🌱 Third-Grade Student Law Change + Taylor Swift Donates To Shelter

Hey, Franklin! Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your Tuesday edition of the Franklin Daily, full of all the community news you need to know right now.

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But first, today's weather:

Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 51 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories today in Franklin:

1. The third-grade retention law states a third-grade student can be held back a year if they don't pass the state reading test this spring; however, changes might be made to this law, which has been controversial between school and state officials. Now, the law makes it mandatory for students to retake the test, take intensive tutoring, or attend summer school. Two bills have since been filed to modify the law. "We as a board came together and said we don't believe that one test given to third graders should dictate their entire academic year, whether they advance or whether they repeat it," Williamson County School Board member Eric Welch said. (FOX 17)
2. Singer-songwriter and 10-time award winner Taylor Swift donated to the Williamson County Animal Shelter in Franklin. Since Swift's donation, the shelter named four of their newest adoptable puppies after her songs: "Carolina," "Bejeweled," Midnight Rain," and "Willow." The puppies are three months old, went up for adoption on Saturday, and have already found their forever homes. (Williamson Source)
3. The Franklin Fire Department is investigating an early morning house fire that occurred on Saturday and injured one woman. Firefighters arrived at the single-story home on Chestnut Lane around 4:00 a.m. Franklin Police Officer Kevin Spry was the first to arrive and found the woman, pulled her outside, and called EMS to take her to the hospital. (Press Release Desk)

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Today in Franklin:

• The Mom Walk Collective, At Honest Coffee Roasters - The Factory at Franklin (11:00 AM)
• Board Of Mayor And Aldermen Meeting At City Hall Board Room (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Tennessee residents have seen a rise in gas prices — 18 cents higher than last week. Drivers in the state are paying an average of $3.15 for regular, unleaded gasoline. (WSMV 4)
• Matt Brown is competing in Dancing with the Stars Nashville on Thursday, Feb. 23 to benefit Feed America First. You can participate in voting here. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Franklin area! Get all the property details at the link. (Realtor.com)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O'Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.