Sunday - May 24, 2026
Public Policy Tipoffs Involving Tennessee Newsletter for Thursday May 07, 2026 ( 31 items )  

2 MTSU Jones College of Business students place third in national DECA competition
MURFREESBORO, Tennessee, May 6 -- Middle Tennessee State University posted the following news: * * * 2 MTSU Jones College of Business students place third in national DECA competition * MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -Two Middle Tennessee State University Jones College of Business students recently placed third in a national DECA competition. Ella Cobb, a Master of Business Administration student in strategic marketing analytics, and Savanah Gill, a senior digital marketing major, attended the Interna  more

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Wins Cars.com's 2026 Compact SUV Challenge
HERNDON, Virginia, May 4 -- Volkswagen Group of America issued the following news release: * * * 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan wins Cars.com's 2026 Compact SUV Challenge * Judges praise the Tiguan's driveability, as well as upscale quality, premium amenities, and passenger space * Fourth major accolade for the 2026 Tiguan, following Car and Driver Editors' Choice list, SUV of the Year honors from the Latin Flavor Cars of the Year, and Best Compact SUV recognition in Good Housekeeping's Best Fami  more

A-State Partners with Epicenter Memphis on DRA-Funded EpicenterU Initiative
JONESBORO, Arkansas, May 7 -- Arkansas State University posted the following news: * * * A-State Partners with Epicenter Memphis on DRA-Funded EpicenterU Initiative Arkansas State University today announced a new partnership with Epicenter Memphis to launch EpicenterU: Students to Startups, a university-based entrepreneurship program supported by an approximately $800,000 grant from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Designed to build the next generation of innovators across the Delta regio  more

Alabama Removes ABA Accreditation from Bar Exam Requirement
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 6 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Alabama Removes ABA Accreditation from Bar Exam Requirement * Alabama has joined Texas and Florida in removing the American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school graduation requirement for bar exam eligibility, part of a broader push to reduce the ABA's influence over lawyer licensing. Reuters reports that the move stems from an ongoing conflict between the AB  more

Attorney General Alan Wilson defends religious liberty at U.S. Supreme Court
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, May 6 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news: * * * Attorney General Alan Wilson defends religious liberty at U.S. Supreme Court Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that he has joined a 20-state coalition to ask the U.S. Supreme Court, led by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, to clear the way for a Northern Kentucky church to build an outdoor shrine on its property. In the Kentucky-led brief, the states urge the nat  more

BLS Issues Report on State Employment and Unemployment March 2026
WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSLrpt) -- State Employment and Unemployment March 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics - May 6, 2026 (18 pages) * * * Unemployment rates were little changed in March in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Fourteen states had jobless rate increases from a year earlier, 2 states had decreases, and 34 states and the District had little change. The national unemployment rate, 4.3 pe  more

BLS Southeast Region Issues Report on Business Employment Dynamics in Tennessee Third Quarter 2025
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 7 (TNSLrpt) -- Business Employment Dynamics in Tennessee Third Quarter 2025 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southeast Region - May 6, 2026 * * * From June 2025 to September 2025, gross job gains from opening and expanding private-sector establishments in Tennessee were 161,528, while gross job losses from closing and contracting private-sector establishments were 145,664, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Comm  more

Center of the American Experiment Issues Commentary: Growing Divide in How Teachers View Student Learning Progress
MINNETONKA, Minnesota, May 7 -- The Center of the American Experiment, a civic and educational organization that says it creates and advocates policies, issued the following commentary on May 6, 2026, by policy fellow Catrin Wigfall: * * * A growing divide in how teachers view student learning progress National Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the commitment and impact of educators across the country. But beyond the celebratory headlines (guilty!), new survey data points to a   more

Court Dismisses Georgia Lawyer's Reinstatement Petition
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 6 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Court Dismisses Georgia Lawyer's Reinstatement Petition * The Tennessee Supreme Court on May 5 dismissed a reinstatement petition filed by Georgia lawyer Meredith Gardial. On Feb. 23, Gardial filed a petition to reinstate her Tennessee law license.  The Board of Professional Responsibility opposed the petition, noting that she had outstanding requirements with the  more

DOE: Tactile sensor transforms tool wear detection in machining
OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, May 6 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release: * * * Tactile sensor transforms tool wear detection in machining * Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a tool condition monitoring system that can detect the wear of cutting tools used in machining. On-machine feedback helps manufacturers avoid premature tool wear to cut downtime. Cutting tool performance i  more

Florida A&M University Announces Dr. Robert Nobles II as SVP for Health Science Enterprise
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 7 -- Florida A&M University, a component of the public university system in Florida, issued the following news: * * * Florida A&M University Announces Dr. Robert Nobles II as SVP for Health Science Enterprise By Alonda Thomas Florida A&M University (FAMU) announces the appointment of alumnus Robert E. Nobles, II, DrPH, MPH, as the new Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Enterprise and Research Innovation. He will report to Executive Vice President for Health S  more

Haslam Sports Group alongside AECOM Hunt and Turner joint venture announce groundbreaking of the new Huntington Bank Field
LOS ANGELES, California, May 6 [Category: BizEngineering] -- AECOM, an infrastructure firm, issued the following news release: * * * Haslam Sports Group alongside AECOM Hunt and Turner joint venture announce groundbreaking of the new Huntington Bank Field * Construction of new state-of-the-art facility to serve as Ohio's first enclosed stadium revolutionary design by HKS to bring football fans closer to the field than ever BROOK PARK, OH (April 30, 2026) -The Haslam Sports Group (HSG) alon  more

Legislative Committees Advance Special Session Bills
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 6 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * Legislative Committees Advance Special Session Bills Committees in both the state House and Senate considered several bills today to advance the special session, called by Gov. Bill Lee to redraw the state's congressional map. Committees in both chambers passed HB7003/SB7004, allowing the legislature to change congressional districts outside of the regular 10-year cy  more

March State Unemployment Remained Unchanged in 27 States, Decreased in 14, and Increased in 10
WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSrep) -- Rep. David Schweikert, R-Arizona, chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following news on May 6, 2026: * * * March State Unemployment Remained Unchanged in 27 States, Decreased in 14, and Increased in 10 Today, the Joint Economic Committee released its monthly State Employment Update, outlining the employment situation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In March, among the 50 states and the District of Columbia unemployment remained unc  more

Memphis Safe Task Force Makes Significant Drug Arrest
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Marshals Service issued the following news release: * * * Memphis Safe Task Force Makes Significant Drug Arrest * Memphis, TN - The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) arrested Cesar Aguilar, 21, after the execution of a search warrant found narcotics, firearms, and money. The search warrant for a property in the 4900 Block of Byron Road was served on May 5, 2026. During the search warrant, a large package with narcotics was seized as was thre  more

MTSU appoints Floyd, Harpool to permanent vice president positions
MURFREESBORO, Tennessee, May 6 -- Middle Tennessee State University posted the following news: * * * MTSU appoints Floyd, Harpool to permanent vice president positions * MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -Middle Tennessee State University solidified its upper leadership this spring with the appointment of Drew Harpool as vice president for business and finance and giving University Counsel James Floyd the additional title of vice president of legal affairs. President Sidney A. McPhee 's recommendations   more

North America's Most Biologically Diverse River Granted Protections in Tennessee
WASHINGTON, May 6 [Category: Biology] -- The Center for Biological Diversity posted the following news release: * * * North America's Most Biologically Diverse River Granted Protections in Tennessee * NASHVILLE-Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee this week signed a bill designating the entire Duck River and some of its tributaries as a Class II Pastoral State Scenic River. The new law prohibits mining, commercial logging and landfills within 2 miles of the river and helps protect the animals and plants   more

NSTA Joins Army STEM Education Consortium to Advance National STEM Workforce Development
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 6 -- The National Science Teaching Association issued the following news release on May 5, 2026: * * * NSTA Joins Army STEM Education Consortium to Advance National STEM Workforce Development The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced its partnership in the Army STEM Education Consortium (ASEC), a 10-year cooperative agreement administered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) on behalf of the Assistant Secretary of th  more

PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Turning Point USA Rally at UT Knoxville and Takes Questions from Students
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: * * * PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Turning Point USA Rally at UT Knoxville and Takes Questions from Students * NASHVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after speaking at a Turning Point USA "Pick Up the Mic" event at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she answered questions from students and attendees on faith, family, culture, protecting life,  more

Ranking Member Markey Spotlights How Trump's Reckless Policies are Skyrocketing Health Care Costs for Small Businesses, Families
WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSrep) -- Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, issued the following news release on May 6, 2026: * * * Ranking Member Markey Spotlights How Trump's Reckless Policies are Skyrocketing Health Care Costs for Small Businesses, Families New data shows Trump's unaffordable policies are exacerbating the nationwide health care crisis * Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today spotlighted new da  more

Roundup: TSU Graduates Take the Lead With Purpose and High-Level Global Ambitions
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 7 -- Tennessee State University issued the following news: * * * Roundup: TSU Graduates Take the Lead with Purpose and High-Level Global Ambitions Emmanuel Freeman Approximately 1,400 students walked across the stage at the Gentry Center Complex on May 1 and 2 as Tennessee State University celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement. The ceremonies marked a major milestone for 200 graduate and 1,200 undergraduate students, with a shift from academic preparation to high-  more

SBDC client Mia Scott's Mt. Moriah Farms named Alabama's Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year by the SBA
TROY, Alabama, May 6 -- Troy University issued the following news: * * * SBDC client Mia Scott's Mt. Moriah Farms named Alabama's Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year by the SBA * A Wiregrass business with roots in family, agriculture and entrepreneurship has receiving statewide recognition. Mia Scott, owner of Mt. Moriah Farms in Dothan, has been named Alabama's Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year as part of the 2026 National Small Business Week honors. The recognition places her bus  more

Sedgwick Announces New Leadership Team in Australia
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, May 7 -- Sedgwick, a provider of technology-enabled risk and benefit solutions, issued the following news release: * * * Sedgwick announces new leadership team in Australia Experienced leaders step into CEO and COO roles to guide Sedgwick's Australian business * SYDNEY, Australia, - Sedgwick, the world's leading risk and claims administration partner has appointed Simon Kay as Chief Executive Officer and named Kimberley Daley Chief Operating Officer to lead its Australia  more

Sedgwick Appoints Suzanne Dann as Group President
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, May 4 -- Sedgwick, a provider of technology-enabled risk and benefit solutions, issued the following news release: * * * Sedgwick appoints Suzanne Dann as Group President Sedgwick, the world's leading risk and claims administration partner, announced that Suzanne Dann has been appointed as Group President. As Group President, Dann will oversee Sedgwick's major business lines globally, including casualty, property Americas, workforce absence and international operations. T  more

TDEC Releases Freight Electrification Framework
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 7 (TNSrpt) -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release on May 6, 2026: * * * TDEC Releases Freight Electrification Framework The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) Office of Energy Programs (OEP) has released the Tennessee Freight Electrification Framework, which aims to support commercial fleets that wish to transition to all-electric vehicles (EVs). The framework is based on industry-lead  more

Tennessee law lets hospitals compete, putting patients first
SACRAMENTO, California, May 6 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Pacific Legal Foundation issued the following news release: * * * Tennessee law lets hospitals compete, putting patients first * Nashville, Tennessee; May 6, 2026: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation today eliminating certificate of need requirements for new acute care hospitals, satellite emergency departments, and cardiac catheterization services -a win for patients and healthcare providers who have long been blocked from en  more

The CARE Team Shows Up Before the Crisis Does
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, May 6 -- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center posted the following news: * * * The CARE Team Shows Up Before the Crisis Does * If you notice a student seems off, showing up less, falling behind, acting out of character, the instinct can be to wait and see. Charles Snyder, PhD, vice chancellor for Student Success and co-chair of the CARE Team at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences, wants you to know there's another option. "The problem is never too s  more

TJ Hardaway Appointed to Fill Late Father's Seat
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 6 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog: * * * TJ Hardaway Appointed to Fill Late Father's Seat * The Shelby County Board of Commissioners today nominated by acclamation Willis Lincoln "TJ" Hardaway III to fill his father's seat in Tennessee House District 93. Democratic State Rep. G.A. Hardaway died on April 24. "This could not have been better timing. Last year, I spent various moments one on one with my father  more

Twins Support Each Other in Nurse Anesthesia Goal
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, May 6 -- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center posted the following news: * * * Twins Support Each Other in Nurse Anesthesia Goal * They finish each other's sentences, they have traveled the world together, and now they are completing a rigorous program in what some call healthcare's best-kept secret: nurse anesthesia. Hunter and Spencer Turner, 27, are identical twins who grew up in Japan, Italy, and Brighton, Tennessee. Sons of a United States Department o  more

Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM form the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium to accelerate development of a commercial fusion power plant in the United Kingdom
LOS ANGELES, California, May 6 [Category: BizEngineering] -- AECOM, an infrastructure firm, issued the following news release: * * * Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM form the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium to accelerate development of a commercial fusion power plant in the United Kingdom * LONDON (6 May 2026) -Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM today announced the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium to pursue development of the first private-sector-led fusion power plant project i  more

UT Names Governor's Chair for Circular Biomaterials
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, May 6 -- The University of Tennessee posted the following news: * * * UT Names Governor's Chair for Circular Biomaterials Orlando J. Rojas has been named the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor's Chair for Circular Biomaterials. An internationally recognized leader in sustainable materials science, Rojas will hold a joint appointment in UT's Herbert College of Agriculture and ORNL beginning in late 2026. The Governor's Chair program aligns UT  more