Tennessee

Rowdy crowds but a big night for school choice: 5 takeaways from Lee’s State of the State

Published

2 years ago

February 5, 2024

Rowdy crowds but a big night for school choice: 5 takeaways from Lee’s State of the State

Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly warmly received Gov. Bill Lee’s budget priorities for the year during his State of the State address on Monday: a $1.6 billion in tax breaks for businesses, and a controversial $141.5 million statewide school choice voucher program.

Lee touted Tennessee as an “economic powerhouse,” and “the center of the automotive universe,” and praised the legislature’s conservative fiscal management and investments in workforce development. He outlined plans to make new investments in rural health care access, and protect musicians from misused artificial intelligence.

But spectators regularly booed from the House galleries as Lee outlined these budget priorities on Monday ― particularly his call to pass an expanded statewide school voucher program.

Instead, Democrats called on colleagues to pass a budget that prioritizes working families ― not corporations and private school interests.

Here are five takeaways from Lee’s speech:

Big night for businesses, school choice advocates

Among Lee’s top policy priorities this year are reforming the state’s franchise tax to offer $1.6 billion in tax breaks for businesses, and a controversial $141.5 million statewide school choice voucher program.

More: Gov. Lee’s budget calls for $1.6B business tax cut: What to know about the proposal

Lee is also backing policy reforms aimed at preventing misuse of artificial intelligence in songwriting, new funding for rural healthcare access, and new funding for land conservation. Unlike in recent years, Lee’s proposal does not include any tax cuts for consumers, such as the three-month grocery tax holiday he backed last year.

Rowdy crowds pepper speech with commentary

Despite a recent crackdown in the House of Representatives, crowds watching the annual address were rowdier than usual. Lee’s comments outlining his school choice program sparked the loudest outbursts.

Screams of “No! No! No!” rang out from the House gallery as Lee declared “2024 is the year to make school choice a reality for every Tennessee family.”

“We’ve increased funding for public education by more than $1.8 billion dollars,” Lee said.

“Not enough!” demonstrators cried.

State of the State address: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee touts school choice, business tax refund in State of the State

Outbursts continued throughout his speech, peppering the remarks in almost a dialogued response.

“We can give parents choice and support public schools at the same time,” Lee said. “You’ll hear me say that over and over again – these two ideas are not in conflict.”

“Yes they are!” a demonstrator yelled from the gallery.

Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, stood defiantly in the back of the chamber holding up his right arm in a “thumbs down” sign. Meanwhile, Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds – seated in the front row just a few feet from the governor – emphatically nodded her support.

After a few minutes, Lee went off script.

“Now is a good time to remind everyone – as it has been – civility is a strength, not a weakness,” Lee said to loud cheers from officials in the crowd.

But spectators continued – despite a heavier presence of state troopers that appeared in the gallery during his remarks. After more outbursts from the House’s West Gallery, a spectator stood and yelled, “Let the governor speak, uninterrupted!”

To no avail.

Lee blazed through the speech, despite the commentary from the gallery — including during an emotional tribute to Covenant School community in Nashville last year. On March 27, 2023, a shooter fatally shot six people, including three children, at the private Christian school, a tragedy that marked calls for gun reform and a special legislative session last year.

“You can prevent it!” a woman yelled.

No gun reforms from Lee

Notably absent from Lee’s speech were calls for new school safety plans or gun reform legislation, even as the issue has largely defined Tennessee politics in the year since the Covenant School shooting.

The governor took a big swing late last fall in calling for an extreme risk proposal, and he failed to get it even close to the finish line last summer with a recalcitrant GOP supermajority.

Lee called the school shooting “one of the most difficult moments our state has ever seen.”

“Covenant experienced unimaginable tragedy, but tragedy doesn’t have to be the end of the story,” Lee said Monday. “There is a redemption in struggle, if we lean into it.”

Rather than propose any new measures, Lee on Monday instead pointed back to a 2023 proposal to fund security resource officers.

Democrats call for a plan to serve the working class

After the address, Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar, D-Memphis, condemned Lee’s budget plan as one that prioritizes big businesses and underserves average working Tennesseans.

“Tennessee Republicans are leading the nation at the top of violent crime, personal bankruptcies, and maternal deaths by putting big corporations over people, shortchanging public schools and underinvesting in health care,” Lamar said, during the Joint Democratic Caucus’ formal rebuttal.

Of Lee’s proposed franchise tax reforms ― which are projected to cost the state $5.3 billion in tax revenue over the next five years ― Lamar accused Republicans of caving to business interests.

“Republicans are letting big corporations bully them into giving them a refund while working class people are footing the bill and getting less services,” Lamar said. “Instead of giving huge tax cuts to corporations, let’s give it to the people who are actually punching the clock every day.”

“Our challenge to Gov Bill Lee—think about the working class families that are holding up Tennessee and propose an agenda that works for them,” she added.

First Lady rejoins audience after cancer battle

First lady Maria Lee sat in the front row to watch her husband deliver his State of the State address. Last year, Maria Lee was absent from the House chamber as she prepared for a bone marrow transplant amid a serious cancer battle.

The governor grew emotional on Monday night as he recalled his wife’s absence and precarious health in 2023.

“Last year, for the first time since I became governor, she was unable to attend the state of the state address in-person,” Lee said. “That night, we didn’t know just how remarkable her healing journey would turn out to be. Maria and I want to thank all of you – here tonight and across the state – for your love, for your encouragement, and most of all, for your prayers for healing.”

Lee thanked his wife for “all that you do for me and for Tennessee, and for being you.”

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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press

COMEDY

‘The Muslims are Coming’

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.

Cost: $23 for general admission

More info: Showcase of Muslim (and non-Muslim) comedians.

thecomedycatch.com

FILM

‘Toy Story 5’

When: 6:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Latest installment in the long-running Pixar franchise about the lives of childhood toys.

tnaqua.org/imax

Bobby Stone Film Series

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $13.50 for general admission

More info: Screenings include: “Resurrection” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, “Rear Window” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and “The Sparks Brothers” at 4 p.m. Sunday.

tivolichattanooga.com

–––

‘Supergirl’

When: 5 and 7:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Summer blockbuster about Superman’s cousin, Supergirl.

tnaqua.org/imax

–––

Movie night

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Chester Frost Park, 7872 Causeway Road

Cost: Free

More info: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation hosts a free movie night screening of “Finding Nemo.” Includes games, vendors and more.

facebook.com

MUSIC

Ramsey & Broemel

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

More info: Musicians Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel from Of My Morning Jacket performs.

venue.songbirds.org

–––

Fielder

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

Cost: $13 for general admission

More info: Nashville-based duo Fielder performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

–––

Chris Knight

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

More info: Kentucky native Chris Knight performs.

venue.songbirds.org

–––

Barkley Cove

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

Cost: $10 for general admission

More info: Folk ensemble Barkley Cove performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

–––

Nightfall

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Free summer concert series Nightfall continues, with The 42 as opener and Zach Person as headliner. Also features food trucks and market vendors.

nightfallchattanooga.com

–––

Chelsea Drugstore

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $15 in advance

More info: Chelsea Drugstore, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, performs.

venue.songbirds.org

–––

R&B vs. Hip Hop

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of show

More info: DJ experience, pitting R&B against Hip Hop.

barrelhouseballroom.com

–––

Struggle Jennings

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

Cost: $24.50 for general admission

More info: Grandson of Waylon Jennings, Struggle Jennings, performs.

thesignaltn.com

–––

KPop Demon Hunters

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

Cost: $25 for general admission

More info: Family friendly DJ experience, featuring the music of the hit Netflix animated film.

thesignaltn.com

–––

Riverfront Nights

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway

Cost: Free

More info: Free summer concert series Riverfront Nights continues for the 2026 season. Sloppy Street Tacos opens, and Jump, a tribute to Van Halen, headlines.

riverfrontnights.com

–––

Paul McDonald

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $20 in advance

More info: Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves performs.

venue.songbirds.org

–––

Amy Grant

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $61+

More info: Singer-songwriter Amy Grant performs.

tivolichattanooga.com

OUT & ABOUT

Nooga Splash

When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Chester Frost Park, 2389 Gold Point Circle N.

Cost: $14+

More info: Floating water park Nooga Splash continues for the summer season. Main season operating hours continue through Aug. 4.

noogasplash.com

–––

Family Potluck

When: 4-9 p.m. Monday

Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

Cost: Free

More info: Post Nuclear Family Potluck, an all-ages chosen family potluck. Features games, dinner and a movie.

barkinglegs.org

–––

Battle of Badges

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday

Where: Walker County Sheriff’s Office, 105 S. Duke St., LaFayette

Cost: Free

More info: Walker and Catoosa county Sheriff’s Offices host a blood donation drive.

donor.bloodassurance.org

–––

Farmers market

When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Farmer and farmer-adjacent vendors at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

facebook.com

–––

River market

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chattanooga River Market continues, featuring various vendors. Market open Saturdays only from April-October.

chattanoogamarket.com

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Staff file photo / Jan Fowler, left, and Curtis Fowler shop items at the Chickamauga Art and Folk Festival on Aug. 16, 2025. This year, the festival, now called Chickapalooza, is set for 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday around the Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga.

Chickapalooza

When: 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday

Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chickapalooza Art and Music Festival, featuring a lineup of live music, artists, food and more.

facebook.com

–––

Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

History program

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

Cost: $10 park entrance fee

More info: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park hosts program about the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

nps.gov/chch

–––

Radio Field Day

When: 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Where: Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 265 South Ave., Flintstone

Cost: Free

More info: Tri-States Amateur Radio Club hosts an amateur radio field day, showcasing how the technology works.

ag4dw@arrl.org

–––

Summerween

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Patten Square, 818 Georgia Ave.

Cost: Free

More info: Celebrate Halloween in the Summer at Summerween, featuring costume contests, a watermelon-carving contest, live music and more.

rivercitycompany.com

SPORTS

Lady Red Wolves

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: CHI Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Way

Cost: $10+

More info: Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves take on the Southern Soccer Academy.

chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com

–––

Lookouts

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Erlanger Park, 2658 Pipe Way

Cost: $7+

More info: Chattanooga Lookouts take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Promotions include: World Soccer Night and Las Montanas de Chattanooga on Tuesday, a blanket giveaway on Wednesday, a cell phone bag giveaway, drink specials and Never Text and Drive Night on Thursday, Unum Night and fireworks on Friday, Dino Weekend and a pre-game concert on Saturday and Dino Weekend and a canned food drive on Sunday.

mlb.com/milb/chattanooga

–––

Football Club

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.

Cost: $8+

More info: Chattanooga Football Club takes on the Chicago Fire Football Club.

chattanoogafc.com

THEATER & ARTS

Dungeons and Drag-ons

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired drag showcase for ages 13 and older.

barkinglegs.org

______

Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.

Sam Still

sstill@timesfreepress.com

Sam Still is the outdoors reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press. In this role, Sam focuses on stories about people and their relationship to the regional environment. Sam began his journalism career as an intern for the Times Free Press, writing for the lifestyle publication Chatter Magazine. He joined the newspaper full-time in summer 2023. He received a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was a staff writer and assistant news editor for the university’s student newspaper, The Echo. He is originally from Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer

Tennessee baseball received a commitment from UC Irvine pitcher Ricky Ojeda on June 19.

Ojeda, who is eligible for the MLB draft in July, announced his decision on social media. He visited Tennessee on June 15-16.

The lefthanded Ojeda had a strong 2026 season primarily as a reliever, posting a 3.77 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 20 walks in 62 innings. In 2025, he became the first reliever to be named Big West Pitcher of the Year after going 13-1 with a 3.55 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 66 innings, which also earned him a third-team all-American nod from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game.

Whether Ojeda makes it to Tennessee remains an open question. Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 179 prospect for the draft. That would place him in the sixth round.

Should Ojeda join the staff, however, he would instantly become one of the team’s top options out of a bullpen that struggled immensely in 2026. The pitching staff is also under new leadership under pitching coach Austin Knight, who was hired from ECU.

Ojeda is the fourth player to announce they will transfer to Tennessee this offseason, joining two-way Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey, Northwestern State pitcher Brody Trosclair and Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian.

Who’s leaving Tennessee baseball

UTL Jay Abernathy (Oklahoma)
RHP Nic Abraham
INF Ariel Antigua (Arizona)
INF Finley Bates
RHP Ari Bethea
OF Hutson Chance
RHP Sawyer Deering (San Diego State)
OF Nate Eisfelder
1B Evan Hankins (Virginia Tech)
UTL Hunter High
RHP Brayden Krenzel (Arkansas)
INF Manny Marin
INF Ethan Moore (Missouri)
UTL Chris Newstrom
LHP Taylor Tracey
C Cash Williams (West Virginia)

Who’s joining Tennessee baseball

RHP/DH Braydon Kersey
LHP Brody Trosclair
INF Wyatt Hanoian
LHP Ricky Ojeda

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

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Shooting Hunger event aims to prevent childhood hunger in West Tennessee

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Shooting Hunger event aims to prevent childhood hunger in West Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – An exciting day of sporting clays in West Tennessee is doubling as a major fight against hunger.

Today’s “Shooting Hunger” event took place at the Carroll County Shooting Sports Park in Huntingdon. It’s a partnership between Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farmers Co-Op, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural First.

Shooting Hunger at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park(Gray News)

Since 2015, Shooting Hunger has helped provide more than three million meals to Tennesseans with money going to food banks, backpack programs, and local hunger relief. A $500 scholarship will also go to the top youth shooter in each flight.

“We’re joining together to raise money for school backpacks to feed hungry kids. We do these, we actually do three of these across the state of Tennessee so at the end of the day we take, we take all the money we put it into a pile and when we divide equally amongst all 95 counties across the state of Tennessee,“ said Bryan Wright, executive vice president for the Tennessee Farm Bureau.

Organizers say events like this matter because one in six children in Tennessee struggle with hunger.

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