ABOUT THE TENNESSEE FIREFLY
Shining a Light on Education & Government in Tennessee
Named after Tennessee's official state insect, the Tennessee Firefly shines a light on the untold and under-told stories about education and government in the Volunteer State.
Since 2004, more than 2,500 newspapers have closed – and remaining media has altered its focus and coverage to survive. Decisions and policies at the state and local level have a direct impact on the lives of every Tennessean. The Tennessee Firefly seeks to strengthen our communities through factual journalism with a local focus to increase civic engagement and awareness.
Our reporters and contributors will keep you in the know with stories and commentary centered around the leaders and policies that impact Tennessee.
The Tennessee Firefly launched in 2022. Its operations are funded in part by Tennesseans for Student Success, a statewide network of teachers, parents, community leaders, and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting, championing, and fighting for Tennessee’s public school students and their futures.
Why We Firefly
Local and factual reporting to make stronger Tennessee communities through civic awareness, participation, and engagement.
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Sky Arnold
Managing Editor
Sky is a veteran television journalist with two decades of experience covering news for television and radio stations in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Tennessee, where he covered government for Fox 17 News in Nashville and WBBJ in Jackson.
He’s originally from Oklahoma and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and a big supporter of the Sooners.
In his spare time Sky enjoys concerts, collecting vintage rock T-shirts and records, and watching soccer.
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Kat Gerasimenko
Reporter
Kat began her news career at WZTV in Nashville where she covered Middle Tennessee news for the station’s digital platforms.
Her passion for education policy began in high school, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to advance awareness of important educational topics in Tennessee.
She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University, a small liberal arts college in South Florida. Though she now calls Tennessee home, Kat was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.