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Initiatives Tristar Reads Scholarship program to encourage summer reading. Teachers for Student Success Empowering teachers to advocate for stronger schools. Tennesseans for Students Success Action Putting education at the forefront of political campaigns. Quality Charter Review Expert analysis of proposed public charter schools. TN SuccessCard How TN leaders are voting on education legislation. 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Tracker The latest from the 2026 campaign trail.
Impact Impact Report What we’ve accomplished, and how.
Who We Are Our Team Strategic problem-solvers eager to help Tennessee students.
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Tennesseans for Student Success Announces Partnership with the Tennessee Firefly

NASHVILLE — Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS) today announced the launch of a partnership with the Tennessee Firefly to provide a free, high-quality, independent statewide news service covering the issues impacting the people of the Volunteer State.

Named after Tennessee’s state insect, the Tennessee Firefly aims to shine a light on important government, policy, and education topics that are missed or underreported by traditional media outlets.

Tennessee Firefly will be led by veteran Tennessee journalist Sky Arnold who has spent nearly two decades covering government in Tennessee for Fox 17 News in Nashville and WBBJ in Jackson, Tennessee. Arnold will serve as managing editor, overseeing all content.

“As the breadth and complexity of public policy and education seems to grow, the number of trusted sources focused on local news coverage must keep pace,” said Adam Lister, President & CEO of Tennesseans for Student Success. “Strong communities require informed participation, and that participation is bolstered by increased awareness and civic engagement around the leaders and policies that impact the lives of Tennesseans. We are thrilled to partner with veteran journalist Sky Arnold to expand access to free and factual local journalism.”

Learn more about the Tennessee Firefly here. Tennessee Firefly stories are available to read free online at www.TNFirefly.com.

“The shift in news from print news to digital spaces has led to unwelcome disruptions in news and has had a devastating impact on the ability or capacity for outlets to adequately cover the policy and education issues impacting the people of Tennessee,” said Arnold. “We believe that awareness leads to accountability and will work to fill this gap by reporting on our state’s untold or underreported stories. I am proud of what we are looking to build and our dedication to factual and independent reporting.”
Tennesseans for Student Success is a statewide network of parents and caregivers, teachers, community leaders, volunteers, and advocates dedicated to championing and supporting Tennessee’s students and their futures.

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