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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (Nov. 14, 2024) Tennessee promises unique, immersive experiences and outdoor adventure in 2025 with new attractions, restaurants, distilleries, hotels, exhibits, iconic anniversaries and impressive renovations. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most-anticipated openings to check out in Tennessee this year.

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 January, 2025 is 8.43 percent per annum. The rate as set by the said law is an amount equal to four percentage points above the index of market yields of long-term government bonds adjusted to a thirty (30) year maturity by the U. S. Department of the Treasury. For the most recent weekly average statistical data available preceding the date of this announcement, the calculated rate is 4.43 percent.

NASHVILLE--Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 11.75 percent per annum. The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 7.75 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on December 2, 2024.

On November 5, 2024, voters in Davidson County voted to approve a 0.5% surcharge on the local option sales tax, effectively increasing the local sales tax rate to 2.75%, to fund Metro Nashville’s transit improvement program. The effective date of the tax surcharge is February 1, 2025. Read more information in important notice #24-11

Tennessee State Parks announced the installation of adult-sized changing tables at four state parks to increase accessibility for all visitors, bringing the total number of state parks with the tables to 10. The announcement came on International Persons with Disabilities Day.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is excited to announce that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for all Tennessee students. The U.S. Department of Education has officially released the new form, marking a significant milestone in the financial aid process for prospective college students.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is excited to announce a contest to see who can come up with the best holiday travel safety message for the Dynamic Message Signs you see on the interstates. The contest gives Tennessee motorists a chance to help the department raise awareness about various safety issues and save lives.

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is reporting a suspected detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in West Tennessee. This occurrence affects a commercial chicken facility in Gibson County.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Columbia Driver Services Center, 1701 Hampshire Pike, will close on Thursday, Dec. 5 and will reopen Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, for carpet replacement.

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and its safety partners have signed a new Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) for Tennessee committing to reducing serious injuries and deaths on roadways. The goal of the SHSP is to take a proactive approach towards zero deaths. Updated every four years, the 2025-2029 plan includes the first Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Assessment.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert M. Smith to the Commission. Officially appointed by Governor Bill Lee in early November, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of experience in higher education, public policy, and leadership to his new role.