Tennessee
Tennessee lawmaker proposes stricter internet safety rules for schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A bill aimed at tightening internet safety policies in Tennessee schools is set to be heard by the Tennessee House Education Committee tomorrow.
Supporters say the legislation would strengthen and update acceptable use policies for students in both traditional public and charter schools across the state.
Lawmakers backing the measure argue that while the internet is a powerful educational tool, it can also expose young students to harmful content if not properly monitored.
The proposal, sponsored by State Representative Scott Cepicky, would require public and charter schools to review their internet use policies twice a year and make updates as needed.
Under the bill, schools would be required to block student access to certain prohibited material while using school internet networks and actively monitor how students use the web.
Cheryl Benson, a parent of a child attending a Metro public school, said she supports the proposed changes based on her own experience.
“She was watching videos including murder videos saying you will never sleep again and eat babies,” Benson said, describing content she discovered her child had accessed at school.
If passed, the legislation would also require schools to notify parents or guardians if a student under 18 accesses a website on school internet that violates district policy.
Rep. Cepicky has indicated he plans to amend the bill so the new requirements would take effect during the 2027–2028 school year, giving school districts additional time to prepare and implement the changes.
The measure is expected to generate discussion among lawmakers, educators, and parents as it moves through the legislative process.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — FOX 17 News issued a Code Red alert for heavy rain and storms on Saturday.
Rain is expected to start Saturday morning across the area. The heaviest rain will fall along and north of I-40, where flash flooding could happen.
A flood watch is in effect through Sunday morning for areas north of I-40. Those areas could see between 2 to 3 inches of rain, with some spots getting even more.
Most of Middle Tennessee is under a small risk for severe storms Saturday afternoon into the evening. Damaging wind will be the main threat, and there’s a very low chance for tornadoes.
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The storms will clear out by Saturday evening. After that, attention turns to a heat wave building in next week.
Heat dome vs heat wave: What’s the difference and why it matters
Heat wave or heat dome? Here’s the difference — and why some extreme heat lasts longer and feels more dangerous.
A “significant” heat wave is on the way.
According to the latest forecast from the Weather Prediction Center, dangerous heat is expected across much of the country, including Tennessee, beginning June 28, and lasting into next week.
The National Weather Service is anticipating temperatures in the 90s to low 100s.
“These hot temperatures combined with high humidity will lead to heat indices of 100-110 degrees and locally as high as 115,” wrote the weather service in a June 25 statement. “Low temperatures only dropping into the 70s will provide little overnight relief.”
Here’s what to know.
What is a heat dome?
Heat domes, also called ridges of high pressure or death ridges, are large bulges of sinking warm air that can stretch up to 1,000 miles in summer, driving temperatures 30 degrees above normal and creating hazardous, drying conditions that often lead to deadly, multi‑day heat waves, Weather.com said.
According to climatecheck.com, the term describes the “oppressive” high-pressure atmospheric systems that cause warm air to be pushed to the Earth’s surface and trapped there for long periods of time.
“The dome traps high-pressure air in one place, like the lid on a pot,” the website said. “These large zones of hot air result in a combination of blistering temperatures, devastating wildfires, and drought conditions.”
How long will the heat dome last?
The period of extreme heat is expected to stretch through Independence Day weekend, lasting until July 6.
High to moderate extreme heat risk is expected across much of the central and eastern U.S. from July 3–4, with a broader slight risk extending through July 6. Heat indices of 100–110 degrees and warm nights in the 70s and 80s may limit relief over the holiday weekend, the weather service reported.
How hot will it get?
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center said hot weather will be the story this coming weekend from the Plains to the Ohio Valley, with widespread above-average temperatures expected thanks to a strong upper-level ridge of high pressure (aka heat dome) developing.
Highs in the 90s are expected as far north as the Great Lakes and Minnesota, and 100s for much of Texas, USA TODAY reported.
Heat indices approaching 110 degrees are possible from the mid-South to the central Gulf Coast where the combination of heat and high dew points will be greatest.
Overnight lows will also be quite warm, with some record high minimums possible.
For much of next week, the core of the heat dome is likely to be centered on the Ohio Valley, the middle portion of the Mississippi Valley and the Tennessee Valley, according to AccuWeather. At times, the heat will expand outward and reach parts of the Plains, the Great Lakes, the East and the Gulf Coast.
How will the heat dome impact Tennessee?
According to the National Weather Service Nashville office, “oppressive” heat and humidity will bring triple digit heat indices from Sunday onward.
“Look for our rain chances to abate from Sunday onward, just as the first bonafide heat wave of the season settles in for the long haul,” wrote the weather service in its morning discussion June 26.
“While rain chances next week will be nearly non-existent, temperatures across the bulk of the mid state west of the Cumberland Plateau will top out in the mid to upper 90s every day at least through Friday.”
This will result in heat indices reaching the 100s across most areas, with heat advisory criteria likely to be met on multiple days, added the service.
All of Tennessee is expected to receive major heat, while portions of Middle Tennessee and all of West Tennessee will face extreme heat.
According to the weather service, major heat can affect anyone without proper cooling and hydration, as well as strain health systems and industries, while extreme heat involves rare and or prolonged high temperatures with little to no overnight relief, impacting anyone without adequate cooling or hydration.
How to stay safe during periods of high, dangerous heat
Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses and even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illness occurs when the body is unable to properly cool itself. Older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are at especially high risk.
The CDC reports that more than 700 people die from extreme heat each year in the United States.
The CDC recommends the following during periods of extreme heat:
- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully and pace yourself. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
- Never leave children or pets in cars.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
Contributing: USA TODAY
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
The Tennessee Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 25, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 25 drawing
Morning: 9-1-6, Wild: 3
Midday: 5-6-7, Wild: 5
Evening: 8-0-9, Wild: 2
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 25 drawing
Morning: 1-0-7-7, Wild: 5
Midday: 0-1-3-6, Wild: 0
Evening: 4-0-9-0, Wild: 2
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily Tennessee Jackpot numbers from June 25 drawing
03-04-09-12-28
Check Daily Tennessee Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 25 drawing
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Tennessee Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.
For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Tennessee Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket, a copy of a government-issued ID and proof of social security number to P.O. Box 290636, Nashville, TN 37229. Prize claims less than $600 do not require a claim form. Please include contact information on prizes claimed by mail in the event we need to contact you.
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID and proof of social security number to any of these locations:
Nashville Headquarters & Claim Center: 26 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN 37214, 615-254-4946 in the (615) and (629) area, 901-466-4946 in the (901) area, 865-512-4946 in the (865) area, 423-939-7529 in the (423) area or 1-877-786-7529 (all other areas in Tennessee). Outside Tennessee, dial 615-254-4946. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Knoxville District Office: Cedar Springs Shopping Center, 9298 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922, (865) 251-1900. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $199,999.
Chattanooga District Office: 2020 Gunbarrel Rd., Suite 106, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 308-3610. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $199,999.
Memphis District Office: Chiles Plaza, 7424 U.S. Highway 64, Suite 104, Memphis, TN 38133, (901) 322-8520. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $199,999.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://tnlottery.com/.
When are the Tennessee Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash 3, 4: Daily at 9:28 a.m. (Morning) and 12:28 p.m. CT (Midday), except for Sunday. Evening game daily, seven days a week, at 6:28 p.m. CT.
- Daily Tennessee Jackpot: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Tennessee Cash: 10:34 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Powerball Double Play: 10:30 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Tennessean editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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