Newsroom

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Governor Bill Lee unveiled Tennessee: The Original Frontier, a new short film celebrating the iconic people, places, and events that define the state’s contributions to America. Narrated by Tennessee native and national treasure Dolly Parton, the short film highlights the state’s history, from its early frontier roots and agricultural heritage to its lasting influence on music and culture. Parton’s narration underscores the pride, resilience, and optimism that have long defined the spirit of the Volunteer State.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released 2025 highlights and accomplishments that have contributed to greater opportunity, security, and freedom for all Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released 2025 highlights and accomplishments that have contributed to greater opportunity, security, and freedom for all Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Andy Kidd as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of General Services (DGS), effective January 15, 2026. Kidd succeeds Jeff Holmes, who has served the department as interim and will be returning to the private sector.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee welcomed the Christmas season during the annual Christmas at the Capitol and announced “Light of the World” tours of the Tennessee Residence.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) application was selected for a $400 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the development of a small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinch River Site.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced two key appointments in the judicial branch.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that the State has submitted its application to access federal grant funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which is designed to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities nationwide.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee provided more information on statewide resources available to Tennesseans impacted by the Democrat-led federal government shutdown. The Governor announced the launch of FeedTN.org, a platform that will connect Tennesseans with resources and opportunities to serve.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee warned Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers to expect a lapse in benefits on their cards beginning November 1, because Congressional Democrats have not voted to end the government shutdown. The longer Democrats wait to reopen the government, the more delays customers can expect as the program restarts.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter will travel to Asia next week for a strategic international recruiting trip.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that applications are now open for two grant funds, totaling $175 million, to strengthen downtown public safety and support local law enforcement’s work to reduce violent crime in communities. On October 2, local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies may begin applying for the $75 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and the new $100 million Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund. Both grant funds were included in the Governor’s FY26 budget proposal and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency marked the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, which brought historic flooding, wind damage, and power outages across Northeast Tennessee. The storm, one of the most severe weather events to impact the state in recent years, tested communities and agencies alike. One year later, Tennessee reflects on the strength of its residents and the unprecedented, coordinated response that continues to drive recovery.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Deputy Governor Butch Eley will depart the Lee administration after nearly seven years of leadership in Governor Lee’s cabinet and a distinguished tenure in state government. Eley has served Lee since the early days of running for Governor, and will transition out of government service to continue to make an impact in new ways.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined President Donald J. Trump inside the Oval Office for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force, and to request that President Trump grant activation of the Tennessee National Guard under Title 32 orders. This public meeting is the result of months of coordination with the Trump Administration to develop a multi-phased, strategic plan to leverage the full extent of both federal and state resources to fight crime in Memphis.