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.

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SUMMARY: Tonight, East Tennessee is bracing for a weather system bringing wind and rain through Friday. Rainfall is expected to be between half an inch to an inch, with higher amounts possible in northern areas. Winds will also increase, particularly in mountains and higher elevations, with gusts exceeding 50 mph in some regions. A wind advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. tonight until 10 a.m. Friday. After rainfall, the weekend promises drier conditions with partly cloudy skies and milder temperatures, reaching the mid-60s by Sunday. Next week looks warm with temperatures in the upper 60s.

Showers likely, breezy and mild. Drying by afternoon. Highs near 60 degrees. Lows in the lower 40s Friday night.

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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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