Tennessee Lookout
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Independent, nonprofit news site dedicated to cover Tennessee government, policy and politics. Send tips to @info@tennesseelookout.com.
Tennessee House Republican leaders will push forward a plan in 2026 to install a Memphis-Shelby County schools oversight panel that would seize significant decision-making authority from the locally elected school board. From @chalkbeat.org.
House GOP to push forward Memphis school takeover plan with ‘teeth’ • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee House Republican leaders will push forward a plan in 2026 to take over control of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
tennesseelookout.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Tennessee House Republican leaders will push forward a plan in 2026 to install a Memphis-Shelby County schools oversight panel that would seize significant decision-making authority from the locally elected school board. From @chalkbeat.org.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
One complaint against an illegal child care operator lacked a temporary restraining order to shut it down that was “essential when conditions present an immediate threat to children’s health or safety,” the audit found.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Audit identifies flaws in state child care center investigations
A new state audit has identified flaws in the way the Department of Human Services investigates complaints against child care centers in Tennessee, potentially placing children at risk.The department…
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
One complaint against an illegal child care operator lacked a temporary restraining order to shut it down that was “essential when conditions present an immediate threat to children’s health or safety,” the audit found.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
A new state audit has identified flaws in the way the Department of Human Services investigates complaints against child care centers in Tennessee, potentially placing children at risk.
Audit identifies flaws in state child care center investigations • Tennessee Lookout
A state audit identified flaws in the way the Department of Human Services investigates complaints against child care centers in Tennessee.
tennesseelookout.com
December 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
A new state audit has identified flaws in the way the Department of Human Services investigates complaints against child care centers in Tennessee, potentially placing children at risk.
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NPR reports a coalition of 19 states and DC on Tuesday sued the Trump administration over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people. Our earlier States Newsroom story from Shauneen Miranda: www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...
Trump health agency proposes rules to limit gender-affirming care for youth
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps Thursday in a campaign to block minors’ access to gender-affirming care nationwide. Under two proposed new rules from the Centers ...
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
NPR reports a coalition of 19 states and DC on Tuesday sued the Trump administration over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people. Our earlier States Newsroom story from Shauneen Miranda: www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...
The U.S. Department of Justice early Tuesday released thousands more files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with several referencing President Donald Trump.
Trump appears in several files of latest Epstein release • Tennessee Lookout
The U.S. Department of Justice early Tuesday released thousands more files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
tennesseelookout.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The U.S. Department of Justice early Tuesday released thousands more files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with several referencing President Donald Trump.
John Cole’s Tennessee: Plink! Ford Motor Co. scrapped plans for a massive electric vehicle manufacturing campus in West Tennessee, switching to production of gas-powered vehicles.
December 23, 2025 at 9:30 PM
John Cole’s Tennessee: Plink! Ford Motor Co. scrapped plans for a massive electric vehicle manufacturing campus in West Tennessee, switching to production of gas-powered vehicles.
Since Inauguration Day, more than 1.5 million immigrants have either lost or will lose their temporary legal status, including their work authorizations and deportation protections, due to President Donald Trump’s aggressive revocation of legal immigration.
Trump canceled temporary legal status for more than 1.5 million immigrants in 2025 • Tennessee Lookout
Due to President Donald Trump’s revocation of legal immigration, more than 1.5 million immigrants have either lost temporary legal status.
tennesseelookout.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Since Inauguration Day, more than 1.5 million immigrants have either lost or will lose their temporary legal status, including their work authorizations and deportation protections, due to President Donald Trump’s aggressive revocation of legal immigration.
Commentary: Tennessee is making a huge bet on artificial intelligence with an Elon Musk-backed data center in Memphis and 27 data centers in Memphis, but is this what we want, writes columnist Ren Brabenec.
Artificial intelligence is the economic revolution no one asked for • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee is making a huge bet on artificial intelligence with an Elon Musk-backed data center in Memphis and 27 data centers in Nashville.
tennesseelookout.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Commentary: Tennessee is making a huge bet on artificial intelligence with an Elon Musk-backed data center in Memphis and 27 data centers in Memphis, but is this what we want, writes columnist Ren Brabenec.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Gov. Bill Lee stays mum as a deadline looms to opt into a summer food program for low-income kids in Tennessee tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/23/g... @tennesseelookout.com
Gov. Bill Lee stays mum as a deadline looms to opt into a summer food program for kids • Tennessee Lookout
Gov. Bill Lee has yet to announce whether Tennessee will participate in Summer EBT, a federal program to feed low-income kids during summer.
tennesseelookout.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Gov. Bill Lee stays mum as a deadline looms to opt into a summer food program for low-income kids in Tennessee tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/23/g... @tennesseelookout.com
Gov. Bill Lee last year decided to forgo $84M for the federally-funded Summer EBT program, which has helped feed 700,000 Tennessee kids when school is out. He hasn't said if he will take the money this year. @anitawadhwani.bsky.social reports.
Gov. Bill Lee stays mum as a deadline looms to opt into a summer food program for kids • Tennessee Lookout
Gov. Bill Lee has yet to announce whether Tennessee will participate in Summer EBT, a federal program to feed low-income kids during summer.
tennesseelookout.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Gov. Bill Lee last year decided to forgo $84M for the federally-funded Summer EBT program, which has helped feed 700,000 Tennessee kids when school is out. He hasn't said if he will take the money this year. @anitawadhwani.bsky.social reports.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis will retain an order keeping the wrongly deported El Salvador national Kilmar Abrego Garcia out of federal custody for the rest of the year, the judge said at a Monday hearing.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia to remain free from immigration custody for now • Tennessee Lookout
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis will retain an order keeping the wrongly deported El Salvador national Kilmar Abrego Garcia out of custody.
tennesseelookout.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:36 PM
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis will retain an order keeping the wrongly deported El Salvador national Kilmar Abrego Garcia out of federal custody for the rest of the year, the judge said at a Monday hearing.
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Tennessee is one of 10 states that restricts medicinal and recreational marijuana while 22 other states have legalized some form of recreational use.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Tennessee Senate Democrat pushes cannabis reform following federal move
Tennessee lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for new marijuana laws following President Donald Trump’s executive order to loosen cannabis restrictions.
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Tennessee is one of 10 states that restricts medicinal and recreational marijuana while 22 other states have legalized some form of recreational use.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday it’s halting leases for five large-scale offshore wind projects under construction along the East Coast due to national security risks
Trump administration pauses major East Coast offshore wind projects • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday it’s halting leases for five large-scale offshore wind projects under construction.
tennesseelookout.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:12 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday it’s halting leases for five large-scale offshore wind projects under construction along the East Coast due to national security risks
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, says “Kansas won the Super Bowl.”
“The overall fan experience will be greatly improved with this new stadium: better seats, enhanced tailgating, and smoother traffic flow to and from games.”
#ksleg
kansasreflector.com/2025/12/22/k...
“The overall fan experience will be greatly improved with this new stadium: better seats, enhanced tailgating, and smoother traffic flow to and from games.”
#ksleg
kansasreflector.com/2025/12/22/k...
Kansas lures Chiefs across state lines with offer to use STAR bonds to build new stadium • Kansas Reflector
Kansas legislative leadership voted unanimously Monday to issue STAR bonds to build a football stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, following a short meeting behind closed doors.
kansasreflector.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, says “Kansas won the Super Bowl.”
“The overall fan experience will be greatly improved with this new stadium: better seats, enhanced tailgating, and smoother traffic flow to and from games.”
#ksleg
kansasreflector.com/2025/12/22/k...
“The overall fan experience will be greatly improved with this new stadium: better seats, enhanced tailgating, and smoother traffic flow to and from games.”
#ksleg
kansasreflector.com/2025/12/22/k...
The number of measles cases is continuing to grow, threatening to undo next year the United States’ status as a nation that has eradicated the disease, according to a report released Dec. 17 by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From @timhenderson.bsky.social with @stateline.org
Measles cases rise amid holiday travel • Tennessee Lookout
Measles case are continuing to grow, hreatening to undo next year the United States’ status as a nation that has eradicated the disease.
tennesseelookout.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The number of measles cases is continuing to grow, threatening to undo next year the United States’ status as a nation that has eradicated the disease, according to a report released Dec. 17 by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From @timhenderson.bsky.social with @stateline.org
A 13-member Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes Board oversees five long-term care facilities to “provide support and care for honorably discharged veterans who served in the United States armed forces" but a new audit by the Tennessee Comptroller cites lapses in financial oversight and patient care.
Audit cites management, financial, quality of care problems in Tennessee-run veterans’ homes • Tennessee Lookout
An audit by the Tennessee Comptroller found lapses in financial oversight and patient care in state-operated nursing homes for veterans.
tennesseelookout.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
A 13-member Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes Board oversees five long-term care facilities to “provide support and care for honorably discharged veterans who served in the United States armed forces" but a new audit by the Tennessee Comptroller cites lapses in financial oversight and patient care.
Tennessee lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are calling for the legislature to consider making marijuana available for medical use. Sen. London Lamar says Tennessee's laws are "overly punitive."
Tennessee Senate Democrat pushes cannabis reform following federal move • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for new marijuana laws following President Donald Trump’s executive order to loosen cannabis restrictions. Democratic Sen. London Lamar of Me...
tennesseelookout.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Tennessee lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are calling for the legislature to consider making marijuana available for medical use. Sen. London Lamar says Tennessee's laws are "overly punitive."
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Senate Democrat pushes cannabis reform following federal move tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/22/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Tennessee Senate Democrat pushes cannabis reform following federal move • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for new marijuana laws following President Donald Trump’s executive order to loosen cannabis restrictions. Democratic Sen. London Lamar of Me...
tennesseelookout.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Tennessee Senate Democrat pushes cannabis reform following federal move tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/22/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
An audit by the Tennnessee Comptroller finds financial, quality of care problems in state-run veterans’ homes that "raise concerns about whether the board can sustain long-term operations without additional external support.”
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/22/a... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/22/a... @tennesseelookout.com
Audit cites management, financial, quality of care problems in Tennessee-run veterans’ homes • Tennessee Lookout
An audit by the Tennessee Comptroller found lapses in financial oversight and patient care in state-operated nursing homes for veterans.
tennesseelookout.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:43 PM
An audit by the Tennnessee Comptroller finds financial, quality of care problems in state-run veterans’ homes that "raise concerns about whether the board can sustain long-term operations without additional external support.”
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/22/a... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/22/a... @tennesseelookout.com
The Department of Justice began releasing thousands of records Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but questions remained over whether officials will meet the requirements of a law overwhelmingly backed by both Republicans and Democrats and signed by President Donald Trump.
Department of Justice releases new documents, photos as part of Epstein files • Tennessee Lookout
The Department of Justice began releasing thousands of records Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
tennesseelookout.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The Department of Justice began releasing thousands of records Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but questions remained over whether officials will meet the requirements of a law overwhelmingly backed by both Republicans and Democrats and signed by President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps Thursday in a campaign to block minors’ access to gender-affirming care nationwide.
Trump health agency proposes rules to limit gender-affirming care for youth • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps Thursday in a campaign to block minors’ access to gender-affirming care nationwide.
tennesseelookout.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:41 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps Thursday in a campaign to block minors’ access to gender-affirming care nationwide.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
I am so freaking proud of this series! cc: @wpln.bsky.social and @tennesseelookout.com.
Missed our series, The Debt, on how Tennessee State University has been underfunded by the state? Get up to speed with journalist Emily Siner. From @tennesseelookout.com and @wpln.bsky.social.
December 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Missed our series, The Debt, on how Tennessee State University has been underfunded by the state? Get up to speed with journalist Emily Siner. From @tennesseelookout.com and @wpln.bsky.social.
How much money does Tennessee owe Tennessee State University? #specialstory #hbcu #debt
YouTube video by WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio
www.youtube.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Missed our series, The Debt, on how Tennessee State University has been underfunded by the state? Get up to speed with journalist Emily Siner. From @tennesseelookout.com and @wpln.bsky.social.
Gov. Bill Lee declined to comment about the late Charlie Kirk’s inflammatory statements this week but said he “broadly” supports Turning Point USA's --the organization founded by Kirk -- efforts to bring about “civil discourse” in schools.
Stockard on the Stump: Tennessee leaders put weight behind Turning Point USA chapters • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee officials announced a partnership with Turning Point USA to set up chapters in high schools across the state.
tennesseelookout.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Gov. Bill Lee declined to comment about the late Charlie Kirk’s inflammatory statements this week but said he “broadly” supports Turning Point USA's --the organization founded by Kirk -- efforts to bring about “civil discourse” in schools.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Court of Appeals will hear challenge to Gov. Bill Lee's deployment of the National Guard in Memphis on an expedited basis. Oral arguments are set for March 5. The Guard will presumably remain on patrol in the city until then.
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/18/t... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/18/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Tennessee Court of Appeals will hear challenge to National Guard in Memphis • Tennessee Lookout
The Tennessee Court of Appeals will hear the state’s appeal of a decision blocking the Tennessee National Guard’s deployment to Memphis.
tennesseelookout.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Tennessee Court of Appeals will hear challenge to Gov. Bill Lee's deployment of the National Guard in Memphis on an expedited basis. Oral arguments are set for March 5. The Guard will presumably remain on patrol in the city until then.
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/18/t... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2025/12/18/t... @tennesseelookout.com