The Republican-controlled state Senate, attempting to stop a potential wave of COVID-19 lawsuits, passed legislation this week giving businesses and schools greater protection from liability.

The state Senate approved a $40 billion budget for fiscal 2021, using a chunk of reserve funds to cover about $1 billion in tax shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 crisis, but refused to restore money for education and postpartum health care.

Congressman said he would not support additional federal unemployment payments, but suggested perhaps a one-time, return-to-work bonus of up to $1,200.

Despite civil strife, Gov. Bill Lee refuses to say whether the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust should be removed from the State Capitol or the day of recognition for the Confederate general should be eliminated.

Testing for COVID-19 of every nursing home and long-term care facility in the state will be completed by the end of the week, Gov. Bill Lee said.

Tennessee will observe Nathan Bedford Forrest Day on July 13, but the governor won’t have to sign a proclamation recognizing the observance under legislation passed by the Senate Wednesday.

The House Health Committee pushed an abortion bill to passage Tuesday with limited understanding of an amendment placed on the legislation.

The state House and Senate sent conflicting signals Tuesday, June 9, on the fate of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s bust in the State Capitol and a special day honoring his life. A Senate panel voted to keep Forrest Day while state Rep. London Lamar persuaded a House committee to get rid of the special day.

A white state lawmaker from Ooltewah apologized to state Rep. Joe Towns, a black Memphis lawmaker, Monday evening, June 8, after making an off-hand comment about Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The Lee Administration is holding out hope it can use about $1 billion in CARES Act money to replace lost revenue, spending only about a fourth of $2.3 billion the federal government has sent Tennessee since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The Lee Administration will take about $600 million from its $4 billion in reserves to bolster the budget this year and next, but it won't go deep into those funds, instead opting to add more to the rainy day fund.

The state is planning to challenge a court ruling requiring expanded absentee voting during the COVID-19 pandemic and could be violating a chancellor's order to immediately send applications to any voter who requests one.

Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher program is out for the 2020-21 school year that begins this fall.

The judge ruled in favor of two groups, including Memphis and Nashville residents who said their health could be jeopardized if they were forced to vote in person.

A Davidson County chancellor in early May ruled the voucher program unconstitutional, saying the Legislature forced the program on Shelby and Metro Nashville without local approval.

Gov. Bill Lee’s plan eliminates $58 million proposed for teacher pay increases and includes $50 million for an employee buyout program.

State Rep. Jesse Chism, who stood between the National Guard and peaceful protesters on the steps to the State Capitol Monday night, is opposed to sending Tennessee troops to the nation's capital as they mobilize.

Legislation allowing Memphis Rep. John DeBerry to renew a re-election bid is to be considered Thursday by the full Senate after Democrats kicked him off the ballot.

Mask distribution has been halted until results of an independent test of the Renfro mask and chemicals used in its manufacturing are confirmed.

A Senate committee defeated legislation designed to let more people vote without going to the polls this fall as the COVID-19 crisis is expected to stretch on for months.

The Department of Revenue will look at the sales taxes reported by businesses statewide and prepare to make payments ranging from $2,500 for the smallest to $30,000 for the largest ones, as the state distributes federal CARES Act funds.

The Tennessee National Guard mobilizes 1,000 troops to stop potential rioting in the nation’s capital over the death of George Floyd.

Roughly 28,000 businesses shutdown by the pandemic will be eligible to receive a share of funding, governor says.

The House bolstered gun ownership and undercut abortion rights Monday night, the first night in session after more than two months out for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two challenges against Tennessee’s absentee voting law are scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, in Davidson County Chancery Court.