Latest news with #TennesseeStateUniversity
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tennessee State University names James Sexton as interim band director
Tennessee State University has named James Sexton as its new interim band director. The historically Black, public university in Nashville announced the move in a May 6 news release. Sexton's new role is a promotion from his longtime position as assistant director of the Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands. Sexton said he counts it an honor to take on leadership of the marching band. "I am committed to upholding its proud traditions while enhancing the dynamic performances that define the AOB," Sexton said in the release. James Sexton leads the Aristocrat of Bands during the Tennessee State University Homecoming parade on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn. The university also named Dwight Pope as its new director of cheer and dance, where he will oversee the Sophisticated Ladies dance team. "His extensive experience will be invaluable in guiding the continued success and elevation of TSU's dance program while continuing to elevate the cheer team," the release said. The news comes after TSU interim President Dwayne Tucker removed previous band director Reggie McDonald from his position in January. Tucker said the school launched an investigation into McDonald's travel requestions and advances and his compliance with TSU policies and procedures. McDonald, who worked for TSU for 23 years, was ultimately fired from his role as band director but remains on administrative leave with full pay pending completion of due process for tenured faculty. The news of Sexton and Pope's appointments was met with excitement by university leaders. "Both the Aristocrat of Bands and TSU Sophisticated Ladies boasts a long and distinguished history of performances," Vice President for Student Affairs Bridgett Golman said in the release. "They are each a significant source of pride for Tennessee State University and the broader Nashville community." A search for a permanent band director is underway. More information on the Aristocrat of Bands can be found at Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@ You can also find her on Twitter or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner. This story has been updated to add a photo. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State University: James Sexton named interim band director
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Wasps are back in Tennessee: Mild winter sparks surge. Here's what you need to know
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a ... wasp! As temperatures in Middle Tennessee start to increase, the insect has decided to make its grand return with an extra bit of pizzazz. The common wasp, or vespula vulgaris, has been on Earth for millions of years. Its lineage dates back about 260 million to 270 million years to the Late Permian period. The oldest fossils are from 240 million years ago. But, if you feel like you're seeing more of the stinging insects than usual this spring, the snow we had this winter might be at fault, according to Tennessee State University professor Jason Oliver. He noted that snowy weather creates an insulating blanket for insects overwintering in logs, beneath logs and below leaf litter. 'The numbers of wasps may be a little higher this year due to winter generally being pretty mild and more surveying overwintering," he said. "With a rise in temperatures, we're having a lot of wasp activity, so it might give the appearance of an influx of wasps all of a sudden, but numbers really are not much higher than normal." Here's more about wasps: Some might be surprised to learn that there are actually more than 30,000 wasp species. The three most commonly encountered are hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets. While they might be a nuisance to summer activities, a world without wasps would suffer. As Oliver explained: 'Wasps do have an important role in the control of pest insects. Paper wasps, for example, feed on caterpillars.' Without wasps, Oliver says we would see a decline in plant diversity, an increase in pests such as flies and caterpillars, and increased food prices due to damaged crops. Wasps are mostly attracted to sweet scents and bright colors, Oliver said. 'Since they take advantage of nectar or other sources of sugar, they will sometimes respond to perfumes or brightly colored clothing that they might mistake for a flower,' he explained. And a wasp's sense of "smell" is a powerful thing. The insects use carbon dioxide to locate mammals that invade their nests. 'Wasps such as yellowjackets often have their nests raided by vertebrate animals like skunks, and the CO2 response helps them locate the intruder," Oliver said. "The main thing is to get away from any nest that is disturbed, since wasps like paper wasps, yellowjackets, hornets, etc. will all be the most defensive next to their nests.' It's important to remember that wasps only attack if they feel threatened. However, if your home structure and surrounding yard have an influx of wasps, Oliver said there are several steps you can take. 'Many choose to handle small paper wasp nests themselves with a can of labeled insect spray that can be purchased over the counter,' he said. 'However, if paper wasp nests are very large with lots of wasps or you are dealing with yellowjackets or hornets, (they) can have thousands of individuals in the nest.' And that's when it might be time to call in a professional. Additionally, if a wasp nest on a house is too high to reach, it may be better to just leave it alone since it is not close to areas of high human activity, Oliver said. There are several steps to follow in case of a sting: Apply a cold compress or wrap an ice pack in a towel or wash rag and place over the sting site to reduce swelling. If needed, take an over-the-counter product that can reduce the pain of the sting. Most importantly, watch for signs or symptoms of more serious allergic responses that can lead to anaphylaxis, such as severe swelling, hives away from the sting site, difficulty in breathing, mental confusion and low blood pressure. As Oliver explained: "Any symptom like this, or anything that is unusual for the person or just generally concerning, should be quickly dealt with by a medical professional, since anaphylactic reactions can be life-threatening. The more stings a person receives also may increase the risk of complications due to greater volumes of venom. " This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Wasps return to Middle Tennessee: Expert offers advice on what to do
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
When will cicadas officially arrive in Middle Tennessee? Everything about Brood XIV
A new brood of cicadas is coming, as millions of the noisy, ear-piercing buzzing insects prepare to emerge from Tennessee soil in the coming weeks. Brood XIV is expected to be one of the largest cicada broods, impacting Tennessee and 12 other states. It's been a long wait for the brood, which has been underground for the past 17 years. The insects will emerge once soil temperatures reach 64 to 65 degrees. Tennessee and Kentucky are expected to see the largest amount of the insects, Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, told USA TODAY. More: Middle Tennessee survived the cicada invasion of 2024. How did the bugs become bobbleheads According to data compiled by Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University, cicadas are expected in Robertson, Cheatham, Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner and Dickson Counties. The cicada brood is periodical, only occurring every 17 years, and only in the eastern half of the United States, Kritsky told USA TODAY. Kritsky said there are three different species of 17-year periodical cicadas: Magicicada septendecim, magicicada cassini and magicicada septendecula. There are some differences among the three species, such as their calls and color, he noted. Kritsky said cicadas are insects from the hemiptera order that includes stink bugs, bed bugs, aphids and other cicada families. Kritsky wrote on his website that the oldest historical record of Brood XIV cicadas is from 1634, when Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony recorded the insects. Native Americans knew of cicadas from centuries prior to European contact. Only male cicadas make that distinct buzzing sound. They use a sound-producing structure called tymbals, located on the side of their abdomen, Kritsky wrote on his website. Kritsky said five days after they emerge from the soil, cicadas begin their buzzing noises. It takes six weeks for all of them to come out. The sound can be deafening, reaching decibel levels of 102, which is louder than a jet flying into an airport. The insects are mostly built to keep their species alive. Female cicadas die after mating once. The males mate until they are unable and then die. After six to 10 weeks, the eggs laid by females on tree branches hatch and then drop to the ground. The juveniles burrow underground and feed on grass roots, leaving behind holes in the ground. There are a few misconceptions about the noisy insects, according to The University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture. Many of them were passed down by Native Americans who believed a large cicada emergence had an evil significance. Early American colonists believed cicadas to be Biblical, like locusts plaguing Egypt, and were considered a punishment. Another misconception was that cicadas will destroy crops, the extension said. "However, adult cicadas do not feed on foliage. Adults may feed on twig sap to a limited degree. The most immediate and noticeable damage results when females make injurious slits in twigs and limbs of trees as they deposit eggs," the extension institute said in a March 2021 report. The distinct black "W" on the outer end of the front wings was once thought to have foretold war, the extension institute said. Instead, the "W" is caused by deeper pigmentation of the veins. And no, cicadas can't poison fruit by stinging it. Kritsky said while cicadas don't live long, they do provide environmental help. Because they tunnel into the ground, they create natural aeration of soil and provide food for predators. Yes, humans can cicadas, Kritsky said. Though he said cicadas are best consumed when they are still white. 'They taste like cold canned asparagus,' Kritsky wrote on his website. 'Like all insects, cicadas have a good balance of vitamins, are low in fat, and, especially the females, are high in protein.' USA Today reporter Saleen Martin and Arizona Republic reporter Tiffany Acosta contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How much longer before cicadas are back in Middle Tennessee? Where?
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Tennessee State football player now headed to the ACC
Karate Brenson, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound wide receiver from St. Louis, Missouri, has made a significant impact during his collegiate football career. After beginning at Ball State in 2021, where he played three games and caught two passes, Brenson transferred to Tennessee State University in 2022. Over three seasons with the Tigers, he amassed 130 receptions for 1,669 yards and nine touchdowns. His standout 2024 season included 79 catches for 1,088 yards and six touchdowns, earning him an 88.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. ? Brenson's performance attracted attention from multiple FBS programs. Following the departure of TSU head coach Eddie George to Bowling Green, Brenson entered the transfer portal in March 2025. He received offers from schools including Oklahoma State, Bowling Green, and Purdue. Ultimately, Brenson transferred to Wake Forest, where he is expected to contribute significantly to the Demon Deacons' offense in the upcoming season. Two former HBCU receivers, Reginald Vick Jr. and Sterling Berkhalter, committed to Wake Forest out of the ACC in January. Wake Forest football endured a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 4–8 overall record and 1–7 in ACC play. The Demon Deacons struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the conference in total yards and points scored. Quarterback play was inconsistent following the departure of Sam Hartman, and the offensive line allowed a high number of sacks. Despite the setbacks, the defense showed flashes of resilience, particularly in close contests against Virginia and Pitt. Reggie Barlow has built a respected football coaching career following his success as an NFL wide receiver. After beginning his coaching journey at his alma mater, Alabama State, Barlow served as head coach from 2007 to 2014, leading the Hornets to multiple winning seasons and a SWAC Championship appearance. He later coached at Virginia State University, compiling a strong 34–16 record over five seasons. In 2022, Barlow made history as the first head coach of the XFL's D.C. Defenders, guiding the team to the league championship game in 2023. Known for discipline and player development, Barlow is prepared for his next opportunity at Tennessee State University. The post Tennessee State football player now headed to the ACC appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
History shows low tariffs and stability lead to growth not the opposite
In an era where trade has become both a political battleground and an economic bellwether, the United States' evolving tariff policy reveals much about our shifting priorities − and what might lie ahead for the nation's economic future. For the past 50 years, the U.S. economy has grown steadily under a relatively low tariff regime. Beginning in 1975, average tariff rates hovered around 5.5%, but by the early 2000s, they had dropped to nearly 1.5%. During that same period, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ballooned from approximately $1.7 trillion to over $13 trillion. These figures tell a simple story: economic growth thrived alongside liberalized trade. But things began to change in the late 2010s. Trade tensions, particularly with China, drove a brief but sharp increase in average tariffs − peaking at nearly 14% in 2019. Although GDP growth persisted, volatility increased, and industries exposed to global markets braced for impact. Fast forward to 2024, and the policy landscape has shifted once again. The U.S. is now proposing and implementing tariffs as high as 25% on targeted imports. Opinion: Tumultuous tariffs, federal layoffs leave TN readers uneasy about the economy Advocates of this strategy argue that "reciprocal tariffs" − those matching the duties imposed by foreign governments − level the playing field and protect American industries. However, critics warn of inflationary pressures, trade retaliation, and potential damage to U.S. competitiveness. What does history suggest? The data reveals that America's most sustained periods of GDP growth occurred under low and stable tariff conditions. While targeted tariffs may offer short-term protection, a broader retreat from trade openness could risk long-term economic vitality. As policymakers navigate this new phase, they must weigh the protective appeal of tariffs against the proven benefits of openness. Tariffs may be easy to impose − but reversing course is often far more difficult. Soumen N. Ghosh, Ph.D., is a professor of economics at Tennessee State University. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump tariffs policy ignores economic history on GDP growth | Opinion
