THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKDAILY BRIEFING · 2026-10-01
Official releases published on 2026-10-01, plus newly retrieved releases whose publication dates were unavailable.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Erin Merrick will depart the Governor’s Office in early July after serving in multiple roles over more than seven years, including her most recent position of Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor. Merrick has served Lee since day one of his administration and will transition to the…
Official originalOn Thursday, Oct. 1, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (OHS) Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays presented badges to eight new OHS Special Agents in a graduation ceremony held at the Old Supreme Court Chambers at the State Capitol.
Official originalFrom Sept. 21 – 26, 2026, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for National Child Passenger Safety Week to remind parents and caregivers to ensure all child passengers are properly restrained to reduce the risk of injury or fatality.
Official originalNew initiative will recruit NSF X-Labs teams to commercialize breakthrough quantum technologies in Tennessee
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Gov. Bill Lee announced plans to convene a special legislative session of the Tennessee General Assembly to formally review the state’s congressional map following the renewed nationwide action around congressional representation.
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation to expand the Education Freedom Scholarship Program (EFS), making scholarships available for 35,000 students in the 2026-27 school year. Tennessee’s landmark universal school choice program continues to experience strong demand, with a 99% renewal rate after its first year and…
Official originalAs students across Tennessee return to school, a familiar face at East Tennessee school bus garages is retiring after a career dedicated to their safety.
Official originalThe final day to vote for the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) in the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) 13th Annual Best Looking Cruiser Contest is Monday, July 13th at 11 a.m. CDT. To cast your vote for THP, visit bit.ly/VoteTHP26. Once on the AAST voting site, scroll down the page to select Tennessee. Only one vote per device.
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed SB714 and announced appointees to the educational oversight board for Memphis-Shelby County Schools following official notice from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) that the district meets the criteria established by the General Assembly for the creation of an educational overs…
Official originalOn August 13, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating class of Tennessee State Troopers. The department conducted an 11-week lateral trooper class, and the graduation took place at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville.
Official originalThe Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announces the Crossville Driver Services Center, located at 136 Dooley Street in Cumberland County, will reopen to the public on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, following a planned renovation.
Official originalDOE names Volunteer State among finalists to help strengthen America’s nuclear fuel cycle and advance the next generation of nuclear innovation
Official originalThe Tennessee Department of Revenue, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, is
Official originalSuper Bowl LXIV Marks Tennessee’s First Super Bowl and Fourth Event Awarded Through the State’s Special Event Fund
Official originalOn Sept. 24, Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating class of Tennessee State Troopers.
Official originalAs students across Tennessee head back to school, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security is encouraging families, educators, and community members to download and use the SafeTN app — a confidential reporting tool designed to help prevent school safety threats before they escalate.
Official originalGov. Lee Announces Historic Transportation Partnership to Deliver America’s Largest Interstate Choice Lanes Project
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Lawrence Scott Shults to the Criminal Court for the 1st Judicial District.
Official originalAt today’s 2026 “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” ceremony, Governor Bill Lee, State Senator Becky Duncan Massey, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays honored and remembered six first responders who lost their lives or sustained career‑ending injuries in the line of duty.
Official originalReleases video recap of statewide America 250 tour, invites visitors to Tennessee pavilion at Great American State Fair
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced executive clemency decisions for 34 individuals.
Official originalOn Tuesday, August 4, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) joined Haywood County leaders for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the county's official transition to the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN).
Official originalTennessee Highway Safety Office Announces Award Recipients from 38th Annual Tennessee Lifesavers Conference, 22nd Annual Law Enforcement Challenge
Official originalA lasting tribute is being envisioned to honor her remarkable life, enduring legacy, and immeasurable impact on Tennessee and beyond
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced two key judicial appointments to newly created positions in the 30th Judicial District, which serves Shelby County. The positions were established by the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session.
Official originalThe Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announces the Greeneville Driver Services Center located at 1210 Hal Henard Rd., will reopen to the public on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, following a planned renovation.
Official originalNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee concluded a year-long, statewide America 250 tour themed “Tennessee: The Original Frontier,” highlighting the iconic people, places, and events that define Tennessee’s contributions to America. Over the last year, Gov. Lee visited all 95 counties to commemorate this milestone with…
Official originalMedical personnel quickly established a primary IV line; however, the team was unable to immediately establish a backup line pursuant to the lethal injection execution protocol.
Official originalThe Nashville Downtown Express Driver Services Center will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, due to building maintenance in the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower. The center will remain closed on Friday, July 10, and will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 13.
Official originalTennessee Treasury highlights financial help for crime victims during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Official originalNASHVILLE – The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System closed out the 2025 fiscal year with a healthy 10.2% investment return, significantly outperforming the plan’s 6.75% assumed rate of return.
Official originalNASHVILLE – Tennessee agricultural producers will have a new opportunity to receive cost-share assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) this year with the addition of a Livestock Fencing program.
Official originalNASHVILLE — A funding opportunity from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) provides financial assistance to communities to expand tree canopy coverage and support sustainable urban ecosystems statewide.
Official originalNASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is making it easier for pesticide applicators to access their credentials with the launch of digital pesticide applicator cards.
Official originalNASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair, where forestry will take center stage as the featured agricultural focus for the year.
Official originalNASHVILLE — Three Tennessee leaders — Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt and Rep. Johnny Shaw — have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest honor the National FFA Organization can bestow upon an individual.
Official originalOne of the nation’s first ABLE programs marks a decade of expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities
Official originalNASHVILLE — As part of an ongoing update to public-use maps for Tennessee’s state forests, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) has updated Bledsoe State Forest maps to align with road-use designation signage already in place at the south end of the forest and to protect forest roads and trails that have experienced re…
Official originalPick Tennessee Products Experience Returns to Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair with Interactive Agricultural Exhibits, Local Products
Official originalNASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s (TDF) East Tennessee Nursery (ETN) will open for tree seedling orders at 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 1, 2026. Orders will be accepted through 5 p.m. ET March 15, 2027 or while supplies last. More than three dozen native hardwood, pine and shrub species will be available for purchase,…
Official originalNASHVILLE — Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt announces Blake Ramsey as the Assistant Commissioner for Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).
Official originalNASHVILLE – The Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission honored two recipients with its 2025 Leadership Award for their outstanding efforts to expand access to financial education across Tennessee, and presented the state’s top leader with its Champion Award.
Official originalStolen Horse Recovered, Two Arrested Following Agricultural Crime Unit Investigation in Monroe County
Official originalTennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program offers online training resources to victim advocates
Official originalNASHVILLE — Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt today announced Jenny Howard will serve as Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), effective Sept. 28, 2026. The appointment coincides with Ryan King’s transition back to the private sector.
Official originalNASHVILLE — A Nashville man has been indicted following an investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) into the illegal cutting of trees within Savage Gulf State Park.
Official originalTennessee Treasury Unclaimed Property traveling to all 3 Grand Divisions to reunite Tennesseans with missing money
Official originalNASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Treasury is encouraging Tennesseans to check ClaimItTN.gov for missing money after businesses and organizations across the state turned over an additional $248.6 million in unclaimed property so far since July 1, 2025.
Official originalCoverage depends on available official sources. Government releases reflect their issuers’ positions.
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