Bill Lee

Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn and Jerri Green presented contrasting education platforms, with school choice being a major point of discussion. Blackburn supports expanding the Education Freedom Scholarship program (EFS) and altering charter regulations while criticizing "red tape." Green focuses on strengthening public schools, pledging to defund the voucher program and redirect those funds toward increasing teacher pay and access to support staff.

The Tennessee Transportation Modernization Board awarded a contract to DriveTN, a six-company partnership, to fund and build toll lanes from Southeast Nashville to Murfreesboro. The group proposed spending $9.2 billion on construction while agreeing to pay the state nearly $25 billion over the life of a 50-year contract. Governor Bill Lee called this proposal the largest and most valuable choice lane road building project in the nation.

Tennessee selected Drive-TN, a consortium including Cintra and Transurban, to build and operate optional express lanes on Interstate 24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The project involves adding two optional lanes in each direction over 26 miles of I-24, where drivers can pay fees to avoid traffic using dynamic pricing. While the state is receiving a $24.8 billion concession value, critics have raised concerns regarding potential toll burdens and community impact from construction.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is proposing a $57.9 billion state budget for fiscal year 2027. This proposed plan includes boosts of funding specifically for schools and TennCare.

The state of Tennessee is considering a major nuclear campus project, which the U.S. Department of Energy proposes with a $50 billion investment. While Governor Bill Lee supports the opportunity for Tennessee, East Tennessee lawmaker Rep. Ed Butler opposes using the state for nuclear waste storage, citing environmental risks that outweigh economic benefits. This opposition follows concerns raised by Sen. Heidi Campbell regarding site disclosure.

Tennessee faces potential budgetary challenges for its next governor due to a cooling economy and reduced federal funding following President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. The state must address unresolved issues like road funding, which lacks a dedicated new source despite historical surpluses. Furthermore, increased costs are anticipated for SNAP and Medicaid (TennCare) because of lower federal matching funds or potential penalties.

Tennessee reported a $1.2 billion surplus for fiscal year 2025-26, which officials stated was partly driven by inflation and higher corporate tax collections. This surplus revenue will factor into the state's future budget planning. Separately, Tennessee is scheduled to elect a new governor in November.

Tennessee lawmakers are considering a special session to change property appraisal laws concerning Nashville's Lower Broadway bars, with proposals including basing taxes on purchase price rather than current value. While officials acknowledged the issue, sources suggest the chances of holding such a special session this year are slim to none due to logistical challenges and approaching elections. The state Constitution requires that all properties be treated for tax purposes in an equal and uniform manner.

Anthony Darrell Hines is set for lethal injection execution by the Tennessee Department of Correction on Thursday morning, a sentence Governor Bill Lee confirmed he would not prevent. Hines' legal team requested an intervention in federal courts citing severe medical conditions, including paralysis and muscle wasting, which raise concerns about administering the procedure. The execution follows a previously botched attempt involving Tony Carruthers.

Governor Bill Lee denied Darrell Hines' clemency bid regarding a 1985 murder, confirming the scheduled execution; meanwhile, Jamie Isabel passed away at age 61 after serving on Nashville’s Metro Council. Separately, Metro Nashville Public Schools started with supplies distributed by MNPS and PENCIL to kindergarten and first-grade students.

Tennessee death row inmate Darrell Hines has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review his claim of cruel and unusual punishment before his execution on Thursday. He contends that he may suffer severe pain because an under-skilled physician could be in charge of administering lethal drugs. His attorneys are challenging a decision by the Tennessee Supreme Court that denied a request for a special master to determine potential Eighth Amendment violations.

Charlie Hatcher won the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Andy Ogles by roughly six percentage points. The victory was credited to his focus on rural counties added to the newly drawn district and holding competitive margins in Nashville suburbs. Next, Hatcher will face Democrat candidate Chaz Molder in November.

Voters in Tennessee rejected Andy Ogles at Thursday's polls, dealing President Trump a blow. Ogles faced a primary challenge from Charlie Hatcher, who was endorsed by Gov. Bill Lee. Hatcher’s victory marked a blemish on Trump’s endorsement record.

Rep. Andy Ogles lost his bid for re-election in the Republican primary for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. Consequently, Charlie Hatcher was chosen by Republican voters to face Chaz Molder, who won Democratic nomination, regardless of the general election outcome. Governor Bill Lee issued a late endorsement supporting Charlie Hatcher.

Rep. Andy Ogles lost a primary challenge to Charlie Hatcher; this race was noted for external attention and internal conflicts regarding government subsidies. The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition super PAC spent roughly $2 million opposing Ogles, which led Ogles to accuse the group of attempting to undermine him over renewable energy investments. The super PAC is bankrolled by Chris Larsen, who is a frequent Democratic donor.

Charlie Hatcher defeated incumbent Andy Ogles for the Republican nomination in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, which was expanded to stretch from Nashville to Memphis. The race saw endorsements from Governor Bill Lee and Donald Trump. Hatcher focused on agriculture policy as a top priority, stating that "food security is national security."

GOP Rep. Andy Ogles was ousted by a challenger in a Tennessee primary, losing his reelection bid despite support from Donald Trump and Mike Johnson. Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher won the GOP primary after receiving an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee and gaining outside funding. The article notes that Republicans redrew the seat to favor Trump while detailing controversies faced by Ogles.

A primary race in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District features Trump-backed Andy Ogles facing Charlie Hatcher, who received an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee. Ogles cites his endorsements from figures like Mike Johnson and Jim Jordan as proof of conservative alignment, while Hatcher is being challenged by the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition super PAC, which spent roughly $1.3 million against him.

A key congressional primary in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District pits Trump-backed Rep. Andy Ogles against Charlie Hatcher, who received an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee. Despite Ogles having endorsements from President Donald Trump and leaders like Mike Johnson and Jim Jordan, he faces a challenge from the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition super PAC, which spent roughly $1.3 million favoring Hatcher.

Following a new GOP-backed law taking effect July 1, at least three public school districts approved displaying the Ten Commandments in their schools. The Washington County Board of Education most recently voted unanimously for the text’s display alongside excerpts from the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Critics argue the religious text violates the First Amendment, while proponents stated they are not worried about posting other foundational documents.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn is considered the frontrunner in the Republican gubernatorial primary in Tennessee, competing against John Rose and Monty Fritts. The contest takes place as a red-leaning state holds nominating elections for both state and federal offices. Other races mentioned include Bill Hagerty seeking re-election as U.S. Senator, and Andy Ogles facing Charlie Hatcher in a House battle.

Conservative firebrand Sen. Marsha Blackburn is considered the frontrunner in Tennessee's Republican gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Bill Lee. Other candidates include John Rose and Monty Fritts, while five Democrats are competing for their party's nomination. Additionally, Republican Bill Hagerty seeks re-election as U.S. senator.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has stated that executions will continue despite growing calls for a moratorium following a failed execution attempt in May. The Tennessee Department of Correction is scheduled to execute Anthony Hines next Thursday, and multiple groups, including defense attorneys and medical professionals, have urged investigations into the state's lethal injection process.

Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee has endorsed a challenge against sitting GOP Congressman Andy Ogles, a fellow Republican, ahead of the Thursday election. The endorsement is against a candidate who is backed by Trump.

A defamation lawsuit by Joy Kimbrough against Ryan Moses was dismissed with prejudice, resulting in sanctions and attorney fees. Gov. Bill Lee endorsed Charlie Hatcher for Congress, and the Nashville Department of Transportation announced updated safety plans for the Gallatin Pike project.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee endorsed Charlie Hatcher, a candidate challenging Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in the Republican U.S. House primary. Lee highlighted Hatcher's conservative values and prior service as Agriculture Commissioner. The endorsement occurred after early voting ended but before the August 6 primary.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee endorsed Charlie Hatcher, a candidate challenging Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican U.S. House primary. The endorsement occurred after early voting ended but before the August 6 primary. Lee stated Hatcher has supported Trump since day one.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee endorsed Charlie Hatcher in the GOP primary against Rep. Andy Ogles in the 5th Congressional District. Lee cited their 25-year friendship in the endorsement video.

Governor Bill Lee has endorsed Charlie Hatcher as the GOP candidate for Tennessee’s District 5 in the U.S. House of Representatives, challenging incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles in the August 6 primary. Hatcher, a dairy farmer and former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner, received support from Lee and former Gov. Bill Haslam. The primary winner will face Independent candidates and the Democratic nominee in November.

Tennessee explores a federal nuclear-energy program that could involve handling used nuclear fuel, with potential economic benefits including up to $50 billion in investment and 25,000 jobs. Governor Bill Lee stated the state has not yet identified potential sites due to unclear federal requirements, and Tennessee is one of five states selected to discuss hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses.

Metro Nashville Airport Authority's legal battle with the state government over the MNAA board may resume after a court stay, while Robert’s Western World announces a new location in the upcoming Nissan Stadium. The FAA has not yet responded to Metro's lawsuit regarding the state's board appointment, and the Tennessee Supreme Court has not ruled on a related case.

Tennessee is among five states competing for a $50 billion nuclear energy campus that would create 25,000 jobs. Gov. Bill Lee expressed optimism about the state's chances but acknowledged uncertainty about nuclear waste storage. The project involves nuclear fuel production, reactor construction, and recycling, with Tennessee leveraging its historical role in nuclear research and production, including the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge.

Tennessee is among five states considered for a $50 billion federal nuclear waste storage deal, with Oak Ridge as the primary site and four Cumberland Plateau counties under consideration. The state has not specified all potential storage locations, and Governor Bill Lee emphasizes balancing economic benefits with environmental risks. The Department of Energy has not finalized the agreement.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has confidence in the state's execution process and will not intervene in upcoming executions despite a failed attempt in May. Three executions are scheduled for August 13, September 30, and December 3, including Christa Pike, who would be the first woman executed in Tennessee in over 200 years. The failed attempt involved Tony Carruthers, whose execution was halted due to IV line issues, but Lee stated this case differs from a 2022 protocol violation that led to a prior pause.

The Boring Company is hiring more workers to build the Music City Loop, a Tesla taxi tunnel in Nashville. The project, supported by Gov. Bill Lee and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, faces opposition from the Metro Nashville Council due to concerns over oversight and transparency.

Gov. Bill Lee emphasized the need for officials to ensure public safety along Broadway following a crash that killed an Australian tourist and injured three pedestrians. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in the area.

Willie Nelson criticized data centers as 'the last thing we need,' citing environmental concerns and threats to farmland. Other country stars like Brad Paisley also oppose data centers, and governors Bill Lee and Greg Abbott signed a pledge led by Donald Trump to prevent Americans from funding the 'data center boom.'

Tennessee’s primary election on August 6 includes races for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House seats, and state legislative positions. Governor Bill Lee cannot run due to term limits, and Republican candidates for governor include Marsha Blackburn, John Rose, and Monty Fritts. The article outlines key races and candidate priorities.

Sen. Heidi Campbell requested Gov. Bill Lee to disclose details about Tennessee's potential federal nuclear partnership, including the location of new nuclear sites. The U.S. Department of Energy is considering Tennessee as a finalist for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus near Oak Ridge to support nuclear fuel lifecycle activities.

Darrell Hines' attorneys filed a clemency request with Gov. Bill Lee, citing issues with his trial, recent strokes, and the aborted execution of Tony Carruthers. Early voting in Davidson County reached 31,660 ballots cast, with an average of 2,878 votes per day as the primary approaches.