SUMMARY: Ahead of Tennessee’s 2025 legislative session, lawmakers have filed several proposals, including a grocery tax cut and immigration reform. Democrats Sen. Charlane Oliver and Rep. Aftyn Behn aim to eliminate the 4% sales tax on food, a measure that failed last year, while most states have already removed such taxes. Additionally, a bill by GOP legislators would mandate law enforcement to request immigration detainers for undocumented individuals. Sen. Jack Johnson and Rep. William Lamberth introduced the “Education Freedom Act of 2025,” which proposes $20,000 in scholarships and a $2,000 bonus for teachers, alongside raises for starting salaries.

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SUMMARY: Renata Walton, a now-indicted tax preparer, allegedly orchestrated a $65 million COVID relief scheme. Posing as a tax expert, she and co-conspirator Nicole Jones targeted small business owners, promising access to grant money in exchange for preparing fraudulent tax forms claiming inflated employee retention credits. This resulted in businesses receiving U.S. Treasury checks totaling over $100,000 based on false information. Despite being warned about a federal investigation, Walton continued her fraudulent activities, attempting to cover up her actions by providing clients with misleading letters for the IRS. The indictment includes charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and money laundering.

Two Mid-South tax preparers are facing more than 50 federal charges after allegedly using COVID-19 relief fraud scheme to defraud the federal government. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/two-mid-south-women-indicted-for-a-65-million-covid-relief-scheme/article_79a16b7e-ac44-11ef-bde9-939aa7d79cc8.html

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SUMMARY: Thanksgiving travel is peaking today, making it one of the busiest days at M. Tyson Airport in Knoxville. Airport spokesperson Becky Huckabee noted that over 7,000 people are expected to travel, leading to long TSA lines. Preparation is key; the airport collaborates with airlines and rental services to manage the surge in passengers. The holiday season is special for airport employees, who enjoy reconnecting families. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours early for their flights and to be patient as they navigate the busy airport environment.

Airport lines are long at McGhee Tyson this Thanksgiving Eve as Tennessee residents travel home for the holidays.

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