Tennessee State News

Silver Alert issued for 81-year-old from Lewis County

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:24:09 +0000

A Silver Alert has been issued for 81-year-old Gary Wedlake who is missing from Lewis County.

Gary is 58, 179 lbs., with grey hair and green eyes. He was last seen in Gun Barrell, Texas on Monday.

Spot him? Call 1-800-TBI-FIND! The truck shown above is a silver 2018 Chevy Silverado with the TN plate 801BJBV.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at newsroom@newschannel5.com.

US warns of kidnappings linked to dating apps in Mexico

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:20:38 +0000

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico is warning American travelers about using dating apps in the country.

Officials said they have received several reports of kidnappings involving U.S. citizens who met their alleged captors through online dating apps.

According to the consulate, the incidents occurred in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit. Victims were reportedly lured by individuals they met online, then kidnapped and held for ransom. In some cases, family members in the U.S. were extorted for large sums of money to secure their release, officials said.

Officials urge travelers to take extra caution when meeting strangers in Mexico. The consulate advises meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as hotel rooms or residences, where the risk of crime is higher.

The State Departments travel advisory for Mexico currently lists Jalisco state where Puerto Vallarta is located as Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping. Neighboring Nayarit is rated Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Travelers are encouraged to take the following precautions:

Inform friends or family of your plans Trust your instincts and leave any situation that feels unsafe In an emergency, dial 911 or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance

You asked, they listened: McDonald's snack wraps are officially back

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:58:00 +0000

If you beg for it for nearly a decade, you shall receive. McDonald's has teased that its snack wraps were coming back for a couple of years, and now, we officially have a date.

The fast food giant will reintroduce its snack wraps to its menu on July 10, according to its social media platforms.

Somehow, the menu item became a cult favorite after it was removed about nine years ago.

According to multiple reports over the years, McDonalds stopped offering the snack wraps in U.S. restaurants because they were time-consuming to make and they werent as popular as theyd hoped.

But social media would make you think otherwise, since you don't have to look far to find someone begging McDonald's to bring the wraps back.

In a post on McDonald's X, the account manager said, "YOU commented under every post. YOU made petitions. YOU asked for it back in the DRIVE THRU!? YOU tweeted every day for 100 days straight. YOU rallied. you organized. and i saw it all. thanks to you, the Snack Wrap will be back."

The original snack wraps included a crispy chicken tender wrapped with shredded lettuce, cheese and ranch sauce on a tortilla. It's unclear if they will be exactly the same.

Reading to kids at all-time low because Gen Z parents say it's 'not fun,' study says

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:27:03 +0000

Gen Z parents arent reading to their kids as often as other generations because they feel like it isnt fun, raising concerns about the lack of early exposure to books.

The number of parents reading to their children is at an all-time low, with fewer than half (41%) of kids four years old and younger being read to frequently. In 2012, that number was 64%, according to a study published last month by HarperCollins UK.

Gen Z typically those born between 1997 and 2012 are significantly more likely than Millennials or Gen X to view reading as more a subject to learn rather than a fun or enriching activity, the study said.

It's the first generation to grow up in the age of technology, whereas Millennials, who came before them, remember a world before the internet.

This attitude toward reading is seemingly being passed on to their children, with the number of 5 to 10-year-olds who frequently choose to read for enjoyment being at 32%, down from 55% in 2012, according to the study.

That number is even lower for boys, even when they are too young to read on their own.

The study said more than one in five boys (22%) aged 0-2 are rarely or never read to, compared to 44% of girls.

Most of the parents in the study said reading to their kids isnt fun for them or that they wish they had more time.

Another possible factor, according to the study, is that parents claimed their children have too much schoolwork to have time for leisure reading.

Previous studies have shown that reading to children has a positive impact on their perception and enjoyment of reading.

Being read to makes reading fun for children. So, its very concerning that many children are growing up without a happy reading culture at home, said Alison David, Consumer Insight Director at Farshore and HarperCollins Childrens Books, in a statement. The good news is when children are read to frequently, they very quickly come to love it and become motivated to read themselves. Children who are read to daily are almost three times as likely to choose to read independently compared to children who are only read to weekly at home. Its never too late to start, or resume, reading with children.

FDA elevates tomato recall in 3 states to highest level

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:25:19 +0000

TENNESSEE (WHNT) — A tomato recall initiated in early May has now been classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Class I — the agency's highest level.

It's now one of two ongoing U.S. tomato recalls categorized as Class I. Together, the recalls affect 14 states.

Williams Farms Repack, LLC, had first announced a voluntary recall of nearly a dozen lots of tomatoes on May 2, over concerns of salmonella contamination. These products were packaged and sold to wholesalers and distributors located in the states of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina between April 23 to April 28.

Consumers were urged not to consume the tomatoes, but rather them to the place of purchase for a refund or get rid of the product.

(Photos: FDA)

At the end of May, however, the FDA's enforcement report was updated to categorize the recall as Class I, the most serious classification.

A Class I recall is defined as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that salmonella infections sicken around 1.35 million people in the U.S. annually. Children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems have an increased chance of infection or getting seriously ill.

Common symptoms include watery diarrhea — sometimes with the presence of blood or mucus, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite. These symptoms can begin to show between six hours and six days after swallowing the bacteria. Anyone with prolonged or severe symptoms is urged to contact a healthcare provider.

(Photo: FDA)

A separate tomato recall, initiated in early May by Ray & Mascari Inc. over possible salmonella contamination, had also been upgraded to Class I by May 13.

That recall affected about 510 cases of tomatoes distributed to 11 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Both recalls are currently active and have not been terminated, according to the FDA website.

DOGE's mission to downsize federal government continues without Musk

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:21:33 +0000

Billionaire Elon Musk may not be much of a player at the White House anymore, but the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to downsize the federal government continues.

Trump administration seeks Supreme Court's input on DOGE authority

On Monday, President Donald Trump and his administration asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on the downsizing plans, essentially asking the justices to block a lower court ruling to curtail or block much of President Trump's power to restructure the federal government to his liking.

The Supreme Court has about a week to respond. While immediate action is not expected, a future ruling from the highest court is anticipated and would provide welcomed relief for federal workers across the U.S., who have been left in limbo for several months.

White House seeks to codify downsizing efforts into law

Meanwhile, another significant development could unfold on Tuesday, as a recissions package is expected to make its way from the White House to the House of Representatives. This package aims to codify into law some of the cuts that DOGE has attempted to implement within the federal government.

The initial version of the recissions package is anticipated to exceed $9 billion and will be presented to Congress for a vote. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated a desire to expedite the process.

Bottom line

Both moves seek to eliminate the legal disputes over President Trump's authority to unilaterally make these cuts. Critics have argued for months that it is Congress that holds the power of the purse, and the recissions package effort represents a push for Congress to control those funding decisions, which include significant reductions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other programs deemed excessive or fraudulent by the Trump administration.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Fake DMV texts demand payment for bogus tickets, officials warn

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:10:40 +0000

Several states are warning residents about a text message scam that falsely claims to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

In Virginia, recipients are told its a final notice about an outstanding traffic ticket. The message warns that failure to pay will result in inclusion in a DMV violation database, suspension of vehicle registration and driving privileges, and possible prosecution.

Similar messages have been reported in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Virginia DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey issued a statement urging residents to stay alert.

The department will never send a text message demanding payment for fines or fees, he said. We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text.

New York DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder echoed those concerns.

These scammers flood phones with these texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting New Yorkers into handing over their personal information, he said.

Anyone who receives such a message is encouraged to copy it and forward it to 7726, a spam-reporting number used by wireless providers to help block similar scams. Some phones also offer settings to block spam messages automatically.

State, local groups and businesses turn runaway zebra into a meme

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:01:11 +0000

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — As the search continues for a missing pet zebra in Rutherford County, several state and local organizations have turned the animal into a meme.

On Saturday, May 31, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office issued a warning about a pet zebra that was running through traffic along both sides of Interstate 24, interrupting traffic. As of Monday evening, the zebra remains on the run.

The days-long search has turned the zebra into quite the online sensation, with several area businesses as well as Tennessee and Rutherford County businesses turning the zebra into an online meme. The zebra has "appeared" in social media posts from businesses like Martin's Home and Garden, Deja Moo Springfield, Front Street Pub and Ralph's Donut Shop.

At the state level, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services used the zebra, calling him "Ed," to post a reminder about taking a break from stress.

(Courtesy: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services)

The City of Murfreesboro posted about "middle Tennessee's most famous zebra" in a reminder about their ongoing Movies Under the Stars series. The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member "Ed the Zebra."

(Courtesy: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce)

The Murfreesboro Police Department posted a reminder to residents to lock their vehicles featuring a laughing "Ed."

Lebanon police also joined in on the memes, adding the zebra has been welcomed to the department as the newest "high-speed recruit." Officers said although "Officer Z.E. Bra" hasn't been fully certified, he has shown the ability to go viral.

As of Monday evening, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said that the zebra has not been found. They added that multiple professional animal tracking groups have become involved in the search and on Tuesday, a K9 unit will get involved.

Anyone who spots the zebra has been asked to call the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office at 615-898-7770.

Ukraine claims latest strike damaged key bridge connecting Russia and Crimea

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:47:15 +0000

Days after a drone strike on a fleet of Russian military planes, Ukraine says it has launched a successful operation targeting a vital lifeline for the Kremlin: the Kerch Bridge.

According to the Ukrainian Security Service, this well-planned attack struck at the heart of Russias infrastructure during the early hours of Tuesday morning, at precisely 4:44 a.m. local time.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Ukrainian 'Spiderweb' drone strike destroys dozens of Russian warplanes

Using more than 2,400 pounds of explosives, Ukrainian operatives detonated the device below the bridge, targeting one of its key pillars. The damage is believed to be severe, though the Kremlin has yet to respond to these claims.

The Kerch Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to the annexed region of Crimea, serves not only as a critical transportation route for Russian troops and supplies but also as a symbol of pride for President Vladimir Putin.

This latest strike is framed by Ukraine as a vital step against the illegal occupation of Crimea. Notably, it is not the first time the bridge has come under attack; a massive truck bomb in 2022 caused significant damage and disrupted Russian war efforts for months.

Experts view this new operation as part of Ukraines long-term strategy to undermine Russia's military capabilities. However, tensions are high, and fears are mounting in Kyiv about potential retaliatory measures from Moscow in response to this audacious strike.

WATCH | National security expert on latest Russia-Ukraine war developments and what it means moving forward

Ukraine claims success in Kerch Bridge strikeThis story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Three rescued after plane crashes into ocean off coast of Florida

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:19:24 +0000

Three individuals were saved in a dramatic overnight rescue after their single-engine plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Vero Beach, Florida.

The Indian River County Sheriffs Office detailed the incident on social media, noting it took place approximately four miles east of the Vero Beach Regional Airport. A coordinated rescue effort involving multiple agencies helped locate and save the survivors.

<a href="https://www.gps.ie/collections/sports-gps/">Cycling gps</a>

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | A music talent agency says 3 employees died on a plane that crashed into a San Diego neighborhood

"Thanks to the quick action and teamwork of IRCSO marine units, IR Shores Public Safety Dept, Vero Beach Police Dept, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Air and Marine Operations Agents, Indian River County Fire Rescue, FWC and two helicopter crews, all three individuals were located and rescued," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "

"Were incredibly grateful for the quick response and collaboration of all the agencies involved, your efforts made this life-saving rescue possible," it added.

Sheriffs office helicopters spotted the individuals in the water and directed rescue boats to the scene. A rescue swimmer was also deployed to provide assistance.

The identities of the rescued three have not been released. Following the rescue, they were transported to a nearby U.S. Coast Guard station.

Authorities from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Charges filed against Milwaukee man for framing immigrant over Trump threats

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:46:01 +0000

A Milwaukee man reportedly admitted to framing Ramon Morales Reyes, and immigrant who was arrested and is now facing deportation for threatening President Donald Trump.

Demetric Deshawn Scott, 52, was charged with identify theft and felony intimidation of a witness for allegedly sending handwritten threats against the president to multiple law enforcement agencies.

The Wisconsin Attorney General's Office, the Milwaukee Police Chief and the Milwaukee Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office each received letters threatening to kill President Trump or ICE agents. Each of the letters had Morales Reyes' name and return address on the envelopes.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Man facing deportation over Trump threat was victim of a setup, lawyers say

Milwaukee police detectives were able to determine Morales Reyes does not write or fluently speak English. A handwriting sample from Morales Reyes also did not match the handwritten letters.

Before the letters were sent, Morales Reyes was scheduled to testify against Scott for armed robbery and battery.

Watch: Witness intimidation charges filed against Milwaukee man for framing immigrant over Trump threats

Witness intimidation charges filed against Milwaukee man for framing immigrant over Trump threats

Scott has been in the Milwaukee County Jail awaiting a July 14 trial.

Investigators listened to calls Scott made from the jail and found calls asking someone to mail letters for him. In other calls, Scott claimed he would be out of jail by July 15.

"Dude don't come to court then they gonna have to dismiss my case," Scott said on one of the calls.

In a call made after Reyes' arrest, Scott said Morales Reyes, "got what he deserved."

In addition to the witness intimidation and identify theft charges, Scott was also charged with two counts of bail jumping. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 28 years in prison.

Morales Reyes is being held at the Dodge County Jail with a June 4 appearance date in front of an immigration judge.

This story was originally published by Denise Craig with the

Scripps News Group.

Columbia Police investigating officer involved shooting that took place just after 1 a.m. on Tuesday

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:09:21 +0000

Columbia Police are investigating an officer involved shooting that took place just after 1 a.m. in the 1500 block of Nashville Highway.

According to police, officers found a man in the road armed with a handgun. While officers made efforts to drop his firearm, they said the man refused and continued to walk down the road in and out of the traffic lane and median.

As he approached a more populated area, he was shot by a Columbia Police Officer.

The individual was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center where he was taken into surgery for his injuries. At this time the condition and identity of the individual is unknown.

No officers were injured in this incident.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at newsroom@newschannel5.com.

Locals, tourists recall major Gatlinburg crash that injured seven

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:11:04 +0000

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Seven people were injured in a multi-car crash on the Parkway in Gatlinburg on Sunday.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, shortly after 4 p.m. a minivan that was traveling on the parkway suddenly accelerated, hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk and several cars. THP said early indications suggest a medical emergency could have contributed to the crash.

Seven people were injured. Five of those people were in cars and two were pedestrians: the one hit by the minivan, and one who was injured by a street sign that fell over due to the crash.

The City of Gatlinburg said three people were airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, while three others were taken in ambulances. Anoop Harjani owns a gift shop on the parkway and came outside right after the crash. He described to 6 News what he saw.

"All the cars just mangled up and everything, trying to help the police officers get through all the traffic. Just people hurt, injured. People were just wanting to help as best as they could," he said.

Daniel Miller and his wife are visiting Gatlinburg from New Jersey. They could see the emergency response from their hotel.

"We were at our resort and we look out over the helipad and we saw a couple ambulances coming up after we heard the sirens, and they were up there transferring patients from the ambulances into the helicopter," he said.

People who work along the Parkway told 6 News they've never seen something like this happen in Gatlinburg. One said, "The sounds and images from it will haunt me for a long time."

Locals and tourists alike are hoping those involved will recover.

⏩ Read today's top stories on wkrn.com

"I'm just praying for everybody to get through it and live and move past it," Harjani said.

"Pray to God that everybody's okay and winds up not being too much worse for the wear," Miller said.

The conditions of those injured is unknown at this time. A THP investigation remains ongoing.

Tennessee advances to Super Regional for 5th straight season

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:13:48 +0000

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee's national title defense continues as the Vols punched their ticket to the Fayetteville Super Regional with an 11-5 win over Wake Forest.

Liam Doyle pitched the final 2.1 innings and recorded five strikeouts to set a new Tennessee single-season record with 155 K's.

AJ Russell got the start after throwing 53 pitches just two days ago against Cincinnati. The junior allowed a double, but recorded a strikeout and two flyouts to escape the inning. In the bottom frame, Andrew Fischer drew a walk with one out, but Hunter Ensley grounded out into a double play to leave Fischer stranded.

Seven injured after five-car crash on Parkway in Gatlinburg

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:34:24 +0000

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — A multi-car crash in downtown Gatlinburg left seven people injured Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:14 p.m. Sunday in the 700 block of Parkway between traffic lights 6 and 8, a city official said. Five vehicles were involved in the crash.

Locals, tourists recall major Gatlinburg crash that injured seven

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said a minivan "accelerated unexpectedly", hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk before colliding with several other vehicles. One of the vehicles hit a road sign, which then fell, hurting a second pedestrian on the side walk. THP added that a total of seven people were injured, five who were inside two different vehicles and two pedestrians.

Gatlinburg Police Department and THP are investigating. According to THP, "a medical emergency" may have contributed to the crash.

(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)
(Photo by Anoop Harjani)

Three people were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center by Lifestar helicopter. Three others were taken by ambulance, according to the GPD.

‘One last family supper’ Knoxville coffee shop to close

The THP Critical Incident Response Team conducted an accident reconstruction Sunday night.

The Parkway reopened around 10:30 Sunday, GPD announced.

Senator Marsha Blackburn wrote, "I am continuing to monitor the collision in Gatlinburg and am praying for all victims involved in this horrific event."

Meanwhile, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said that he and his wife "are deeply saddened by the tragic crash in Gatlinburg & are lifting up victims & their loved ones in prayer. As Tennessee Highway Patrol assists ongoing response at the scene, TN will continue to give the community full support in the wake of this terrible accident."

Representative Diana Harshbarger also said she was praying for those involved and for first responders.

Tennessee's electric vehicle industry could stall under 'Big Beautiful Bill' tax credit cuts

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:08:08 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee's booming electric vehicle industry could be in limbo if the U.S. Senate passes President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" as is.

The proposal includes cuts to federal tax credits for EV owners and manufacturers.

Tennessee is a leader in the EV industry in the Southeast, with three EV manufacturing plants and multiple battery plants under construction. The industry has created more than 16,300 jobs and drawn $17.6 billion in investments in the Volunteer State, according to the Electrification Coalition.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

Federal tax credits for EV owners and manufacturers, which were a part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, including an up to $7,500 tax credit for many who purchase an EV, have incentivized owning and building EVs, aiding the industry's rapid growth, Ben Prochazka, the executive director of the Electrification Coalition told News 2.

“These credits were designed to help make sure that the U.S. is really a leader and can catch up to other countries that have really invested a lot more in the policy or just direct investments that can support the cultivation of that industry," Prochazka said.

However, those federal tax credits could be cut if the Senate passes the budget bill as is. President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" includes cuts to all tax credits regarding EVs.

Prochazka argued the cuts would put EV jobs and investments at risk.

“What the inflation reduction act credits did was it was intended to really unlock huge private sector investments, and that happened, but now those private sector investments are a question mark because companies that were planning to build battery manufacturing facilities and or vehicle manufacturing are slowing down and in some cases canceling those plans altogether," Prochazka said. “If we don't make these investments, we have the potential to fall way behind and lose vast numbers of automotive sector jobs, battery jobs, infrastructure jobs, and those are all really critical to states like Tennessee, but also across the country."

⏩ Read today's top stories on wkrn.com

President Trump has long spoken against the federal tax credits for EVs and has been vocal about his support for the traditional automotive industry and its workers.

Republicans hope to send the bill to the President's desk by July 4.

$5 million in funding available for Tennessee senior centers: What to know

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:57:15 +0000

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Senior centers can send applications to the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) for grant funding, a state spokesperson announced Monday.

The Tennessee General Assembly has set aside $5 million in one-time funding for senior centers throughout the state. This money is meant to help give older adults access to resources, activities and social connections. It can be spent on goals including:

Capital Projects, such as building improvements and equipment

Marketing

Programming and activities

Routine operating expenses other than staff salaries

Exotic animals you can own in Tennessee

Applications are due by 4 p.m. CT on August 8, and centers have to spend the funding by March 31, 2027. Centers can apply for funding between $10,000 and $50,000.

Individuals and long-term care/assisted living facilities are not included. The state gave the following qualifications for centers:

A single-purpose agency with programs and activities designed and operated only for the benefit of adults aged 60 and over; or

A multi-purpose agency with a broad spectrum of services, which shall include provisions of health, social, nutritional, and educational services, and the provision of facilities for recreational activities for adults aged 60 and over; and,

An organization with established programming that provides a minimum of 16 hours a month of activities or services specifically targeted for adults 60 and over.

⏩ Read today's top stories on wkrn.com

“DDA is committed to ensuring senior centers in both rural and urban communities across the state are vibrant and thriving,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner. “We hope this funding can help enhance the offerings, improve equipment, modernize buildings, and ensure that our senior centers continue to be spaces where older adults can access resources, connect with their peers, and enjoy a wide range of activities.”

To learn more about the grants, follow this link.

Exotic animals you can own in Tennessee

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:39:36 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A pet zebra is currently on the run in Rutherford County just one day after its owners obtained the animal.

Deputies said they had to close portions of Interstate 24 Saturday because the animal was running through traffic on both sides of the highway. The lanes reopened after the zebra disappeared in the woods.

As of Monday, June 2, the search for the zebra is still ongoing, according to authorities. If you see the creature, you’re asked to call the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 615-898-7770 to report its location.

(Courtesy: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office)

Pet zebra runs around Rutherford County

Tennessee law states just which animals can be legally kept as a pet and which only belong in the zoo or the wild. The long list includes everything from tigers to llamas and alpacas, and some of the animals that are legal to own might surprise you.

It’s unlikely to see a zebra, giraffe, kangaroo, or camel in someone’s backyard in Tennessee, but under state law, there is nothing stopping anyone from keeping them as pets. However, there are some animals, like white-tailed deer, may only be possessed by zoos.

Knowing local laws can come in handy. Below is a full list explaining what animals you can and can’t own in Tennessee.

Animals you cannot own in Tennessee

Class I: This class includes all species inherently dangerous to humans. These species may only be possessed by zoos, circuses, and commercial propagators. All of the Class I animals are illegal when it comes to personal possession.

Primates: Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons

Wolves: All species

Bears: All species

Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars: All species

Elephants: All species

Rhinoceroses: All species

Hippopotamus

African buffalo

Crocodiles and alligators: All species

Snakes: All venomous species

Amphibians: All poisonous species

Class II: This class includes native species, except those listed in other classes.

Anyone who has a Class I animal in captivity without first obtaining the appropriate permit is subject to a $150 fine per animal or $1,000 fine per facility. The fine drops to $10 per animal and $100 per facility if it is a Class II animal.

Owners of unpermitted wildlife have 30 days to take the animal to a qualified recipient. Each day of possession after the 30-day period constitutes a separate violation, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Black bear found dead in Sumner County

Animals you can own in Tennessee

Class III: This class requires no permits except those required by the department of agriculture, and includes all species not listed in other classes.

Nonpoisonous reptiles and amphibians, except caimans and gavials

Rodents: Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks

Rabbits, hares, moles and shrews

Ferrets and chinchillas

Llamas, alpacas, guanacos, vicunas, camels, giraffes and bison

Avian species not otherwise listed, excluding North American game birds, ostriches and cassowary

Semi-domestic hogs, sheep and goats

All fish held in aquariums

Bovidae not otherwise listed

Marsupials (kangaroos, etc.)

Common domestic farm animals

Equidae (horses, etc.)

Primates not otherwise listed

Bobcat/domestic cat hybrids

Hybrids resulting from a cross between a Class II species and a domestic animal or Class III species

Cervidae, except white-tailed deer and wild elk. Elk originating from a legal source while held in captivity for the purpose of farming are regarded as Class III wildlife. All other elk are wild elk and are regarded as Class II wildlife. Anyone who has elk in captivity must have documentary evidence indicating the origin of the elk. This documentation has to be presented to the agents of the department of agriculture or the wildlife resource agency upon request. Sale documentation of offspring of purchased elk is not required.

Furbearing mammals, including those native to Tennessee, raised solely for the sale of fur

⏩ Read today's top stories on wkrn.com

Native species that can only be kept at zoos

Class IV: This class includes those native species that may be possessed only by zoos and temporary exhibitors.

Black bear

White-tailed deer

Wild turkey, including the eggs of wild turkey

Hybrids of a Class IV species, other than bobcat

Animals that are morphologically indistinguishable from native Class IV wildlife

Other provisions in Tennessee law

Class V: This class includes such species that the commission, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Agriculture, may designate by rules and regulations as injurious to the environment. Species so designated may only be held in zoos under such conditions as to prevent the release or escape of such wildlife into the environment.

5 Questions with Broadway/R&B Performer Ryan Shaw

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:18:10 +0000

By: Janice Malone

Experience the incredible talent of R&B vocalist and three-time GRAMMY® nominee, and Broadway star performer Ryan Shaw, as he takes the stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, on Father’s Day Weekend of June 15, with the award-winning Nashville Symphony. Experience soulful powerhouse orchestrations and mighty vocals in an evening of mega R&B hits from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Prince, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Miracles, Bill Withers, Issac Hayes, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Ryan Shaw original songs as well. The evening will also feature keyboardist Ray Angry (recording artist, member of The Roots, and recent music director for Queen Latifah, Joss Stone and Lauryn Hill), drummer Derrick Wright (in Adele’s band, formerly with Toni Braxton and Talia), bassist Al Carty (currently in Rob Thomas’ band, former music director for Alicia Keys), and guitarist Nir Felder (recording artist and multi-award winning musician who’s played with many top artists).

Here, Ryan takes on 5 Questions about his upcoming Nashville concert and notable highlights from his career.

TRIBUNE: I know that you’re accustomed to performing on Broadway. But do you get extra excited when you perform with symphony orchestras?

SHAW: Yes, I do! I did my first symphony concert in 2017/2018. My manager and I put together my solo show together, which debuted with the Newport News Symphony in Virginia last year. But for the Nashville market, it’s titled ‘Legends of R & B’ because that name seems to resonate more with the area fan base.

TRIBUNE: Is this your first time performing in Nashville?

SHAW: No, this is my second time. I’ve performed in Nashville before. Some people may remember or attended the concert Nat King Cole at 100 (2022), with the Nashville Symphony. I was a part of that show, along with several other well-known performers.

TRIBUNE: I love it when pop music and R&B music blend with symphonies. It’s just so cool.

SHAW: It’s beautiful because you don’t have to work as hard because there’s so much sound, that’s carrying you as a singer. In this show, we have such a variety of top legends, from Jackie Wilson to Sam Cooke to Michael Jackson, Prince, etc. It’s a pretty long list. And then we even get into some of the masters of R & B songwriting.

TRIBUNE: You made your Broadway debut as the original Stevie Wonder character in the smash hit Motown the Musical. Did you ever get to meet Stevie in person?

SHAW: Yes, I did! We had two opening nights. Stevie came to both openings. The first time he showed up, I didn’t know he was there. So, I did my big Stevie Wonder number at the end of the show, as usual. Afterward, I went to the dressing room of the actor who played Barry Gordy in the show. When I walked in, the real Barry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were sitting there on the couch. Wow!

TRIBUNE: So, did you faint or what happened?

SHAW: No, I didn’t faint (laughs). They introduced me to him, and then Stevie Wonder goes, ‘Hey, man, you were great. I was rooting for you the whole time during the show.’ So, there’s this vocal riff that I sing during his classic song Sign, Sealed Delivered, which can be heard on the show’s Broadway cast album. So, Stevie sings my riff right back to me and says: ‘I like that riff!’ And I was like, holy **** Stevie Wonder likes my vocal riff, and he’s singing it back to me. it was crazy! So that was my first meeting with Stevie Wonder, and he gave me his blessing. After that, I was never again nervous about portraying Stevie Wonder because he directly gave me his blessing.

Mealer, Lady Vols walk it off in 9-inning battle against UCLA

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:12:46 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (WATE) — After a nine-inning battle, the Lady Vols kept their season alive with a Laura Mealer walk-off single to send Tennessee to the national semifinals.

Both UCLA and the Lady Vols got their bats rolling in the first, however, it was Tennessee who was able to bring their base runners home.

In the bottom of the first, Taylor Pannell singled, followed by Ella Dodge, the two still on base when the Bruins intentionally walked McKenna Gibson, loading the bases. Next in the order was Mealer, who popped one over the infield and into an open outfield, Pannell making it in first, followed by a diving Dodge to give the Lady Vols a 2-0 lead.

That brought Tennessee's total amount of first inning runs through three games at the Women's College World Series to 11.

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UCLA went yard in the second, twice. First off the bat of Alexis Ramirez, then a blast by Sofia Mujica. Both were solo shots, the two homers tying the game.

The Bruins had a chance to take the lead a couple of innings later in the top of the fifth. With two on and two outs, Tennessee intentionally walked Megan Grant, putting Karlyn Pickens back in front of Ramirez, who launched UCLA's first home run.

However, this time, Pickens sent Grant back to the dugout with a strikeout, leaving three stranded and ending the Bruins' chances in the fifth.

After struggling in the first part of the postseason, Pannell continued to be on a tear in Oklahoma City, hammering a two-run homer towards left field in the bottom of the fifth. That hit gave Tennessee a 4-2 advantage.

Moving into the top of the sixth, UCLA looked as though they were going to threaten once again. With two outs, Kaitlyn Terry was originally called safe at first, which would have put runners on the corners for the Bruins; however, the Lady Vols challenged the call, which was overturned in Tennessee's favor, ending the top of the sixth.

Pickens appeared to roll her ankle during the top of the sixth but finished the inning without missing a pitch.

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The top of the seventh was the final chance for UCLA, and Grant took full advantage, crushing one to center field. With one on, the blast tied it at 4 all.

After an extensive review of if Grant actually touched home base after the homer, it was noted that she did not touch home, but the play was not reviewable due to Appendix G, so the homer stood.

In the bottom of the seventh, with no outs, Pannell got on base from a walk. The Bruins then intentionally walked Sophia Nugent, putting two on base for the Lady Vols.

However, a double play from third to second ended regulation. With the game tied at four, the Lady Vols and UCLA went to extra innings.

Bruins went three up, three down in the top of the eighth. Tennessee had runners on the corners in the bottom of the frame, but with two outs already, they couldn't get anyone in.

With one out, Lady Vols loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth; with a 2-2 count, Mealer snuck one inside the left base line, bringing in Pannell and walking it off to keep the Lady Vol season alive.

⏩ Read today's top stories on wkrn.com

UP NEXT: The Lady Vols live to play another day. Tennessee will face Texas Monday at noon. The Lady Vols face a tall task to win two back-to-back games against the Longhorns if they want to advance the championship series.

If Tennessee wins game one against Texas, game two is slated for 2:30 p.m.

Tennessee city among top 20 cities for dog attacks on postal workers, data shows

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 22:33:44 +0000

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – With dog attacks on postal workers climbing to more than 6,000 cases in the past year, the U.S. Postal Service launched its annual National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign Sunday.

According to USPS data, Los Angeles recorded 77 dog attacks on postal workers in 2024, the highest number of any city in the country.

Police report increase in thefts from La Vergne mailboxes

Houston followed with 65 incidents, and Chicago ranked third with 57.

Rank City, State Number of Attacks
1 Los Angeles, California 77
2 Houston, Texas 65
3 Chicago, Illinois 57
4 St. Louis, Missouri 47
5 Cincinnati, Ohio 44
6 Dallas, Texas 43
7 Kansas City, Missouri 40
7 Cleveland, Ohio 40
8 San Diego, California 35
9 Denver, Colorado 34
10 San Antonio, Texas 32
10 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 32
10 Detroit, Michigan 32
10 Columbus, Ohio 32
11 Minneapolis, Minnesota 30
12 Indianapolis, Indiana 26
13 Phoenix, Arizona 25
13 Memphis, Tennessee 25
14 Omaha, Nebraska 24
14 Louisville, Kentucky 24
15 Rochester, New York 23
16 Toledo, Ohio 21
16 Sacramento, California 21
16 El Paso, Texas 21
17 San Francisco, California 20
17 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 20
17 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 20
17 Albuquerque, New Mexico 20
18 Stockton, California 18
18 Oakland, California 18
19 Youngstown, Ohio 17
19 Salt Lake City, Utah 17
19 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 17
19 Miami, Florida 17
19 Des Moines, Iowa 17
20 St. Petersburg, Florida 15
20 Fort Worth, Texas 15
20 Birmingham, Alabama 15
(Source: USPS)

Nationwide, California led all states with 701 dog bite incidents. Texas ranked second, while Ohio came in third.

2024 Dog Bite/Dog Incident Data
STATE Number of dog bites Top 10 States
1 California 701 1
2 Texas 438 2
3 Ohio 350 3
4 Illinois 344 4
5 New York 322 5
6 Pennsylvania 316 6
7 Michigan 231 7
8 Florida 210 8
9 Missouri 207 9
10 North Carolina 169 10
(Source: USPS)

This year’s campaign, themed “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track,” urges pet owners to take responsibility for keeping dogs properly restrained during mail delivery.

The initiative runs throughout June and uses the hashtag #dogbiteawareness to spread awareness across social media.

Pet zebra runs around Rutherford County, wreaks havoc on I-24

“The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership,” Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, said in a statement. “All dogs — regardless of breed, size, or age — have the potential to bite.”

USPS emphasized that many attacks occur unexpectedly, even from dogs that have no history of aggression. Mail carriers are trained to stay vigilant in neighborhoods where dogs are present and to follow safety protocols, such as never startling a dog and using items like mail satchels to create a barrier if threatened.

The postal service advises customers to secure their dogs in a separate room or area away from the door during mail delivery. Pet owners should also avoid opening the door while the carrier is present and ensure children do not retrieve mail in the presence of a pet.

In addition to physical harm, dog attacks on USPS workers can lead to costly repercussions for dog owners, including medical expenses, lost wages, and uniform replacement costs.

| Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee →

If a mail carrier feels unsafe, mail delivery to the residence can be suspended until the dog is properly secured. Residents would then need to retrieve their mail from their local post office. In some cases, the USPS may require pet owners to rent a P.O. box to resume service.

As part of its annual campaign, the USPS urges pet owners to take preventive action.

“The most important message for our customers to remember is to keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered,” Theriault said. “Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities.”

PBS Shows Nashville The Good In Us

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:26:23 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN – Nashvillians celebrate an exciting event centered around building up our fellow citizens today, as the new Nashville PBS show The Good In Us is holding a live taping during the A Slice of Community event tonight at 7 pm at Nashville PBS, 161 Rains Avenue. The event is free, though reservations are needed, and taping will begin promptly at 8 pm. Host and producer Jerome Moore said, as someone who has done boots-on-the-ground work not only in his hometown of Nashville but also abroad with the Peace Corps in Paraguay and with Nongovernmental Organizations in Costa Rica, China, and the Philippines, announcing this kind of show for Nashville felt good. Moore said he will also be joined by guests who are the subjects of the episodes themselves, each of who are driving dynamic solutions dedicated to improving our Nashville community.

Moore said after identifying the local community initiatives he wanted to cover, connecting with representatives in their organizations was easy since he was already so embedded in the community through his activity with local nonprofit work, community organizing, and community events. He said Nashville has a lot of people doing good work within it, and that the hard part of organizing the show ended up being choosing who to focus on. “So, [we] had to narrow it down and come up with a good five organizations and people and projects that I felt like really kind of did that best job of capsule-izing Nashville the best way I could and the most diverse way as well.”

Moore said he is expecting about 200 people for the event and that it will provide an excellent opportunity to bring Nashville’s community together and take the temperature of how The Good In Us will land with local audiences. Additional panelists will include I Read, I Lead, Co-chair’s Ashford Hughes Sr. and Lonnell Matthews, Five Points Pizza owner David Timan, Voces de Nashville president Beatriz Ordaz Remirez, New Beginnings Center president & CEO Tash Weddle, and Harvest Hands & Humphreys Street Co-founder and & CEO Brian Hicks.

Moore said funding for the show came from a Corporation of Public Broadcasting grant, which said they wanted PBS affiliates to focus on creating a show that focuses on volunteerism, acts of service, and community heroes. It was at this point Moore said he was attached to the project as a natural fit given his general background as well as his experience in being a host and public affairs producer at PBS.

Moore said The Good In Us was inspired by the Discovery Channel show Dirty Jobs hosted by Mike Rowe, as he wanted to show the day-to-day tough work that volunteers are doing to better their communities. Moore said the show gave him an opportunity to shoot in a signature way using a gimbal, as well as selecting the right shooter, Kevin Berstein, and photography production through Jordan Johnson.

Moore said the event itself will feature pizza from both Slim and Huskies and Five Points Pizza, who are both sponsors of the event. Moore said there will also be a Q&A at the end of the event where the audience will be able to ask their questions. Moore said the entirety of this event will be broadcast on News Channel 8, PBS, and live streaming on YouTube.

Tennessee Pastors Condemn Supreme Court Decision Allowing Revocation of Temporary Protected Status for 500,000 Legal Refugees

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:19:27 +0000

Nashville, TN – Tennesse pastors condemn today’s Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 500,000 legal refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

The pastors characterized the decision as racially motivated, morally indefensible, and a direct violation of Christian teachings about welcoming strangers and protecting the vulnerable.

Rev. Robin Lovett-Owen, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Nashville, released a video statement in which she called the decision “a betrayal of our nation’s values and it’s a direct contradiction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” emphasizing that the affected individuals “did everything we asked of them. They followed the law. They got sponsors, they found work, they paid taxes, they raised children, and they built lives here.”

“This is not about law and order. This is not about national security. This is racism and cruelty. This is about turning our backs on our neighbors in their hour of need,” Rev. Lovett-Owen stated. She then shared the story of her friend John who was born in Venezuela who now resides in the US. “He braved so much on his way here and when he got here he knew that he wanted to make his life here. He studied, he got a job, he’s been working so hard on learning the language. He joined a church and decided to raise his family here. He is a good person, a contributor to our community. And now after doing everything right, doing everything we asked of him, he is facing deportation. What kind of nation does this?”

Rev. Lovett-Owen called on churches to serve as sanctuaries and urged every congregation and Christian leader to condemn the decision while supporting legal challenges and opening their doors to affected families.

Rev. Emily Jo Haynes, Pastor of Kaleo Nashville Church, also released a video statement expressing being “devastated” by the ruling, emphasizing that the affected individuals “were approved to come here because of the violence in their countries” and “feared for their lives and came here as a last resort.”

“What an inhumane and heartless decision to remove their legal status and subject them to possible deportation,” Rev. Haynes stated, echoing Justice Jackson’s dissent that the decision “would facilitate needless human suffering.”

Rev. Haynes criticized systems of oppression that “operate in God’s name” while choosing “to oppose biblical mandates,” citing scripture: “In Leviticus 19, God commands us to love the foreigner as ourselves because we too were once foreigners. In Luke 4, Jesus declares his mission to set the oppressed free. In Amos 5, God demands that justice roll down like waters.”

“This Supreme Court decision is the opposite of justice. It is cruel and harmful to our neighbors and the foreigners who our nation has now lied to about their ability to seek legal respite through a protected status here in the United States,” she continued.

Drawing from her personal experience, Rev. Haynes noted: “I live in a community of immigrants. The top 10 restaurants in my neighborhood are owned and operated by people of different culinary and cultural background from all over the world. When we welcome the foreigner we receive the great beauty of different cultures and our lives are made rich. This decision hurts not only our neighbors, but ourselves.”

Addressing the affected refugees directly, Rev. Haynes declared: “You are not statistics. You are beloved children of God. Your dignity is not subject to the whims of courts or the calculations of politics.” She called on Christians to “speak out, organize, and do all we can to protect our neighbors and community members and we will not stop calling out the evils of this current presidential administration.”

Both pastors called for immediate action from their congregations and fellow Christians, including contacting elected representatives, supporting legal challenges to the decision, providing sanctuary and direct assistance to affected families, and speaking out against what they characterized as systemic and intention harm.

Nashville Housing and Infrastructure Study

Wed, 28 May 2025 22:59:45 +0000

To Review or download the Nashville Housing and Infrastructure Study 2025 click the link below.

https://publicinput.com/Customer/File/Full/77ddef52-7976-4ef3-98c9-cf3bc98affa2

Tree Dedicated in Honor of Late Commander Anthony McClain at Bordeaux Gardens Park

Wed, 28 May 2025 02:36:13 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A tree dedication ceremony was held this week at Bordeaux Gardens Park to honor the memory of Commander Anthony McClain, a respected leader in North Nashville and longtime member of the Metro Nashville Police Department. McClain, who died in February at age 53 after complications from a heart attack suffered in his office, devoted 27 years to MNPD and was widely admired both within the department and the community he served.

The tree serves as a living tribute in the park, a space his wife Gayla says reflects her husband’s love for the neighborhood. “It provides a space to reflect in the community that he loved so much,” she said.

Prayer and remembrance have helped North Nashville and McClain’s family cope with the sudden loss of a man who made service a way of life. Known for working beyond traditional hours, McClain was often present at neighborhood watch meetings and community events.

Appointed by Chief John Drake to lead the North Precinct on May 1, 2021, McClain oversaw operations in a region covering 118 square miles—more than one-fifth of Davidson County.

In a statement issued after his death, Chief Drake praised his leadership and compassion. “Anthony was a dear friend to many and was extremely devoted to the safety and betterment of the North Nashville community,” Drake said. “He was a fixture at community events, church services, and personally worked with residents to solve problems. Nothing gave Anthony more satisfaction than helping others. He cared deeply about this city and its people. He will be sorely missed.”

McClain’s dedication to service began with five years in the U.S. Air Force from 1989 to 1994. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Tennessee State University in 1997 before joining MNPD as an officer trainee that same year.

Throughout his career, McClain served in a wide range of roles—from patrol officer to detective to various supervisory positions. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2012 and led units across multiple precincts, eventually heading the Specialized Investigations Division’s Narcotics Unit. In 2020, he became captain of MNPD’s newly formed Special Victims Division before being appointed commander of the North Precinct the following year.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Merus LLC reach agreement for development of 57-acre Rivergate Mall site

Wed, 28 May 2025 02:30:02 +0000

he Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell has reached an agreement with Merus (formerly Al Neyer) to redevelop the Rivergate Mall site that sits on 57 acres in Goodlettsville. The development is expected to revitalize the area with multifamily housing, townhomes for sale, senior housing, retail, restaurant, sports and entertainment facilities, medical office, general office, and hotels, along with other improvements and public infrastructure.

“We can take the lessons we’ve learned from the Global Mall redevelopment in Antioch and the Bellevue Mall to revitalize another space that is no longer serving the community well,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said. “With a development partner in place, we can reimagine this space to be a community asset that brings neighbors together and enlivens the neighborhood.”

The site’s history
Over the past decade, public use of the mall has declined and so has its economic value. Metro’s property tax revenue from the mall has dropped precipitously resulting in a loss more than $10 million while revitalized malls like the site in Bellevue have produced more than a 500 percent increase in property tax revenue. In all, 57 storefronts at the mall have closed in the last five years while only 39 remain open.

“Rivergate Mall has been woven into the fabric of this community since 1971, and now we have the opportunity to reimagine it for the next generation of Nashville,” said Patrick Poole, Nashville Market Leader for Merus. “We’re excited to create a place where people can live, work, gather, and feel connected. This is the kind of project that makes a real impact on the community and we’re proud to partner with the city of Nashville to help bring that vision to life.”

Metro proposes to provide a portion of property tax revenues to the Industrial Development Board to make grants that will allow Merus to borrow approximately $22.5 million to offset some of the initial infrastructure costs that the new plan will require. In addition to paying for a portion of the public infrastructure, Merus has committed to: reserve land for WeGo to use for a multimodal transit facility; ensure that there are affordable senior housing units included in the project.

What’s new about this incentive structure?
When compared to previous incentive packages for redevelopment, Metro has put several new elements in place to safeguard the taxpayers’ investment. Metro will make a hard cap on the amount of future tax revenue available to Merus for Merus to pay principal and interest on its initial loan: either $42 million or 25 years, whichever comes first. Metro’s analysis of the public benefit has focused primarily on direct benefits to Metro and the taxpayer instead of indirect opportunities which Metro and Merus expect to be substantial. The deal enables Metro and Merus to work together to both advance sound redevelopment of an underutilized site and bring an exciting new future to the Rivergate area.

Fourth Annual Oratorical Contest Proves F.H. Jenkins Students Are Game Changers

Fri, 23 May 2025 02:41:12 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fisk University’s Jubilee Hall was the place to be Friday evening, May 8, 2025, for the 4th Annual Oratorical Contest. It was nothing but 3’s coming from this team — one point for Confidence, one point for Courage, and one point for Content.

From the tipoff, 2nd grader Karda Jobe, coached by Khira Turner, fired up a shot of spoken word from The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman. The opposing team, They Say, took the ball out, but a bad pass landed in the hands of 2nd grader Danny Phillips, coached by LaShiante Phillips. Danny spun and dunked backwards with an excerpt from a Nelson Mandela speech about children. Oratorical broadcaster Yolonda Beech could hardly contain her excitement as she announced a quick timeout by They Say. During the pause, Ms. Beech acknowledged the evening’s referees: Mrs. Paula Major, Dr. Sam Nahashon, and Mrs. Debra Alexander.

They Say got the ball back and moved down the court. A hard shot off the rim bounced into the hands of William, who passed to 4th grader Xavier Jones. Xavier went deep in the corner, turned, and shot an excerpt from Malcolm X’s speech The Ballot or the Bullet, hitting all net starting with, “You didn’t land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on you.” The crowd of parents, relatives, and friends erupted in applause.

They Say struggled to get across half court again, but F.H. Jenkins’ 1-3-1 half-court press caught them off guard. William Dowe stole the ball and went the distance for a slam dunk to the words of James Baldwin, much to the delight of coach Davonya Dowe.

At halftime, Oratorical Society President and Principal Dr. Summer Wood shared remarks alongside Program Director Mrs. LaShiante Phillips. As the second half began, F.H. Jenkins cleared the bench, bringing in a new lineup. Gabrielle Jones, a 4th grader, blocked a layup attempt and passed to Xavier at center court. He dribbled left, then right, and threw an alley-oop to Gabrielle for a slam dunk punctuated by the words of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Coach Gary Jones, Jr. lost all his popcorn in excitement as the third quarter ended with They Say struggling to find their rhythm.

To open the fourth quarter, the Jenkins coach brought in original writings. The new lineup featured:

Victoria Dyer, 8th grader and point guard, delivering a speech on Employment Discrimination, coached by Phyllis Dyer.

Trynitee Gardner, 7th grader, delivering Hair-istically Speaking, coached by Rossi Turner.

Deja Jones, 6th grader, speaking on Social Justice, coached by Alicia Jones.

Ziona Phillips, 7th grader and playmaker, presenting on Oppression and Stereotypes, coached by LaShiante Phillips.

Corrin Alford, 8th grader and center, speaking on Missing Children, coached by Carlin Alford.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, it became clear that They Say could not match the brilliance, courage, and confidence of the young student freedom fighters from F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School.

We have heard it over and over again…
They say we can’t read.
They say we can’t write.
They say we have no discipline.
They say a lot of things.

But F.H. Jenkins’ 4th Annual Oratorical Contest proved to the community — and to the world — Yes we can. Yes we can.
Congratulations to the brilliant students of F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School on their victory over “They Say.”

Martha O’Bryan Center names Jeff Darnell as Director of Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility

Thu, 22 May 2025 02:55:56 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The nonprofit Martha O’Bryan Center (MOBC) announces the addition of Jeff Darnell as Director for the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility (TAEM), a public-private partnership it leads to help working Tennesseans move beyond “the benefits cliff,” widely recognized as one of the greatest barriers facing low-income families.

TAEM includes more than 30 community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, government agencies, and educational entities across 16 Middle Tennessee counties (Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dekalb, Dickson, Hickman, Houston, Humphries, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson) working to transform Tennessee’s safety net and promote lasting solutions that support economic mobility.

TAEM’s Our Chance^TNpilot program, a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2022 through a Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative grant, is currently testing the integration of an innovative “transitional benefit” with individual coaching, financial counseling, and other resources to help families pursuing self-sufficiency.

Currently, 1,121 caregivers have enrolled in the pilot, and it has provided 6,612 coaching conversations, 1,349 employment and education meetings, and 1,690 resource navigation sessions and follow-ups. In its first two years, the pilot has seen promising initial results, including:

64.4% of families demonstrating increases in family stability, and

38.4% of families demonstrating income growth, with an average increase of $20,495 annually

Before joining TAEM, Darnell worked in career development, helping hundreds of Nashvillians begin promising careers, as the program director at UpRise Nashville and the executive director at CareerConnect.

With decades of experience as a teacher, pastor, and coach, Darnell has a deep commitment to helping individuals and communities reach their full potential by building healthy relationships and wise collaboration.

“I believe results start with relationships, and I’ve seen first-hand how differing interests working together can improve systems and help individuals grow,” Darnell says. “I’m honored to work with this great team at the Martha O’Bryan Center and across the state on the important work of providing pathways to financial stability for Tennesseans.”

“Jeff is an experienced leader who has demonstrated compassion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the communities supported through TAEM,” says Marsha Edwards, President and CEO for MOBC. “In addition to testing solutions for the benefits cliff, the pilot demonstrates how diverse organizations across the state are strengthened through collaboration, and we’re excited to have his guidance as our work continues.”

‘Sacred Blues’ Event to Explore Black Spirituality Through Film, Music, and Conversation

Mon, 19 May 2025 04:13:44 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Scarritt Bennett Center will host Sacred Blues: “Sinners” and the Rhythm of Black Spirituality at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, in the Harambee Auditorium. This free hybrid event will explore the tension between religion and spirituality in Black life, drawing on themes from the film Sinners.

Rev. Kelli X, Director of Racial Justice Ministries at Scarritt Bennett, will lead the conversation, which will examine the grief and glory of gospel and blues, and the cultural struggle between celebration and appropriation.

Joining the discussion virtually is Saul Williams, artist and actor who portrayed the pastor and father of Sammie in Sinners. Rev. jeff o. carr, founder and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Infinity Fellowship, will participate in person.

The event invites attendees to share questions, insights, and reflections during this exploration at the intersection of faith, film, and culture. Admission and parking are free, but registration is requested to help anticipate attendance.

Future Way Forward Helps Find Community Foundations

Sat, 17 May 2025 21:00:08 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN – The self-described “first-of-its-kind” Future Way Forward conference, an extension of the community outreach organization Everybody Versus Racism (EVR), was held last week at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). Organizers described those who participated in the event as creatives, founders, and professionals dedicated to progressing the conversation around how everyday people can build a more inclusive community in Tennessee.

Dr. Gerald Onuoha, CEO of the Future Way Forward conference and Everybody Versus Racism, said announcing the event was very exciting. Onuoha said the purpose of the event is to stir conversation around what an inclusive future looks like in the first place, how to connect communities and citizens with decades of collective knowledge, and how that knowledge can be used to build an inclusive community that progresses everyone.

“With the Future Way Forward, we have one overarching question: what is the plan?” Onuoha said. “What is the plan to make our communities better? What is the plan to make sure that every community is going to prosper? What is the plan to make sure that we’re bringing people together and not separating them? That’s the thing we have in the back of our mind with every single workshop that we’ve created, every panel that we’ve created. We want to make sure that every voice gets heard.”

Onuoha said EVR will be hosting several upcoming events in the next couple of months, including “food desert and poverty sessions,” where the organization will be going into local communities to help facilitate food drives, food giveaways, and to spread general education on healthy eating. Onuoha said EVR will also be hosting a diaper drive at some point during this time frame, as well as a scholarship fundraising event to raise money for underprivileged students who are aspiring to become doctors.

Onuoha said that EVR was created as a reactionary measure shortly after the murder of George Floyd by the then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020. Three ex-Minneapolis police officers, J. Alexander Kueng, Tou Thao, and Thomas Lane, who helped with restraining Floyd during the arrest, were also convicted of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care, according to NPR.

Onuoha said conversations within EVR began as general as exploring how Nashville and Tennessee can better follow the Golden Rule as a community and share greater love and support for fellow community members. He said it did not take long for group conversations to shift to ideas on how we as a community can help impoverished citizens progress themselves, whether that is through healthcare access and equity, or through workforce development to increase the number of active professionals within every field that come from underprivileged, underrepresented communities. Onuoha said professions that could greatly benefit from more representation include the number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, and engineers who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Organizers of Future Way Forward (FWF) said the event prioritized inclusion as they believe in the power of connecting people, and focusing on the things that unite Tennessee and Nashville, as they are far greater than the differences that may be between citizens. Organizers said cultivating spaces for diverse groups of people to celebrate, support, and learn from one another helps provide safe spaces for cultural education, community outreach, and economic empowerment.

Onuoha said NMAAM was the perfect location for the FWF conference because of its historical value, the hospitality of the NMAAM owners, and the beauty of the museum itself. Onuoha said citizens can find future updates regarding Future Way Forward and Everybody Versus Racism respectively, at futurewayforward.com and everybodyvsracism.org.

Stephen Colbert likens final presidential debate to ‘getting our last wisdom tooth taken out’

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:25:33 +0000

‘Donald Trump is the only president who gets marks for good behaviour,’ Jimmy Kimmel quipped

AOC snaps back at Trump's 'unhinged' debate attack

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 06:48:05 +0000

Trump picked out Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez during Thursday night’s debate, saying she ‘knew nothing about the climate’

Tennessee State News

Silver Alert issued for 81-year-old from Lewis County

US warns of kidnappings linked to dating apps in Mexico

You asked, they listened: McDonald's snack wraps are officially back

Reading to kids at all-time low because Gen Z parents say it's 'not fun,' study says

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State, local groups and businesses turn runaway zebra into a meme

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Charges filed against Milwaukee man for framing immigrant over Trump threats

Columbia Police investigating officer involved shooting that took place just after 1 a.m. on Tuesday

Locals, tourists recall major Gatlinburg crash that injured seven

Tennessee advances to Super Regional for 5th straight season

Seven injured after five-car crash on Parkway in Gatlinburg

Tennessee's electric vehicle industry could stall under 'Big Beautiful Bill' tax credit cuts

$5 million in funding available for Tennessee senior centers: What to know

Exotic animals you can own in Tennessee

Animals you cannot own in Tennessee

Animals you can own in Tennessee

Native species that can only be kept at zoos

Other provisions in Tennessee law

5 Questions with Broadway/R&B Performer Ryan Shaw

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Tennessee city among top 20 cities for dog attacks on postal workers, data shows

PBS Shows Nashville The Good In Us

Tennessee Pastors Condemn Supreme Court Decision Allowing Revocation of Temporary Protected Status for 500,000 Legal Refugees

Nashville Housing and Infrastructure Study

Tree Dedicated in Honor of Late Commander Anthony McClain at Bordeaux Gardens Park

Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Merus LLC reach agreement for development of 57-acre Rivergate Mall site

Fourth Annual Oratorical Contest Proves F.H. Jenkins Students Are Game Changers

Martha O’Bryan Center names Jeff Darnell as Director of Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility

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Stephen Colbert likens final presidential debate to ‘getting our last wisdom tooth taken out’

AOC snaps back at Trump's 'unhinged' debate attack

Rank	City, State	Number of Attacks
1	Los Angeles, California	77
2	Houston, Texas	65
3	Chicago, Illinois	57
4	St. Louis, Missouri	47
5	Cincinnati, Ohio	44
6	Dallas, Texas	43
7	Kansas City, Missouri	40
7	Cleveland, Ohio	40
8	San Diego, California	35
9	Denver, Colorado	34
10	San Antonio, Texas	32
10	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	32
10	Detroit, Michigan	32
10	Columbus, Ohio	32
11	Minneapolis, Minnesota	30
12	Indianapolis, Indiana	26
13	Phoenix, Arizona	25
13	Memphis, Tennessee	25
14	Omaha, Nebraska	24
14	Louisville, Kentucky	24
15	Rochester, New York	23
16	Toledo, Ohio	21
16	Sacramento, California	21
16	El Paso, Texas	21
17	San Francisco, California	20
17	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	20
17	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	20
17	Albuquerque, New Mexico	20
18	Stockton, California	18
18	Oakland, California	18
19	Youngstown, Ohio	17
19	Salt Lake City, Utah	17
19	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	17
19	Miami, Florida	17
19	Des Moines, Iowa	17
20	St. Petersburg, Florida	15
20	Fort Worth, Texas	15
20	Birmingham, Alabama	15

2024 Dog Bite/Dog Incident Data
	STATE	Number of dog bites	Top 10 States
1	California	701	1
2	Texas	438	2
3	Ohio	350	3
4	Illinois	344	4
5	New York	322	5
6	Pennsylvania	316	6
7	Michigan	231	7
8	Florida	210	8
9	Missouri	207	9
10	North Carolina	169	10