News

Today, Commissioner Jeff Long of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry joined multiple law enforcement partners to announce the “Tennessee Safe Thanksgiving Travel Challenge Initiative.”

The Tennessee Safe Thanksgiving Travel Challenge Initiative is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 30. The initiative includes increased patrols from the THP and our law enforcement partners across the state. This will be an all-hands-on-deck approach to traffic safety. Colonel Perry has instructed all administrative commissioned members to be on patrol during this initiative. Troopers will be posted every 20 miles on all Interstates to observe for hazardous drivers. The THP will also focus on statewide enforcement efforts on all secondary roadways throughout the holiday season.

“We need your cooperation to achieve our goal,” said Colonel Matt Perry. “I’m asking every single driver to commit to three things: Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive distracted.” Check your speed, put your phone away, and always ensure every passenger is properly restrained.”

In 2024, there were eight fatal crashes resulting in eight fatalities during the Thanksgiving Holiday period from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 to 5:59 a.m. Monday, Dec 2. One fatal crash was alcohol related. Two of the eight fatalities, safety restraints were not worn. There was a fatality every 13 hours and 30 minutes during the 2024 Thanksgiving Day holiday period.

“Thanksgiving is one of those times that reminds us what really matters,” said Commissioner Jeff Long. “It’s about faith, family, and getting home safe to the people who love you. The men and women of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be out there watching the roads, but we need your help too. Slow down, buckle up, and don’t drive distracted or impaired. Let’s make sure every seat at the table is filled this Thanksgiving.”

“While most of us will be at home giving thanks with our families, TDOT’s HELP Truck drivers will be on the frontlines, working throughout the holiday weekend to assist with incidents and keep traffic moving. They sacrifice time with their own families so that others can make it safely to theirs,” said Josh Brown, TDOT Traffic Operations Director. “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but no amount of engineering can prevent dangerous driving behaviors. Safety depends on all of us making responsible choices behind the wheel.”

“This holiday season, make traffic safety a priority,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “The choices you make behind the wheel affect the safety of everyone around you. Be mindful and drive with care — for yourself, your passengers, and others traveling the roadway. Drive smart. Drive sober. Arrive alive.”

During your travels across Tennessee, please dial *847 (*THP) if you require highway assistance. This will connect you to a THP dispatcher.

The THP’s checkpoint schedule for the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday may be viewed on our website at www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/thp-checkpoints/2025/NOVEMBER.pdf.

AAA projects that 1.9 million Tennesseans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This marks a 1.9% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Volunteer State.

Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Tennessee Thanksgiving Travelers

• Total Travelers: 1,933,203 (+1.9%)
• By Car: 1,859,108 (+1.8%)
• By Air: 51,445 (+0.3%)
• By Other Modes (bus, train, cruise): 22,649 (+8.9%)

“Tennesseans are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”

Traveling By Car

AAA projects that nearly 73 million Americans will travel by car this Thanksgiving, representing almost 90% of all holiday travelers. In Tennessee, more than 1.8 million residents will drive to their destinations. That number could rise if travelers opt to avoid potential flight disruptions.

Rental Cars: Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, reports that Wednesday will be the busiest day for vehicle pick-ups. Good news for renters: domestic car rental rates are down 15% compared to last year.

Gas Prices: Drivers can expect gas prices similar to last Thanksgiving, when the national average was $3.06 per gallon. AAA recommends filling up the night before travel and checking your battery and tire pressure. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide, many for dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks.

Impaired Driving: AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving, accounting for 35% of all traffic fatalities during the holiday period.

Traveling By Air

AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024. In Tennessee, over 51,000 residents will take to the skies. Given recent flight reductions, that number could end up being lower as flights get cancelled or travelers make other plans.

Airfares: Domestic airfares are similar to last year, averaging $700 for a round-trip. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can offer savings but return flights on Sunday and Monday tend to be the most expensive. Some travelers are adjusting their schedules to avoid peak travel days.

“With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,” Haas continued. “Consider flying on less busy days, booking early morning departures when delays are less likely, and having a backup plan in case your flight is disrupted. Whether that means adjusting your return date or being ready to drive, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the unexpected.”

By Other Modes

Travel by bus, train, and cruise is expected to rise 8.5% nationally, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers. In Tennessee, more than 22,000 residents will travel by these modes. Cruise travel continues to surge, with AAA projecting 20.7 million U.S. cruise passengers in 2025 and 21.7 million in 2026. Thanksgiving cruises to the Caribbean are especially popular for their warm weather and all-inclusive appeal.

A new report from the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, shows strong and sustained progress for adult learners supported through Tennessee Reconnect, the state’s free tuition program for adults returning to college powered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

The findings show more Tennesseans are enrolling, completing credentials, and seeing higher wages as a result of targeted state efforts to help adults return to higher education.

“This new data confirms what Tennessee has long believed: when adult learners are supported with personalized guidance and clear pathways, they don’t just enroll, they succeed,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “Tennessee Reconnect continues to prove what’s possible when state investment, dedicated Navigators, and hands-on coaching come together to open doors for thousands of adult learners.

Key Findings from the 2025 Navigate Reconnect Report:
Enrollment among Reconnectors, adult learners who return to college through the program, rose to 45.1%, while credential completion jumped to 15.2%, marking a 38% increase in completions over the previous year.

Reconnectors continue to outpace other nontraditional students in persistence and credential attainment and the gap is growing. After three years, 33.5% of Reconnectors earned a credential compared to 26.3% of other adult learners, a seven-point advantage.

The data show Reconnectors are more likely to be working when they enroll and they’re seeing real economic gains. Seventy-eight percent were employed at the time of enrollment, and their average income rose at a higher rate than other adult learners – 21% within three years. This accelerated earnings growth suggests that the new skills and credentials they earn are placing them on a steeper, more promising long-term career trajectory than their peers.

Tennessee Reconnect is reaching and supporting Tennesseans who may have previously felt out of place in traditional higher education systems. The study shows that Reconnector success is not confined to a specific demographic. They outperform other adult learners regardless of sex, race, prior enrollment history, prior unemployment, first-generation status, or economic background.

Navigate Reconnect serves as Tennessee’s primary model for adult college coaching. More than 11,000 Tennesseans have been supported through personalized advising and wraparound services, leading to measurable increases in enrollment, completion, and earnings.

“Our navigators are the heart of this work,” said Jessica Gibson, THEC Senior Director of Adult Initiatives. “They walk alongside adult learners from the first conversation to the final credential, helping them navigate every barrier in between. This report reinforces just how powerful that one-on-one support can be.”

The educational achievements of Navigate Reconnect participants translate into significant economic benefits for Tennessee. By boosting persistence and completion rates, the program contributes to a more skilled, credentialed, and resilient workforce that is better equipped to meet the demands of the state’s economy.

Tennessee’s 2025-26 statewide gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 22, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in all six of Tennessee’s Deer Management Units (DMU). The season traditionally opens each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloaders or archery equipment. The statewide bag limit for antlered bucks is two. No more than one antlered deer may be taken per day, not to exceed two for the season. In DMUs 1, 2, and 3, there is an antlerless bag limit of three per day, and in DMUs 4, 5, and 6, there is a limit of two antlerless for this season. The bag limit may only be exceeded as part of the Earn-A-Buck program or as a replacement buck in a CWD-positive county.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends all hunters obtain a 2025-26 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties, and bag limits for each of the six DMUs. The guide is available on the TWRA website, the TWRA On The Go Mobile App, and at locations where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, is required to carry proof of completion of a hunter education class or have the Apprentice Hunter Education Permit (along with other required licenses) while hunting any species in Tennessee. Hunter education can be completed online for free, along with in-person options offered by TWRA.

Deer season is in full swing across Tennessee, and not just for hunters. State troopers say it’s the time of year when drivers are most likely to encounter deer where they are not hunting them..in the middle of the highway. November is historically the peak month for deer-related crashes in Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch for wildlife, especially in rural areas and at dawn and dusk. In 2024, there were just over 8,000 deer-related crashes statewide, including 465 injury crashes and five fatalities. The majority, 7,571, involved property damage only. “Deer activity spikes every fall, and November is always our busiest month for these kinds of crashes,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Perry. “Drivers should stay focused, reduce their speed, and expect the unexpected. If you see one deer, there’s a good chance more are following.” By the Numbers (2024) Total crashes: 8,036 Injury crashes: 465 Fatal crashes: 5 Top counties by Grand Division: West Tennessee: Shelby, Madison, Henderson Middle Tennessee: Montgomery, Sumner, Robertson East Tennessee: Hamilton, Sullivan, Washington County with the most crashes: Montgomery County Most of these crashes happen on rural roadways, where limited lighting and higher speeds make it harder to avoid collisions. “Every November we see an increase in deer strikes, and they can be serious,” said Jeff Long, Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “Wearing your seat belt and keeping your eyes on the road are simple steps that save lives.” Safety Tips for Drivers Stay alert, particularly at dawn and dusk. Slow down in areas marked with deer-crossing signs. If a deer runs in front of you, do not swerve. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Use high beams when it’s safe to do so to help spot deer near the roadway. Always buckle up. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury in every type of crash. Report deer-related crashes to law enforcement or the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Drivers can view deer-crash data by county on the Department’s Deer-Involved Crashes Dashboard at: https://gis.safety.tn.gov/Maps/Public/DeerInvolvedCrashes/.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced today that the department will begin processing partial SNAP payments, following updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to issue 65% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025. If directed, upon the reopening of the federal government, TDHS will work quickly with USDA to process remaining benefits for SNAP customers.

SNAP customers who were originally scheduled to receive their benefits between November 1–12 will begin to see benefits on November 12th. SNAP customers scheduled to receive SNAP benefits after November 12th can expect to receive their partial November SNAP benefit payment on their regularly scheduled date.

Tennessee SNAP recipients can use the One DHS Customer Portal to view the latest case details at https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp.

SNAP customers can also use the ebtEDGE app or Cardholder Portal to check their benefit amounts by visiting https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile to download the app or log into the Cardholder Portal at https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do.

For continued updates and additional information, customers are encouraged to visit the TDHS website here: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/federal-shutdown.html.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has launched new online resources to help military veterans and service members transition into agriculture and grow successful farm businesses.

The new Military Veteran Farmers webpage serves as a central hub for information, offering step-by-step guidance on how to start or expand an agricultural operation, access grants and funding, and connect with support networks across Tennessee.

In addition to business development information, the page includes permitting guidance, business planning tools, and direct links to partner organizations that assist veterans pursuing agricultural careers.

“These resources are designed to make it easier for veterans to build meaningful careers in agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “We’re proud to support those who have served our country and state by helping them find success in Tennessee’s diverse agricultural industry.”

The new resource is available online: Military Veterans and Service Member Resources.

To complement the launch, TDA’s Business Development Division will host a free webinar for veterans and service members on Nov. 6 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Central.

This virtual session is designed for veterans and service members interested in pursuing opportunities in Tennessee agriculture. The webinar will introduce TDA’s Military Veteran Farmer resources, Homegrown by Heroes program, and other state initiatives available to help veterans build successful farm businesses.

Attendees will hear from experts and partners who work directly with veteran producers across the state, including Tennessee AgrAbility Program Coordinator Eileen Legault, Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee President Ron Bridges, and Tennessee AgVOLs Coordinator Charley Jordan.

The webinar will also cover TDA’s cost-share and grant programs such as the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, Agricultural Enterprise Fund, and AgTrack, which support new and established agricultural operations.

The informational webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is required online at Nov. 6 – Tennessee Department of Agriculture – Business Development Webinar.

Governor Bill Lee’s office has provided information on statewide resources available to Tennesseans impacted by the federal government shutdown. The Governor announced the launch of FeedTN.org, a platform that will connect Tennesseans with resources and opportunities to serve.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed all states that there will be insufficient funding to cover November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the shutdown continues. Any remaining benefits from previous months may still be accessed in November.

The SNAP program is federally funded and operated, and Tennessee is unable to utilize state dollars to provide the benefit, as states do not have a mechanism to load benefits onto customer cards.

The Governor’s Faith Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) is communicating daily with a coalition of more than 300 non-profit and faith community leaders to identify needs, share information, and mobilize rapid response across all 95 counties.
Tennesseans should visit FeedTN.org to connect with resources and opportunities to serve. By entering their ZIP code, users may:

• Find local food distribution and volunteer opportunities
• Contribute directly with food donations or financial gifts to vetted community partners
• Access ready-to-use communication assets for houses of worship and organizations to inform their communities

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has collaborated with a number of state departments, in addition to the Governor’s Faith Based and Community Initiative and Tennessee Serves, to identify resources for Tennesseans who may be facing food insecurity due to the shutdown.

Rural and farming communities are the backbone of Tennessee’s food supply, and the SNAP program supports farmers, grocers, and retailers across the state’s rural economies. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) continues to administer The Emergency Food Assistance Program in partnership with Tennessee’s five regional food banks to strengthen access to nutritious foods statewide.

TennCare’s CHOICES program provides a daily meal delivery benefit for older adults and adults with physical disabilities enrolled in the program. This benefit will continue despite the federal government shutdown, and adults enrolled in TennCare should reach out to their health plan if they need help requesting this benefit. Through TennCare’s Community Compass website, Tennesseans may connect with local organizations offering free or low-cost services such as medical care, food assistance, job training, and more.

Additional Food Resources:
• Mid-South Food Bank: https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/find-food
• Chattanooga Area Food Bank: https://chattfoodbank.org/hungry
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee: https://netfoodbank.org/help/
• Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee: https://secondharvestetn.org/find-a-food-pantry/
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee: https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/find-resources/find-food/

Additional Community Resources:
• TN Community Compass: https://communitycompass.tn.gov/
• TN Disability Pathfinder: https://www.tnpathfinder.org/

Dial 2-1-1, or search for local resources online:
• Chattanooga 2-1-1: https://team211.communityos.org
• Memphis 2-1-1: https://team211.communityos.org/linc211memphis
• Nashville 2-1-1: https://team211.communityos.org/homepage-uwgn
• Knoxville 2-1-1: https://easttn211.communityos.org

Individuals and organizations who would like to assist with food donations and additional support services may fill out the form here.
TDHS is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown, and will update their website as more information becomes available.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) urges everyone’s participation to make this a safe Halloween.  The THP has plans for increased visibility and enforcement efforts over the Halloween weekend to ensure troopers are promoting a safe and happy holiday for all Tennesseans. Per the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN), there were a total of 18 fatal motor vehicle crashes in Tennessee during the 2024 Halloween holiday period.  Four of the 18 fatal crashes were single vehicle crashes, ten were crashes involving multiple vehicles and four crashes involved drunk drivers.  This resulted in 18 people being killed on Tennessee roads.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 31 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes nationally during the Halloween holiday period (6 p.m. October 27 – 5:59 a.m. November 1) in 2023 were in crashes involving a drunk driver. “There is typically a dramatic increase in pedestrian traffic on Halloween. It is important for us to remind motorists to slow down and watch for children on all roadways. This is a time of good family fun. However, children, parents, guardians and motorists must remember that safety comes first,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long said. Over the Halloween weekend, 2024 there were five pedestrian fatalities in Tennessee. That’s three more pedestrian deaths when compared to the same time in 2023.  Please remember, children will be out trick-or-treating and the parents/guardians accompanying them are at an increased risk of injury during the Halloween weekend. “Troopers will be conducting increased patrols and using enforcement techniques to look for reckless, aggressive and impaired drivers,” THP Colonel Matt Perry said “If you plan to drink then please plan ahead for a designated sober driver, or take a ride share.  It is crucial you never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Don’t make the life-threatening decision to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.  Our goal is to keep children safe from those who blatantly disobey the law this Halloween,” Perry added. Halloween safety tips for parents, children and motorists are listed below. Tips for Motorists – Slow down. Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs. – Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways. – Be especially alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs. They’re excited and may not be paying attention. – Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children. – If you are driving to a Halloween party, put your mask on after you park the car. – Never drink and drive – tonight or any night. If you are partying, designate a driver. Tips for Parents – Adults should accompany children at all times and supervise their “trick or treat” activities. – Teach children to “stop, look left-right-left, and listen” before they cross the street. – Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks. – Use a flashlight and wear retro-reflective strips or patches on your clothing or costume to be more visible to motorists. – Be certain that the mask does not obstruct vision or hearing. – Ensure that costumes do not impede walking or driving ability. Tips for Pedestrians (children and adults) – Require children to wear retro-reflective materials and carry a flashlight at dawn and dusk and in other low-light situations, such as rainy or foggy weather. – Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while on the street. – Walk – never run – from house to house or across the road. – Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. – When crossing at an intersection with a traffic light, be sure to watch for turning cars. Obey all pedestrian signals. – Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.

On Halloween, probation and parole officers with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will carry out Operation Blackout, a statewide effort designed to enhance public safety and protect children during trick-or-treating.

Operation Blackout is an annual compliance operation targeting sex offenders under TDOC supervision whose convictions involve minors. Officers will conduct unannounced home visits to verify that high-risk individuals follow special restrictions for the holiday.

As part of this operation, offenders are prohibited from:

• Answering the door to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Porch lights must remain off and front doors closed.
• Distributing Halloween treats, candy, favors, or gifts to children at their residence or any other home. Offenders may not visit or be present in any residence where these items are being distributed.
• The distribution of treats, candy, favors, or gifts by anyone at the offender’s registered residence.
• Wearing costumes.
• Having a Halloween party at the offenders’ residence.
• Visiting corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, or any other seasonal activities, or attending any function where children are gathered, even if it is a private residence.

“This is about being present, reinforcing expectations, and helping to ensure families can enjoy the holiday with peace of mind,” said Chris Hansen, TDOC’s Assistant Commissioner of Community Supervision.

With more than 26,000 registered sex offenders in Tennessee, and approximately 5,000 under active TDOC supervision, this operation gives families an extra layer of reassurance that restrictions are being followed.