The Friday Flicker · Issue #10
Blackburn proposes statewide school cell phone ban
This week, we take a look at how gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn plans to expand upon the state's ban on cell phones in school.
We also dive into why teacher unions are backing one candidate in the House District 78 GOP primary and why Memphis-Shelby County Schools is recommending approval for two public charter school applications.
The Lead
Marsha Blackburn Proposes Expanding State Law With “Bell-to-Bell” Cell Phone Ban
By Firefly Staff
Though some criticized the proposal as duplicative of 2025 legislation, the ban addresses an important nuance in the law.
Read the full story →Also in this issue
Why Are Teacher Union Bosses Backing John Louallen in Tennessee House Race?
Louallen’s Education Freedom Scholarship opposition and TEA endorsement have become key issues in the House District 78 Republican primary.
Firefly Staff
Bo McCawley Sides with Democrats on Key Education Issue in GOP Primary
McCawley faces school choice supporter Andy Swafford in the House District 31 primary.
Sky Arnold
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Recommends Approval for Two Public Charter Schools
School board members are scheduled to vote on Urban Dove I and II next week.
Jacob Holley
Changes Designed to Support ‘Good-Paying, In-Demand’ Careers Approved
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission voted to update higher education funding.
Sky Arnold
On the Fly: The Gate School's Burrus Cox Explains How His Discussion-Based Middle School Would Serve Students
The Metro Nashville Board of Education will vote on The Gate School's application on Tuesday.
That's all for this week. We'll continue to follow these and other stories next week. Thanks for reading, and have a good weekend.
The Friday Flicker