Notable Tennessee landmarks and structures will be lit green to symbolize Child Support Awareness Month this week and to recognize the positive impact the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) Child Support Program provides to strengthen families and children.

NASHVILLE – Due to the ongoing investigation for escaped inmate Curtis Watson #00364744, a person of interest in the death of TDOC Correctional Administrator Debra Johnson, all media responses to inquiries unrelated to this case are currently on hold until further notice.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Athena-SCE, Inc. officials announced today the automotive supplier will invest more than $3 million to expand operations in Maury County.

Jackson, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led David and Darryl Lewis pleading guilty to theft this week. The two men own Lewis Bail Bonds in Jackson.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Interim Commissioner Carter Lawrence announce today that Mendota Insurance Company and Mendakota Insurance Company have completed relocating their corporate headquarters and changing their state of domicile from Minnesota to Tennessee.

HENNING – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a statewide Blue Alert for Curtis Ray Watson.

NASHVILLE - The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) awarded Tennessee a grant to create and expand apprenticeship programs across the state. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) will receive $1.4 million in funding over the next three years through the USDOL Apprenticeship State Expansion grant.

Grantees receiving new state funding to prevent suicide and promote better mental health among young Tennesseans are planning innovative ways to rise to the challenge of reducing the state’s number of unnecessary deaths. Ideas to make an impact include a statewide expansion of a successful program, new outreach and interface with pediatricians, and a social media campaign to reach young people.

NASHVILLE – Upon her release from the Tennessee Prison for Women this morning, Cyntoia Brown reported to her parole officer and completed the required intake process.

NASHVILLE – Early this morning offender Cyntoia Denise Brown was released from the Tennessee Prison for Women.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is proud to announce Lieutenant Travis Plotzer as the department’s selection for the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award for Spring 2019. The Governor’s Excellence in Service Awards began in 2016 recognizing outstanding state employees who are at the forefront of improving the way Tennessee State Government delivers services.

The Federal National Mortgage Association has discontinued its free market auction system for commitments to purchase conventional home mortgages. Therefore, the Commissioner of Financial Institutions hereby announces that the maximum effective rate of interest per annum for home loans as set by the General Assembly in 1987, Public Chapter 291, for the month of September, 2019 is 6.50 percent per annum.

NASHVILLE--Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 9.40 percent per annum. The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 5.40 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on August 5, 2019.

Governor Bill Lee has recognized Whitney Flatt of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture with the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award.

Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee saw 119 million domestic visitors in 2018, up 5.1 percent from 113 million the previous year and hit a record-high $22 billion in domestic and international travel spending. Travelers in Tennessee spend an estimated $60 million per day. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell made the announcement at the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Tennessee’s growth is outpacing the nation in all areas of travel; including tax revenue, expenditures, payroll and employment.