week. No mention of midterms, drop boxes, or even Herschel’s badge. I’m pretty sure you can find all that and more elsewhere on these pages.

This weekend, we have a guest column from Jasmine Terrell, a nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt Integrated Pediatrics in Tullahoma. Read her column here. 

This week, Duane savors in victory as he was crowned as the 2022 Chili Champion. Read his full column here. 

This week in "David Carroll’s News and Notes," David Carroll talks about the current phase of politics. Read his full column here. 

In January 2022, Tennessee announced the requirement for all drivers to get a new license plate. Since a new plate is required, it’s a great time to consider a specialty plate that will help our local Tennessee children.

When the Civil War broke out, the vast majority of Nashville residents sided with the Confederacy and were eager to go war. However, one man made his loyalty to the union clear and even published his opinion in the newspaper at the most difficult of times. 

Last year in this space, I lamented the suddenly smaller graham crackers, ice cream cartons, apple juice jugs, and pretty much anything else you buy.

The immediate impacts are modest, but the order marks a top-level recognition that 100 years of cannabis prohibition were a mistake.

Student performance based on assessments can be measured in two quite different ways, both of which are important. Achievement describes the knowledge or proficiency of an individual in something that has been learned or taught. This is measured by achievement tests where students are compar…

Sequoyah is one of the most important Tennesseans to have ever lived. But no matter what book you read, video you watch or website you click on, you’ll find a different account of his life. 

I don’t get invited to the White House very often.

Like everyone else, educators are concerned about the quality and quantity of applicants entering the field of education. Talented adults who want to teach find there are too many barriers to entry into the field as they attempt to address the onerous licensure system. Teachers themselves ha…

This week in "TN History for Kids," Bill Carey talks about Louis Philippe, a nobleman and a distant relative of King Louis XVI, and his trip to Tennessee in 1797. Read his full column here. 

This week in "David Carroll's News and Notes," David talks about how he is thankful beyond measure for the world being back to normal. Read his full column here. 

Annual wellness is critical to long-term health and happiness.

Have you noticed that when some political candidates and elected officials speak, their words often ring hollow? It’s almost as if they aren’t being honest (imagine that). Wouldn’t you like to know what they really mean? As a public service, I will list some common political doubletalk, foll…

When it comes to your core freedoms, which would you rather wield to protect them: a sword or a shield?

This week in "TN History for Kids," Bill Carey reflects on the history of The Arcade in downtown Nashville as the post office that resides there may be closing. Read his full column here. 

I saw a billboard recently for a psychic who would reveal your future. I just laughed.

When Elvis Presley was found on the floor at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, his road manager called the Memphis Fire Department and an ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

This week in "TN History for Kids," Bill Carey shares how different a large part of the Great Smoky Mountains were in the 20th century when owned by the Little River Lumber Company. Read his full column here. 

This week, David Carroll reminisces about some of the toys he grew up with. Read his full column here. 

Seniors are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. Particularly for those who have mobility limitations or don’t have family members living nearby, some of the unavoidable tasks of everyday life can become overwhelming.

Communist China is on a mission for dominance. At the helm of the New Axis of Evil, China has indicated they will invade independent countries and destroy democratic leadership to achieve that end. My recent visit to Taiwan made it abundantly clear that the leaders in Taiwan want the United …

It’s hard to overstate the importance of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was second best-selling book of the 19th century (following the Bible) and was translated into 20 languages by 1857, which was remarkable for its time. The novel had a profound effect on the abolitionist …

I recently picked up a Rolling Stone magazine. It was never known to be a source of country music information, but for some reason they decided to name “The 25 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.”

Every person has had a disagreement with someone they love, but that does not mean it is the end of the road or the relationship. People have different opinions, and it is perfectly normal and okay to disagree with the people you love—even your partner.

“The wind blew some luck in my direction….I caught it in my hands today…”

This weekend, we have a guest column from Quentrece Smith of Ascend Federal Credit Union. Read her full column here. 

This weekend, we have guest column from Christopher Rone, M.D., who serves as the medical director and vice chief of staff at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. Read his full column here. 

This week, Duane talks about his recent experience with a tailgater and witnessing a long-tailed rat hitching a ride. Read his full column here. 

This week, David Carroll talks about the upcoming debate season. Read his full column here. 

In 2004, I founded the non-profit organization Tennessee History for Kids. Our mission is to help teachers cover Tennessee history and basic social studies, and we do this through booklets, a website and teacher training.

I get a lot of advice on writing columns. Some people tell me to write funnier. Others say, “Be more serious. Solve the world’s problems.”

After a bad day at school or work, many people look forward to being home with someone or something they love. Coming home to a beloved pet can be truly comforting. Cats, dogs … a multitude of animals are often considered best friends---they are loyal, loving, and can often sense when their …

With back-to-school season upon us, it’s important to ensure your child is ready for the school year both physically and emotionally by scheduling a well-child visit.

This week in "TN History for Kids," Bill Carey responds to a reader's question about how many towns in Tennessee have changed their name. Read about the other name changes here. 

I have been covering schools for thirty years, and I have visited more schools than the milk delivery guys. As Johnny Cash sang, I’ve been everywhere, man. From the modest rural schools to the swanky private prep schools, and everywhere in between.