SUMMARY: Some Tennessee lawmakers are supporting a bill allowing school districts to opt out of enrolling undocumented students, challenging a 1982 Supreme Court ruling that prohibits denying public education to these children. House Majority Leader William Lamberth and Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton acknowledge potential legal battles. The bill follows significant increases in undocumented student populations, straining local resources, particularly in Rutherford County. Lawmakers argue the influx of undocumented students leads to absenteeism and declining test scores. Lamberth expressed a desire to revisit the Supreme Court decision, citing changing circumstances over the past four decades.

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SUMMARY: Good morning! It’s a busy Thursday with potential strong to severe thunderstorms expected across the region, including East Tennessee. Currently, Southeastern Kentucky faces a level one risk from the Storm Prediction Center and is under a tornado watch until 11 AM. We’ve seen multiple storms with tornado warnings this morning, but expect relatively quiet conditions early in the day. Thunderstorms will increase in coverage by afternoon as a cold front approaches. We anticipate heavy rainfall totaling 1-2 inches by the weekend, with a cooler trend ahead. Stay tuned for updates throughout the day.

The mid-morning weather report for East Tennessee on Thursday, Feb. 6.

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SUMMARY:

The trial of Megan Boswell began this morning with her being read 20 charges, including felony murder and false reporting. She pled not guilty to all charges. The prosecution’s opening statement focused on Evelyn, her 15-month-old daughter, who was last seen in December. The prosecution argued that Boswell failed her daughter by not reporting her missing and making false statements about her whereabouts. Boswell’s new boyfriend and her actions during the investigation were also highlighted.

The defense attorney countered by stating that the prosecution couldn’t prove Boswell’s guilt and suggested the investigation should have focused more on her boyfriend. The defense argued that Boswell was simply scared, being an 18-year-old at the time. They also questioned the involvement of Evelyn’s grandfather, Tommy Boswell, in prompting the search that led to Evelyn’s body being found.

The prosecution’s first witness, TBI agent Brian Fry, testified about the investigation. He revealed that Boswell gave several false statements, which led investigators to nothing. After searching for days, they were led to Tommy Boswell’s property where Evelyn’s body was found in a trash bag. The jury was shown photos of the crime scene before the court broke for lunch.

Following lunch, the judge dismissed the jury early due to concerns about a statement Boswell gave to the TBI. Court will resume tomorrow morning.

Megan Boswell is accused of killing her 1-year-old daughter in Sullivan County.

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