Tennessee Lookout
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Independent, nonprofit news site dedicated to cover Tennessee government, policy and politics. Send tips to @info@tennesseelookout.com.
President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner, according to the White House, the governors and the National Governors Association.
Trump shuts out Democratic governors from traditional White House gatherings • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House.
tennesseelookout.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:17 AM
President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner, according to the White House, the governors and the National Governors Association.
“To be included as a stop along the Civil Rights Trail helps to guarantee the histories, the stories, the music, the songs and the civil rights events that happened on and near historic Jefferson Street will not be forgotten,” said Lorenzo Washington of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum.
Two Nashville museums curating musical history added to Civil Rights Trail • Tennessee Lookout
The Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music in Nashville have been added to the Civil Rights Trail.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:41 PM
“To be included as a stop along the Civil Rights Trail helps to guarantee the histories, the stories, the music, the songs and the civil rights events that happened on and near historic Jefferson Street will not be forgotten,” said Lorenzo Washington of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum.
President Donald Trump has not yet approved federal assistance for individuals affected by a severe ice storm that caused extensive damage to power lines in late January, at one point leaving more than 300,000 Tennesseans without electricity, reports @cstephenson.bsky.social.
No decision yet on FEMA assistance for individuals after Tennessee storm • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump has not yet approved federal assistance for individuals affected by a severe ice storm in Tennessee.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:09 PM
President Donald Trump has not yet approved federal assistance for individuals affected by a severe ice storm that caused extensive damage to power lines in late January, at one point leaving more than 300,000 Tennesseans without electricity, reports @cstephenson.bsky.social.
A Tennessee hospital that was destroyed by a surging river during Hurricane Helene will be rebuilt on low-lying farmland that could face several feet of flooding in a much smaller storm, risking another disaster if the new facility is not built to withstand extreme weather. From @kffhealthnews.org.
This Ballad hospital, flooded by Hurricane Helene, will be rebuilt for $44M in a flood plain • Tennessee Lookout
A Ballad Health hospital in Unicoi County, Tennessee, flooded during Hurricane Helene. The company is rebuilding in a flood plain.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:19 PM
A Tennessee hospital that was destroyed by a surging river during Hurricane Helene will be rebuilt on low-lying farmland that could face several feet of flooding in a much smaller storm, risking another disaster if the new facility is not built to withstand extreme weather. From @kffhealthnews.org.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee GOP bill would require immigration checks for local government aid, require agencies to turn over names to the state's new "Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division" and make it a crime for public employees that fail to comply
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/09/t... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/09/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Tennessee GOP bill would require immigration checks for local government aid • Tennessee Lookout
Two Tennessee Republicans are introducing a bill requiring citizenship and legal immigration verification of any applicant for public aid.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Tennessee GOP bill would require immigration checks for local government aid, require agencies to turn over names to the state's new "Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division" and make it a crime for public employees that fail to comply
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/09/t... @tennesseelookout.com
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/09/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
A Hamilton County Republican lawmaker has filed a bill criminalizing disruption of worship services.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Republican bill creates crime for disrupting religious worship
A Hamilton County Republican is sponsoring legislation making it a state crime to disrupt religious services.
www.newsfromthestates.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:01 PM
A Hamilton County Republican lawmaker has filed a bill criminalizing disruption of worship services.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Spurred by a protest in Minneapolis, State Rep. Greg Martin of Hixson filed House Bill 2264, creating a Class B misdemeanor for deliberately interfering with religious services and activities, giving state and local law enforcement authority to respond and arrest protesters.
Republican bill creates crime for disrupting religious worship • Tennessee Lookout
Hamilton County Republican Rep. Greg Martin is sponsoring a bill making it a state crime to disrupt religious services.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Spurred by a protest in Minneapolis, State Rep. Greg Martin of Hixson filed House Bill 2264, creating a Class B misdemeanor for deliberately interfering with religious services and activities, giving state and local law enforcement authority to respond and arrest protesters.
“You’re also competing against even more of a monolith than maybe your parents or grandparents or great-grandparents were competing against,” said Ali Simpson of Kimberly Ann Farms in Southeast Tennessee. Llike other young farmers she faces challenges like consolidation, inflation and Trump tariffs.
Novice farmers face big challenges making it in today’s ag sector • Tennessee Lookout
Young farmers just entering the agriculture world face hurdles including tarriffs from the Trump administration and erratic weather.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:53 PM
“You’re also competing against even more of a monolith than maybe your parents or grandparents or great-grandparents were competing against,” said Ali Simpson of Kimberly Ann Farms in Southeast Tennessee. Llike other young farmers she faces challenges like consolidation, inflation and Trump tariffs.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
My column this week. The anti-DEI hysteria in Alabama in the last several years has given us an inadvertent lesson in Black history: That the foundational principle of Alabama is the control and silencing of Black voices.
How Alabama gives us a never-ending lesson in Black history | Alabama Reflector
By pushing their voices off campuses and out of classrooms, leaders remind us that controlling Black Alabamians has always been this state's priority.
alabamareflector.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:04 PM
My column this week. The anti-DEI hysteria in Alabama in the last several years has given us an inadvertent lesson in Black history: That the foundational principle of Alabama is the control and silencing of Black voices.
Local public health departments and a broad range of city and county agencies that fail to check immigration status could be subject to an Attorney General investigation under a bill proposed by two Tennessee Republicans. @anitawadhwani.bsky.social reports.
Tennessee GOP bill would require immigration checks for local government aid • Tennessee Lookout
Two Tennessee Republicans are introducing a bill requiring citizenship and legal immigration verification of any applicant for public aid.
tennesseelookout.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Local public health departments and a broad range of city and county agencies that fail to check immigration status could be subject to an Attorney General investigation under a bill proposed by two Tennessee Republicans. @anitawadhwani.bsky.social reports.
ICYMI: President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms that left hundreds of thousands of residents without power.
Trump approves $60.6M in aid for Tennessee following winter storm • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms.
tennesseelookout.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:13 PM
ICYMI: President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms that left hundreds of thousands of residents without power.
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday. From @fischler.bsky.social,
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • Tennessee Lookout
Addressing climate change by producing wind and solar energy has not helped Americans U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.
tennesseelookout.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:06 PM
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday. From @fischler.bsky.social,
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Trump announced today on Truth Social he had approved $60.6M in aid for Tennessee following winter storm
Trump’s post didn't specify which counties are approved for aid or which types of aid they can receive.
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/06/t... @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
Trump’s post didn't specify which counties are approved for aid or which types of aid they can receive.
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/06/t... @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
Trump approves $60.6M in aid for Tennessee following winter storm • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms.
tennesseelookout.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Trump announced today on Truth Social he had approved $60.6M in aid for Tennessee following winter storm
Trump’s post didn't specify which counties are approved for aid or which types of aid they can receive.
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/06/t... @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
Trump’s post didn't specify which counties are approved for aid or which types of aid they can receive.
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/06/t... @cstephenson.bsky.social @tennesseelookout.com
Just in from @cstephenson.bsky.social: President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms that left hundreds of thousands of residents without power via a post on Truth Social.
Trump approves $60.6M in aid for Tennessee following winter storm • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms.
tennesseelookout.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Just in from @cstephenson.bsky.social: President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms that left hundreds of thousands of residents without power via a post on Truth Social.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Take note Nashville: Musk's underground tunnels in Las Vegas face scrutiny over safety, environmental concerns
apnews.com/article/las-...
apnews.com/article/las-...
Musk's underground tunnels in Las Vegas face scrutiny over safety, environmental concerns
Elon Musk's “Vegas Loop,” an underground transit system of private tunnels, is facing scrutiny from Nevada lawmakers after years of complaints about workplace safety and alleged violations.
apnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Take note Nashville: Musk's underground tunnels in Las Vegas face scrutiny over safety, environmental concerns
apnews.com/article/las-...
apnews.com/article/las-...
Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer wrote, “Donald Trump greets the first week of Black History Month with one of the most racist things he’s ever posted. This man is unwell.”
White House takes down racist meme of Obamas posted on Trump social media • Tennessee Lookout
The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys.
tennesseelookout.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer wrote, “Donald Trump greets the first week of Black History Month with one of the most racist things he’s ever posted. This man is unwell.”
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president nearly three months ago.
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • Tennessee Lookout
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal to sue the Trump administration over allegations it did not fully release the Epstein files.
tennesseelookout.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president nearly three months ago.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
After Minneapolis immigration crackdown Birkebeiner ski race director says foreign skiers are worried about traveling to the event in northern Wisconsin wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/02/06/a...
After Minneapolis immigration crackdown, Birkebeiner director says foreign skiers express concerns • Wisconsin Examiner
Several international participants in the Birkebeiner ski race expressed concerns about traveling to Minnesota
wisconsinexaminer.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:26 PM
After Minneapolis immigration crackdown Birkebeiner ski race director says foreign skiers are worried about traveling to the event in northern Wisconsin wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/02/06/a...
Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music, both in Nashville, have joined 15 other Tennessee sites on the Civil Rights Trail, writes contributor Anne Braly.
Two Nashville museums curating musical history added to Civil Rights Trail • Tennessee Lookout
The Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music in Nashville have been added to the Civil Rights Trail.
tennesseelookout.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music, both in Nashville, have joined 15 other Tennessee sites on the Civil Rights Trail, writes contributor Anne Braly.
A rare opportunity to hear the man, the myth, the Capitol Hill legend Sam Stockard!
Episode 14 is live!
This week, we will address CoreCivic, one of the biggest private prison companies partnering with ICE.
#FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism
@tennesseelookout.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/look...
This week, we will address CoreCivic, one of the biggest private prison companies partnering with ICE.
#FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism
@tennesseelookout.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/look...
Looking into one of ICE’s biggest contractors: CoreCivic | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:27 PM
A rare opportunity to hear the man, the myth, the Capitol Hill legend Sam Stockard!
"A total disaster within a disaster," House Speaker Cameron Sexton said of Nashville Electric Service. With Middle Tennessee still reeling from Winter Storm Fern after two weeks, GOP lawmakers are ready to reshape Nashville Electric Service or fire the utility’s leaders if they don’t shape up.
Stockard on the Stump: House Republicans threaten NES revamp after storm misery • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton is threatening a takeover of Nashville Electric Service after the utility's recent performance.
tennesseelookout.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM
"A total disaster within a disaster," House Speaker Cameron Sexton said of Nashville Electric Service. With Middle Tennessee still reeling from Winter Storm Fern after two weeks, GOP lawmakers are ready to reshape Nashville Electric Service or fire the utility’s leaders if they don’t shape up.
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock this week in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise.
In setback for Trump, Congress in spending law rejects call to axe Education Department • Tennessee Lookout
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education hit a major roadblock this week.
tennesseelookout.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:51 PM
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock this week in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise.
Commentary: When Tennesseans trying to verify their voter registration couldn't do so, a spokesman for the Tennessee Secretary of State's office attributed it to a software issue. That explanation may satisfy internal operations but should not satisfy the public, writes Rev. Earle Fisher.
When a “glitch” blocks the ballot, democracy is already in danger • Tennessee Lookout
Tennesseans attempting to confirm or update their voter registration through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website were unable to do so.
tennesseelookout.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Commentary: When Tennesseans trying to verify their voter registration couldn't do so, a spokesman for the Tennessee Secretary of State's office attributed it to a software issue. That explanation may satisfy internal operations but should not satisfy the public, writes Rev. Earle Fisher.
Tennessee Republicans on Wednesday voted down a resolution to honor Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman fatally shot multiple times by an immigration agent during the Trump Administration’s controversial surge in federal law enforcement actions across the Twin Cities. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Tennessee Republicans vote down resolution to honor Renee Good • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Republicans on Wednesday voted down a resolution to honor Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman fatally shot by ICE agents.
tennesseelookout.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Tennessee Republicans on Wednesday voted down a resolution to honor Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman fatally shot multiple times by an immigration agent during the Trump Administration’s controversial surge in federal law enforcement actions across the Twin Cities. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
icymi My take on NES ice storm response in latest column at @tennesseelookout.com.
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/04/t...
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/04/t...
The Tennessee big chill • Tennessee Lookout
Nashville Electric Service officials failed to adequately plan for a predicted winter storm and to communicate with customers during outages.
tennesseelookout.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:08 PM
icymi My take on NES ice storm response in latest column at @tennesseelookout.com.
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/04/t...
tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/04/t...