TDHS Begins Issuing Full SNAP Benefits for Tennessee Families for November 2025
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced today that, following the end of the federal government shutdown, it received guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to begin issuing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025 beginning Monday, November 17. USDA has directed states to return […]
Tennessee Joins Multistate Effort Using Higher Education to Drive Economic Prosperity
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today announced that Tennessee has joined Lumina Foundation’s State Attainment Collaborative, a multistate initiative to help states revise or adopt goals for ensuring people receive formal education or training that leads to further learning and career opportunities. This effort will build momentum toward Lumina’s Goal 2040: By 2040, three-fourths of […]
Secretary of State Tre Hargett Appoints 14 Educators to the Civic Education and Engagement Advisory Committee
Secretary of State Tre Hargett is pleased to announce that 14 educators from 10 counties have been appointed as new members of the Civic Education and Engagement Advisory Committee. “Our office created the advisory committee to build a more engaged citizenry in Tennessee. We appreciate each member’s dedication to serving the students of our great […]
TDCI Offers Consumer Insurance Tips for 2025-26 ACA Open Enrollment
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) reminds Tennesseans who are purchasing their insurance coverage through the FFM to begin their review and planning as early as possible to avoid missing deadlines. Once the Open Enrollment period closes in January, consumers can only enroll in a health plan after certain qualifying life events occur. […]
TennCare Announces Change in Dental Plan Management
TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, announced today that beginning November 1, 2025, Renaissance will manage all dental benefits for TennCare members. This change is part of TennCare’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality dental care for members across the state. TennCare provides extensive dental benefits for all members, including two preventive cleanings each year, x-rays, and […]
Gov. Lee Announces Resources for Tennesseans Impacted by Democrat-Led Federal Government Shutdown
Released by Governors Office: Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee provided more information on statewide resources available to Tennesseans impacted by the Democrat-led federal government shutdown. The Governor announced the launch of FeedTN.org, a platform that will connect Tennesseans with resources and opportunities to serve. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed all states […]
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett Protecting the Vote in Tennessee: Uses Enhanced SAVE Program to Identify Ineligible Voters
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced that his office has referred the names of 42 individuals identified as potential non‑U.S. Citizens who voted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for further review. These names were identified using the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which has recently been enhanced to […]
Early Detection is the Best Protection Against Breast & Lung Cancer
This October and November, the Tennessee Department of Health is promoting breast and lung cancer awareness with the annual Pink & Pearl Campaign. The campaign combines the pink ribbon, a recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness, with the pearl ribbon representing lung cancer awareness. While breast cancer is the most common new cancer in female […]
Gov. Lee Warns SNAP Customers to Expect Lapse in Benefits Due to Democrat-Led Federal Government Shutdown
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee warned Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers to expect a lapse in benefits on their cards beginning November 1, because Congressional Democrats have not voted to end the government shutdown. The longer Democrats wait to reopen the government, the more delays customers can expect as the program restarts. The SNAP program […]
2026–27 FAFSA Application Opens for Tennessee Students
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today announced that the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for all Tennessee students. Students and their families can begin applying at www.fafsa.gov. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is online and […]
DCS Strengthens Response Times to Protect Children Sooner
Beginning September 30, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) will implement new Child Protective Services (CPS) response times to ensure children at risk of abuse or neglect are seen more quickly. Under the new guidelines: High-risk situations (Priority 1): Face-to-face visit within 8 hours (previously 24 hours) Moderate-risk situations (Priority 2): Face-to-face visit […]
Tennessee Attorney General Joins Coalition of 26 States Opposing Bans on Plus-Ten Magazines
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced Tuesday that Tennessee has recently joined a group of 26 states urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn unconstitutional laws in Washington and California that ban the possession of common, plus-ten magazines by law-abiding gun owners. The coalition argues that these bans plainly violate the Second Amendment. The bans […]
Tennessee Attorney General Joins Federal Crackdown on Ticket Scalping Schemes by Ticketmaster and Live Nation
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan coalition of six other state attorneys general in a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent entity, Live Nation Entertainment, over their alleged ticket scalping scheme that has locked out fans and driven up prices. The lawsuit, filed in the Central District […]
TDOE Announces Successful Implementation of Education Freedom Scholarship Program
More than 42,000 applications received from Tennessee families All 20,000 available seats reserved Scholarships awarded to students in 86 of Tennessee’s 95 counties Participating students enrolled at 220 of 241 eligible schools across the state Nashville, TN— Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced remarkable results from the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Program’s inaugural year. Tennessee’s first-ever […]
New Federal Law Updates SNAP Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) today announced updates to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) following the passage of HR 1 in July 2025. Upon implementation, the work requirements for the SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will require customers to follow certain work rules to maintain SNAP […]
Andrew Farmer: The spirit of “We the people” is alive and well in Tennessee
For nearly two and a half centuries, the United States Constitution has stood as the cornerstone of our Republic. It has guided our nation, protected liberty, restrained government and ensured that power remains in the hands of the people where it belongs. Each year, our nation observes Constitution Week during the week of Sept. 17 […]
