Commentary: Tennessee Plunges Deeper Into The Opioid Crisis

Statistics indicate a sharp uptick in opioid-related deaths in 2020.

TN House Speaker Would Require In-School Learning Without Masks

Rep. Cameron Sexton said he would seek a special session to take aim at school districts that mandate masks or opt for online learning.

Dixie Calls For Department Of Children’s Services Investigation

Video showed kids forced to sleep on floor of government office buildings.

Kids In State Custody Forced To Sleep On Nashville Office Floor

Children are typically taken into custody to ensure their safety and well-being after DCS investigates allegations of abuse or neglect.

Byrd Takes Oath Of Office After Long COVID Battle

The new state representative urged Tennesseans to take the disease seriously and strongly consider getting vaccinated.

Commentary: New Trust Regulations Benefit Individuals, Families

Some amendments make it easier to manage and administer trusts, while others are designed to protect trust assets from creditors.

TN State Senator Predicts Delta Variant Will Spur Vaccinations

Also in this week's 'Stockard on the Stump': Tennessee Registry of Election Finance declines to widen probe of former Sen. Bill Ketron.

TN Lawmaker Renews Questions About Failed COVID Testing Contract

State Sen. Heidi Campbell is pinpointing a botched contract with Nomi Health last year that cost Tennessee nearly $6 million.

TN Families Struggle To Get Home Care For Those With Disabilities

A federal lawsuit alleges Tennessee violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and Medicaid Act.

Residents Sue Governor For Ending Federal Unemployment

They say they need the money to survive.

Griffey Joins Lawmakers Challenging Masks And Vaccination Drives

The Paris Republican believes only a small group of people should take the shots, those over 60 with co-morbidities.

Watchdog Coalition Files Complaints Against ALEC In 15 States

Tennessee is one of the states included in the action.

DCS Not Tracking Vaccines For Kids In State Custody

The department has also stripped its references to the “critical importance” of the COVID vaccine from guidance given to foster parents.

Texas Ruling On DACA Dashes Hopes In Tennessee

On July 16, a Texas federal judge ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program was illegal.

House Speaker Wants More Elected “Voices” On Monument Decisions

In the wake of the removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust from the State Capitol, Sexton is set to push for a change in state law.

COVID-19 Positivity Rates Surge In 10 Rural Tennessee Counties

Hospitalizations have jumped to more than 500 statewide from a low of 200 in June.

Commentary: State Leaders Own Responsibility For Low Vax Rates

An emergency medicine physician tells lawmakers to urge vaccines for the good of Tennesseans.

Forrest Carted Out Of Capitol in Straps And Chains

Black lawmakers have been working for years remove the bust, saying it hurts them each time they get off the second-floor elevator.

Stockard On The Stump: GOP Lawmakers Split Over Fiscus Firing

Plus: Gov. Lee dodges responsibility for vaccines, Sen. Bowling references anti-vaccine doctor.

Years In The Making, Forrest Busting Out Of State Capitol

Following a 5-2 vote by the State Building Commission, the bust of the slave seller and KKK grand wizard is being moved to the State Museum.

TN State Lawmakers Urge Against Push To Vaccinate Children

Sen. Kerry Roberts: consult with your legal counsel if you “bully” individuals to take vaccine.

Union Rally Urges Blackburn, Hagerty To Vote For PRO Act

Organizers held signs in front of U.S. senators' Nashville district offices.

Commentary: For The People Act And Election Integrity

Marcy Meldahl says Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, is doing her best to misrepresent the proposed legislation.

Marshall County Officials Seek New Drinking Water Sources

The county, which has a growing population, has never had its own water supply.

Forrest Bust Removal Question To Go To State Building Commission

Gov. Bill Lee, who last year sought removal of the bust from the State Capitol, has scheduled a press conference for Thursday.

Commentary: The Curious Case Of Dr. Fiscus

Tennessee Lookout's editor says the firing of the state's immunization director was a "boneheaded" move.

TN Spent Millions On Vax Campaign That Helped Fiscus Lose Her Job

Also in this edition of Stockard on the Stump: Immigration is under review.

New Law Seeks To Curb Theft Of Catalytic Converters

Tennessee and the rest of the nation have seen a surge in thefts for precious metals.

Fired Immunologist Never Saw Letter Recommending Termination

Dr. Shelley Fiscus noted the letter could have been written and dated after she was fired.

Wilson County Residents Object To State Plans To Approve Quarry

Farmers who live nearby the quarry fear contamination in the wells and ponds they rely on for water

Doctors Want DOJ Investigation Into Lee Following Fiscus Firing

Tennessee's top vaccine official was terminated Monday following pressure from anti-vax lawmakers.

Tennessee Democrats Slam Governor Over Firing Of Immunology Chief

The say the termination of Dr. Michelle Fiscus due to threats from anti-vax lawmakers endangers the health of the state's residents.

TN State Rep. Karen Camper Leads Minority Legislator Roundtable

In an era of rising voter suppression, Black Democratic leaders discussed their roles as double minority legislators in GOP-majority states.

Lee Administration Made Immunologist Scapegoat For Anti-Vaxxers

Ultra-conservative Tennessee lawmakers were upset with the state’s COVID-19 vaccine messaging toward teens.

Gov. Lee Says Nation Needs New Southern Border Strategy

Some state Democrats are calling the Tennessee governor's border visit a political stunt.

Judge Blocks Restroom Sign Law Aimed At Transgender Customers

Judge Aleta Trauger called the Tennessee law a "brazen" violation of the First Amendment.

Plan To Expand Middle Point Landfill Rejected

The landfill is the only facility in Middle Tennessee that takes in household garbage.

Stockard On The Stump: Jack In The Bag Sparks New Look At Gifts

Plus: Gov. Lee spurns Dolly’s biggest attraction.

Gilmore Laments Lack Of Action On Forrest Bust Removal

The Nashville Democrat fears another setback in the quest to get the bust of the Confederate leader and KKK Grand Wizard out of the Capitol.

Refugee Arrivals In Tennessee Drop To Historic Low In 2020

Although the Biden administration has lifted immigration restrictions, the pandemic continues to impact the number of new arrivals.