The Scoop: Spooky Season

Sycamore Than You Knew

• Federal Dollars ~ Tennessee receives billions of dollars from the federal government each year. In a webinar earlier this month, Sycamore explained the state budget context, the government shutdown’s potential effects, and how changes may impact programs like TennCare, SNAP, and the ACA Marketplace. Watch the recording now! 
• County View ~ We updated our popular county health profiles with the latest information on health outcomes, economic stability, neighborhood and built environment, health behaviors education, clinical care, and social context in an interactive dashboard for all 95 counties in Tennessee.
• By the Numbers ~ We recently released a brief analysis and interactive dashboard of the most recent U.S. Census data on income, poverty, health insurance, education, and housing in Tennessee. 
• A Picture of Health ~ Nearly 643,000 Tennesseans are enrolled in ACA Marketplace plans this year. Learn how these subsidies work, historical trends in enrollment, and what it could mean for Tennesseans in our most recent brief.
• Hot Off the Presses ~ Last week, Executive Vice President Mandy Spears participated in a roundtable discussion on the state of the economy on This is Nashville. The conversation covers the government shutdown, taxes, housing, and more!
• Meet & Greet ~ We’re thrilled to have Robin Yeh join our team as our Policy Director. She joins us from the Tennessee Department of Education, where she previously served as the Director of Policy and External Affairs. Join us in welcoming her!
  

Not From Around Here

• Bracing for the Storm ~ Much of the state has seen flooding over the past several years. KFF reports that at least two Tennessee hospitals, both in East Tennessee, are under a major flood risk. CBS News has the story.
• The Smokies ~ The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. Autumn is an important time in the Smokies’ tourist season, as people visit to see the changing leaves. As most national parks are closed during the shutdown, the Smokies remain open. Thanks to a blend of funding from the state of Tennessee, local governments, and nonprofits, they have a plan to keep the park fully operational through November 2.
• Science Lesson ~ Tennessee has thousands of miles of rivers and streams. So, where does a river start, and how does it grow so wide? In one minute, the Nature Conservancy answers that question!
• Doctors in Residence ~ Rural hospitals struggle to recruit qualified staff to serve their communities. In an effort to combat this problem, hospitals are training teenagers to become to next generation of healthcare professionals. The Wall Street Journal highlights the story of Ballad Health, the healthcare system serving the Tri-Cities area.
• Medal of Honor ~ Chattanooga, the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, hosted the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration this month for the first time. Of the 61 Medal of Honor recipients still living, about 30 attended the ceremony. 

Rated G for Graphic

Dusting Off the Archives

• How many Tennesseans are enrolled in federal programs like Medicaid (TennCare), SNAP, TANF, and WIC? Based on the most recent data, explore how many residents in your county participate in these programs.