Tennessee Lookout
@tennesseelookout.com
Independent, nonprofit news site dedicated to cover Tennessee government, policy and politics. Send tips to @info@tennesseelookout.com.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
SENATE VOTES TONIGHT ON REOPENING THE GOVERNMENT: US Senate on verge of passing bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next -- by @jennifershutt.bsky.social for @statesnewsroom.com DC www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-s...
US Senate on verge of passing bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate was on track to approve a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week.Senat...
www.newsfromthestates.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:57 PM
SENATE VOTES TONIGHT ON REOPENING THE GOVERNMENT: US Senate on verge of passing bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next -- by @jennifershutt.bsky.social for @statesnewsroom.com DC www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-s...
Democratic state Rep. Caleb Hemmer, who represents District 59 in southern Davidson County, announced Monday he will not seek a third two-year term in 2026.
Tennessee Rep. Hemmer not seeking re-election in 2026 • Tennessee Lookout
Democratic Rep. Caleb Hemmer of Nashville announced Monday he will not run for a third term in he Tennessee legislature.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Democratic state Rep. Caleb Hemmer, who represents District 59 in southern Davidson County, announced Monday he will not seek a third two-year term in 2026.
The U.S. Senate was on track to approve a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week. From @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
US Senate on verge of passing bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next • Tennessee Lookout
The U.S. Senate was on track to approve a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:59 PM
The U.S. Senate was on track to approve a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week. From @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
Commentary: Former University of Tennessee-Knoxville Chancellor Bill Snyder, who died at age 93 in September, was good man who consistently lived a life of grace, dedication, intelligence, family and good humor, writes columnist Mark Harmon.
Remembering University of Tennessee-Knoxville Chancellor Bill Snyder • Tennessee Lookout
William T. "Bill" Snyder, former Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, who died Sept. 23 at 93, brought joy through music.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Commentary: Former University of Tennessee-Knoxville Chancellor Bill Snyder, who died at age 93 in September, was good man who consistently lived a life of grace, dedication, intelligence, family and good humor, writes columnist Mark Harmon.
Food banks across Tennessee are reporting a large uptick in demand this month as the Trump administration continues to return to the courts to enforce a freeze on full SNAP payments while the government shutdown continues. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Tennessee food pantries see surge in demand as uncertainty over SNAP continues • Tennessee Lookout
Food banks across Tennessee report an uptick in demand as the Trump administration continues enforce a freeze on full SNAP payments.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Food banks across Tennessee are reporting a large uptick in demand this month as the Trump administration continues to return to the courts to enforce a freeze on full SNAP payments while the government shutdown continues. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
“We have a faith that God will provide, that He loves us & supports the work we do," said one TN food pantry director.
“But the human side of me looks at our shelves sometimes and the eyes of people we serve and it’s hard. It is scary.”
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/10/t... @tennesseelookout.com
“But the human side of me looks at our shelves sometimes and the eyes of people we serve and it’s hard. It is scary.”
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/10/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Tennessee food pantries see surge in demand as uncertainty over SNAP continues • Tennessee Lookout
Food banks across Tennessee report an uptick in demand as the Trump administration continues enforce a freeze on full SNAP payments.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:38 PM
“We have a faith that God will provide, that He loves us & supports the work we do," said one TN food pantry director.
“But the human side of me looks at our shelves sometimes and the eyes of people we serve and it’s hard. It is scary.”
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/10/t... @tennesseelookout.com
“But the human side of me looks at our shelves sometimes and the eyes of people we serve and it’s hard. It is scary.”
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/10/t... @tennesseelookout.com
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
The head of MI5 asked Kash Patel to protect the job of a London FBI agent, who dealt with surveillance tech that British security would need to monitor a new embassy China wants to build in London, U.S. officials said. After Patel agreed to fund the agent's role, the job is now slated to disappear.
F.B.I. Director Is Said to Have Made a Pledge to Head of MI5, Then Broken It
The episode has contributed to concerns among intelligence allies that Kash Patel, brash and partisan, is also unpredictable and even unreliable.
nyti.ms
November 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM
The head of MI5 asked Kash Patel to protect the job of a London FBI agent, who dealt with surveillance tech that British security would need to monitor a new embassy China wants to build in London, U.S. officials said. After Patel agreed to fund the agent's role, the job is now slated to disappear.
As an off-cycle special election, turnout in the special election primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race was down significantly compared to the 2024 General Election -- but Democratic turnout was comparable to Republican, giving Democrats hope. @friedmanadam5.bsky.social reports.
Turnout was down 75% in Middle TN U.S. House special election, particularly in GOP strongholds • Tennessee Lookout
Turnout in the special election primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race was down compared to the 2024 General Election.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:05 PM
As an off-cycle special election, turnout in the special election primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race was down significantly compared to the 2024 General Election -- but Democratic turnout was comparable to Republican, giving Democrats hope. @friedmanadam5.bsky.social reports.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
As an off-cycle special election, turnout in the special election primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race was down significantly compared to the 2024 General Election.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Turnout was down 75% in Middle TN U.S. House special election, particularly in GOP strongholds
As an off-cycle special election, turnout in the special election primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race was down significantly compared to the 2024 General Election. Across both…
www.newsfromthestates.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
As an off-cycle special election, turnout in the special election primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race was down significantly compared to the 2024 General Election.
via @tennesseelookout.com
via @tennesseelookout.com
Manufacturing has long been one of Tennessee’s strongest industries. Automation, production and profits are on the rise, but job growth is leveling out. @cstephenson.bsky.social reports.
Tennessee aims to attract research facilities as state manufacturing job growth slows • Tennessee Lookout
Manufacturing had the highest gross domestic product of any industry in Tennessee in 2024 the number of jobs is decreasing.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Manufacturing has long been one of Tennessee’s strongest industries. Automation, production and profits are on the rise, but job growth is leveling out. @cstephenson.bsky.social reports.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
7 Democrats have voted for the stopgap spending bill: Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada; Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire; Dick Durbin of Illinois; Tim Kaine of Virginia; John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. No. 8 aye is independent Angus King of Maine.
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 AM
7 Democrats have voted for the stopgap spending bill: Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada; Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire; Dick Durbin of Illinois; Tim Kaine of Virginia; John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. No. 8 aye is independent Angus King of Maine.
A deal was within reach Sunday night to end the longest federal government shutdown in history, when it appeared enough U.S. Senate Democrats had agreed to join Republicans: it doesn't address skyrocketing premiums for those enrolled in health insurance plans in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
Deal to end shutdown gains traction in US Senate as vote nears • Tennessee Lookout
A deal was within reach Sunday night to end a government shutdown when it appeared enough U.S. Senate Democrats had agreed to join Republicans.
tennesseelookout.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:40 AM
A deal was within reach Sunday night to end the longest federal government shutdown in history, when it appeared enough U.S. Senate Democrats had agreed to join Republicans: it doesn't address skyrocketing premiums for those enrolled in health insurance plans in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Among those weighing in from afar is Michigan Senate Majority Whip and U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow: “Americans can’t afford this deal. Democrats can fight AND win — just like we did in our budget battle in Michigan. A promise isn’t a deal. Don’t settle.”
November 9, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Among those weighing in from afar is Michigan Senate Majority Whip and U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow: “Americans can’t afford this deal. Democrats can fight AND win — just like we did in our budget battle in Michigan. A promise isn’t a deal. Don’t settle.”
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
US Senate Dems meeting at 5 Eastern on potential deal to start to reopen the government.
November 9, 2025 at 9:04 PM
US Senate Dems meeting at 5 Eastern on potential deal to start to reopen the government.
Following a late Friday emergency ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion, another unprecedented reversal for a program that helps 42 million people afford groceries.
States told by Trump administration to 'undo' full SNAP benefits paid for November • Tennessee Lookout
The Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November SNAP nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion.
tennesseelookout.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Following a late Friday emergency ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion, another unprecedented reversal for a program that helps 42 million people afford groceries.
A new Trump administration rule issued late last month would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt, potentially weakening financial protections for millions of Americans. From @stateline.org.
New Trump administration rule would override state medical debt protections • Tennessee Lookout
A new Trump administration rule issued last month would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt
tennesseelookout.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:03 PM
A new Trump administration rule issued late last month would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt, potentially weakening financial protections for millions of Americans. From @stateline.org.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
Ohio secretary of state sends voter fraud allegations to Trump Justice Department ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/11/06/o...
Ohio secretary of state sends voter fraud allegations to Trump Justice Department • Ohio Capital Journal
Last week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose sent more than 1,000 cases of alleged voter fraud to the U.S. Department of Justice. Critics contend, as LaRose himself has, that enforcing election…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Ohio secretary of state sends voter fraud allegations to Trump Justice Department ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/11/06/o...
No food for you: The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday night temporarily blocked a lower court order ordering the Trump administration to pay a full month of SNAP food benefits.
US Supreme Court temporarily blocks November SNAP payments • Tennessee Lookout
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Friday night a lower court’s order that the Trump administration pay for a full month of SNAP food benefits.
tennesseelookout.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:21 AM
No food for you: The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday night temporarily blocked a lower court order ordering the Trump administration to pay a full month of SNAP food benefits.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the lower court order in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island directing November SNAP benefits be paid out, pending decisions in the appeals court. Story to come shortly.
November 8, 2025 at 2:40 AM
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the lower court order in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island directing November SNAP benefits be paid out, pending decisions in the appeals court. Story to come shortly.
Updated with the official pardon from President Donald Trump attached.
Trump pardons former Tennessee Speaker Casada, ex-chief of staff • Tennessee Lookout
Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff reportedly received presidential pardons Thursday. .
tennesseelookout.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Updated with the official pardon from President Donald Trump attached.
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
The Flex Loan, a new type of payday loan pioneered by Advance Financial in Tennessee, allows residents to borrow up to $4,000 at a 279.5% interest rate.
It has burdened low-income borrowers while generating huge profits for lenders.
(Published May with @tennesseelookout.com)
It has burdened low-income borrowers while generating huge profits for lenders.
(Published May with @tennesseelookout.com)
This Lender Said Its Loans Would Help Tennesseans. It Has Sued More Than 110,000 of Them.
The Flex Loan, a type of payday loan pioneered by Advance Financial, has burdened low-income borrowers while generating huge profits for lenders. Tennessee lawmakers declined to rein in the lending bu...
www.propublica.org
November 8, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The Flex Loan, a new type of payday loan pioneered by Advance Financial in Tennessee, allows residents to borrow up to $4,000 at a 279.5% interest rate.
It has burdened low-income borrowers while generating huge profits for lenders.
(Published May with @tennesseelookout.com)
It has burdened low-income borrowers while generating huge profits for lenders.
(Published May with @tennesseelookout.com)
Reposted by Tennessee Lookout
SUPREME COURT ASKED TO DECIDE ON NOVEMBER SNAP BENEFITS: The Trump administration has asked the high court to make an emergency decision, by 9:30 tonight, blocking court orders to distribute full November SNAP benefits. Here is the filing:
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
SupremeCourtNov72025
www.documentcloud.org
November 8, 2025 at 12:14 AM
SUPREME COURT ASKED TO DECIDE ON NOVEMBER SNAP BENEFITS: The Trump administration has asked the high court to make an emergency decision, by 9:30 tonight, blocking court orders to distribute full November SNAP benefits. Here is the filing:
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Federal officials announced the formation of a Nashville-based Homeland Security Task Force to combat gangs, drug trafficking and transnational crime but did not directly answer whether immigration enforcement, visible patrols in Tennessee communities would be part of task force activities.
Feds form 'Homeland Security Task Force' in Nashville, among several other major U.S. cities • Tennessee Lookout
Federal officials on Thursday announced the formation of a Nashville-based Homeland Security Task Force to combat gangs and drug trafficking.
tennesseelookout.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Federal officials announced the formation of a Nashville-based Homeland Security Task Force to combat gangs, drug trafficking and transnational crime but did not directly answer whether immigration enforcement, visible patrols in Tennessee communities would be part of task force activities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states Friday it was releasing full November funding for the nation’s major food assistance program that helps 42 million people afford groceries, complying with a federal court order issued Thursday. @fischler.bsky.social reports.
Full November SNAP benefits to be issued by Trump administration despite shutdown • Tennessee Lookout
The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states Friday it was releasing full November funding for the nation’s major food assistance program.
tennesseelookout.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states Friday it was releasing full November funding for the nation’s major food assistance program that helps 42 million people afford groceries, complying with a federal court order issued Thursday. @fischler.bsky.social reports.
Tennessee’s one-of-a-kind TennCare Medicaid waiver program crossed over $1 billion in savings, TennCare Director Stephen Smith told state officials during the agency’s budget hearing Thursday. @friedmanadam5.bsky.social.
TennCare’s ‘shared-savings’ crosses $1 billion total after three years • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee’s one-of-a-kind TennCare Medicaid waiver program has crossed over $1 billion in savings, TennCare Director Stephen Smith said.
tennesseelookout.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Tennessee’s one-of-a-kind TennCare Medicaid waiver program crossed over $1 billion in savings, TennCare Director Stephen Smith told state officials during the agency’s budget hearing Thursday. @friedmanadam5.bsky.social.