SUMMARY: Two families have filed lawsuits against an East Tennessee school district, claiming violations of students’ rights after school officials called the police under a law targeting threats of mass violence. One lawsuit involves an 11-year-old who was arrested after joking about a school shooting; another concerns a 13-year-old with disabilities, handcuffed for mentioning a “blow up” backpack containing only a stuffed animal. The lawsuits argue that the district’s actions, driven by a zero-tolerance policy, infringe on First Amendment rights and fail to adequately consider students with disabilities. Advocates are pushing for legislative changes to protect vulnerable students from unjust criminal charges.

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The post Two Families Sue After 11-Year-Old and 13-Year-Old Students Were Arrested Under Tennessee’s School Threat Law appeared first on wpln.org

SUMMARY: Nashville and Middle Tennessee are recovering from a significant snowstorm that occurred on January 10-12, 2025, which resulted in three to six inches of snow across the region. Public transit and trash collection have returned to normal, though recycling pickups are temporarily suspended. While no districts have canceled school for Monday, Williamson County has closed parks and waste facilities. The storm impacted highways severely, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol responding to over 500 crashes, including three fatalities. Troopers assisted more than 870 stranded motorists and fielded over 1,700 emergency calls related to the storm.

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SUMMARY: Yesterday marked the season’s first snowfall in several East Tennessee counties, leading to crews monitoring weather and road conditions. Early Saturday, roads in Campbell County were mostly clear, although some slick spots and covered side roads remained, particularly on hills. The Tennessee Highway Patrol urged caution, but I-75 was clear with vehicles traveling at posted speeds. Campbell County Sheriff Wayne Barton reported no unusual incidents, thanks to the preparedness of local agencies. The county has 16 plows for nearly 700 miles of roads, although they don’t pre-treat. Residents are advised to stay home for safety.

Wintry conditions and snow caused road conditions to change through the day Friday and into Saturday morning in Campbell County.

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