For the past several years, there have been programs in place to mitigate the financial burden of student loan repayments. President Trump initially suspended student loan repayments during COVID-19 pandemic and that policy has… Read More
The litany of risks to the global economy are manyfold: Federal Reserve tightening of the money supply, ongoing supply chain disruptions, persistent inflation, the lingering effects of the pandemic and a war in Ukraine. In… Read More
Can we solve our labor problems? Our region, despite some outward appearances, has some very troubling employment statistics The unemployment rate is modest (2.9%). The number of unfilled positions is relatively high (10,000 openings).… Read More
The world seems to be “going to Hell in a handbasket,” a phrase my mom would occasionally use to describe the steady slide into chaos (or worse). The laws of thermodynamics apply: Life moves… Read More
It sauntered over at a lackadaisical pace, its head down rooting around for something to eat. When it looked up, we were able to snap several great pictures. It was a black bear strolling… Read More
“Everyone wants things to be different, but no one wants anything to change.” That could be the mantra of our region. Yet changes, in technology, culture, business activity, as a result of the Pandemic… Read More
It pains me to watch us flog ourselves like some medieval flagellants. Certainly, our region is far from perfect; we suffer from many of the same ills as other rural areas. Yet, despite significant… Read More
Regardless of the name (Tri-Cities, Upper East Tennessee or Appalachian Highlands), we live or die as one region. However, we have been unable to formulate a coherent story that incorporates and mutually benefits the… Read More
I grew of age (politically speaking) in the Reagan era. I watched the economic and social malaise of the 1970s recede before a message of hope and optimism. A renewed American spirit took hold.… Read More
The Covid-19 pandemic is a tragedy in two parts. It has affected our health and our economy. Policy seems to be driven by the former and the government shutdown of business and unprecedented stimulus… Read More
