Panel To Consider Redistricting Plan That Could Impact Tennessee

Democrats are concerned the map will split Davidson County in an effort to put more Republicans in Congress.

The Year In Photos: Part Two

Tennessee Lookout photojournalists share more of their work from 2021.

Tennessee’s Biggest Stories Of 2021

Issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the General Assembly dominated the headlines.

2021: The Year In Photos

The Tennessee Lookout staff chose photos that represent the year that was in politics, civil rights and COVID-19.

Tennesseans On The Move: People To Watch In 2022

Politicians, activists and healthcare professionals are expected to stay in the spotlight.

Public Records Suit Filed Over Denial Of COVID Consultant Report

A Tennessee state employee requested a copy of the tax-payer funded report by McKinsey & Co. but the state refused.

Biden Extends Student Loan Repayment Pause Three More Months

An Education Department news release said the pause would allow the administration to review the omicron variant’s effects.

Judge Issues Setback To Middle Point Landfill Expansion Plans

Perkins’ order comes after the city of Murfreesboro intervened in the lawsuit, originally filed against the solid waste board by BFI.

Biden Slams COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Lies’

The President also announced free at-home tests.

Schumer Vows U.S. Senate Action On Voting Rights, Social Policy

However, members of his caucus have made clear in recent days Democrats lack the support to pass those proposals.

Prescription Drug Price Reform On The Line In Biden Spending Bill

It’s not clear if several of the provisions aimed at taking substantive action on soaring drug prices will remain in the final version.

Tennessee Republican Redistricting Plan Draws Fire

The plan shifts several outspoken Democrats into districts that would force them to move or run against each other.

Biden's Big Social Spending Bill Caught In Snags In The Senate

A key immigration provision added by the House to the bill has been rejected by the Senate parliamentarian.

Stockard on the Stump: AG Staffer Submits Redistricting Plan

Senate GOP keeps their map secret.

Biden Inspects Western Kentucky Tornado Damage

The President visited Dawson Springs, an impoverished community where 12 people died from the storm.

“One Of The Worst Maps I’ve Ever Seen.”

Fayette County’s redistricting plans continue to draw bipartisan criticism.

Lawmakers Dodge Complaints About Board Of Medical Examiners

Rep. John Ragan forced board to remove physician disciplinary policy for COVID-19.

Nashville Schools Contract, Ford Deal Top Annual Pork Report

Other examples of wasteful spending included Gov. Bill Lee’s “Tennessee On Me” program, which gave money for plane tickets to tourists.

Memphis Reps Perturbed Over Redistricting Plan

Two Shelby County Democrats are upset that a GOP-controlled plan will pit them against each other in the same House district.

Senator Revives Bail Reform Push As 2022 Session Nears

Those pushing for change say the justice system shouldn’t be determined by how much people can afford to pay.

Governor Requests Federal Emergency Aid For Storm-Stricken Areas

In Tennessee, at least seven tornadoes killed four people and destroyed buildings and homes in towns such as Dresden and Tiptonville.

Editor’s Column: A Christmas List For Tennesseans

Holly McCall has put some hard thought into what Volunteer State residents, elected and not, could really use in the coming year.

Stockard on the Stump: Funk Will Audit Pandemic Spending Spree

When the DA pokes his finger in the state’s eye, upset GOP lawmakers play right into his hand.

“Why Do We Have To Consider Minorities?”

In West Tennessee, Fayette County Black leaders are embroiled in redistricting battle.

U.S. Senate Rejects COVID Vaccine Mandate For Private Employers

The next step for the congressional effort to halt the requirement would be a vote in the Democratic-controlled U.S. House.

Fiscal Review Ready To Revamp State Contract Guidelines

The legislative committee has spent months poring over millions of dollars worth of dubious deals.

Lawmakers OK $8M More For Education Contract Despite Controversy

The contract poses a potential conflict of interest for Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.

TN Medical Board Votes To Take Down COVID Misinformation Policy

Board member Dr. Phyllis Miller stressed the board had not backed down from enforcing its policy. It was simply not being published online.

Tennessee Democrats Cry Foul On Redistricting

Some believe map drawers are creating a new district in affluent southern Davidson County that could yield a GOP House member.

TN Immigrant Groups Address Abuse Of Undocumented Workers

On Oct. 12, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a memo intended to end the exploitation of undocumented workers nationwide.

Medical Board Meets To Review COVID Misinformation Policy

In late October, GOP lawmakers took action to curb the board’s powers to discipline doctors who spread false info about the virus.

Clearcutting Plans In State Wilderness Area Gets Legal Approval

The decision by independent counsel hired by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation comes despite local opposition.

Governor Backs Comptroller Decision Despite Business Trepidation

Lee said he doesn’t believe any confusion exists for Tennessee’s companies because no vaccine mandate is in effect.

Bridgestone Sues Tennessee For $11.7M In Tax Incentives Dispute

The company is seeking to recoup taxes it says it overpaid the state between 2015 and 2018.

Stockard on the Stump: Lawmakers Could Rescind Much Of COVID Law

Much of the legislation was nearly rendered moot by two federal court rulings that put a hold on President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate.

Fayette County Redistricting Restricts Black Representation

The Tennessee NAACP is looking into the situation.

Tennessee Lawmakers Question COVID-19 Special Session

The state legislature spent more than $136,000 to hold the session designed to push back on federal vaccine mandates.

Editor’s Column: 1619

Holly McCall reviews the expanded book version of the controversial "The 1619 Project" and calls it a needed interpretation of U.S. history.

State Of Emergency Still In Place Despite Governor's Move

Several state departments continue to operate with an eye toward the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine Mandate For Health Care Workers Halted Nationwide

A suit challenging the mandate was led on behalf of multiple states by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican.