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Millions of Children Lose SNAP Benefits, Threatening Free School Meal Programs

Millions of Children Lose SNAP Benefits, Threatening Free School Meal Programs

Millions of children are losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits, which is now jeopardizing universal free school meal programs across the United States. Republican lawmakers secured cuts to SNAP last year through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included stricter work requirements for receiving food assistance. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that over a million children have lost food benefits since July 2025. This decline in SNAP participation directly impacts school meal programs because SNAP enrollment often qualifies children for free school meals. Consequently, dozens of schools nationwide, including those in San Antonio, Houston, and Miami-Dade County, have ended their universal free meal programs this academic year. School nutrition experts, like Diane Pratt-Heavner of the School Nutrition Association, warn that the full impact of these changes will become more apparent in the coming years, potentially leading to a much worse situation.
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Tennessee Issues First Commercial Nuclear Fusion License, Advancing Project Infinity

Tennessee Issues First Commercial Nuclear Fusion License, Advancing Project Infinity

The state of Tennessee has issued the first license for a commercial nuclear fusion project in the U.S. under a new regulatory framework designed to accelerate the technology's development. Knoxville-based Type One Energy plans to commence construction this year on 'Project Infinity,' a prototype fusion reactor. This facility will be located at the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) former Bull Run coal-fired power plant in Anderson County. Unlike traditional nuclear fission, which splits uranium atoms, Type One Energy's reactor will generate energy by fusing hydrogen isotopes at extremely high temperatures. The company's ultimate goal is to establish the world's first commercial nuclear fusion power plant, with a target of fully activating its initial reactor by 2034. This initiative is supported by a $4.5 million grant from Tennessee's nuclear fund, established by Governor Bill Lee and authorized by the General Assembly, which has since grown to $95 million.
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
Who pays for Tennessee's growth? Homeowners do | Opinion

Who pays for Tennessee's growth? Homeowners do | Opinion

Tennessee leads the nation in property tax hikes. Is the state prioritizing corporate growth over local families?
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Tennessee Tiny-Home Buyers File $5M Lawsuit Against Developer Over HOA Control and Unbuilt Amenities

Tennessee Tiny-Home Buyers File $5M Lawsuit Against Developer Over HOA Control and Unbuilt Amenities

Residents in three Tennessee tiny home communities—Deer Lick Falls, Sunset Bluff, and Water's Edge—have initiated legal action against developer Claude "Chip" Hayes III. They allege that Hayes maintained control over their homeowners associations (HOAs) beyond the stipulated turnover points, which were either five years after the first lot sale or once 75% of lots were sold. Homeowners describe these as "zombie HOAs," claiming that Hayes's continued authority has led to financial mismanagement and a failure to deliver promised amenities. Lawsuits, which began in 2024, seek to transfer HOA control to residents and demand financial transparency. At Sunset Bluff, over 40 homeowners are seeking $5 million in damages, while Water's Edge residents reported unpaid property taxes on common areas and a lack of financial record sharing. Homeowners also claim that promised features like hiking trails, kayak access, a clubhouse, and a saltwater pool were never built, despite being part of the sales pitch.
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Memphis City Officials Announce Weekend Night Closures for Riverside Drive to Enhance Safety

Memphis City Officials Announce Weekend Night Closures for Riverside Drive to Enhance Safety

The city of Memphis, Tennessee, has announced immediate closures of Riverside Drive during weekend nights as part of an ongoing initiative to improve safety in Downtown Memphis. These closures will be implemented on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, specifically between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes during these specified times. This measure is a direct response to concerns regarding public safety in the downtown area, aiming to mitigate potential risks and enhance the overall security for residents and visitors. The city has not specified the duration of these closures, indicating they are part of an 'ongoing effort.'
The Knoxville News-Sentinel The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Mill that helped make Knoxville 'Underwear Capital of the World' sits empty

Mill that helped make Knoxville 'Underwear Capital of the World' sits empty

We're taking a look at the Standard Knitting Mill's past as Knoxville waits to see its future unfold.
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Local Water Providers Respond to Nationwide Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Water Systems

Local Water Providers Respond to Nationwide Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Water Systems

Water providers across Tennessee are enhancing their cybersecurity measures in response to a series of nationwide threats targeting water entities in at least 12 states. The FBI and Environmental Protection Agency issued a public service announcement on July 30, warning the Water and Wastewater System sector about 'malicious cyber actors.' Incidents reported in Minnesota and other states between July 26-27 involved hackers targeting publicly exposed programmable logic controllers (PLCs), modifying passwords, and changing IP addresses to disconnect equipment, leading to loss of monitoring and control. Some facilities reported modified PLC project files, and operational effects included loss of pressure and flooding. While agencies have not officially attributed these attacks to ongoing conflicts, similar cyberattacks in 2023 and 2024 were linked to the CyberAv3ngers, a group associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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Senator Bill Hagerty Engages in Discussions on Opportunity Zones 2.0 in Lawrence County

Senator Bill Hagerty Engages in Discussions on Opportunity Zones 2.0 in Lawrence County

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty recently met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner to discuss Opportunity Zones 2.0. This meeting, which also included Ryan Egly, President and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, focused on the potential impact of the next generation of this federal economic development program on communities like Lawrence County. The discussion was part of a broader effort by the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce to highlight business growth, industry outreach, and community investment. Senator Hagerty's involvement underscores the continued federal interest in leveraging such programs for local economic benefit. The Chamber's activities in August also included welcoming new members, strengthening relationships with existing industries through site visits, and participating in regional economic development seminars. These efforts aim to provide local businesses with reliable information on wages, benefits, and workforce tr...
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
How prediction markets differ from sportsbooks | Letters

How prediction markets differ from sportsbooks | Letters

Sean Patrick Maloney argues that prediction markets are federally regulated exchanges rather than sportsbooks.
The Commercial Appeal The Commercial Appeal
Trump's Tennessee approval rating hits record second-term low

Trump's Tennessee approval rating hits record second-term low

New polling shows President Trump's net approval rating in Tennessee has dropped to 1%, marking a new second-term low in a state he has consistently carried.
USA Today USA Today
See the US House observe moment of silence to remember Dolly Parton

See the US House observe moment of silence to remember Dolly Parton

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, Sept. 2, observed a moment of silence for Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 25.
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Tennessee Issues Commercial Fusion License to Type One Energy for Bull Run Site

Tennessee Issues Commercial Fusion License to Type One Energy for Bull Run Site

The state of Tennessee has issued a commercial fusion license to Type One Energy, a Knoxville-based company, for its Project Infinity at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Bull Run Energy Complex near Oak Ridge. This license, announced at the annual meeting of the Organization of Agreement States (OAS) in Nashville, allows Type One Energy to begin construction on its Infinity One stellarator prototype. Following this, the company plans to build its 400-MW Infinity Two pilot fusion power plant, with full operation anticipated by 2034. This development follows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) decision in April 2023 to regulate fusion energy systems as byproduct material facilities, enabling Agreement States like Tennessee to establish their own fusion regulations. Tennessee implemented its regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines in early June.