Meet The Kappa Alpha Order, the fraternity that shaped Bill Lee
The Kappa Alpha Order is a fraternity that the Governor participated in four decades ago. It still haunts him to this day. Founded in 1865 by James Wood, William Scott, William Walsh, and Stanhope Scott, the KA positions itself as a "moral compass for the modern gentleman." Their motto is "Dieu et Les Dame" (which translates into "God and women"), and there is a 6-item list that briefly explains their values. The fraternity also explains its controversial ties to Robert E. Lee as its "spiritual" founder.
Read full storySen. Marsha Blackburn asks Twitter following to join her in prayer after Nashville school shooting
A 28-year-old fatally shot three children and three adults at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, TN. The New York Times reports that, in the latest episode of gun violence that has devastated American families and communities, the assailant opened fire just after 10 A.M. inside the Covenant School, where children in preschool through sixth grade had just begun their final full week of classes before Easter break.
Read full storyBlack parents warn that implicit bias bill could have a profound impact on all Knoxville students
Implicit bias training for public educators and school staff may be banned by Tennessee lawmakers, even as Black parents and legislators discuss the harm that banning this training could cause for all Knoxville students -- regardless of their race.
Read full storyLawmaker calls for Lt. Gov. McNally to resign amid Instagram controversy
At least one Republican lawmaker has called for the resignation of TN lieutenant governor Randy McNally, who has been the subject of recent controversy. The 79-year-old Republican liked and commented on sexually suggestive photos posted by a 20-year-old gay man. After being confronted by his actions (and allegations of hypocrisy, as McNally has supported various anti-LGBTQ legislation), McNally stated that he was trying to provide encouragement to the young man. He has since apologized to the public, his co-workers, and his family, saying that he didn't realize how his actions may appear to the public.
Read full storyTN lieutenant governor "pausing" social media usage after commenting on suggestive Instagram posts
Randy McNally, Tennessee's 79-year-old lieutenant governor, has apologized for liking and commenting on sexually suggestive posts made by a 20-year-old gay man. Originally, McNally stated that he "had no intention of stopping," but has backtracked and announced that he is taking a break from social media.
Read full storyOpinion: Our lives depend on you
Throughout the past two years, Tennessee politicians have passed or endorsed remarkably transphobic legislation. This legislation greatly impacts transgender Tennessean’s day-to-day lives, and being a transgender minor in this state is difficult on every level imaginable. I am silenced by uneducated politicians because of my age, and I am treated by the government as if I don’t exist—almost as if I am a local inconvenience. That is my life as a transgender 17-year-old in East Tennessee, and this is my story.
Read full storyPride parade becomes Pride march in retaliation of drag show ban
Since TN governor Bill Lee banned drag shows held on public property, a lot has changed. Tennessee has received worldwide criticism for the governor's transphobic legislation; many celebrities and locals have spoken out about the harm the bill causes; and many local organizations have changed their events to include drag performers--including Knoxville Pride.
Read full story1977 "Hard Luck" photo of Governor Bill Lee in drag expected to be put on billboards
The governor who was found to have dressed in drag after banning public drag shows will soon have his picture highlighted on Tennessee billboards. Through TikTok and GoFundMe, a Tennessean man named Zachary Stamper raised $54,067 for an electric billboard in Nashville (and on the governor's personal route to his church and home) that will showcase the 1977 Franklin High powderpuff photo that has gone viral.
Read full storyBill protecting teachers who don't use student's correct pronouns passes Tennessee House Committee
House Bill 11269 is a new piece of transphobic legislation that has passed the TN House Committee. The bill protects teachers from getting sued if they do not use their student's chosen pronouns "if the preferred pronoun is not consistent with the student's biological sex."
Read full storyBreaking: Tennessee flag with swastika found in Nashville
BREAKING NEWS -- March 2, 2023. A large Tennessee flag with a swastika in the middle was found hanging on the Chesnut St. bridge in Nashville, TN. The sign reportedly thanked Governor Bill Lee for "tirelessly working to fight trannies and fags" and "we must secure a future for white children."
Read full storyOpinion: Tennessee's problem with transgender people
Tennessee has a long history of discrimination against transgender people, with local politicians passing transphobic legislature at an alarming rate. The problem with this is that there are over 31,000 transgender people living in Tennessee--with that number growing by the day--and all of them are affected by the transphobic legislature that runs rampant in the state.
Read full story1977 photo of TN governor Bill Lee in drag surfaces after endorsing a bill that makes drag illegal
Just days after criminalizing drag in Tennessee, Bill Lee was confronted with a 1977 Franklin High yearbook photo in which the governor wore drag. The photo--as confirmed by Lee's spokesperson--is, in fact, of the governor in 1977; however, the spokesperson referred to it as a "lighthearted school tradition," saying:
Read full storyBill to ban drag shows in Tennessee passed just days after banning gender-affirming care
Tennessee is the first U.S. state to ban drag shows, just days after banning healthcare for transgender youth. Passed on Thursday, this bill criminalizes drag shows that are operating within 1,000 feet of public property. These shows are also illegal in LGBTQ+ spaces--spaces that are supposed to provide safety and comfort for this politically targeted group.
Read full storyThe 3 best community colleges in Tennessee
With the cost of higher education becoming more and more expensive, community colleges have become a popular alternative to 4-year institutions. Students can receive an associate's degree and indulge in the same opportunities as those who attend 4-year schools at a fraction of the price; it's a great alternative for students who are from low-income families or who are paying out of pocket.
Read full storyWhy is UT's official color orange?
Pantone 151 C, PMS 151 is the bright orange color that was chosen to represent The University of Tennessee. You can find it everywhere from shirts, hats, and jewelry to artwork and local company logos! Orange is a color that has a broad symbolism, with its most notable correspondences being royalty, strength, bravery, fire, purity, happiness, courage, karma, and wrongdoings.
Read full storyLaBrant family announces move to Tennessee
On Wednesday, conservative influencers Savannah and Cole LaBrant announced that they are moving to Tennessee from their current residence in California. The LaBrant Fam consists of husband and wife Cole and Savannah LaBrant and their four children Everleigh, Posie, Zealand, and Sunday. Like many family influencers, The LaBrant Fam participates in the usual YouTube activities such as challenges, viral trends, pranks, vlogs, and Q&A videos. (We Got This Covered.)
Read full storyTennessee is banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors
The Tennessee Senate approved a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors last Monday. With a vote of 26-6, many Tennessee politicians are excited about this new ban, including Governor Bill Lee, who has spoken favorably about limiting transgender-related healthcare in the past.
Read full storyValentine's Day gift ideas for long-distance relationships
Valentine's Day is a celebration embracing romance and affection. It originates from Lupercalia (a Roman fertility festival) and honoring St. Valentine, and it is widely known for chocolate candies, stuffed animals, and candlelight dinners. Many couples enjoy this day by spending time with each other and exchanging gifts, but this can be harder to accomplish if you're in a long-distance relationship with your valentine this year.
Read full storyThe safest cities in Tennessee
Tennessee is a beautiful state full of history and local charm. It's home to a 42-foot statue of Pallas Athene, Knoxville's Sunsphere, Dolly Parton, and Taylor Swift. Regardless of if you're planning to travel to this state or if you're already a local, one thing that you should know about is the violent crime rate and which cities are safe.
Read full storyWhat happened after arson destroyed Knoxville's Planned Parenthood?
On December 31st, 2022, an anti-abortion extremist committed arson against one of the only two Planned Parenthood clinics in Knoxville, Tennessee. It's been over a year since that time, with plenty changing along the way. Here are some of the most impactful changes Tennessee has experienced since that time.
Read full story