By Adam Friedman | Reporter
Good morning, Lookout readers:
Today we start with a story from reporter Sam Stockard on State Sen. Tom Hatcher, a Maryville Republican, asking Gov. Bill Lee to suspend the state’s 27.4-cent gas tax.
Gas, and particularly diesel prices, have skyrocketed over the past year since the U.S. launched its war in Iran.
One year ago today, gas was $2.71 per gallon — and diesel $3.35 — in Tennessee, according to the AAA fuel price tracker. Today gas is up 45% to $3.91 per gallon; diesel is up 80% to $6.
Lee has already approved an exemption allowing farmers to use a form of cheaper untaxed diesel, but, as Hatcher said, “regular citizens need some help.”
Read Stockard’s story on Hatcher’s request.
Other election reminders:
Early voting for the November midterm elections begins TODAY and runs through Oct. 29. Click here to find an early voting site or your election-day voting location.
Candidates for state offices had to file their third-quarter campaign finance disclosures by Tuesday night. Expect some articles in the coming days from the Lookout team.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has approved a measure allowing farmers and loggers to use a lower-cost type of diesel through the October 2026 harvesting season, but a state senator now wants a gas tax holiday for everyone. (Photo: John Partipilo/John Partipilo)
by Sam Stockard
A Tennessee Republican lawmaker is asking the governor to cut motorists some slack at the pump by calling for a one-month break on the state’s gas tax.
NEWS AND NOTES
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Tennessee will have three constitutional amendment questions on the November 2026 ballot. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Adam Friedman
Tennessee officials placed the three constitutional amendment questions on the first page of the November 2026 ballot as required by law, pushing U.S. Congressional and state legislative races further down the ticket.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
James Danly, center, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, announces TVA will get grant funds for grid upgrades. Mike Skaggs, president of the Tennessee Valley Authority, is on the left and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District is on the right. (Photo: Angela Dennis for Tennessee Lookout)
by Angela Dennis
The U.S. Department of Energy plans to send $250 million to the Tennessee Valley Authority for grid upgrades that federal and TVA officials said Tuesday will lower power costs and ease congestion, though they did not say by how much.
ICYMI
COMMENTARY
Memphis, Shelby County officials do little to mobilize voter engagement | Rev. Earle Fisher
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