Tennessee

Several states, including Republican-led Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, have passed laws to expand or protect access to contraception. These measures include allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control, requiring health insurance coverage for contraceptives, and establishing legal rights to contraception.

Several U.S. states, including Republican-led Georgia and Tennessee, as well as Democratic-led Maryland and Virginia, have enacted laws to expand or protect access to contraception. Measures include allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control, mandating insurance coverage, and requiring educational institutions to report on contraception access.

A 72-year-old man in Pickett County, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after his wife was shot in the back during an argument. A deputy heard a female voice scream 'He’s got a gun' before a gunshot was fired, leading to the woman's death.

A report by Think Tennessee reveals that data centers in Tennessee are increasing electricity demand, leading to higher utility bills for residents.

A report by Think Tennessee found that Tennesseans living near data centers experienced a 3.2% average increase in electricity bills between 2023 and 2024, outpacing the statewide average of 1.3%. Data centers, which consumed 9.2 million megawatts in the Tennessee Valley region in 2025, are linked to higher residential electricity costs and grid strain, sparking local debates and proposed zoning regulations.

Nashville Severe Weather, a group of volunteers including Will Minkoff, Andrew Leeper, and Tom Johnstone, provides calm, real-time storm updates via social media during tornadoes and severe weather in Nashville. Their approach contrasts with traditional media, emphasizing hyperlocal, authentic information that resonates with younger audiences relying on handheld devices for quick updates.

Tennessee’s 2026 tax-free weekend will run from July 31 to August 2, allowing tax-free purchases of certain items like clothing under $100, school supplies under $100, and computers under $1,500. Restrictions include items for business use and online purchases requiring tax compliance.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled frozen GreenWise Organic Blueberries due to possible E. coli contamination. The product was sold at Publix stores in eight states, and consumers are advised not to consume it due to 12 confirmed cases of illness linked to the contamination.

A Michigan lawmaker supports a national domestic violence registry with restrictions, citing Tennessee's new public registry as a model. Concerns about privacy and unintended exposure of victims are highlighted by law enforcement and advocacy groups.

A Think Tennessee report reveals that Tennessee residents near data centers experienced a 3.2% average increase in electricity bills between 2023 and 2024, while commercial consumers saw a 0.2% decrease. The report highlights growing electricity consumption by data centers and public concerns over grid strain, with proposed zoning regulations and a moratorium set for public hearings.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 49,722 Tennessee households lack air conditioning, with extreme heat posing risks. Christina Joann Rainey, a single mother in Carroll County, struggles to replace a failing AC system she cannot afford, relying on temporary cooling methods and community aid. Cooling centers and local programs offer limited relief, but resources vary by region.

Tennessee’s voter registration deadline is July 7 for the August 6 elections. Eligibility requires being a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a Tennessee resident, and meeting felony conviction guidelines. Registration options include online, via the GoVoteTN app, mail, or in-person at designated offices.

An 8-year-old girl pulled a bullet fragment from her back while her family walked to a Nashville Fourth of July fireworks event, prompting an emergency room visit. The incident is linked to celebratory gunfire, with a new Tennessee law now criminalizing firing guns into the air at events with 25 or more attendees.

Jim Tracy, a Tennessee lawmaker who served from 2004 until his 2017 appointment to the USDA Rural Development program, died of cancer. Tributes highlighted his integrity, mentorship, and legislative work, including a bill banning smoking in public places. He also ran for Congress twice and worked as a high school basketball coach and insurance agent.

Publix is recalling frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries linked to 12 E. coli cases. The recall affects products with lot code 60401 and best-by date Feb. 9, 2028, sold in Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Customers are urged to return or discard the product.

Publix recalled frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries linked to 12 confirmed E. coli cases. The recall, initiated by Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., affects products with lot code 60401 and best-by date Feb. 9, 2028, sold in eight U.S. states.

Publix recalled frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries after they were linked to 12 confirmed E. coli cases. The affected product, with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028, was sold in eight U.S. states between May 11 and June 5.

Eligible Tennesseans must register to vote by July 7 at 11:59 p.m. to participate in the August 6 primary election.

The article explains how to safely dispose of unused fireworks in Tennessee by soaking them in water, wrapping in plastic, and placing them in garbage. It also advises contacting local fire or police departments for assistance. Dry fireworks should never be placed in household garbage due to ignition risks.

New laws in Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee restrict access to abortion medications and limit minors' access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including the HPV vaccine. A federal lawsuit challenges FDA rules allowing mifepristone to be dispensed via telehealth, with nationwide implications.

Two vehicles were damaged in a fire at a home in Maury County, Tennessee, on Saturday night. The Maury County Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire on Campbellsville Pike, which started near a home. No damage to the home was reported, and the fire was quickly contained.

Tennessee is experiencing a growing debate over data centers, as mentioned in the title. The article notes that referring to 'data center' now provokes reactions, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.

Jim Tracy, a Tennessee senator who represented portions of Middle Tennessee and served in the first Trump administration, has died at 69. The article notes his role as a Republican lawmaker.

In-N-Out is opening six new locations across five states, including Tennessee, with one location in Timnath, Colorado, near Fort Collins, already opened on June 24.

A metal sheet wrapped around a power line in Manchester, Tennessee, following a storm, likely originating from a nearby garage roof. Manchester Police reported storm damage including downed trees and power outages affecting approximately 4,500 residents, primarily Duck River EMC customers.

A suspect exited a vehicle after law enforcement deployed a chemical agent during a hours-long standoff on Interstate 40 near Jackson, Tennessee, leading to the closure of the highway. A child involved in the standoff was reportedly released, but no further details have been disclosed.

North Carolina lawmakers have unanimously passed the Virtual Currency Kiosk Protection Act to regulate crypto ATMs, imposing daily deposit limits, transaction fees, and fraud protections. The AARP warns these machines are linked to scams costing over $389 million last year, with clerks reporting frequent suspicious transactions. Tennessee has banned similar kiosks, while North Carolina's law awaits Governor Josh Stein's approval.

A large police presence has shut down Interstate 40 near Jackson, Tennessee. Law enforcement vehicles are stationed near Exit 87, and the roadway is completely blocked. No details about the incident have been released.

Tennessee Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Jody Barrett, are demanding transparency from Gov. Bill Lee's administration following a failed execution of Tony Carruthers. They seek explanations and procedural changes before the next scheduled execution of Darrell Hines. An independent review has been requested to prevent future issues with lethal injection protocols.

Tennessee has collaborated with the Trump White House to implement anti-immigration measures, including ICE raids, and faces criticism for modern exclusionist policies. The article contrasts historical exclusionary actions, like Andrew Jackson's treatment of Native Americans, with current legislation targeting immigrant families, despite public support for immigration.

The Nashville Downtown Express Driver Services Center will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and remain closed through Friday, July 10, for building maintenance in the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower. It will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, July 13.

A white pickup truck crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of Old Hickory Blvd. and Highway 100 in Bellevue, Tennessee, causing injuries and traffic delays. The truck ended up in a culvert, with the pole remaining suspended by electrical lines. Drivers are advised to avoid the area due to ongoing disruptions.

A Tennessee judge extended a temporary order blocking state health officials from reporting sick and disabled immigrant children in a healthcare program to an immigration enforcement office. Three doctors, supported by a law firm, argue the policy risks patients' health, while state officials claim compliance with federal and state laws.

Tennessee is experiencing a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness causing explosive diarrhea. The CDC reports 145 cases across 17 U.S. states, with 20 hospitalizations, and Tennessee's annual cases have nearly 10-fold since 2016. Cyclosporiasis is transmitted through contaminated food or water and is treatable with medication.

New laws in Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee restrict access to abortion medications and HPV vaccines for minors, effective July 1. The laws require in-person dispensing of abortion pills and prohibit minors under 18 from consenting to STD-related vaccinations in Iowa. A federal lawsuit challenges FDA rules allowing telehealth dispensing of mifepristone, which could impact nationwide access.

Tennessee’s emergency management department, previously called the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, is now the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority and has been elevated to a cabinet-level department. The change aims to improve coordination across state government and enhance disaster response capabilities.

Fire Station 1 in White House, Tennessee, closed due to unsafe mold levels in air vents, forcing staff and equipment to relocate to Station 2. Fire Chief Rob Brewer stated service levels remain consistent but some areas may face delays. Remediation efforts are underway, though costs and timelines remain undetermined.

Two Tennessee residents are among 11 Venezuelan and Colombian nationals charged in a federal case involving sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms trafficking.

A federal judge temporarily blocked a state takeover board's authority over Memphis-Shelby County Schools, preventing disruptions to contract payments and operations ahead of the 2026-27 school year. The court order aims to maintain the status quo as the district prepares for the August 3 start date.

Crypto ATM bans are now in effect in Tennessee, with similar restrictions in Georgia. Operators in Minnesota must comply with a comparable law by August 1.