Newsroom

A construction project at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park will force the closure of the main parking area and forbid access to the popular Blue Hole in the park for about one year.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee began the busy 2025 holiday season in November with more people in the workforce than the previous year, according to newly released data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

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. – Approximately 20 Soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 105th Personnel Company departed Nashville on the first leg of a year-long deployment to the Middle East, January 8.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is updating older Commercial Driver License records to comply with current federal and state requirements. Approximately 8,800 of Tennessee’s 150,000 CDL holders will receive a notice by mail requesting citizenship or lawful presence documentation that were not required when their licenses were originally issued.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 8, 2026) – As Tennessee icon Dolly Parton prepares for another milestone year, the global ambassador graces the cover of the official 2026 Tennessee Vacation Guide, unveiled today by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD). The free planning resource highlights the people, places and experiences that define the Volunteer State and invites travelers to explore all 95 counties through music, food, history, outdoor adventure and more. Available now, travelers can order a free printed copy and download the guide at TNVacation.com, or pick one up in person at any of Tennessee’s 16 Welcome Centers.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Board of Parole will conduct an administrative board meeting at 9 a.m. January 21, along with executive clemency hearings January 21-22 at James Robertson Parkway in the Davy Crockett Tower, located on the fourth floor in downtown Nashville. The meeting and clemency hearings are open to the public and will be conducted in the Chairman Richard Montgomery Board Room.

NASHVILLE --- The 35th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival is set for Jan. 17-18, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday) at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, and Birchwood Community Center. The festival celebrates the thousands of sandhill cranes that stop over or spend the winter on or near the refuge. It is also an opportunity to focus attention on the rich heritage of the state and the Native American history of the area.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security joined Mayor Chad Graham and Bedford County first responders today to celebrate Bedford County’s integration into the statewide Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN).