SUMMARY: Portland has experienced significant growth, with its population increasing by 15% since 2010. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, driven by the development of new residential areas and Nashville’s growth. Housing in Portland remains 53% below the national average, making it an attractive option for new residents. Despite this growth, locals hope to maintain a small-town feel, avoiding large-scale commercial developments. To manage this change, the city launched the “Preserve Portland” plan, which will guide zoning and development. Officials remain optimistic about the future, especially with anticipated decreases in interest rates in 2025.

The city of Portland has seen substantial growth in recent years and that’s not expected to slow down in 2025.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is promoting school choice through a new television ad for the American Federation for Children. Alongside state legislators, he introduced a bill to expand a school choice program, currently piloted in Davidson, Hamilton, and Shelby counties. Lee emphasizes that “freedom” is essential for education in Tennessee, supporting the Education Freedom Act that empowers parents and invests in public schools. However, the Hamilton County Board of Education opposes the bill, citing a lack of demonstrated student outcome improvements and recommending the retention of pilot program limitations to assess effectiveness and accountability for private schools and homeschool programs.

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SUMMARY: After a fatal officer-involved shooting on Dec. 14 in West Tennessee, Rutherford County authorities donated money to support the family of Sgt. Rick Finley, who was killed while responding to a suspect. Finley was attacked by 39-year-old Daniel Holmes, who fired fatal shots before being shot by another officer. Finley, survived by his wife and four children, received the donation through the “Secret Santa” fund, a charitable initiative supporting law enforcement families. The donation was coordinated by deputies, including Sgt. Robert Horne and Sgt. John Wauchek, and accepted by Lt. Ted Roberts on behalf of Finley’s family.

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