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Advocate Andy
Honoring Excellence: Nashville Blue Ribbon Teachers
A Nashville nonprofit focused on education issues is honoring a group of 50 educators from the school district. The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) joined with Nashville's Agenda to highlight Blue Ribbon Teachers. The Blue Ribbon awards honor educators who consistently demonstrate excellence. The winners receive a $1000 award and a roundtrip airline ticket provided by Southwest Airlines.
Ford, Fain Spar Over Ongoing UAW Strike
Union leader suggests possibility of expanding strike. United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain responded quickly to Ford's Executive Chair, Bill Ford's plea for the UAW to end a strike occurring at Ford and two other major U.S. automakers.
Blackbaud to Pay $49.5 Million for Data Breach
Software company penalized for 2020 security breakdown. The software company Blackbaud will pay $49.5 million to states as part of a settlement agreement related to a 2020 security breakdown that compromised the personal information of millions of Americans.
Pastors Challenge Gov. Lee's Performative Christianity
Christian advocates call for policies that match proclaimed faith. A group ofTennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition are challenging Gov. Bill Lee to adopt policies that are in alignment with the faith he professes.
Consumers Get $140M in Refunds for Illegal Fees
CFPB oversight leads to refunds of illegal banking fees. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that as a result of the agency's oversight and enforcement, banks have refunded $140 million to consumers this year. The refunds represent fees paid by consumers that the CFPB deemed to be "junk fees" or otherwise illegal charges.
FTC Announces Crackdown on Hidden Fees
Regulator proposes rule to eliminate junk fees across the economy. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced it is proposing a rule that will eliminate junk fees across a number of financial transactions - from hotel stays to ticket purchases - in an effort to improve transparency in the marketplace.
Legal Experts: Payday Lenders Struggle in Supreme Court Hearing
Lawyers weigh in on court case that could defund consumer regulator. A group of legal experts said representatives of the payday lending industry faced a tough day in front of the Supreme Court as the body heard oral arguments in a case that could determine the fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Attack on CFPB Threatens Consumer Rights
Advocacy groups speak out as Supreme Court hears funding case. National consumer advocacy groups are speaking out about a Supreme Court case that could change how a key federal regulator is funded. The groups say that if the Court rules against the current funding structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the consumer financial marketplace could become a lot riskier.
Consumer Advocates Warn Supreme Court Ruling Could Lead to "Economic Chaos"
Consumer advocates outline risks in Supreme Court case. A consumer advocacy group is warning that if the Supreme Court rules against the current funding structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), economic chaos could result.
Pastors Lament Ban on Gender Affirming Care
Advocacy group responds to Sixth Circuit Court decision upholding Tennessee law. A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition is speaking out against a U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that upholds a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming healthcare for youth.
Groups Join Forces to Stop 243% Interest Rate Loans
Fintech lenders, consumer advocates seek to close pawnbroker loophole. Consumer advocates have been joined by representatives of the fintech lending industry in seeking a legislative solution that would prevent pawnbrokers from charging up to 243% interest rates on loans.
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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