Congressman John Rose Joins President Trump in Memphis
Memphis, TN—Today, U.S. Congressman John Rose (TN-6, R), a candidate for Governor of Tennessee, joined President Donald Trump in Memphis as the President highlighted the achievements of the Memphis Safe Task Force and ongoing efforts to improve public safety in the region. 
Congressman Rose joins President Trump in Memphis alongside law enforcement and National Guard members to highlight the work of the Memphis Safe Task Force.
Rose, who has made strengthening public safety a cornerstone of his gubernatorial campaign, reinforced the importance of restoring public safety and stability in Memphis as a key step toward ensuring the success of the entire state.
“I want to commend President Trump and the Memphis Safe Task Force on their work. Tennessee will only reach its full potential when Memphis is safe, strong, and thriving,” said Rose. “That means standing firmly with our law enforcement officers and making it clear that crime has no place in Tennessee.”
Rose emphasized his commitment to a law-and-order approach as Governor, including appointing judges who will hold violent offenders accountable, ensuring law enforcement agencies have the resources they need, and sending the message that lawlessness is not welcome—in Memphis and in Nashville.
Rose’s visit underscores his campaign’s focus on public safety and his belief that strong leadership and decisive action are needed to address crime, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life across the state.
Congressman John Rose (TN-6), an eighth generation Tennessean, announced his candidacy for Governor on March 20, 2025, at the site of the Tennessee State Fair in Wilson County. His conservative record in Congress, mutual support with President Trump, and deep roots in agriculture have helped him gain support from voters across the state. Rose is a successful businessman, served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, and represents the 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He and his wife Chelsea have two children, and live on their Dekalb and Smith County farm which has been in the Rose family since 1790.
To learn more about the campaign, visit johnrose.com. Early voting begins July 17 and election day is August 6.
Jerri Green Launches First Ad, “Watch Me,” in Tennessee Gubernatorial Bid
MEMPHIS, TN — Democratic candidate for Tennessee governor Jerri Green has released her first campaign ad, “Watch Me,” delivering a message of urgency and determination as she prepares for a challenging race against Republican frontrunner U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn.
The ad introduces Green through her personal story: raised by a single mother in Memphis, becoming the first in her family to go away to college, and building a career as a public defender and Memphis City Council member. It then pivots to her central argument that Tennessee voters are ready for a new kind of leadership.
“They say we can’t win,” Green says in the ad. “Watch me.”
That message is underscored by the campaign’s early strategy. While Blackburn has faced criticism over the years for failing to hold public town halls, Green’s campaign has emphasized direct voter engagement, touting more than 70 stops across urban, suburban, and rural communities statewide, with more planned in the coming weeks.
“Jerri is showing up, listening, and earning support the right way,” said Alex Hensley, Campaign Manager for Green. “Marsha is doing controlled photo-ops. This campaign is literally on the ground in every corner of Tennessee.”
Green’s platform focuses on paid family leave, affordable childcare, a living wage, fully funded public schools, expanded healthcare access, and protections for reproductive freedom.
She has also released a “Day One Plan” aimed at immediate economic relief, including housing support, expanded childcare access, and medical debt elimination. The plan outlines broader structural reforms such as ending private prison contracts and maintaining public control of utilities.
Framing the race as a modern David Vs. Goliath contest, Green positions herself as an underdog challenging one of the state’s most established and well-funded political figures. Her campaign points to recent Democratic wins and impressive gains in states like Virginia, Georgia, and Texas, as well as well as unexpected overperformance in Aftyn Behn’s recent run for Congressional District-7, as signs the 2026 landscape is ripe for change.
“Tennesseans don’t want gilded ballrooms, they want groceries they can afford. They don’t want a renaming of the Kennedy Center, they want a reimagining of public schools. They don’t want warfare abroad, they want healthcare right here at home,” Green said. “Tennesseans are ready for change, and they aren’t afraid of a tough fight. The odds may seem long, but as I always say: hard is not impossible. Watch us.”
The full ad is available on youtube: https://youtu.be/p8uo718P1JE
Jerri Green is a mom of three, Memphis City Councilwoman, and proud Democrat. A lifelong Tennessean, she was raised in Memphis, educated in Knoxville, and began her career in Nashville. Choosing Memphis as home, she’s fought for her community by championing living wages for public employees, securing funding for food at senior centers, advocating for Shelby County’s first free gun lock by mail program, and more. Most recently, she advocated for free bus rides in light of federal cuts hurting low-income and vulnerable communities. Jerri flipped her seat blue for the first time in its history, also helping to secure the Council’s first woman majority.
For more information about Jerri Green visit: greenforgovernor.com.
Contact: press@greenforgovernor.com
tnAchieves Releases Framework to Strengthen Postsecondary-to-Career Pathways Across the State
Today, tnAchieves is releasing Tennessee’s Future Workforce Framework, a statewide strategy grounded in
student data and nearly two decades of experience supporting Tennessee students from high school into
postsecondary education and the workforce.
Drawing from survey responses of nearly 6,000 college-enrolled TN Promise students representing 81 of
the state’s counties and 54 institutions, the report highlights what students need to persist and complete a
credential of value before successfully entering the workforce.
The framework outlines five commitments to strengthen the transition from high school to postsecondary
education and into high-impact careers and middle-class earnings. To secure tomorrow’s workforce,
Tennessee should:
1. Put a stake in the ground — and keep score.
2. Prioritize credentials of value and higher earning potential.
3. Create clear pathways with off-ramps for exploration.
4. Invest in high-quality coaching and mentoring.
5. Build partnerships across K-12, postsecondary and business/industry — with real-time data.
“Tennessee has a powerful opportunity to align education and workforce systems around outcomes that
change lives and sustain our state’s economy into the future,” said tnAchieves President & CEO Krissy
DeAlejandro. “A connected infrastructure of supports across K-12, postsecondary institutions and
business/industry can open doors to economic mobility for students across Tennessee. These high-impact,
high-demand careers will increase opportunity for students and strengthen our state’s economy for years
to come.”
The survey results reinforce what tnAchieves has observed through practice: relationship-based coaching,
career exposure and access to business/industry networks are critical drivers of student success. Students
who work with a tnAchieves COMPLETE Coach are four times more likely to graduate than their peers. At
the same time, two-thirds of surveyed students report financial concerns as a barrier to college success,
and two-thirds have not participated in a job shadowing experience. For students to succeed, increased
workforce exploration is critical. Students who participate in just one job shadow experience are 24 percent
more likely to graduate than their peers. These are gaps tnAchieves and the framework are working to
address The report also highlights workforce trends shaping the urgency of this work. According to a global survey
by McKinsey & Company, 88 percent of organizations report regularly using AI in at least one business
function, underscoring the importance of preparing students for rapidly evolving workplace demands.
tnAchieves is encouraging business leaders, policymakers and community partners to engage with the
framework by supporting coaching initiatives, expanding job shadowing and mentorship opportunities and
investing in innovative career exploration and AI literacy efforts.
The full report, Tennessee’s Future Workforce Framework, is available at:
https://www.tnachieves.org/news/framework. A tnAchieves podcast episode delving into the details of the
report can also be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezrr4nlOBZs. tnAchieves is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Rebecca Franklin at Rebecca@tnAchieves.org or (865) 748-7767
Jerri Green Unveils Day One Plan for Immediate Action to Help Tennesseans
Jerri Green, Democratic Candidate for TN Governor
Leading Democratic candidate for Governor of Tennessee, has announced a bold Day One Plan aimed at delivering immediate relief to working families across the state. She’s set to continue her extensive tour across Tennessee this weekend, kicking off at the Irish Celebration Parade in Houston, followed by town halls in Waverly and Fairview.
“I’m not just running to win, I’m running to govern. Every stop, we hear from Tennesseans who are struggling. They deserve immediate relief. On Day One, we will deliver.” — Jerri Green
Jerri’s Day One Plan includes:
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Housing Relief: Use $10M in TANF funds to waive security deposits, helping 100,000+ families secure housing.
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Childcare for All: Invest $50M to eliminate the childcare waitlist so parents can work without worry.
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End Medical Debt: Use $10M to erase predatory medical debt for 100,000+ Tennesseans.
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Protect Reproductive Freedom: Sign an executive order protecting healthcare providers.
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Stop ICE Cooperation: End Tennessee Highway Patrol’s collaboration with ICE.
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Restore Expert Leadership: Appoint qualified leaders in key agencies.
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Put People Over Profit: End private prison contracts and challenge Ballad Health’s monopoly.
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Keep TVA Public: Ensure TVA remains a public utility, serving the people.
Jerri’s campaign continues to build momentum with over 70 stops across Tennessee. You can find Jerri’s Day One Plan and future campaign stops, at greenforgovernor.com
Jerri Green is a mom of three, Memphis City Councilwoman, and proud Democrat. A lifelong Tennessean, she was raised in Memphis, educated in Knoxville, and began her career in Nashville. Choosing Memphis as home, she’s fought for her community by championing living wages for public employees, securing funding for food at senior centers, advocating for Shelby County’s first free gun lock by mail program, and more. Most recently, she advocated for free bus rides in light of federal cuts hurting low-income and vulnerable communities. Jerri flipped her seat blue for the first time in its history, also helping to secure the Council’s first woman majority.
Food for Thought – Walk Across Tennessee
Ready, Set, Walk! According to Harvard Health, walking improves cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress. Walking and other moderate exercise programs also help protect against dementia, depression, and colon cancer and can lower death rates. Walking has other benefits that one may not think of as readily; it counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes, it helps lessen a sweet tooth, and it boosts immune function.
The University of Tennessee-Tennessee State University Extension Smith County is partnering with Smith County Health Department to again offer Walk Across Tennessee for 2026. Walk Across Tennessee is a program that persuades and motivates people of all ages to get started exercising or get back into the routine of exercising. It is a program that is simple and safe. All you need is a team of eight people and a desire to get moving!
Teams simply pool their mileage each week to work towards the chosen destination on a map that will be posted on the Walk Across Tennessee Smith County Facebook page. Dust off your walking shoes and prepare to join us on this eight-week journey “across Tennessee” from April 6-May 31! There is no cost to participate. Prizes will be awarded throughout the competition, and the teams with the most miles will be recognized. Register online by April 2nd at tiny.utk.edu/WATIndividual. Team captains must also register teams at tiny.utk.edu/WATTeam.
Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
1 tab butter
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped onion
4 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth
½ lb cooked chicken, I use leftover or canned chicken
1 ½ cups egg noodles
1 cup sliced carrots
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
Salt & pepper to taste
Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add celery and onion and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Add broths, chicken, noodles, carrots, and seasoning and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve.
Submitted by: Jan Knowles, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club
Better Business Bureau Warns Consumers to Watch for “Storm Chasers” After Severe Weather
- Contractors who show up uninvited or pressure you to act immediately
- Requests for large upfront payments before work begins
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- Lack of proper licensing, insurance, or local references
- Contractors asking you to sign over insurance checks
Understand your coverage, deductible, and claims process before hiring a contractor.
Look for trusted, local businesses with verified credentials, reviews, and proper licensing.
Comparing bids helps identify unusually high or low pricing that could signal a scam.
Ensure contracts clearly outline scope of work, costs, and timelines before signing.
Legitimate contractors typically require partial payment—not the full amount—before work begins.
Always verify identification, business credentials, and local presence before engaging.
Maintain control of your claim and pay contractors directly after reviewing invoices.
75% of Voters Choose John Rose for Governor in Latest Straw Poll
Photo caption: Gubernatorial candidate John Rose visits with a voter at the sold-out Putnam County Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner where he won the straw poll with 75% of the vote.
Cookeville, TN—Momentum for John Rose’s Tennessee Governor’s campaign continues to build, notching a fifth Republican straw poll win — this time in Putnam County.
At the sold-out Putnam County Republican Party’s Reagan Day Dinner on Saturday, March 14, local Republicans once again made their preference clear. Ticketed dinner attendees cast ballots in a secret ballot straw poll conducted by county GOP officers. Rose came out on top by a commanding margin:
John Rose: 75% (201 votes)
Monty Fritts: 14.6% (39 votes)
Marsha Blackburn: 10.4% (28 votes)
Of the eight county Republican Party annual dinner polls conducted during the campaign, Rose has prevailed in five including Lawrence, Lewis, Overton, Pickett, and now, Putnam.
“Listening to everyday Tennesseans has been John’s top priority since day one,” said Campaign Chair Chris Devaney. “Their ideas have helped form his vision for Tennessee, which is centered on conservative values and protecting what makes Tennessee special. John is winning by uniting Republicans around the bright future that lies ahead for this state.”
Rose was the first Republican candidate to enter the race in March 2025 and has become known as the grassroots candidate, visiting small town city squares, livestock arenas, veterans halls, and community gatherings in every county to build a coalition of support.
Rose has a deep well of rural and suburban support, a place where many candidates often struggle to gain the traction it takes to win statewide. That’s thanks to his background as state Commissioner of Agriculture, Chairman of the Tennessee State Fair Association, and Chairman of the Tennessee Future Farmers of America Foundation.
With his rural background and record as a successful entrepreneur of two Nashville-based IT training companies, Rose’s stump speech offers something for Tennesseans from every zip code. The campaign also announced contributions from every county, as well as more than 1,000 signatures of support, including voters from every county, on his petition for office.
Congressman John Rose (TN-6), an eighth generation Tennessean, announced his candidacy for Governor on March 20, 2025, at the site of the Tennessee State Fair in Wilson County. His conservative record in Congress, mutual support with President Trump, and deep roots in agriculture have helped him gain support from voters across the state. Rose is a successful businessman, served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, and represents the 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He and his wife Chelsea have two children, and live on their Dekalb and Smith County farm which has been in the Rose family since 1790.
Art Exhibit “My Favorite Flowers” Coming to Carthage Junction Depot
The historic Carthage Junction Depot will host a spring-themed art exhibit titled “My Favorite Flowers” on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The exhibit celebrates the beauty and inspiration of flowers through artwork created by two featured artists. Tabatha Edwards will showcase her detailed pyrography, a wood-burning art technique that creates intricate designs through carefully burned lines and shading. Tetiana Suzi will display a collection of oil paintings inspired by floral themes.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on activity by creating their own fresh flower bouquet at The Bloom Bar, adding an interactive element to the day’s artistic celebration.
The event is sponsored by Magnolia Title & Escrow and will take place at the depot located at 185 Gordonsville Highway in Carthage. Community members and visitors are invited to stop by, enjoy the artwork, and celebrate the beauty of flowers through a variety of creative mediums.
Tennessee Tech students to bring free Remote Area Medical clinic to Cookeville March 21-22
Tennessee Tech’s RAM host group leads for 2026 are, from left, Joshua Brittenham, Kaylie Gallaher, Annika Ray, Caleb Stovall, Lauren Knight, Leah Secker and Amelia Scarlett, along with faculty advisor and chemistry instructor Janet Coonce.
The coming event marks the 10th clinic hosted by Tech students at Cookeville High School.
Spring Consignment Sale Coming to Pleasant Shade Community Center
Bargain hunters and community members are invited to the Large Spring Consignment Sale at the Pleasant Shade Community Center, scheduled for March 26–28, 2026.
The three-day event will take place Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shoppers can expect a wide variety of items, including kitchenware, bath items, tools, machinery, furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, and more.
Community members are also welcome to enter items in the sale as long as they are in good working condition, whether new or used. Organizers note that the Pleasant Shade Community Center is not liable for items that become broken or damaged during the sale.
Anyone interested in consigning items can contact Tammy Shoulders at 615-655-3548 or Wesley Rigsby at 677-6514 or 683-7525 for more information and to receive a tagging number.
The annual sale offers a great opportunity for residents to shop for bargains, declutter their homes, and support a local community event.
Classic Cars to Shine at Community Car Show in Carthage
Car enthusiasts and community members are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Car Show hosted by The Pavilion Senior Living Carthage on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carthage Pavilion, 130 Lebanon Hwy., Carthage, Tennessee.
The event will showcase a variety of classic and custom vehicles, with awards given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall, along with a special Residents’ Choice Award. Entry for participants is $25 per vehicle, and the first-place winner will split entry fees 50/50 with Alzheimer’s Tennessee, helping support the organization’s work with individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The car show offers a great opportunity for the public to admire unique vehicles, connect with fellow car lovers, and support a meaningful cause. Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the show, and cheer on their favorite cars.
For more information about the event, call 615-588-1040.
Community Invited to Easter Egg Hunt at Carthage Pavilion Assisted Living
Families and community members are invited to celebrate spring at the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Carthage Pavilion Assisted Living on April 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The festive event will take place at 130 Lebanon Hwy in Carthage, Tennessee, and promises a fun-filled afternoon for children and families.
Guests can enjoy a cheerful atmosphere featuring colorful Easter eggs, seasonal decorations, and a chance for kids to hunt for hidden treats. The event is designed to bring the community together while creating joyful memories for local families and residents.
Organizers encourage attendees to arrive on time so children can participate in the egg hunt and enjoy the spring celebration. Events like this help strengthen community connections while spreading Easter cheer.
The public is warmly invited to attend and share in the fun of this family-friendly holiday tradition.
Prayer & Praise: A Night of Worship and Community
The Gordonsville Christian Fellowship Church invites the community to come together for a special evening of Prayer & Praise on March 21 at 6:00 PM. This uplifting event will take place at 118 East Main Street in Gordonsville, Tennessee, and is open to anyone seeking encouragement, spiritual renewal, and meaningful fellowship.
The evening will feature live worship music, heartfelt prayer, and moments of quiet reflection. It is designed to create a welcoming space where individuals and families can pause from the busyness of daily life and focus on faith, gratitude, and hope.
Organizers hope the event will strengthen community connections while offering an opportunity for attendees to experience peace and inspiration through worship. Whether you regularly attend church or are simply looking for a place to reconnect spiritually, the Prayer & Praise gathering promises to be a warm and uplifting experience.
As the invitation reminds us, “God has something special for you.” Everyone is encouraged to come and take part in this meaningful night of prayer, praise, and reflection.
Old Fashioned Community Revival
Everyone is invited to join us for a special time of revival at Long Branch Recreation Area, located just outside Lancaster, Tennessee beside Center Hill Dam.
The revival will take place April 19 through April 24, with services beginning each evening at 6:00 p.m.
This event is sponsored by South Carthage Missionary Baptist Church, and each night will feature preaching from the church’s pastors and ministers.
Come out for a week of worship, fellowship, and encouragement. Please like and share to help spread the word!
L.B.J.&C. Head Start Announces Open Enrollment for 2025–2026 School Year
Program enrollment is now open for L.B.J.&C. Head Start 2025–2026 school year. The program is currently accepting applications for children who can benefit from its comprehensive early childhood education services. Head Start programs are designed to prepare young learners for future academic success while also supporting social and emotional development.
Program features include a developmentally appropriate curriculum, play-based learning opportunities, and outdoor play, all aimed at helping children build foundational skills through hands-on experiences. Head Start programs are known nationwide for supporting both children and families by encouraging early literacy, social development, and school readiness. The L.B.J.&C. program continues that tradition by providing structured learning paired with creative play and exploration.
Parents or guardians interested in enrolling their child can apply online by visiting the program’s website at www.lbjc.org or by scanning the QR code provided on enrollment materials. Enrollment is now open, and families are encouraged to apply early to secure placement for the upcoming school year.
