By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
In June, Senior Reporter Anita Wadhwani began reporting on a story out of the Tennessee Department of Health: Parents of critically-ill kids receiving care through Children’s Special Services would have to provide verification of their immigration status or lose care.
After a legal challenge, the department agreed in July to continue serving the medically fragile children for the time being.
But today, Wadhwani reports on a similar situation. The state’s health department is pursuing a policy to require low-income Tennesseans with HIV to prove their immigration status.
Here’s the rub: many of the services are provided through the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, and federal law exempts immigration status checks in federal programs for the treatment of communicable disease.
Naturally, a lawsuit has been filed against the state.
There are 15 days until the midterm election and if you haven’t voted yet, check out the Tennessee Lookout voter guide to see who’s on your ballot.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
A Nurse performs a rapid test for AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis. Nashville CARES has filed suit against the Department of Health over new requirements to verify immigration status of patients with HIV/AIDS enrolled in the federal Ryan White program (Photo: Getty Images)
by Anita Wadhwani
In an Oct. 1 memo, the Tennessee Department of Health informed agencies serving low-income Tennesseans living with HIV/AIDS it will require verification of immigration status for many of the services provided through the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.
NEWS AND NOTES
With 2 weeks until midterms, analysts say Dems still on track to win US House majority | Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom
Ukrainians and Sudanese with temporary legal status will keep protections for now | Ariana Figueroa, States Newsroom
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, says her Senate colleagues displeased with her endorsement of independent candidate David Hatley in the governor’s race don’t have the votes to oust her from the GOP Caucus. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
Sen. Janice Bowling, a 14-year lawmaker from Tullahoma, told the Lookout that she is not concerned about a potential vote by the Senate Republican Caucus to remove her because she backed independent David Hatley rather than the Republican nominee, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, in the governor’s race.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Control of Memphis-Shelby County Schools returns to the local school board as the state takeover faces another court-ordered pause. (Andrea Morales / For Chalkbeat)
by Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat
The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools has once again been temporarily blocked, this time by a local judge on Monday.
COMMENTARY
At least five public school districts have approved the display of the Ten Commandments since a GOP-backed law allowing them to do so took effect July 1. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Photograph by John Partipilo/
by Ren Brabenec
“To use public schools to boldly depict Biblical scripture is to interfere with parents’ well-established rights to guide their children’s religious education. Furthermore, it is a significant step in the direction of using state power to recognize the religious laws of one faith.”
ICYMI
Attorney General touts success of Trump task force in Memphis | Anita Wadhwani
‘No Kings’ events across Tennessee focus on vote turnout ahead of November election | Cassandra Stephenson & J. Holly McCall
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