SUMMARY: Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is spearheading a lawsuit with over a dozen states against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The lawsuit challenges a new HHS rule that restricts the disclosure of “reproductive health care” information without consent, hindering states’ abilities to conduct investigations and obtain health records. The rule, established after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, adds barriers that prevent states from using reproductive health data in criminal or civil inquiries. Skrmetti criticized the rule as politically motivated and impractical, seeking to have the court declare it unlawful and halt its enforcement.

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SUMMARY: Matthew Ballard, former president of the Sevier County Utility District, faces indictment for allegedly misappropriating $158,760 through a kickback scheme with an electrical company. His father, William Edgar Ballard, is charged with aiding the conduct. An audit revealed over $1.7 million in questionable spending, including $778,000 linked to the scheme. Matthew Ballard is also accused of deleting work data and soliciting false statements from employees. The investigation, initiated in January 2023, led to his termination in March. State Auditor Jason Mumpower criticized the utility board for failing to provide necessary oversight. The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation will discuss the findings.

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SUMMARY: The Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area, located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border, is facing challenges from invasive feral swine that threaten visitor safety, native wildlife, and local farmland. These hogs dig up essential plants and cause considerable agricultural damage. Beginning January 21, a collaborative effort by several government agencies, including the USDA and wildlife departments, will initiate a campaign to reduce the feral hog population using aerial operations and bait trapping. Visitors should expect increased official presence in the area this winter to address the issue.

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