News

Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 11, and will continue through Sunday, May 24.

All 95 counties are open to the spring turkey seasons. However, there are some exceptions on public land (see the WMA section of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for details). Birds may be harvested from any combination of Turkey Management Units, not to exceed the statewide season limit.  

One male turkey per day, not to exceed two for the season, may be harvested. Only one can be a jake. An adult gobbler is defined by having one of the following: wing feathers having white barring all the way to the tip, tail feathers all the same length, beard is longer than 6 inches, or a spur at least ½-inch long. All hens (including bearded hens) are illegal to harvest.

Hunting hours are 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise until legal sunset. Legal hunting equipment includes shotguns using ammunition loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Firearms and archery equipment may have sighting devices, except those devices utilizing an artificial light capable of locating wildlife. 

Hunters are reminded to “Tag Before You Drag” by tagging their turkey in the field prior to moving. Hunters can use the “TWRA on the Go” app to simply E-tag and report their harvest in the field in one easy step, with or without cell phone service, before moving.

If a hunter does not have a phone, attach one of the temporary transportation tags printed at the bottom of your license, and complete your check-in online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com or at one of several manned check stations by midnight on the same day of the harvest (or before leaving the state). Temporary transportation tags can also be obtained by logging in at  GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

Hunters are reminded that if they harvest a banded bird to send the information to the TWRA. Contact information is located on the band.

More information on the 2026 spring turkey season, regulations, and license requirements can be found in the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide. The guide is online at www.tnwildlife.org and available at TWRA offices and license agents. To purchase a license online, visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today announced that the TN Promise application is now open for the Class of 2027. For the first time, high school juniors can apply beginning April 1, giving students earlier access than ever before to the state’s last-dollar scholarship.

The earlier application timeline allows students and families to begin planning for college sooner, including gaining earlier insight into admissions and financial aid opportunities early in their senior year.

What This Means for Students:

•  Apply Earlier: High school juniors can submit the TN Promise application starting April 1, months ahead of previous years. 
• Plan Ahead: Students and families can begin exploring college options and financial aid opportunities earlier in the process.
• Stay on Track: Completing the application early helps ensure students meet key deadlines during their senior year.

“Tennessee continues to lead the nation in expanding access to higher education,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “By opening the TN Promise application earlier than ever, we are giving students more time to plan, prepare, and take the next step toward their future.”

TN Promise covers tuition at community colleges, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), and select private institutions. For more information, visit CollegeForTN.org. Students can apply for TN Promise and other state financial aid programs in the TSAC Student Portal.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will extend the public comment period on the approved Environmental Assessment (EA) and the Recommended Preferred Alternative (RPA) for the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project. The comment period will now close on March 31, 2026. The 47‑day public comment period opened on February 13, 2026, when TDOT issued public notices announcing that the approved EA and the RPA were available for public review on the project website and at designated locations within or near the I‑24 corridor. The notices also announced the public hearings held on March 3, 4 and 5. TDOT has followed a federally mandated environmental review process as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This process includes conducting extensive studies to assess potential impacts on the natural and built environments. Public involvement is a key component of the NEPA process. In accordance with TDOT’s Public Involvement Plan which requires a 21-day comment period after the last public hearing, this extension provides a total of 47 days to submit comments. Comments can be submitted via the project website, emailed to TDOT.24ChoiceLanes@tn.gov, recorded via the Project Hotline at (615) 451-8039.

Community members will have the opportunity to connect with employers and vital support services during two upcoming Reentry Resource Fairs hosted at local Community Resource Centers on Thursday, March 19. The events will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Nashville and 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Murfreesboro.

Designed for Individuals on community supervision, those who have been incarcerated, or
anyone in need of support, the events bring together employers and service providers to help attendees take the next steps toward stable employment and community success.

Participants will have the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from employers actively looking to hire, and can receive assistance with housing, child support, legal aid, health insurance, job skills and training, and mental health resources.

“Successful reentry requires strong community partnerships,” said Travis Davis, Director of the Nashville Community Resource Center. “Events like this connect individuals to employers who are ready to hire and to organizations that provide critical support services. By bringing these resources together in one place, we’re helping people build stability and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.”

Nashville Reentry Resource Fair
Thursday, March 19, 2026; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
900 Madison Square, Madison, TN 37155

Murfreesboro Reentry Resource Fair
Thursday, March 19, 2026; 08:30 am – 11:30 am
1938 Southpointe Way, Murfreesboro, TN

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is inviting farmers, agricultural partners and members of the public to participate in the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Listening Tour, a series of public meetings designed to gather input on the future of one of the state’s most impactful agricultural programs.

As TAEP continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern agriculture, TDA is hosting listening sessions across the state to hear directly from producers and stakeholders about what is working, what could be improved and what opportunities exist for the future.

“TAEP has invested in nearly 98,000 projects that helped Tennessee farmers grow, adapt and invest in their operations,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “As we look ahead, we want to hear directly from the people who can help guide improvements to TAEP and ensure that the program continues to support Tennessee agriculture in the most effective way possible.”

Farmers, agricultural organizations and community members are encouraged to attend and share their experiences and suggestions on how TAEP can best serve Tennessee agriculture.

TAEP Listening Tour Dates and Locations

Friday, March 20, 2026
9–11 a.m. Central
West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center
605 Airways Blvd.
Jackson, TN 38301

Thursday, April 9, 2026
2–4 p.m. Central
Tennessee Farm Bureau – Clyde York Conference Room
147 Bear Creek Pike
Columbia, TN 38401

Friday, April 10, 2026
12–2 p.m. Eastern
UT Eastern Region Extension Office
1801 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37919

TAEP, created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2005 and administered by TDA, provides cost-share opportunities to help farmers invest in improvements to their operations, diversify production and strengthen long-term agricultural sustainability.

More information about the TAEP Listening Tour can be found on the TDA Facebook page.

Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have charged three people in connection to an ongoing theft case. At the request of 16th Judicial District Attorney General Jennings Jones, TBI agents opened an investigation into Kamay Miller (DOB 12/7/1987), Nyema Malloy (DOB 3/24/1985), and Zaire Harper (DOB 3/18/1993), who had been arrested by the Woodbury Police Department and charged with shoplifting. During the investigation, agents developed information that the three individuals were suspected in multiple thefts across Tennessee. Furthermore, at least one of the individuals was later connected to a large-scale theft operation that spans multiple states. On February 20th, Miller was arrested and charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property over $10,000. On February 23rd, she was transported and booked into the Cannon County Jail where she is being held on a $60,000 bond. On March 3rd, Mallory and Harper were both charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property over $10,000 and transferred to the Cannon County Jail where they are both being held on a $60,000 bond. The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has been made aware of a scam targeting workers in other states. Individuals are falsely claiming to represent their equivalent of our Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims.

In these scams, workers are contacted by phone, email, text message, or video call and told they must pay money to receive workers’ compensation benefits or to settle their claims. The scammers may falsely identify themselves as a judge, attorney, state employee, or other government representative. Some communications may appear official.

What You Should Know

• You shouldnever be asked to pay moneyto receive workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Under Tennessee law, employers are responsible for furnishing reasonable and necessary medical treatment for compensable injuries.
• The Bureau doesnot charge workersto receive benefits or to settle claims.
  • The Bureau’s role includes assisting with claims, mediation, and dispute resolution.
• The Bureau willnever request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or similar methods.
• Official communications willnot pressure you to act immediatelyor threaten loss of benefits for failure to pay fees.

If you receive a message that does not feel right, do not send money or personal information. Verify before you act.

How to Verify a Claim or Communication

If you have questions about a workers’ compensation claim or want to confirm whether a communication is legitimate:

• Visit the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation website: tn.gov/workerscomp
• Contact the Bureau directly through the contact information listed on our official website. Email addresses can be spoofed. If you receive a suspicious message, do not reply. Start a new email or call using the official contact information listed on our website.

Early verification can help protect you and others.

Report Suspected Scams

Reporting suspected scams helps prevent others from becoming victims.

If you believe a scammer has contacted you:

• Report the incident to local law enforcement.
• File a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
• Preserve emails, voicemails, text messages, and payment requests as evidence.

Questions? Email us at wc.info@tn.gov.

A media release from the Cannon County Executive’s office reports a safety improvement has been performed at one of the most active intersections in the county.  We’re pleased to share that, after Cannon County Government reached out and worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), intersection rumble strips have now been installed at the red light at SR 1 (US 70) and SR 64/Bradyville Road.

These rumble strips create both noise and vibration to alert distracted drivers and encourage them to slow down as they approach the signal. This improvement is part of our continued commitment to enhancing roadway safety and reducing the risk of serious crashes in our community.

This is a great example of what can happen when local and state partners work together to address community concerns. We appreciate Landon Castleberry, Traffic Engineer, and TDOT for their responsiveness and commitment to making Cannon County’s roads safer.

Please drive carefully through the area and help us spread the word by sharing this update!— with myTDOT.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will conduct lane closures on Interstate 24 in Rutherford County. On Wednesday, February 4, from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m., TDOT crews will close eastbound lanes on I-24 from mile marker 67 to 68, just east of Sam Ridley Parkway. Crews will close two lanes at a time, starting with the on-ramp and two outside lanes (closest to the shoulder), then the two inside lanes. This closure is necessary for crews to mill a stretch of pavement experiencing numerous potholes following Tennessee’s winter weather event. Milling will remove the top layer of pavement, leaving a grooved roadway largely free of voids. Crews will also be sweeping the roadway and shoulders to address loose gravel. This work is a temporary measure until the roadway can be fully resurfaced this spring. I-24 from the Davidson County line to Baker Road (near mile marker 71) is in TDOT’s 3-Year Pavement Plan to be resurfaced this year. The contract on the project was awarded in December, but work cannot begin until Tennessee experiences warmer temperatures and asphalt plants fully reopen.

All work is weather-dependent. As always, drivers are reminded to allow additional time, slow down, and move over when traveling through a work zone. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee includes the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500. Motorists can report potholes to TDOT by calling the TDOTFIX Hotline at 833-TDOTFIX or using this online form: TDOT Maintenance Request. The TDOT SmartWay Map (https://smartway.tn.gov) provides the latest traffic updates on construction activity. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to support the local and state-led response to the winter storm in Tennessee. On January 28, President Trump amended Tennessee’s federal emergency disaster declaration, allowing FEMA to quickly reimburse the state for response efforts totaling $3.75 million.

“DHS and FEMA began coordinating with all potentially affected states, including Tennessee, days before the winter storm began,” said Karen S. Evans, FEMA acting administrator. “By opening lines of communication early, FEMA rapidly delivered vital resources that states needed to respond to the storm and restore critical services to their communities.”

Following a federal emergency disaster declaration on January 24, DHS deployed personnel to the state emergency operations center to enhance coordination with partners on the ground, including FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Mary Hernandez and other support personnel. In the days following the storm, FEMA helped coordinate other specialized teams to support the state:

• On January 27, the U.S. Forest Service’s hotshot crews arrived in Tennessee to conduct “cut and toss” operations that remove debris from roadways, allowing emergency access for power restoration work and local first responders.
• On January 28, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Power Restoration Team arrived in Tennessee to begin generator assessments and installation.
• On January 31, FEMA deployed a 12-person Incident Management Assistance Team to further support Tennessee.

People with storm-related needs are encouraged to contact Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, their local emergency management office or volunteer agencies in their area for assistance.