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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn today announced their support for removing negative consequences for schools and educators associated with student assessments for the 2020-2021 school year. Student assessments will be conducted as planned.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Babynov USA officials announced today that the company will establish its first U.S. production facility in Red Boiling Springs. Babynov USA will invest approximately $44.9 million and create 147 jobs in Macon County.

WC Bot is an interactive chatbot designed to assist injured workers with the proper completion of the Petition for Benefit Determination and Request for Expedited Hearing (along with its accompanying affidavit). Users can complete the forms by either typing or speaking into their device.

Hemp growers in Tennessee will have more time to adjust to federal Domestic Hemp Program guidelines. The program was scheduled to take effect this year, but the United States Congress extended the current industrial hemp pilot program authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill through September 30, 2021.

Tennessee Unemployment Claims Data for the week ending on October 10, 2020

Tennessee Unemployment Claims Data for the week ending on October 10, 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office released the following statement: "Today, a member of the Governor's Executive Security Detail has tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Lee is feeling well and has tested negative for COVID-19 but out of an abundance of caution, he is quarantining at home with the First Lady until further notice. Governor's Office protocol requires masks and social distancing and no staff are believed to be positive at this time. The regularly scheduled, in-person press briefing will be canceled and Gov. Lee will provide an update to reporters by phone this afternoon with Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey."

TDMHSAS has secured an additional $7.2 million in federal grant funding to respond to mental health and addiction concerns caused by COVID-19 and recent natural disasters.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development kicks off its busiest travel season with a new campaign aimed at protecting the health of visitors and residents. The “For the Love of Tennessee, Travel Safe” initiative reminds residents to play—but play it safe—by exploring the state’s unmatched scenic beauty, outdoor activities, urban centers and charming small towns while following key safety guidelines like mask-wearing, social distancing and sanitization.

PIKEVILLE – The Department of Correction will resume visitation for inmates at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex beginning next weekend. The facility will be on a modified visitation schedule beginning October 17.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Since March, the Tennessee National Guard has been working diligently alongside Tennessee’s Department of Health, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and various other state and local agencies to successfully administer COVID-19 tests to fellow Tennesseans. By Oct. 8, Tennessee guardsmen have successfully tested over 400,000 of their fellow citizens.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4 - 10 by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires and obtain a debris burn permit for leaf and brush piles. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Oct. 15.

Tennessee New Unemployment Claims Filed for the week ending on October 3, 2020