News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
State Democrats dismayed with passage of school voucher bill
SUMMARY: The Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025 is now set for the governor’s approval, generating mixed reactions from lawmakers. Republican leaders celebrate increased educational choices for families, while Democrats criticize the legislation as financially damaging to public schools, estimating a $45 million decline in TISA funding. Governor Bill Lee and Republicans defended the swift passage of the bill, asserting benefits for both private and public schools. The voucher program, however, is projected to cost the state over $400 million in its first year. Some Republicans opposed the measure, signaling divided opinions within the party.
The Tennessee Education Freedom Act is heading to Governor Bill Lee’s desk, but some state Democrats are not pleased.
SUMMARY: In Tennessee, while 10 states and Washington D.C. permit medically assisted suicide, previous legalization attempts have failed. The debate was sparked in 2015 by John Jay Hooker, a civil rights icon with terminal illness, who sued the state for the right to die with dignity. Despite support from former state Rep. Craig Fitzhugh and others, bills were unable to progress past committee. Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman has since introduced similar legislation, emphasizing patient choice and dignity in death, with support from hospice providers. However, Freeman’s bill also failed to advance, though he plans to reintroduce it in the upcoming session.
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SUMMARY: The Tennessee House passed the Education Freedom Act of 2025 by a 54-44 vote, with some Republicans opposing it alongside Democrats. The Senate followed with a 40-13 approval. The bill aims to enhance school choice but faced criticism from Democrats, who argued it could lead to an extensive entitlement program at taxpayers’ expense. Some Republicans, including Sen. Ken Yager, expressed previous concerns regarding its impact on school district revenues. Meanwhile, the House also passed an immigration bill creating a Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, which raised concerns among some senators about a proposed felony charge for officials supporting sanctuary cities.
The post School choice bill headed to Lee’s desk | Tennessee appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com
SUMMARY: A group of investors led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is aiming to establish a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team in Nashville, proposing the name “Tennessee Summitt” in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt. Their bid will be submitted on January 30, with hopes for the franchise to begin play in the summer of 2028 at Bridgestone Arena. Plans include a world-class practice facility that will also support youth basketball in the area. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell supports the initiative, and several celebrities, including Tim McGraw and Peyton Manning, are backing the bid.
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US Figure Skating coach in OKC devastated by news of athletes, families, coaches on DC flight
State Democrats dismayed with passage of school voucher bill
New EMA director in Pulaski County addresses efforts to strengthen emergency management
Real Latina Woman on fear of ICE Raids
Police release new details on Little Rock mall shooting suspect
Rotary Club addresses State of Jackson County
AAA Cooper Transportation announces $13.2 million investment in Bowling Green
Past debates over medically-assisted suicide in TN
Local high school sees increased student achievement with unique cell phone policy and teacher creativity
Healthcare leaders gather at state capitol to advocate for Medicaid expansion
Trump International Airport proposed, renaming Dulles | North Carolina
Trump’s new Justice Department leadership orders a freeze on civil rights cases
Thawing out from the deep freeze this weekend
1/23/25- The “freezer door” shuts after Saturday AM, then the warm up begins!
Democrats and voting groups say a bid to toss out North Carolina ballots is an attack on democracy
Causeway reopens to drivers in Louisiana
Kentucky’s bourbon industry worries as potential 50% EU-imposed tariffs loom
Trump threatens to abolish FEMA in return to Helene-battered western North Carolina • Asheville Watchdog
Last 4 escaped monkeys are captured in South Carolina after months on the loose
Trump’s federal funding freeze leads to confusion, concern among Alabama agencies, nonprofits • Alabama Reflector
US Figure Skating coach in OKC devastated by news of athletes, families, coaches on DC flight
State Democrats dismayed with passage of school voucher bill
New EMA director in Pulaski County addresses efforts to strengthen emergency management
Real Latina Woman on fear of ICE Raids
Police release new details on Little Rock mall shooting suspect
Rotary Club addresses State of Jackson County
Chamber Spotlight – Pam's Gym & Tonic
Gulf Coast Orchid Show this weekend
Nearly 30 bodies found in deadly D.C. plane crash found as rescue efforts shift to recovery
Happening Jan. 30: Biloxi Shuckers job fair
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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed6 days agoTrump International Airport proposed, renaming Dulles | North Carolina
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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed6 days agoTrump’s new Justice Department leadership orders a freeze on civil rights cases
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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed6 days agoThawing out from the deep freeze this weekend
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Mississippi News Video7 days ago1/23/25- The “freezer door” shuts after Saturday AM, then the warm up begins!
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News from the South - Florida News Feed5 days agoDemocrats and voting groups say a bid to toss out North Carolina ballots is an attack on democracy
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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed6 days agoCauseway reopens to drivers in Louisiana
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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed3 days agoKentucky’s bourbon industry worries as potential 50% EU-imposed tariffs loom
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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed6 days agoTrump threatens to abolish FEMA in return to Helene-battered western North Carolina • Asheville Watchdog