SUMMARY: In 2025, Middle Tennessee will see significant educational changes following Governor Bill Lee’s victory in passing the Education Freedom Act during a special legislative session. This act allocates state funds for 20,000 private school scholarships and offers a $2,000 bonus to teachers. However, the Tennessee Education Association criticizes the voucher plan, warning it could harm public schools and lead to rural school closures. Additionally, lawmakers approved $470 million for recovery efforts after last year’s deadly storms and established a new immigration enforcement division, provoking backlash from local officials who pledge to contest these measures in court.

Immigration, voucher bills passed in Tennessee

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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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