Public Policy Tipoffs Involving Tennessee
'A deeper sense of purpose': APSU students volunteer in Puerto Rico
CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- Austin Peay State University posted the following news:
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'A deeper sense of purpose': APSU students volunteer in Puerto Rico
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Austin Peay State University students and staff visit Puerto Rico to assist with ongoing hurricane relief efforts as part of a summer Alternative Break Trip program. | Contributed photo
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -Austin Peay State University's Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability recently supported a week-long volunteeri
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AG Office Files Lawsuit Against Nonprofit
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog:
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AG Office Files Lawsuit Against Nonprofit
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The Tennessee Attorney General's Office filed a complaint on July 15 in Davidson County Chancery Court against Bartlett Animal Shelter Support and its director, Laura Jean Mace, WKRN reports.
Mace incorporated the nonprofit in May 2022, filing a charter that designated it a public-benefit organization. The complaint stat
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Austin Peay Professor Sues Blackburn Over Firing
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog:
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Austin Peay Professor Sues Blackburn Over Firing
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An Austin Peay State University professor, who was fired for reposting an article critical of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk after he was killed last year, is suing U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, arguing that she used her office to compel his firing.
According to the Nashville Banner newsletter, in a lawsuit fi
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Belmont University Launches Animation & Media Arts B.F.A.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- Belmont University posted the following news:
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Belmont University Launches Animation & Media Arts B.F.A.
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New multi-disciplinary program prepares students for an industry-wide expansion of animation and digital media
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 11, 2026) -Belmont University has launched a new Animation and Media Arts B.F.A., a joint degree program offered through the Watkins College of Art and Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The program
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Blanche Confirmed, Sworn in as AG
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog:
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Blanche Confirmed, Sworn in as AG
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The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote on Saturday, the Associated Press reports. Blanche, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, was sworn in today according to The Hill, making him the second official to hold the nation's top law enforcement position during Trump's second administ
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Bob and Paula McEniry Make $6.2 Million Gift to Strengthen Business Education at CBU
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- Christian Brothers University posted the following news:
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Bob and Paula McEniry Make $6.2 Million Gift to Strengthen Business Education at CBU
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Christian Brothers University (CBU) has received a $6.2 million gift from Bob and Paula McEniry to strengthen the University's School of Business and expand its role in preparing the next generation of business leaders for Memphis and beyond.
In recognition of the McEnirys' generosity and longstanding commitment
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CAIR Welcomes Withdrawal of Proposed Ban on Non-Existent Public Calls to Prayer in Tennessee County
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes Withdrawal of Proposed Ban on Non-Existent Public Calls to Prayer in Tennessee County
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the withdrawal of a measure proposed by Tennessee's Knox County Commissioner Andy Fox that would ban the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan, in
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Campus Updates Enhance Student Experience
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- The University of Tennessee posted the following news:
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Campus Updates Enhance Student Experience
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As the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prepares for the start of the fall semester, several campus improvements will enhance the student experience and make life on Rocky Top more convenient and accessible. With more than 40,000 students arriving, these updates -which include both new spaces opening in the fall and major projects that will shape campus
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Crapo Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Permanently Restore Biological Sex Standard
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release:
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Crapo Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Permanently Restore Biological Sex Standard
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Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined 10 of his Senate Republican colleagues to introduce the Title IX Clarification Act, which would ensure Title IX anti-discrimination requirements tied to federal education funding are based on biological sex and not "sexual orientation or gender identity."
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CRHR annual report highlights growth, impact
JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Aug. 11 (TNSrep) -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news:
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CRHR annual report highlights growth, impact
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From strengthening maternal and child health research to developing statewide data tools and informing national rural health policy, East Tennessee State University's Center for Rural Health and Research continues to expand its impact across Appalachia and beyond.
The center's 2026 Annual Report highlights a year of significant growth,
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Delta Sigma Theta Supports Student Success at Tuskegee University With Major Professional Wardrobe Donation
TUSKEGEE, Alabama, Aug. 12 -- The Tuskegee University posted the following news:
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Delta Sigma Theta Supports Student Success at Tuskegee with Major Professional Wardrobe Donation
Crystal Drake
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. donated more than 1000 articles of professional clothing to Tuskegee University's Golden Tiger Community Closet, and a gift of $5000 in scholarship support, during the organization's 50th Southern Region Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Mark A. Brown, president
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From a Passion for Spanish to Shaping the Future of Language Learning
BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky, Aug. 11 -- Western Kentucky University posted the following news:
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From a Passion for Spanish to Shaping the Future of Language Learning
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What began as a love for learning Spanish at Western Kentucky University has evolved into a career dedicated to transforming language education. Stephanie Knight, now Senior Director of Learning at LingroLearning, credits her time as a Spanish major at WKU as the foundation for a professional journey that has taken her from t
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Ga. A.G. Carr, 15 Co-Signers Issue Letter to Congressional Leadership
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 12 (TNSletter) -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, with 15 co-signers issued the following letter to the Congressional leadership:
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Here is the text of the letter:
August 6, 2026
The Honorable John Thune
Majority Leader
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
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The Honorable Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
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The Honorable Chuck Schumer
Minority Leader
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
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The Hono
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Heritage Foundation Legal Policy Center Senior Fellow Smith Testifies Before House Oversight & Government Reform Committee
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses released the following written testimony by Zack Smith, senior legal fellow of courts and the constitution at the Heritage Foundation Legal Policy Center, from a July 22, 2026, hearing entitled "The Future of DEI in Law School Accreditation and the Legal Profession." DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.
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The American Bar Asso
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House Budget Committee Issues Report on Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2027 (Part 1 of 9)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The House Budget Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-754) on the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal 2027 (H.Con.Res. 113). The report was advanced by Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, on July 18, 2026.
The House passed the bill on July 22, 2026, and it has been referred to the Senate Budget Committee.
Here are excerpts:
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INTRODUCTION
Our nation faces an unprecedented level of threats from foreign adversaries that aim to bring an end to our global leade
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House Budget Committee Issues Report on Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2027 (Part 6 of 9)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The House Budget Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-754) on the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal 2027 (H.Con.Res. 113). The report was advanced by Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, on July 18, 2026.
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(Continued from Part 5 of 9)
FUNCTION-BY-FUNCTION PRESENTATION
FUNCTION 050: NATIONAL DEFENSE
Function Summary
The National Defense budget function includes funds to compensate, train, maintain, and equip the military forces of the United States. The
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Judicial Races Across the State Decided Last Week
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog:
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Judicial Races Across the State Decided Last Week
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In addition to primary elections for gubernatorial and congressional races last week, Tennessee voters selected trial court judges and court clerks in general elections across the state. In the Chattanooga area, voters chose incumbent Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk Vince Dean over Democrat Aaliyah K. Hakeem.
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Knoxville Attorney Named NACDL President-Elect
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog:
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Knoxville Attorney Named NACDL President-Elect
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Knoxville attorney Stephen Ross Johnson was sworn in as president-elect of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) on Aug. 8 during the association's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Johnson is managing partner of Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall and has defended criminal cases in state and federal
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Meet Bryan College's 2026-2027 Faculty Fellows
DAYTON, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- Bryan College posted the following news:
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Meet Bryan College's 2026-2027 Faculty Fellows
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Bryan College welcomes several new Faculty Fellows to its academic community for the 2026-2027 academic year. These appointments strengthen academic programs across multiple departments and support the college's commitment to Christ-centered education.
#Faculty Fellows Support Student Learning
Faculty Fellows teach up to 12 credit hours each year while supporting st
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MTSU on WGNS: New mechatronics master's degree, tracking Midstate business confidence, defining job of an actuary [LISTEN]
MURFREESBORO, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- Middle Tennessee State University posted the following news:
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MTSU on WGNS: New mechatronics master's degree, tracking Midstate business confidence, defining job of an actuary [LISTEN]
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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -Middle Tennessee State University representatives recently appeared on WGNS Radio to discuss a new mechatronics engineering master's degree, the new Middle Tennessee Business Confidence Index and the promising actuarial science program.
They app
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ORNL, Kyoto Fusioneering to develop fusion technology test facility in East Tennessee
OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release:
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ORNL, Kyoto Fusioneering to develop fusion technology test facility in East Tennessee
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has officially committed funding to establish UNITY-3, a world-class fusion breeding blanket test facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), with Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) relocating its U.S. headquarters to Tennessee to help build and
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SC State remembers Dr. Suresh R. Londhe, architect of agribusiness programs
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina, Aug. 11 -- South Carolina State University posted the following news:
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SC State remembers Dr. Suresh R. Londhe, architect of agribusiness programs
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Londhe's 40 years of service included building academic programs and expanding the university's international reach. He died Wednesday at age 87.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. -South Carolina State University is remembering Dr. Suresh R. Londhe, a longtime educator, researcher and academic leader whose four decades of servi
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Single-cell atlas reveals how spinal neurons help coordinate walking and other rhythmic movements
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: BizHospital] -- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital issued the following news release:
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Single-cell atlas reveals how spinal neurons help coordinate walking and other rhythmic movements
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Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a single-cell atlas of a key class of spinal neurons involved in motor coordination. From that resource, they identified a small subgroup of interneurons associated with the speed of rhythmic movements
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Tenn. Financial Institutions Commissioner Gonzales Announces Weekly Formula Rate Aug. 11, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 12 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FORMULA RATE AUGUST 11, 2026
Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 10.75 percent per annum.
The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 6.75 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on August 10, 202
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Tennessee Healthcare Management to Pay $200,000 in EEOC Race, National Origin and Age Discrimination Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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Tennessee Healthcare Management to Pay $200,000 in EEOC Race, National Origin and Age Discrimination Lawsuit
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Nashville provider of graduate medical education settles federal suit denying promotion for physician
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Healthcare Management, Inc. (THM), a provider of administrative, purchasing, technology and human resources services to health care communities,
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Tennessee Lawyers Honored at ABA Annual Meeting
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 10 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog:
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Tennessee Lawyers Honored at ABA Annual Meeting
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Lawyers gathered in Chicago at the end of July for the American Bar Association (ABA) Annual Meeting. The event included educational presentations, governance meetings, induction of new president Barbara J. Howard of Ohio and recognition of several Tennessee lawyers. Nashville lawyer Jonathan Cole concluded his two-
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Tennessee Medical Association: Medical Group Recovers Thousands in Recouped Payments
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 12 -- The Tennessee Medical Association issued the following news:
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Medical Group Recovers Thousands in Recouped Payments; TMA Fights for Members
By Jonathan Kirkland
The Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) exists to support physicians and the practice of medicine across the state. This support takes the form of advocacy, education, networking and fighting for what members deserve. Recently, an all-in member group experienced a major win when they recovered th
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UK symposium brings national researchers together to advance the future of the bioeconomy
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, Aug. 11 -- The University of Kentucky issued the following news:
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UK symposium brings national researchers together to advance the future of the bioeconomy
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The University of Kentucky Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment welcomed faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and industry collaborators across the country for the 2026 S1075 Symposium. Held in the new Marti
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UNC Charlotte expert explains earthquake risks, North Carolina seismic activity and early-warning systems
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Aug. 11 -- The University of North Carolina Charlotte campus posted the following news release:
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UNC Charlotte expert explains earthquake risks, North Carolina seismic activity and early-warning systems
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Powerful earthquakes in Venezuela in June renewed questions about how often major earthquakes occur, why some cause more destruction than others and what risks exist closer to home. UNC Charlotte geologist and earthquake expert Andy Bobyarchick answered quest
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UTC celebrates largest donor participation in University history
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- The University of Tennessee Chattanooga Campus posted the following news:
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UTC celebrates largest donor participation in University history
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UT Foundation surpasses $654 million through the collective effort of all UT campuses and institutes, bringing decade total past $2.7 billion toward $4 billion goal
More people than ever before chose to invest in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during fiscal year 2026, making it the largest donor year
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Vanderbilt Health evaluating vaccine for C. difficile for people 65 and older
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 11 -- Vanderbilt University Medical Center posted the following news release:
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Vanderbilt Health evaluating vaccine for C. difficile for people 65 and older
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Investigators at Vanderbilt Health are enrolling participants in a Phase 3 clinical trial testing an investigational vaccine against Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, a contagious bacterial infection of the colon.
C. diff is a leading cause of health care-associated infection in the United States.
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What's Happening at WKU
BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky, Aug. 11 -- Western Kentucky University posted the following news:
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What's Happening at WKU
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Here is a listing of WKU events for Tuesday, August 11 through Thursday, August 27. All times are Central (unless noted). For more events, visit the WKU Events calendar at https://www.wku.edu/events. or follow @wkuevents on Instagram. (More: How to Place Campus Events on WKU Events Calendar)
Tuesday, August 11
7 p.m.: Planetarium Show: Hubble Space Telescope's 30th Ann
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