New funding to help families, an expansion of broadband internet to most communities and resources for rural areas are all new initiatives Lee is championing as Tennessee s financial state remains positive, along with massive upgrades to state buildings and more funding to mitigate the coronavirus. Tennesseans will know tonight that tragedy has no hold on who we are or where we are headed, Lee said. Tragedy will not define us and will not rob us of the opportunity that 2021 holds.
And the year will mark the 225th anniversary of statehood for Tennessee, an occasion Lee plans to celebrate starting in June, when he will travel and hold events in all 95 counties, as he did twice on the campaign trail.
Staff report
The dire economic predictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic never materialized in Tennessee.
As a result, Gov. Bill Lee proposed Monday a $41.8 billion fiscal 2022 spending plan. He is calling for record spending on capital improvements to state spending, another $341 million for K-12 education and another major boost to the state s Rainy Day Fund. Now more than ever, we can look at our economic forecast and say: it matters who governs, and conservative principles work, Lee told a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly, held at the War Memorial Auditorium to help provide more social distancing.
Legislative Democrats said Lee s spending priorities failed to address some of the biggest needs facing Tennessee families, not just education, but child care, health care, financial security and incarceration.
Knoxville businessman Josh Smith awarded Presidential Pardon
After serving prison time on drug charges, Smith started a multi-million dollar company and a non-profit to help former inmates transform their lives Author: WBIR Staff Updated: 6:42 PM EST January 20, 2021
KNOXVILLE, Tenn Joshua Smith spent five years behind bars in Kentucky for his involvement in drug trafficking but turned his life around. Since his release in 2003, Smith started a multi-million dollar company and a non-profit focused on helping former prisoners transform their lives.
Smith was awarded a full pardon Wednesday by President Donald Trump for his commitment to transformation. First you just have to take a breath I mean it’s unbelievable, he said. It’s an unbelievable feeling. All these years, 25 years ago to now.
Cumberland County Sheriff s Office investigating after woman found dead
Deputies said they responded to call about the possible death of a 36-year-old woman around 1:10 a.m. on Saturday. Author: WBIR Staff Updated: 10:45 AM EST January 4, 2021
CROSSVILLE, Tenn. The Cumberland County Sheriff s Office is investigating after a woman was found dead in a residence on Junior Camp Road.
Deputies said they responded to call about the possible death of a 36-year-old woman around 1:10 a.m. Saturday.
Investigators confirmed her death and were joined by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Officials said the victim will be sent to the medical examiner s office, and her identity is being withheld until investigators can notify next of kin.