Comptroller Report Finds Tennessee ESA Program Growing, Highlights Opportunities for Improvement
The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) has released its first evaluation of the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, offering lawmakers and the public an in-depth look at participation, academic outcomes, program operations, and oversight following the program’s first three years of implementation. Created by the General Assembly […]
Tennessee 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
The Division of Accounts within the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration has released its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This report is prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles applicable to governments as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. The ACFR includes financial statements for 66 […]
Tennessee Sees Significant Drop in Traffic Fatalities in 2025
Tennessee recorded a significant decline in traffic fatalities in 2025, with 147 fewer roadway deaths than the previous year, according to year end data released by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The Tennessee Fatality Analysis Reporting System shows 1,045 traffic fatalities statewide in 2025, down from 1,194 in 2024, a reduction of […]
CDC Investigation Notice – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters
CDC Investigation notice Investigation status: Open Recall issued: No People in this outbreak are reporting eating raw oysters. CDC and FDA are working to determine if a common source of oysters can be identified. Raw oysters can be contaminated with germs at any time of year. Fast Facts Cases: 64 Hospitalizations: 20 Deaths: 0 States: 22 What […]
Tennessee Files Lawsuit Against Roblox Over Child Safety Misrepresentations
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti sued online gaming giant Roblox, alleging the company lures children into an environment it knows is dangerous but promises is safe, in violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). According to the lawsuit, for years, Roblox has deceived Tennesseans about the serious safety risks its platform poses for kids, […]
TDOT Halts Highway Construction for the Holiday Travel Period
Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at 11:59 p.m. […]
Michael Phagan, CPA to run for Trustee
Michael Phagan, CPA, CMFO, Baneberry City Manager, announced he will be seeking the office of Jefferson County Trustee in the May Republican primary. Michael has a history of service to citizens in Jefferson County. He was previously a County Commissioner for the 3rd District. In that capacity, he served as the Chair of the Commission’s […]
President Trump Orders Steps To Increasing Medical Marijuana And Cannabidiol Research
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Americans deserve access to the best medical treatments and research infrastructure in the world. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed a review of the […]
Jefferson County Schools Celebrates Academic Excellence as Majority of Schools Earn As
Jefferson County Schools is proud to celebrate a highly successful academic year marked by strong student performance, exceptional growth, and statewide recognition. The 2024 to 2025 school year reflected some of the highest proficiency levels in district history, the highest growth designation possible at the district level, and the second highest accountability designation available. In […]
U.S. Marshals Arrest Pennsylvania Top 5 Most Wanted on Child Rape Charges In Sevierville Hotel
The Eastern District of Tennessee U.S. Marshals Service Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force (SMFTF) arrested Corey Matthew Maikranz at a hotel in Sevierville located at 1410 Winfield Dunn Parkway. Maikranz was wanted out of Pennsylvania for child rape and other sex offenses involving multiple juvenile victims. The Pennsylvania State Police had placed Maikranz on Pennsylvania’s […]
Jefferson County’s Nathan Bugg Obtains Administrator of Elections Certification
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins today recognized Jefferson County Administrator of Elections Nathan Bugg for passing the Administrator of Elections Certification Exam. “Congratulations to Nathan Bugg on earning his state certification,” said Secretary Hargett. “Nathan’s attainment of this goal should instill confidence in the citizens of Jefferson County that their elections are […]
Tennessee to Manage USDA Grants for Farmers and Forest Landowners Hit by Hurricane Helene
Farmers and forest landowners in Tennessee who continue to recover from losses brought on by Hurricane Helene will soon have the opportunity to apply for block grants made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). USDA, Governor Bill Lee, and TDA have finalized a grant […]
Tennessee Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in September
Tennessee’s unemployment rate held steady in September at 3.6%, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The release of September’s data was delayed because of the impact to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics during the federal government shutdown. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from the […]
VITAL POLICY – Senator Jessie Seal Urges Support for SB 1080, Potentially Over Six Million Dollars of Additional Revenue for District Eight
County governments in the 8th Senate District could get a financial shot in the arm if proposed legislation is enacted to return 50% of the Real Estate Transfer Tax to county governments where the tax is generated. When real estate ownership is transferred and the deed is recorded at the Register of Deeds Office in […]
Crafting Stories Through Songs: Signups Open Today for Tennessee Songwriters Week 2026
Songwriters in all genres of music are encouraged to share their original music, as signups officially open today for the eighth annual statewide Tennessee Songwriters Week. Songwriters can sign up to perform in qualifying rounds all over Tennessee and compete for a chance to play their original music at iconic venues across the state, including The Bluebird […]
The Path To College And Technical Training Just Got Easier In Tennessee
45,000+ High School Seniors to Receive Automatic In-State College Acceptance Letters This Week NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) marks a pivotal next step in the state’s TN Direct Admissions pilot by sending more than 45,000 personalized college admission letters—signed by Governor Bill Lee—to eligible Tennessee high school seniors in […]
