Mois : janvier 2025

In the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology and digital finance, XRP, developed by Ripple Labs, stands at a crucial juncture. As we delve into the future of XRP, there’s a renewed interest in how this cryptocurrency will navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the next wave of technological advancements.
One of the most promising aspects of XRP’s future lies in its potential integration with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As governments worldwide explore digitizing their currencies, XRP’s low transaction costs and speed could make it a preferred bridge currency, facilitating seamless exchanges between CBDCs.
Moreover, Ripple’s ongoing regulatory battles, particularly in the United States, have highlighted the broader issue of cryptocurrency regulation. The outcome of these legal challenges could set precedents affecting not only XRP but the entire crypto market. An optimistic resolution might open floodgates for institutional adoption, while negative outcomes could necessitate strategic pivots.
Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainability in blockchain technologies could impact XRP’s appeal. While Bitcoin and Ethereum face criticism over high energy consumption, XRP’s consensus mechanism offers a more eco-friendly alternative, potentially attracting environmentally conscious investors and corporations.
On the horizon, XRP’s future might also be shaped by its role in the burgeoning DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector. Innovations in smart contracts and decentralized applications could leverage XRP’s unique attributes, creating new utility and enhancing liquidity in DeFi ecosystems.
As the conversation shifts from speculation to utility, XRP’s journey is one to watch. Its future may well depend on its adaptability to new technological advancements and regulatory landscapes.
In today’s dynamic world of digital finance and blockchain technology, the cryptocurrency XRP, developed by Ripple Labs, stands poised at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. As we explore the future prospects of XRP, several emerging trends and insights shed light on its potential trajectory in this ever-evolving sector.
### Innovative Use Cases and Integration with CBDCs
One of the most compelling facets of XRP’s potential future success lies in its integration with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Governments around the globe are increasingly interested in digitizing their national currencies, seeking efficient methods to facilitate cross-border transactions. XRP, with its low transaction costs and fast settlement speeds, is positioned to become a significant bridge currency, enabling smooth and efficient exchanges between various CBDCs.
### Ripple’s Regulatory Journey: A Case Study for Crypto Legislation
Ripple’s ongoing regulatory challenges, especially in the United States, offer a glimpse into the broader cryptocurrency regulation landscape. Court rulings and regulatory decisions related to XRP could establish important precedents not just for XRP, but for the entire cryptocurrency sector. A favorable resolution could significantly boost institutional adoption, while adverse outcomes might compel Ripple to explore alternative strategies and markets.
### Sustainability Could Boost XRP’s Appeal
As environmental concerns take center stage, sustainability in blockchain technologies has become crucial. Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, which face criticism for high energy consumption, XRP’s consensus mechanism is considerably more eco-friendly. This feature could prove advantageous in attracting environmentally conscious investors and corporations seeking sustainable investment opportunities.
### DeFi Advancements: A New Utility for XRP
XRP’s future could also be influenced by its potential role in the rapidly expanding DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector. The adoption of innovations in smart contracts and decentralized applications could harness XRP’s attributes, enhancing its utility and liquidity within decentralized financial ecosystems. Such advancements could see XRP playing a more integral role in the DeFi space, offering new use cases and opportunities for growth.
### Trends and Predictions: Navigating a Bright Future
Looking ahead, XRP’s journey will likely rely heavily on its ability to adapt to technological advancements and evolving regulatory environments. The shift from speculative interest to tangible utility in cryptocurrency could provide XRP with a significant foothold in the financial landscape of the future. Staying adaptable and innovative will be key to securing a pivotal role in the digital currency ecosystem.
For more insights into XRP and Ripple’s initiatives, visit Ripple’s official website.
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Big News for Makoke! A Heartwarming Proposal and a September Wedding!
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Celebrities are speaking out and voicing their heartbreak and support for Aubrey Plaza following the untimely passing of her husband, Jeff Baena.
“No words can touch this painful time,” actress Selma Blair wrote on Plaza’s most recent Instagram post on Saturday, January 4. “Only love and strength and support from everyone. I am so sorry.”
Actress Julia Fox also shared her condolences in the comments section, writing, “Sending you so much love” and sharing a dove emoji.

Meanwhile, Alison Brie, who worked with Baena and Plaza on various projects, posted a series of photos on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, January 5, featuring the late filmmaker. She posted a broken heart emoji on the first photograph, featuring the pair posing for the camera.
The indie screenwriter and film director was found dead on Friday, January 3, according to medical examiner records reviewed by Us Weekly. The cause of death was listed as suicide, according to the same records, and a medical examination was conducted. No other special circumstances or causes of death were listed. Deadline and TMZ were the first to report the news of Baena’s passing.
Plaza, 40, first met Baena in 2011. Though the pair kept their relationship relatively private, the Parks and Recreation actress confirmed they tied the knot in 2020 during COVID-19 lockdown.
“We got a little bored one night,” Plaza recalled on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in December 2021. “We got married and I’ll tell you how: Onehourmarriage.com. That’s real, look it up.”
Best known for co-writing the 2004 film I Heart Huckabees, which was nominated for a 2004 Gotham Award for Best Feature, Baena also worked with Plaza on Life After Beth, the 2014 horror/comedy that served as his directorial debut.
“She’s awesome. I’d be working with her if she wasn’t my wife, but luckily she is my wife,” Baena told Reel Talker in August 2022. “The opportunity to do something creative [together] where we’re both fulfilled — how rare is that?”
While Plaza has yet to publicly comment on her husband’s passing, other Hollywood A-listers and celebrities are speaking out in support of the actress during such a terrible time and in the wake of such a profound loss. Here are just a few who have given their public condolences and reflected on the life and legacy of Baena.
The comedian and actor shared a touching tribute to Baena via an Instagram post shared on Sunday, January 5. In addition to sharing photos of the late filmmaker, Pally wrote a heartfelt message offering his condolences to his friend, Plaza.
“Jeff Baena was a sweet Jewish boy from Miami. He was a collaborator, a mentor, the scrappiest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot you ever saw. He was a talented director with impeccable taste and vision, he was a connector of people, a fosterer of possibility, the guy who knows where the best restaurant was no matter where you were,” Pally wrote in a screenshot shared via the same Instagram post.
“An overly gracious host with an almost disturbing open door policy, a film encyclopedia, and most important to me a friend,” he continued in the statement. “As a director Jeff strove for the truth. Nothing could sound, look or feel inauthentic, and that is a direct representation of who Jeff was. Authentic. You never worried that Jeff wasn’t telling you the way it is. Cause Jeff’s virtue was telling you the way it was. My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena family and for all of us who spent time on his sets or at his house or in his orbit. Thanks for believing in me, Jeff, may your memory be a blessing.”
Shortly after news broke of Baena’s passing, the Cruel Intentions star made a touching comment on Plaza’s most recent Instagram post.
“No words can touch this painful time,” she wrote at the time. “Only love and strength and support from everyone. I am so sorry.”
The Saturday Night Live alum posted a carousel of photos featuring Breana on her Instagram, tagging the late screenwriter and posting a broken heart emoji. Plaza was featured in several of the images, including a photo of Shannon and The White Lotus star posing for the camera and Plaza sitting beside her late husband.
Brie, actress Olivia Munn, and other celebrities posted broken emojis (including a heart and a broken heart emoji) in the comments section of Shannon’s post.
The actress and fashion influencer posted a short but sweet message to Plaza’s latest Instagram post, writing, “Sending you so much love” and posting a dove emoji.
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Brie worked on various projects alongside Plaza and her late husband, including the film Joshy.
“Jeff [came] to the set of Community in our sixth season and asked me to play a small role in his film, Joshy,” Brie recalled of working with Baena during a 2022 interview with Collider. “There was no script for that. All of his films that I’ve been involved with, prior to this one, were fully improvised. So, he came to my dressing [room]. We set a meeting, and he came to meet me. … I knew a lot of the cast members in that movie. Nick Kroll, Jenny Slate and Adam Pally were friends of mine. I just thought, “Yeah, that sounds fun to do.” It was one day. I’m in two scenes in that movie. I thought the story was cool. And then, it just grew from there.”
On Sunday, January 5, Brie shared a series of photographs to her Instagram Stories featuring the late filmmaker, including photos of the two posing for the camera. On the first photograph, she posted a broken heart emoji.
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In a swift decision, a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously affirmed a March 2023 lower court decision finding the Internet Archive's program to scan and lend print library books is copyright infringement. In an emphatic 64-page decision, released on September 4, the court rejected the Internet Archive’s fair use defense, as well as the novel protocol known as “controlled digital lending” on which the Archive’s scanning and lending is based.
“This appeal presents the following question: Is it ‘fair use’ for a nonprofit organization to scan copyright-protected print books in their entirety, and distribute those digital copies online, in full, for free, subject to a one-to-one owned-to-loaned ratio between its print copies and the digital copies it makes available at any given time, all without authorization from the copyright-holding publishers or authors? Applying the relevant provisions of the Copyright Act as well as binding Supreme Court and Second Circuit precedent, we conclude the answer is no,” the decision states.
The closely watched copyright infringement lawsuit was first filed on June 1, 2020, in the Southern District of New York by Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Wiley, organized by the Association of American Publishers.
The appeals court ruling comes just over two months after a lengthy June 28 hearing in New York, at which the panel appeared highly engaged, if deeply skeptical of the Internet Archive’s case—a relatively quick turnaround that suggests that the court did not struggle in deciding the case, much like district court Judge John G. Koeltl, who delivered his March 24, 2023 summary judgment ruling in favor of the plaintiff publishers just days after a March 20 hearing.
In his now affirmed 47-page opinion, Koeltl forcefully rejected the Internet Archive’s fair use defense. “At bottom, IA’s fair use defense rests on the notion that lawfully acquiring a copyrighted print book entitles the recipient to make an unauthorized copy and distribute it in place of the print book, so long as it does not simultaneously lend the print book,” Koeltl wrote in his opinion granting the publisher plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment and denying the Internet Archive’s cross-motion. “But no case or legal principle supports that notion. Every authority points the other direction.”
Not Fair Use
The Second Circuit agreed, affirming that all four factors of the fair use test favored the publishers, including a straightforward rejection of the Internet Archive’s argument that its scanning and lending was “transformative” under the first factor.
“We conclude that IA’s use of the Works is not transformative,” the decision states. “Instead, IA’s digital books serve the same exact purpose as the originals: making authors’ works available to read. IA’s Free Digital Library is meant to―and does―substitute for the original Works,” the ruling continues, adding that “to construe IA’s use of the Works as transformative would significantly narrow―if not entirely eviscerate―copyright owners’ exclusive right to prepare (or not prepare) derivative works.”
The appeals court also easily dispatched with the idea that the Internet Archive’s scanning and lending is permissible because it is done within the framework of “controlled digital lending,” a set of protocols designed to mimic physical library lending.
“This characterization confuses IA’s practices with traditional library lending of print books. IA does not perform the traditional functions of a library; it prepares derivatives of Publishers’ Works and delivers those derivatives to its users in full,” the court held. “Whether it delivers the copies on a one-to-one owned-to-loaned basis or not, IA’s recasting of the Works as digital books is not transformative.”
The court did reject one part of Koeltl’s decision, however—that the nonprofit Internet Archive was somehow engaged in a commercial activity because the Internet Archive sought donations from the public who visited its Open Library, gained non-monetary reputational value from its program, and because the IA received a small slice of the profits from book sales through Better World Books.
“We conclude, contrary to the district court, that IA’s use of the Works is not commercial in nature,” the court held. “To hold otherwise would greatly restrain the ability of nonprofits to seek donations while making fair use of copyrighted works.”
And in terms of the crucial fourth factor, the impact on the market, the court also had little trouble finding for the publishers.
“Here, not only is IA’s Free Digital Library likely to serve as a substitute for the originals, the undisputed evidence suggests it is intended to achieve that exact result,” the decision states. “IA copies the Works in full and makes those copies available to the public in their entirety. It does not do this to achieve a transformative secondary purpose, but to supplant the originals.”
The court also rejected that Internet Archive’s public benefit argument. “While IA claims that prohibiting its practices would harm consumers and researchers, allowing its practices would―and does―harm authors,” the court concluded. “With each digital book IA disseminates, it deprives Publishers and authors of the revenues due to them as compensation for their unique creations. Though IA and its amici may lament the consolidation of editorial power and criticize Publishers for being motivated by profits, behind Publishers stand authors who are entitled to compensation for the reproduction of their works and whose ‘private motivation’ ultimately serve[s] the cause of promoting broad public availability of literature, music, and the other arts.”
Is The End in Sight?
With the exception of an en banc hearing before the full Second Circuit, the appeals court decision leaves only the Supreme Court left for the Internet Archive, suggesting the case may finally be winding down after years of contentious legal wrangling.
Notably, a consent judgment has already been entered to settle the claims in the case, which includes an undisclosed monetary payment to publishers that is payable once the appeals process has been exhausted. According to the AAP, that payment, should the publishers ultimately prevail, would “substantially” cover the publishers’ “significant attorney’s fees and costs in the action.”
Meanwhile, the Internet Archive is still facing a similar, follow on suit filed by a group of major record labels over its “Great 78” program, which collects vintage, 20th century 78 rpm recordings, digitizes them and makes them freely available to the public.
“Today’s appellate decision upholds the rights of authors and publishers to license and be compensated for their books and other creative works and reminds us in no uncertain terms that infringement is both costly and antithetical to the public interest,” said AAP president and CEO Maria Pallante, in a statement. “If there was any doubt, the Court makes clear that under fair use jurisprudence there is nothing transformative about converting entire works into new formats without permission or appropriating the value of derivative works that are a key part of the author’s copyright bundle.”
In a blog post, IA reps said they were disappointed in the decision. “We are reviewing the court’s opinion and will continue to defend the rights of libraries to own, lend, and preserve books,” the statement reads.
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Around 11,000 individuals attended a vibrant programme in Ranchi, marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda, a pivotal figure in bringing yoga to the West. The celebration started with a special group meditation at the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS), followed by soul-soothing bhajans performed by Brahmachari Shambhavananda and Kaivalyananada.
Swami Shraddhananda Giri delivered an insightful speech on ‘Paramahansa Yogananda’s World Transforming Mission’. The day’s highlight was a community ‘bhandara’, drawing attendees from Ranchi and nearby villages, as confirmed in a YSS statement. The day concluded with an evening meditation, underscoring the spiritual organization’s commitment to honoring Yogananda’s legacy through annual festivities.
Celebrations included a feast where locals and visitors, informed through word-of-mouth, gathered in large numbers. Participants enjoyed offerings of khichdi, chutney, and laddoo, with around 11,000 served. YSS’s charitable activities extended beyond community gatherings, as they also engaged in feeding the needy and planning further distributions in their ongoing humanitarian efforts.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Email: info@devdiscourse.com
Phone: +91-720-6444012, +91-7027739813, 14, 15
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Berkeley Heights Board of Education to Hold Annual Reorganization Meeting on January 7  TAPinto.net
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Mon
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by Vincent Martorano
TOPICS:
AUSTIN, Texas — Following the terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, Austin Police will be adding new security measures that will change the way Sixth Street looks moving forward.
"They don't want something like that like what happened in New Orleans to happen here," Calvin Smith said on 6th Street.
Vik Flair was also on 6th Street the night the safety precautions were put in place.
"It made me feel more secure, and made 6th Street more safer," he said.
He said he saw dump trucks blocking the ends of the streets, sidewalk barricades to keep people from walking into the street, and an increase presence of law enforcement. On Saturday, Austin's iconic entertainment district is back to normal, only with increased police presence. Flair said he usually feels safe on 6th Street, but this past week, he felt even safer.
"I still feel the same because not too much happens here like that," he said," "But the extra security made it feel better."
ALSO: City of Austin activates Cold Weather Shelters Sunday through Thursday
Austin Police Chief, Lisa Davis, said help is on the way.
The department ordered new equipment that will keep people safe on the sidewalks, but also start to allow cars to drive down the street. She said this starts with curb edges that will increase the sidewalk size.
"These are about 12-18 inches high, as well as some other balusters that are nailed into the ground. That will take up the parking along 6th Street," she said.
Davis said this equipment was supposed to arrive in Austin on January 9, but the order is delayed. When the equipment is installed, she said there will be more Traffic, and DUI enforcement officers monitoring the street.
"This has been closed since the 80's I believe? So, it has been tried multiple times to open the street, and it can be done, but we have to be very thoughtful of how we do it," she said.

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Digital Media Contributor
The Broncos will host the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at 2:25 p.m. MT.
The Broncos will return home for a regular-season finale vs. the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. Denver will look to get back in the win column and earn the team’s first playoff berth since 2015 after suffering two consecutive road losses.
Denver’s offense — which ranks 10th in the league in points per game this season — should look for a fast start on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix — who completed 24-of-31 passes for 219 yards, three touchdowns and a 114.9 passer rating in Week 17 — should look for another strong performance vs. the Chiefs. The Broncos have allowed just 24 sacks this season, which is tied for the third fewest in the NFL. With this protection, Nix could look to distribute the ball to playmakers such as wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who is just 17 receiving yards away from recording his first 1,000-yard season since 2019. Sutton leads the Broncos with 76 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns in 2024. With a Denver victory on Sunday, Nix would join Hall of Famer John Elway as the only rookies in Broncos history to lead their teams in passing en route to a playoff berth.
Defensively, the Broncos should aim to finish the regular season with another dominating performance. Denver’s defense leads the NFL in sacks with 58, which is the most by a Broncos team in franchise history. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection this week, leads the team with 11.5 sacks and should look to add to this tally on Sunday. Bonitto and Co. will aim to pressure quarterback Carson Wentz, who is expected to start for the Chiefs in Week 18. Defensive lineman Zach Allen — who recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks in Week 17 and leads the NFL with 39 quarterback hits in 2024 — could also look to apply pressure and make game-changing plays. Cornerback Pat Surtain II has allowed the lowest passer rating among 120 cornerbacks with 25-plus targets as the nearest defender in coverage in 2024, and he should aim to continue this dominant play on Sunday.
The Broncos ruled out tackle Frank Crum (illness) and listed running back Tyler Badie (back) as questionable. Badie would need to be activated to the 53-man roster to play against Kansas City.
The Chiefs ruled out wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee), cornerback Jaylen Watson (ankle), running back Isiah Pacheco (rib) and tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee). They listed linebacker Nick Bolton, running back Kareem Hunt, defensive end George Karlaftis, tight end Travis Kelce, safety Justin Reid and linebacker Drue Tranquill as doubtful with a “not injury related – coaching” designation. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle/NIR – coaching), cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee/NIR – coaching) and defensive lineman Chris Jones (calf/NIR – coaching) are also listed as doubtful.
Play-by-Play: Jim Nantz
Analyst: Tony Romo
Sideline: Tracy Wolfson
Stream local games on mobile devices on NFL+ and Paramount+.
An NFL+ subscription includes the ability to stream live local and prime-time games on mobile and tablet devices, access to NFL Network and live game audio (home, away and national calls) for every game of the season. NFL+ Premium subscriptions also include NFL RedZone and full-game replays across devices.
Stream local games on Paramount+ or stream local games on mobile devices on NFL+.
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
Play-by-Play: Steve Levy
Analyst: Harry Douglas
Sideline: Lindsey Thiry
Listen on channel 229 or on the SXM app (siriusxm.us/BroncosSXM).
Visit the NFL’s game guide to input your zip code and figure out how you can watch Sunday’s game in your area.
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
“We’ve got to win the game,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said Wednesday. “Simple. There’s nothing else that goes into it. People say, ‘It’s never black and white.’ It’s black and white. We’ve got to win the game. And that’s as simple as it gets.”
As Denver prepares for its home finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, we’re letting you know who to cheer for ahead of the start of the postseason.
The Broncos have added a defender to their game-day roster.
All four of the other players on the Broncos’ injury report were not assigned game statuses, which indicates they will be available to play against the Chiefs.
Bonitto has recorded 11.5 sacks, two defensive touchdowns, 14 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hits this season.
Tackle Frank Crum (illness) did not practice for the second consecutive day.
The sixth-year player leads all interior defensive lineman with 65 quarterback pressures this season.
Each year, the Ed Block Courage Award honors players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship. Recipients are selected by their teammates for exceptional courage, great character and inspiring effort.
The Good Guy Award, created in memory of late Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, is given annually to a player who exemplifies Williams’ enthusiasm, honesty and cooperation while working with the media.
The honor was created in 2021 to honor the life and legacy of late former Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, and the award is presented to the player who exhibits Thomas’ impact on and off the field.
Three of the Broncos’ top playmakers are headed to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.
Copyright © 2025 Denver Broncos. All Rights Reserved.

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Jeff Baena cause of death confirmed  Yahoo News UK
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Powerball player misses $206 million jackpot in California — but still wins big  Sacramento Bee
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Today at 12:00 p.m.
by Shannon Coan
As the ball dropped to welcome in the new year, the change in calendar also marked the halfway point of the school year and the imminent start of the legislative session in Tennessee, where education issues are likely to be a key focus.
From voters electing five new school board members to several new academic programs launching, a lot happened at local schools and in the world of education across Tennessee in 2024. That’s likely to continue in the new year.
Here are five topics to watch in 2025:
A NEW CHANCELLOR
Chancellor Steve Angle stepped down from his leadership role at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and joined the school’s faculty at the start of this year.
Angle, who led the university for 11 years, announced his planned transition in November. UTC College of Business Dean Robert Dooley was named interim chancellor later that month.
He took over the role Wednesday.
This month, a 15-member search committee will launch its search for the university’s next chancellor. The committee – which includes faculty, staff, students, alumni and representatives from the UT board of trustees – hopes to name a chancellor in June.
TUITION SUBSIDIES
When the Tennessee legislature reconvenes later this month, it will wrestle for the second year in a row with whether to use tax money to give grants to families across the state to pay for private school tuition. Such grants are available under a pilot program in Hamilton, Shelby and Davidson counties.
In November, Tennessee house and senate Republican leaders introduced identical bills to give up to 20,000 students $7,075 to enroll in private schools, starting next fall. Half of those grants would be reserved for students with disabilities, those eligible for the pilot program and families at or below 300% of the income limit to qualify for free or reduced-price lunches – roughly $175,000 for a family of four.
The bills were the first legislation introduced for this year’s Tennessee General Assembly session, signaling Gov. Bill Lee’s intention to make the issue a top priority.
But whether the legislation passes remains uncertain.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County divided on whether to provide public funding for private school tuition)
A similar proposal died in 2024 after Republican lawmakers failed to agree on the details, and public school advocates have mobilized in opposition to the bill.
In Southeast Tennessee, school boards have already begun voicing their concerns, renewing efforts from last school year when roughly 70 school boards across the state passed resolutions opposing the governor’s proposal to expand tuition grants statewide.
In December, the Bradley County school board sent a letter asking the lawmakers who represent the district to consider certain safeguards. The Hamilton County school board urged lawmakers not to expand the state’s education savings account program in any way later that month. And on Monday, the Cleveland Board of Education is expected to vote on a resolution calling for an expansion of the program to be deferred until its outcomes and funding impact can be thoroughly reviewed.
FACILITIES
After more than a year of discussions around improving school facilities, the Hamilton County school board voted to move forward with five school projects in November.
The five projects – which the district intends to work on at the same time – will impact at least seven school communities and lead to three campus closures.
Among those projects are plans to renovate the former BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Golden Gateway site into a career and technical center serving students from multiple high schools, renovate Brainerd High to create a campus that includes Dalewood Middle students, and combine Alpine Crest, Rivermont and DuPont elementary schools into a new building at the DuPont Elementary site.
(SIGN UP: Get today’s Chattanooga area news, sports and entertainment directly to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletters at timesfreepress.com/newsletters.)
Together, the projects are estimated to cost $168 million, but those numbers could change. Hamilton County commissioners dedicated $187 million to major school projects in their August bond issue.
Moving forward, the school board will have to approve architects, construction bids and zoning changes related to the projects.
SUMMER LEARNING
Tennessee is going to have a challenging budget in 2025, state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, said in a December interview.
One of the big difficulties, he said, will be in the education space where the state has used a lot of federal COVID-19 relief funds to help schools recover. Those funds expired in September.
Lawmakers are going to have to decide whether to continue to fund those things or not, and they’re going to be hard decisions, he said.
He pointed to the summer learning camps hosted by school districts as one of the programs that could be affected.
Hamilton County Schools has been able to serve any student who wants to attend summer programming with the help of federal relief funds for the past four years.
Historically, students who attended at least 80% of the program have started the school year ahead of their peers who did not in both reading and math, district officials previously said. The program serves rising kindergarten through rising ninth grade students.
NATIONAL POLITICS
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, he has repeatedly pledged to close the U.S. Department of Education, an idea Tennessee’s governor and other lawmakers have backed. But the details and ramifications of that plan remain unclear.
The department provides some funding to public schools, administers federal student loan and grant programs and ensures compliance with civil rights laws. It does not dictate curriculum.
(READ MORE: Some Tennessee lawmakers back plan to close US Education Department but likelihood, impact remains uncertain)
Efforts in the past to eliminate the department have repeatedly failed, and closing it would require congressional approval – something for which there’s probably not enough votes.
But there are actions the Trump administration could take to cut funding or eliminate certain programs without getting rid of the department. Investigations of civil rights claims could also change.
Trump has also said he would roll back the changes the Biden administration made to extend the protections preventing sex discrimination to LGBTQ+ students and staff on the first day of his presidency. Lawsuits currently prevent those rules from being implemented in 26 states – including Tennessee and Georgia.
Many of the department’s functions are mandated by federal laws, meaning even if it were to be eliminated, those laws and the funding attached would still be in effect unless Congress separately acted to change them.
Locally, Hamilton County Schools received around $35.8 million of its $663 million budget from the federal Education Department this school year. The largest portions of that funding support providing services to students with disabilities and improving academic outcomes for economically disadvantaged students.
UTC also receives grants from the department to support educational outreach for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and all students applying for financial aid need to fill out the federal student aid application managed by the department.
Contact Shannon Coan at scoan@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.

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