Gavel Down/TN (10/1–10/7, 2016)

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Here’s a quick roundup of the policy news in TN this week:

  • The Tennessee Supreme Court is considering whether the state’s lethal injection protocol constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
  • TennCare change to “value-based” payment system saved $11.1 million in first year.
  • Amazing breakdancing Lebanon police officer is at it again. (OK, that’s not really policy but it’s really cool).
  • Of 102 sentences commuted by President Obama this week, five were Tennesseans.
  • More than 420,000 Tennesseans unable to vote this year because of their criminal record.
  • US Attorney for Middle District of TN announced charges for six Fort Campbell soldiers and two civilians who stole Army gear to sell overseas.
  • Memphis City Council passed ordinance to lower penalties for small amounts of marijuana possession.
  • Nashville will track marijuana citations and arrests under new ordinance giving officers greater discretion to prevent potential bias in enforcement.
  • The Tennessean launched a Spanish-language version. (Sign up for El Boletin).
  • The Knoxville News Sentinal ended long-time state politics column by Tom Humphrey. “Humphrey on the Hill” ran from Jan. 28, 2009 to Sept. 30, 2016, and will be very missed.