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Advocate Andy
HomeAdvisor Fined $7.2 Million for Deceptive Marketing Practices
Federal Trade Commission says company made false claims about its leads for service providers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized an order against HomeAdvisor, Inc., a company affiliated with Angi (formerly Angie's List) for what the Commission calls deceptive marketing practices. As a result of the order, HomeAdvisor will be fined $7.2 million and be required to cease all practices identified as deceptive.
Lee Plans to Call Special Legislative Session on Gun Violence
The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned this past week without passing a Red Flag Law proposed by Gov. Bill Lee. The failure to take up gun violence legislation happened despite Lee's only Republican Party holding a supermajority in the House and Senate. In fact, many legislative Republicans expressed reluctance to take action on Lee's proposal.
Lee Signs Legislation Investing $3.3 Billion in Tennessee Roads
Transportation Modernization Act designed to improve highways, ease congestion. Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation that will invest $3.3 billion in the state's roadways and create "choice lanes" to help cover the cost of new infrastructure upgrades.
Nashville Nonprofit Announces Public Schools Hall of Fame
Nashville Public Education Foundation to honor four residents for commitment to public schools. Each year, the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) honors Nashville residents who have demonstrated a strong commitment to public education. This year, NPEF is inducting four residents into the Public Schools Hall of Fame.
Senate Democrats Echo Lee's Call for Red Flag Law
Lawmakers call on leadership to take up key gun safety measure. Democrats in Tennessee's state Senate are calling on the GOP leadership of the body to take action on a proposal by Republican Gov. Bill Lee that would create a so-called "red flag law" for guns. Essentially, this would mean gun sellers couldn't sell to someone who is an imminent threat to themselves or others.
Advocacy Group Calls on Speaker Sexton to Resign
Group cites online petition with 18,000 signatures. A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition is calling on Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton to resign in the wake of what they say is a power grab as he and his allies moved to expel three lawmakers for protesting gun violence in the state.
Nonprofit Coalition Seeks to Focus on Youth Issues in Mayor's Race
Twelve nonprofits to conduct survey on youth issues, seek to inform 2023 election. A group of Nashville nonprofit organizations operating under the banner of the Nashville Children and Youth Collaborative is seeking to collect data on issues important to young people in Nashville and use the results to inform political action in the upcoming Mayor's race.
Big Banks Earned More than $20 Billion from Junk Fees in 2022
Consumer advocacy group calls out nation's largest banks for profiting from questionable fees. Consumer advocacy group Accountable.us is calling out America's largest banks after earnings reports revealed these institutions - banks like JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo - earned more than $20 billion last year from junk fees alone.
Credit Repair Firms Face $3 Billion in Fines
Consumer bureau taking action against Lexington Law, CreditRepair.com. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is seeking a total of $3.1 billion in fines against a pair of firms purporting to offer credit repair services. The fines would impact Lexington Law and the website/firm CreditRepair.com.
Consumer Bureau Takes Action to Prevent Abuse in Financial Marketplace
Federal regulator offers guidance designed to protect consumers, prevent abuse. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued guidance recently that seeks to identify and rein-in abusive practices in the financial marketplace.
Pastors Speak Out in Support of Franklin PRIDE Fest
Advocacy group calls for inclusion, celebrates Aldermanic support of LGBTQ event. On the heels of the Franklin Board of Alderman deciding by a one-vote margin to approve a permit for the Franklin PRIDE fest, pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition voiced their support of the move.
Lee Calls on Legislature to Pass "Red Flag" Law for Guns
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today called on the Tennessee General Assembly to pass a so-called "Red Flag" law to limit access to guns for people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Lee also signed an executive order he says will strengthen the state's background check system.
Advocacy Group Calls for Tax Fairness, Plans Tax Day Rally
Report reveals 60% of corporations pay zero state income taxes. An advocacy group focused on social and economic justice is calling on lawmakers to take steps to promote tax fairness following the release of a report revealing 60% of corporations in the state pay no income taxes.
Democratic Leader Urges Legislature to Take Up Gov. Lee's Call for Gun Reform
Senate Democrats express willingness to work with GOP governor to pass gun reform proposals. In the wake of a school shooting in Nashville that resulted in the killing of three students and three staff, Gov. Bill Lee and Senate Democrats have spoken out about proposals to reform the state's gun laws.
Advocacy Groups Celebrate Reappointment of Rep. Justin Jones
Jones returns to Tennessee legislature just days after being expelled. Nashville state representative Justin Jones, who serves District 52 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, was expelled from the body last Thursday. However, the Nashville Metro Council voted unanimously on Monday to reappoint Jones to the seat and he returned to the body in time for Monday's afternoon legislative session.
Pastors Speak Out Against Hardening Juvenile Justice System
Southern Christian Coalition says legislation will harm young people and not reduce crime. A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition is speaking out in opposition to legislation that will treat some minors as young as 14 as adults in the state's court system.
Advocacy Group Challenges Effort to Undermine Consumer Bureau
Accountable says Emmer bill would harm consumers if implemented. An advocacy group aligned with consumer interests is challenging newly-introduced legislation by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) that the group says would hamstring the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) ability to take action to protect consumers in the financial marketplace.
Tennessee Doctors Speak Out on Potential Vaccine Restrictions
Doctors say amending "mature minor" guidance will lead to harm. A group of Tennessee doctors affiliated with the healthcare advocacy group Protect My Care is speaking out on a proposal to amend the mature minor doctrine in the state as it relates to vaccines.
Tennessee Attorney General Speaks Out on Political Violence
Threats and acts of violence have escalated in recent weeks, according to state's top law enforcement official. As political tensions have escalated in the state in recent weeks, Tennessee's Attorney General is speaking out against resorting to violence, noting there has been at least instance where shots were fired at someone's home.
Lee Celebrates Ford's Move into West Tennessee
Tennessee Governor highlights benefits of Blue Oval City. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is touting the economic benefits of the state's partnership with Ford Motor Company and the automotive production facilities that will be located near Jackson, TN in what is being dubbed "Blue Oval City."
Advocate Andy
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Andy Spears is a middle Tennessee writer and policy advocate. He reports on news around public policy issues - education, health care, consumer protection, and more.
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