SUMMARY: Tennessee has released a redacted version of its execution manual, considerably shorter and less detailed than its 2018 predecessor, consisting of only 44 pages compared to the previous 100. The new guidelines provide vague protocols for lethal injections and eliminate testing requirements for drugs, which previously led to a moratorium on executions by Governor Bill Lee due to procedural failures. Critics, including public defenders, argue that the manual’s lack of transparency contradicts promises made by the governor. Nationally, states are increasingly secretive about execution procedures, citing safety concerns, despite a decline in the number of executions.

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SUMMARY: A federal court in Kentucky ruled that the Biden administration’s expansion of Title IX to include gender identity is unlawful. The United States District Court sided with plaintiffs from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and West Virginia, asserting that the administration overstepped its authority. Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves stated that Title IX’s phrase “on the basis of sex” refers specifically to male and female, and that the new regulations are arbitrary and violate the First Amendment, demanding schools use names and pronouns aligned with a student’s gender identity. The court struck down the entire rule, deeming it invalid. The decision is subject to appeal.

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SUMMARY: Good morning! Today is calm before a winter storm, with mostly sunny but chilly temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s. A winter storm watch is in effect for the region, with warnings for Fentress and Cumberland counties starting at midnight. Snow is expected tomorrow, with potential for a wintry mix in the Southern Valley later in the day, possibly reducing snowfall totals there. The storm continues into Saturday with lingering flurries. If you don’t need to travel this weekend, it’s best to stay home and prepare with essentials. After the storm, watch for melting and refreezing hazards on Sunday and Monday.

The morning weather report for East Tennessee on Thursday, Jan. 9.

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