The Tennessean: Lee administration unveils proposal to spend $3.9B in federal stimulus funds
Following months of budget hearings and funding pitches from departments and organizations, Gov. Bill Lee’s administration unveiled a series of recommendations Wednesday to spend $3.9
billion in federal stimulus funds. A draft of the Tennessee Resiliency Plan, released during a Financial Stimulus Accountability Group meeting, proposes funding to improve water infrastructure, expand broadband access, increase hospital staffing and provide relief for the state’s tourism, agriculture and arts industries.

TNJ: UPDATE: Ford incentive deal, megasite panel approved by General Assembly
The nearly $900 million incentive package for Ford to build Blue Oval City on the Memphis Regional Megasite has passed both chambers of the General Assembly. The Senate voted 27-3 on both the funding measure and a bill creating a new Megasite authority. The opponents were Sens. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), and Kerry Roberts(R-Springfield).

TNJ: What’s on tap for latest special session?
Lawmakers are back for yet another special session later this week, the third one this year. This time, Republicans are hoping to demonstrate to constituents they are doing something — anything
— against what they see as federal overreach on COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates. Andy Sher of the Chattanooga Times Press has taken a deep dive into the legislative proposals that could be
taken up.

The Tennessean: Lee extends state of emergency by two weeks while reviewing Tennessee COVID-19 legislation
Gov. Bill Lee on Friday extended Tennessee’s state of emergency for the coronavirus by two weeks while he continues to weigh new legislation. Lee issued the orders Friday afternoon after the
Tennessee General Assembly passed a sweeping package of laws around COVID-19 restrictions early Saturday.