SUMMARY: Britney and Becca Fous, recently honored as Rookie Foster Parents of the Year by Youth Villages in Knoxville, Tennessee, have swiftly embraced fostering after years of caring for animals with behavioral challenges. Since October, they have welcomed three children into their home, focusing especially on those with more difficult backgrounds. Inspired by their own challenging childhoods, the Fouses create a loving, stable environment, using compassion and consistency to help children heal from trauma. They emphasize building positive memories through family outings and photo albums to provide a safe foundation for growth. Their story highlights dedication to foster care during National Foster Care Month.

The Fousons were recently named ‘Rookie Parents of the Year’ at a local foster agency.

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SUMMARY: An autistic 11-year-old boy, Junior, was wrongfully reported and arrested for an alleged school shooting threat after a misunderstood conversation at a Chattanooga public charter school. The school initially allowed his return but later involved police, who handcuffed him at a family event. The family sued, resulting in a $100,000 settlement and the school agreeing to staff training on distinguishing valid threats from innocuous statements. Junior’s case, dismissed in juvenile court, highlights concerns over Tennessee’s strict laws criminalizing threats of mass violence, especially affecting children with disabilities. Advocates urge legislative changes to prevent wrongful arrests and protect vulnerable students.

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SUMMARY: The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above average, continuing a recent trend of high tropical activity. Experts forecast 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3-5), compared to the average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Factors driving this include a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation, low wind shear favorable for hurricane formation, and warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic. Last year saw five major hurricanes and significant flooding in East Tennessee from Hurricane Helen, signaling potential impacts for Middle Tennessee again this year.

News 2 is taking a look at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s predictions and what they could mean for Middle Tennessee.

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