But national headlines alleging the state is anti-vaccine don’t sit well with lawmakers and elected officials. Many say the difference between promoting vaccines and simply educating residents, particularly minors, is a fine line.

Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the top vaccine official at the Tennessee Department of Health, confirmed in a statement Monday, July 12, that she has been fired.

A required 4-month waiting period for the removal of a Nathan Bedford Forrest bust from the Tennessee Capitol building has expired, but if and when it will be removed is still uncertain.

Gov. Bill Lee announced the state would spend $2.5 million to buy plane tickets for tourists. The decision prompted criticism that buying plane tickets for tourists is not the best use of taxpayer dollars.

Despite the easing of the pandemic, most local governments are keeping their states of emergency active, renewing them as often as weekly, to make sure they don’t run afoul of funding.

Here’s a review of some of the new state laws and changes to state law that took effect July 1 after approval by the Tennessee General Assembly and the signature of Gov. Bill Lee.

During a Friday, June 25, visit to the city, the Tennessee governor also defended the state’s open gun carry law that takes effect July 1. Local leaders are worried the permitless gun carry provision could contribute to a summer surge in violent crime.

Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower visited Collierville on Tuesday. During his visit, he provided guidance on American Rescue Plan funds to local government and school leaders.

First-term Tennessee legislators Heidi Campbell, John Gillespie, Torrey Harris and Eddie Mannis say they’ve learned to be tough but find friends across the aisle as well.

Republican state lawmakers floated the idea of “dissolving and reconstituting” the Tennessee Department of Health Wednesday, June 16, because of vaccine messaging they said amounted to “coercion.”

Since Bill Haslam was elected governor in 2010, Republicans have held control of Tennessee’s state government, with the party controlling the trifecta of the House, Senate and governor’s office. No Black politician has chaired a full, standing committee since then.

The closure of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge has re-energized supporters of a plan to add a new bridge across the Mississippi River in the Memphis area for cars and trucks.

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty is one of the co-sponsors of legislation that could provide funding to repair the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, build a new bridge across the Mississippi River, or both.

Two state legislators from Tennessee say planning needs to begin immediately for a third bridge in Shelby County crossing the Mississippi River.

Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam kicks off the publication of his new book on faith in the public square by saying religious faith has been overtaken by a partisan political divide.

The state decision Monday clears the way for site preparation to begin immediately at the Fairgrounds, starting with the 227,000-square-foot Memphis Sports and Events Center that is the centerpiece of the $126 million undertaking.

Shelby County commissioners voted 11-0 with two commissioners not voting in approving a resolution similar to one approved by the Memphis City Council last week.

Tennessee jails people at a higher rate than average, but hasn’t seen results in reducing crime or recidivism. Republicans have responded with reforms they argue will lead states to save money and keep people out of jail who don’t need to be there.

Michael Dunavant, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, has a new job with the state Comptroller’s Office.

Officials from Tennessee and Arkansas said they are working “around the clock” to repair the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, but it could take “several months easily.” 

Tennesseans on unemployment insurance won’t get the extra $300 per week provided by the federal government as of July 3, Gov. Bill Lee announced Tuesday, May 11.

Lawmakers wrap up legislative session viewed differently by Democrats and Republicans. 

Tennessee legislators moved in the final days of their just-completed session to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, both changes sought by activists in the wake of the police-involved deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.