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Tennessee lawmakers kick off their 2026 session, focusing on a tight budget and key priorities like immigration, grocery tax, and childcare affordability. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Majority Leader William Lamberth propose immigration laws and a gun sales tax holiday. Both parties aim to cut grocery tax, with Sexton favoring fresh produce and Lamberth pushing for full repeal. Childcare costs concern both sides, with Sexton suggesting subsidies and Lamar proposing to redirect school vouchers to childcare. Other ideas include marijuana legalization and increased transportation funding. Checkout Solipillow.com

Nashvilles Metropolis Technologies, known for parking lot management, agrees to a $9 million settlement with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmettis office. The company faced complaints about overcharges and poor service, leading to a state investigation. The settlement includes refunds for wrongly charged customers, a new free parking initiative, and stricter accountability measures. Consumers can expect clearer pricing, live customer support, and auto-refunds for tech glitches. A $2.25 million free parking program is also launched for Tennessee plates in Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. Those overcharged in the last four and a half years may qualify for refunds. Checkout Solipillow.com

Tennessees Childcare Crisis: Infant Care Costs More Than Public University Tuition In a staggering revelation, a new report from Tennessee shows that the average annual cost for infant daycare, at $13,926, surpasses the in-state tuition fees for public universities. This figure is higher than the tuition at Tennessee State University ($8,616) and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville ($13,812). Over the past five years, childcare costs have escalated by 21-31%, with toddler care in family homes experiencing the most significant increase of 31% since 2021. The situation is pushing families to the brink, with over 80% of Nashville parents missing work due to unaffordable childcare. This report, which includes mental health and school progress data, is submitted annually to the governor and lawmakers. The highest childcare costs are found in Williamson, Wilson, and Rutherford counties, with Williamson families paying $15,470 per year for one babys care. Community leaders emphasize the need for collective efforts to address this issue, and the full report can be accessed at Tennessee.gov/TCCY. Checkout Solipillow.com

21-year-old Tyler Poole from Hermitage pleaded guilty to shooting over 60 rounds at Pastor Greg Lockes former home in Wilson County. Poole, wearing an orange jumpsuit, entered his pleas in court, facing charges of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He was sentenced to five years in prison for the assault charge and two years each for the reckless endangerment counts, with credit for over a year already served. Pooles actions resulted in no injuries but caused significant damage, with one bullet narrowly missing Lockes youngest daughter. Locke, known for his conservative views, responded with forgiveness, hoping Poole turns his life around through faith. Checkout Solipillow.com

Nashville Zoo celebrates New Years Day with the birth of its first-ever aardvark calf, marking a significant milestone in AZA facilities. The calf, born to parents Karanga and Winsol, is the first of its kind in twenty twenty-six. The zoos care team is closely monitoring the pair, and plans are underway for the calf to join another AZA zoo to contribute to the species population growth. Checkout Solipillow.com

Metropolis Parking Company Settles Lawsuit, Offers Free Parking Program and Refunds: Tennessees Attorney General secures nearly $8.8 million settlement from Metropolis, launching a new free parking program and potential refunds for customers who parked at their lots from July 2021 to January 2026. Metropolis must implement changes, including clear signage, text notifications, and a grace period for quick stops. Checkout Solipillow.com

A MTSU professor, Ashleigh McKinzie, was found shot dead on a rural road, with her handgun nearby. Todd Stanton, a stranger, claimed self-defense after firing at her. The TBI is investigating, and the DA will decide if charges are filed. Checkout Solipillow.com

Twenty-year-old Andre Bell, a Fisk University student, is fighting for his life after a drive-by shooting on Interstate sixty-five in Nashville. The incident occurred on January eleventh, when Bell and his friends were returning from a gymnastics event. A dark sedan opened fire, striking Bell, causing him to crash into a pickup truck. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities are seeking information on the sedan or its occupants. Checkout Solipillow.com