SUMMARY: LaGuardo Elementary School in Wilson County, Tennessee, will open without a permanent sewage system, relying on a pump-and-haul method temporarily. State Sen. Mark Pody revealed this issue reflects a broader statewide problem, with a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation report showing about a quarter of sewage systems inspected had serious performance issues. Many systems suffer from poor maintenance, and some providers have multiple violations. Pody plans legislation to empower TDEC to better vet and penalize violators, aiming to prevent similar problems statewide. Funding for fixes should come from a state fund, not homeowners or businesses.

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SUMMARY: High temperatures today will reach the low to mid-90s, feeling closer to 100 degrees with humidity. Mostly dry weather is expected, with only a few spotty showers possible mainly in mountain areas and some surrounding counties. Starting Friday, a wind shift from the south will increase rain chances, with scattered afternoon showers and storms continuing Saturday. Rain chances decrease mid-next week, but temperatures will rise sharply, potentially reaching mid to upper 90s—some of the hottest this year for East Tennessee. Heat alerts may be issued Monday through Wednesday. Residents are advised to prepare for extreme heat and stay updated.

Spotty t-showers will be possible this weekend. But otherwise, hot weather will be the main story the next 7 days. Heat index …

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SUMMARY: Tennessee passed several education laws for the 2026-2027 school year. Sixth through 12th graders will learn social media and internet safety, including lessons on artificial intelligence and digital wellness. Students will also be taught the “success sequence,” promoting the order of high school, college or work, marriage, then children as a path out of poverty, a move criticized by Democrats who feel it pressures students on personal choices. New bipartisan legislation bans cell phone use during instruction. Elementary students will get 40 minutes of daily recess instead of 15. Other laws expand teacher scholarships and require seizure safety training for school staff.

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