Tennessee Matters

Tennessee Matters

Tennessee Matters a half hour weekly Public Affairs program from the Tennessee Radio Network hosted by John Clark. The program features interviews about issues of importance and interest to Tennesseans such as politics, public services, history and economic development.

Episodes

June 27, 2025 30 mins
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal to address economic development and infrastructure needs in the Tennessee Valley region. Today it provides electricity for nearly 10 million people across seven southeastern states, primarily through hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil fuel power plants. TVA also plays a key role in managing natural resources, including flood contr...
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The Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA, is a government agency that was created during the Great Depression in 1933 to help modernize the Tennessee Valley region. Its main goals are to provide affordable electricity, manage natural resources like rivers and forests, and support economic development.  On this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS, Ashley England of TVA EnergyRight joins John Clark to talk about ways to save money on your ene...
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Under the leadership of President Randy Boyd, The University of Tennessee System has broken records in enrollment and graduation rates, expanded research efforts, and made substantial infrastructure investments.  Alongside its dedication to higher education through its campuses across the state, The University of Tennessee System is also focused on addressing the state's most pressing challenges. Through UT's Grand Challenges, the ...
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April 11, 2025 30 mins
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) aims to operate safe and secure facilities while providing effective community supervision to support successful reentry across the state. TDOC is actively working to reduce recidivism through evidence-based programs, community partnerships, and reentry services while managing fully functional communities inside the walls.  For this episode of Tennessee Matters,  Heather Stanford, Asst....
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The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) was established in 1963 to promote and protect human rights through education and enforcement. Initially an advisory body, it became an enforcement agency in 1978 with the passage of the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The THRC addresses discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, and disa...
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It's no accident that some of the world's biggest brands have chosen to call Tennessee home. 
The Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development is constantly promoting Tennessee's attractive business climate and has delivered many success stories that are impacting the state now and into the future.  TNECD is not only behind the relocation and expansion of businessess in the Volunteer state, but they also help people devel...
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January 24, 2025 30 mins
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) is dedicated to connecting veterans of all eras with the benefits they have earned, including healthcare, education, and financial assistance. The department plays a crucial role in advocating for veterans' rights, assisting with active duty casualties, and hosting outreach events to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families. TDVS operates 14 field offices and f...
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December 1, 2024 30 mins
All states are vying to attract new businesses and industries, making the competition fierce. Tennessee has excelled in this arena, successfully attracting major companies and driving significant job growth for the future. A crucial factor in this success is developing a skilled and qualified workforce for emerging sectors.  The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development plays a vital role in preparing this workforce...
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The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 to provide flood control, improve navigation, generate electricity, and promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region. Today, it is the largest public power provider in the U.S., supplying electricity to about 10 million people. On this episode of Tennessee Matters, the TVA's Ashley England joins John Clark to talk about saving money on your heating bills th...
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The newly established Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging aims to enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults and Tenneseans with disabilities. The department was formed by merging the TN Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and the Dept. of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), creating a more streamlined organization. By combining these two entities, the state can better coordinate ser...
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June 29, 2024 30 mins
Lasagna Love is dedicated to fostering community connections through the simple act of delivering homemade meals. Founded during the pandemic, Lasagna Love addresses food insecurity and offers a comforting gesture during challenging times. The organization also aims to eliminate the stigma associated with asking for help, ensuring that anyone can receive support without judgment. Recently Melanie Johnson, Regional Director for Tenn...
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June 21, 2024 30 mins
The State of Tennessee is the state's number one employer with a headcount of more than 40,000.  It's a big group assigned to important tasks we all depend on like public safety, infrastructure and transportation, education, and healthcare among many others.  With a staff that big, naturally there are lots of job opportunities at any given moment for positions like law enforcement, attorneys, dentists, accountants and even veterina...
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) plays a vital role in safeguarding our state’s natural resources. They work to improve air and water quality, protect citizens from environmental hazards, and manage Tennessee’s beautiful state parks including their network of lodges. Their mission is all about enhancing our quality of life while preserving the environment for future generations. TDEC Commissioner Davi...
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The Tennessee Dept. of Human Services recently launched the Fatherhood Grant Program, investing approximately $10 million to support organizations serving fathers. Through this initiative, they aim to enhance fatherhood-related programs, including mentorship, education, co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, employment services, and financial literacy. By promoting active father involvement, TDHS hopes to contribute to str...
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The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) serves to safeguard individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement. As an independent state agency, it enforces anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodation based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and age. Executive Director Muriel Nolan joined John Clark to talk about the THRC's role to act...
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The Tennessee Charitable Care Network (TCCN) is dedicated to a mission of support, education, and representation for non-profit organizations that provide essential healthcare services.These organizations are committed to delivering free or reduced-cost medical, dental, and mental health services to low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations. By providing this support, TCCN ensures that these vital services can reach those ...
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Veterans encounter significant challenges when transitioning back to civilian life, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services is committed to easing this transition for the approximately 450,000 veterans living in Tennessee. Through passionate advocacy and informative outreach, the department connects veterans with the benefits they’ve earned and to critical resources that many need. Major General Tommy Baker is commissione...
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The Secretary of State’s office in Tennessee plays a pivotal role in the state’s governance and administration including maintaining a register of the governor’s official acts and proceedings, ensuring the accuracy and security of public records, and administering the state’s election laws. The office is also tasked with the chartering of corporations, registration of trademarks and service marks, and the overall administration of ...
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The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is entrusted with a broad spectrum of responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the state’s transportation network. It oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of over 14,000 miles of state-owned highways and interstates. Additionally, TDOT administers funding and offers technical assistance for state and federal aid road programs to cities and counti...
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March 16, 2024 30 mins
Did you know every organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more people through tissue donation?  That's the message from Tennessee Donor Services whose mission is to save and improve lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.  2023 was a record-breaking year in the state for organ and tissue donations in Tennessee but the need remains great. Recently John Clark spoke with Jill Grandas, Executive Direct...
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