Tennessee

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promotes health initiatives in Tennessee amid medical community concerns

Published

1 month ago

February 4, 2026

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promotes health initiatives in Tennessee amid medical community concerns

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the Tennessee State Capitol as part of a nationwide tour promoting the Trump administration’s health initiatives, drawing both support and criticism from lawmakers and medical professionals.

Kennedy addressed an invite-only audience, focusing heavily on dietary recommendations and healthcare transparency measures. He outlined several key policy proposals, including prescription drug pricing reforms. “Whatever the lowest price they’re selling anywhere in the world, we will get that price or lower,” Kennedy said promoting the Trump RX program.

Kennedy also emphasized the administration’s push for transparent healthcare pricing. “Every hospital in the country is now going to have to publish their prices,” Kennedy said.

Much of Kennedy’s remarks centered on nutrition and food choices, encouraging Americans to focus on whole foods while maintaining personal freedom. “We’re asking people now — eat real food. Eat protein,” Kennedy said.”If you want to drink a Coca-Cola or eat a Krispy Kreme doughnut, you live in America, you ought to be able to do that. But we’re going to tell you what the cost is.”

When asked about vaccines, Kennedy said he wasn’t directly involved with state-level efforts to end vaccine requirements for school-aged children but voiced support for parental and personal choices in vaccination decisions.

“If people want to get a vaccine, they can get them and they can get insurance for them. I think that’s a personal choice that people should make with our physicians and they should make with their families,” Kennedy said.

The visit drew protests from healthcare advocates concerned about Kennedy’s positions on vaccines and public health policy. Dr. Katrina Green, a Nashville emergency room physician and healthcare advocate with Protect My Care, protested Kennedy’s appearance and expressed concerns about potential increases in vaccine-preventable diseases. “It’s gone from the fringe to the places of power that are making decisions,” Green said.

Green warned about the potential consequences of reduced vaccination rates. “I’m an emergency physician, I have yet to diagnose a case of measles in my ER but it’s coming and that terrifies me,” Green said.

The secretary’s office controlled the question-and-answer session, limiting which reporters could ask questions. NewsChannel 5 was not one of the outlets selected to ask a question.

After the event, Kennedy appeared to have plenty of time to take photos with lawmakers and lobbyists inside the Governor’s office.

Tennessee lawmakers expressed mixed reactions to Kennedy’s visit. State Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, voiced concerns about the secretary’s positions after listening to his presentation. “A lot of things I heard were very alarming and are a danger to our public health,” Jones said.

Healthcare initiatives in the legislature

The visit comes as several healthcare related initiatives are expected to come up this year in the Tennessee General Assembly. House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, shared some of his ideas before session began this year. “Capping the costs of insulin, and those types of drugs are certainly within the jurisdiction of the state,” Clemmons said.

State Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, outlined her priorities for improving maternal health services. “I want to pass legislation that is addressing maternal health around still birth, Doula care, getting TennCare to cover more services,” Lamar said.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, has previously indicated interest in creating basic healthcare plan options from private insurance companies, similar to minimum car insurance coverage. “You hear a lot of time from people I shouldn’t be bankrupt from my health plan. That’s correct, but we don’t really offer those types of plans, or market those plans or say that’s a basic plan,” Sexton said.

Other legislative priorities include reducing healthcare regulations and expanding rural healthcare access. State Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, discussed potential reforms to Certificate of Need requirements and efforts to encourage healthcare providers to serve rural communities. “We want to make sure those who are capable and willing, and it’s an economically viable model for them to go into a rural area to provide healthcare are able to do so,” Johnson said.

Tennessee will also be the recipient of $200 million in grants each year for the next five years from the Trump administration to bolster rural healthcare.

Kennedy’s visit comes as the Trump administration works to implement its healthcare agenda across the country, with state-level cooperation playing a crucial role in many proposed reforms.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at Chris.Davis@NewsChannel5.com.

Repaying your federal student loans may be different in 2026 and beyond

The news surrounding student loan repayment has been ever-changing over the last few years. When it comes to your money, confusion is never a good thing. Thankfully, Robb Coles helps us sort out the path forward. Check out his story for some practical tips and insight behind the latest changes.

– Carrie Sharp

Source link

Click to comment

Tennessee

Furman beats East Tennessee State for SoCon title, NCAA berth

Published

16 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Furman beats East Tennessee State for SoCon title, NCAA berth

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Cooper Bowser had 21 points and 11 rebounds as No. 6 seed Furman beat top-seeded East Tennessee State 76-61 on Monday night to secure the Southern Conference tournament title and an NCAA tournament bid.

Furman (22-12) won its eighth SoCon title in program history and first since defeating Chattanooga in 2023.

Tom House added 13 points off the bench for Furman and Alex Wilkins, who scored a career-high 34 to help rally from an 11-point halftime deficit in the semifinals, scored 12. Bowser was 9-of-12 from the field to help the Paladins shoot 51%.

Brian Taylor II scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half for ETSU (23-11), which was in the title game for the second time in three seasons. Blake Barkley added 14 points and Jaylen Smith had 10.

House made Furman’s sixth 3-pointer of the first half to extend the lead to 37-27 with four minutes left. The Paladins led 42-35 at the break.

Wilkins’ steal and fast-break dunk extended Furman’s lead to 72-61 with 2:11 left and Bowser added a hook shot in the lane on their next possession for a 13-point lead.

ETSU went 2-of-7 from the field over the final five minutes to halt a comeback attempt. The Buccaneers finished 3-of-16 from 3-point range and 10 of 18 at the free throw line.

The Buccaneers were trying for their first NCAA bid since 2020.

Source link

Tennessee

Titans free agency: Tennessee signing offensive weapons to help QB Cam Ward, bolstering coach Robert Saleh’s defense, reports say

Published

12 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Titans free agency: Tennessee signing offensive weapons to help QB Cam Ward, bolstering coach Robert Saleh’s defense, reports say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Let the spending spree begin. The NFL offseason is now in full swing as free agents are beginning to sign with new homes throughout the league ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The Tennessee Titans are among the top franchises with the most cap space in the league.

Latest: Tennessee Titans reportedly trade young defensive tackle for Pro Bowl defensive end from New York Jets

Previous: Tennessee Titans release center Lloyd Cushenberry

Below is a look at the free agents and moves the Titans have reportedly made:

Cornerback Alontae Taylor – three-year $60 million deal
Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott – three-year $45 million deal
Defensive tackle John Franklin-Meyers – three-year $63 million deal
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky – two-year deal
Tight end Daniel Bellinger – three-year $24 million deal
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson – four-year $70 million deal
Long snapper Morgan Cox – re-signed one-year deal

Before the free-agency frenzy, the Titans released center Lloyd Cushenberry and also reportedly traded away defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat for Pro Bowl defensive end Jermaine Johnson.

Source link

Tennessee

TN Lottery Cash 3 Evening, Cash 4 Evening winning numbers for March 8, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

The Tennessee Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Cash 3 numbers from March 8 drawing

Evening: 1-8-7, Wild: 8

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from March 8 drawing

Evening: 1-0-9-7, Wild: 7

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Tennessee Jackpot numbers from March 8 drawing

10-19-30-33-35

Check Daily Tennessee Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 8 drawing

01-31-32-45-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Tennessee Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.

For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Tennessee Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket, a copy of a government-issued ID and proof of social security number to P.O. Box 290636, Nashville, TN 37229. Prize claims less than $600 do not require a claim form. Please include contact information on prizes claimed by mail in the event we need to contact you.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID and proof of social security number to any of these locations:

Nashville Headquarters & Claim Center: 26 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN 37214, 615-254-4946 in the (615) and (629) area, 901-466-4946 in the (901) area, 865-512-4946 in the (865) area, 423-939-7529 in the (423) area or 1-877-786-7529 (all other areas in Tennessee). Outside Tennessee, dial 615-254-4946. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Knoxville District Office: Cedar Springs Shopping Center, 9298 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922, (865) 251-1900. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $199,999.

Chattanooga District Office: 2020 Gunbarrel Rd., Suite 106, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 308-3610. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $199,999.

Memphis District Office: Chiles Plaza, 7424 U.S. Highway 64, Suite 104, Memphis, TN 38133, (901) 322-8520. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $199,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://tnlottery.com/.

When are the Tennessee Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Cash4Life: 9:15 p.m. CT daily.
Cash 3, 4: Daily at 9:28 a.m. (Morning) and 12:28 p.m. CT (Midday), except for Sunday. Evening game daily, seven days a week, at 6:28 p.m. CT.
Daily Tennessee Jackpot: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Tennessee Cash: 10:34 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Powerball Double Play: 10:30 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Tennessean editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link