Tennessee’s tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, nearly double the national growth rate of 22%, culminating in a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced this feat alongside Gov. Bill Lee and tourism leaders today at the Appalachian Clubhouse in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. …
Category: Government
Government News is the latest breaking government stories, schools, sports, traffic, government, and community updates in Marion County, Sequatchie County, Grundy County, Jasper, Whitwell, South Pittsburg, Dunlap, Kimball, Tennessee, Northeast Alabama, Jackson County, Bridgeport, Scottsboro, Stevenson, Sand Mountain and surrounding communities.
Thursday is Election Day
Early voting turned out great numbers in the Sequatchie Valley and surrounding counties with all totals larger than in 2022. Election locations are expected to be busy on Election Day this Thursday. The poles are open for county general elections and state primaries. Registered voters can find polling locations and hours, view sample ballots and check …
Tennessee Department of Health Celebrates National Health Center Week 2026
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has joined community health centers across the state in celebrating National Health Center Week, now through this Saturday. The program recognizes the vital role community health centers play in providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare. This year’s national theme, Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most, celebrates how community health centers develop innovative …
TWRA Leasing Fields for 2026 Dove Season
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is seeking fields to lease for the upcoming 2026 dove hunting season. The first segment of dove season opens at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Landowners can earn up to $4,200 for providing a dove field for public hunting. These fields must be available for a minimum of three priority hunt …
Tennessee Sales Tax Holiday is this Weekend
Tennessee’s sales tax holiday comes around each year before the start of the school year. This year, it’s happening July 31-August 2. Tax-Free Weekend will begin at 12:01 am on Friday, July 31; it will end at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026. All clothing, school supplies and computer purchases during this time will …
Marion County/State Construction
MARION COUNTY I-24 TDOT Maintenance eastbound from MM 161.5 to MM 162.5:Â There will be a shoulder closure 08/03/2026 through 08/04/2026 from 6 AM to 5 PM to clean up trees on the right-of-way. MARION COUNTY I-24 resurfacing from near SR-27 (US-72) to east of SR-28:Â The contractor will be resurfacing on I-24 in both directions from …
Town of Powells Crossroads Seeks Contractors for Ballpark Bleacher Reconstruction
The Town of Powells Crossroads is seeking bids from licensed and bonded contractors for a project to rebuild the block work supporting the football bleachers at Crossroads Ballpark. According to a public notice issued by Mayor Dwight Richards, the town is accepting sealed bids for the project from properly licensed and bonded contractors. Project specifications …
County Unemployment Numbers Fall
Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment. Unemployment rates increased from May to June in 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Maury County was the lone exception; its rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point. Eighty-four counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5%. The remaining 11 …
Voter Turnout is Way Up Over 2022 Numbers
Early voting is now open to voters through Saturday, Aug. 1. Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 6. Registered voters can find polling locations and hours, view sample ballots and check their voter registration status by downloading the free GoVoteTN app or visiting GoVoteTN.gov. Early voting began on Friday and after 5 days of casting ballots. After …



