Sunday, 30 April 2023
From cleaning garbage to mafia: In Uttar Pradesh local body polls, Yogi Adityanath sets tone for 2024
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No charges expected after deadly pedestrian crash on Harding Place
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- A pedestrian lost his life Saturday night following a collision on Harding Place near Humber Drive.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the incident took place around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.
Based on the preliminary investigation, authorities said a Ford F-150 pickup truck was traveling west on Harding Place when it hit a pedestrian, who was crossing the road from north to south.
The pedestrian -- identified by officials as 62-year-old Ricky Donnell of Nashville -- died at the scene.
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The deadly crash reportedly took place outside of a crosswalk.
At this time, police said they do not expect the truck driver to face charges.
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Bhiwandi building collapse: Toll now 6, developer held on charges of culpable homicide
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Saturday, 29 April 2023
Couple jumps from second-story window to escape Franklin house fire
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) -- According to Franklin fire officials, a man and a woman are lucky to be alive after a blaze broke out at their home overnight, forcing them to bail through a bedroom window about 14 feet above the ground.
The Franklin Fire Department said crews were dispatched to a house fire along Ewingville Drive shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 following a 911 call from a neighbor.
When first responders arrived, they found the back of the house fully engulfed in flames, officials said. As a result, units stayed at the scene more than five hours in order to completely extinguish the fire.
According to Franklin Fire Investigator Brian Daugherty, the couple inside the home had woken up to the smoke alarms, opened their bedroom door, discovered heavy smoke and heat, closed the door, and jumped out the second-story window.
However, the couple reportedly refused treatment for the minor injuries they sustained during their escape.
Daugherty said the fire originated on the covered back porch, adding that it appears to have been caused by spontaneous combustion of oily rags, which doesn't require a heat source.
"After using organic products such as linseed oil, to prevent fire, store solvent-wet rags in a tightly sealed metal container, or hang them outside to dry in a cool, shady location away from structures, and then discard them," the Franklin Fire Department said in a statement. "Make sure they are not in a pile."
Daugherty deemed the home a total loss, with an estimated $600,000 worth of damage.
However, having functional smoke alarms, sleeping with the bedroom door closed, and having quick and easy access to a secondary exit saved the couple's lives, according to the fire investigator.
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This is actually the second house fire in Franklin this month where the occupants had to escape through a window, Daugherty reported.
On April 2, a man jumped from a bedroom window when an early morning fire broke out at a home in the Royal Oaks subdivision.
"It’s important to make sure that all windows are operable so that they may be used for escape if needed," Daugherty said.
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Prem Vir Singh gets additional charge as Ahmedabad Police chief
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Titans draft Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan in 6th round
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WKRN) -- The Tennessee Titans used their 6th round draft pick to take Maryland offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Duncan was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference pick in 2020 (starting all five games at left tackle), 2021 (11 starts at LT in 13 games played) and 2022 (started 12 games at left tackle). He's listed at 6-feet 6-inches tall and 305 pounds.
According to NFL.com:
"Highly athletic four-year starter at left tackle who might have the best chance to stick in the league as a zone-scheme guard. It’s easy to love the athletic flashes, but it’s challenging to love the complete body of work when studying the game tape. Duncan rarely plays with enough finish and his man is frequently near the final action because of it. He has the foot speed to protect as a left tackle, but his ability to anchor is a major concern. His lateral quickness should work to his advantage as a move blocker, but he’ll need to unearth enough grit to stand up to NFL bullies at the point of attack to make it."
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IPL 2023: Mitchell Marsh’s all-round show in vain as Sunrisers avenge their loss
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IPL 2023: Hardik Pandya is showing us way by coming good in difficult situations says Vijay Shankar
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Titans draft Cincinnati TE Josh Whyle in 5th round
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WKRN) -- The Tennessee Titans draft Cincinnati tight end Josh Whyle with the 147th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 6'6", 248lb tight end received honorable mention all-AAC notice in 2021, starting eight of 14 games played (26-332-12.8, six TDs). He was a first-team All-AAC selection in his final campaign (32-326-10.2, three TDs in 12 games, 10 starts), opting out of the Fenway Bowl to prepare for the draft.
According to NFL.com:
Smooth, athletic pass-catcher with the competitiveness to battle for playing time in the league. Whyle is an average route runner who is forced to tap the brakes when facing physical coverage, but he has the tools to uncover as a pro. He possesses the jump-ball prowess to mismatch defensive backs near the goal line and can be a nice safety blanket on pitch-and-catch throws underneath. He needs to keep adding play strength to match the rigors of the position and is better suited as a move blocker than tenacious in-line blocker near the line of scrimmage. Whyle appears to be a middle-round prospect for teams seeking an F tight end or H-back with starting upside.
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Friday, 28 April 2023
BJ's Wholesale Club 'another piece of the puzzle' for future Goodlettsville development, city leaders say
GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Business and development are steadily increasing in one of Metro Nashville’s satellite cities, and city leaders are excited about what the future looks like for Goodlettsville residents.
The biggest announcement out of the area recently was the city would be getting a brand new wholesale club store, BJ’s Wholesale. The retailer will set up shop just behind Rivergate Mall, on the same spot where a long-since closed movie theater currently sits.
Demolition on the old cinema is tentatively scheduled for the first two weeks of May, according to Goodlettsville Planning Director Adam McCormick.
The BJ’s Wholesale deal has been “about a year and a half”-long process, according to McCormick, and it was the first firm interest a developer had in the property in his seven years working with the city. Previously, McCormick said, discussions about the site were more nebulous and only floated as potential possibilities rather than firm business plans.
“There was talk about hotels and things, but nothing ever came where there was a formal request before the planning commission,” he said.
Having BJ’s come to town fits in with the city’s most recent comprehensive development plan, passed in 2020. The newest plan included a massive amendment to the Rivergate area, which planning staff felt would help bring new life to the area.
“It’s kind of been stagnant for a very long time,” McCormick said of the mall area. “We came up with some ideas based off the Nashville Next plan to try to bring more mixed-use developments.”
Luckily, because the BJ’s site was already zoned for it, the wholesale club project was able to make its way through the planning process much quicker, as it didn’t require rezoning hearings.
“This was a great gift to the city of Goodlettsville,” he said. “We’re hoping this serves as a catalyst to see more development.”
The mall area is one major piece of Goodlettsville that hasn’t seen the growth in development that the rest of the city has, according to McCormick.
Additionally, he told News 2, development in that area is tricky, because much of it isn’t located within the bounds of Goodlettsville proper, but in Metro Nashville. Luckily, he said, everything on both ends went through easily, and Metro is letting Goodlettsville handle water line permitting, making the development planning process even more efficient.
Beyond BJ’s, city leaders are constantly looking to recruit more businesses to the area, with a focus on more restaurant and retail development. Most of those are developer or property-owner driven, he told News 2. And with the commercial development, housing developments are also seeing a growth.
For instance, he said, there’s currently a request for a mixed-used residential and commercial development with 311 units with a commercial component on the front, a second phase of a different residential development that will add 76 more housing units, and several more townhouse developments on the south side of the city.
“There’s a lot of residential construction at this time,” he said.
Goodlettsville City Manager Tim Ellis said the last four years have seen “extraordinary growth” in the sales tax base, and they do not see it slowing down any time soon.
Adding BJ’s into the mix, he said, would allow its market plan to expand even further than just Goodlettsville, calling it a “pretty huge” deal for the city.
“It was a great adventure of working with the BJ’s Wholesale Club staff and the mall ownership staff,” he said. “BJ’s is just another cornerstone to the redevelopment of the Rivergate area.”
The mall was originally built in 1972, Ellis said, and has “pretty much played its course as far as an all-indoor mall.” While a couple of the anchor stores are still strong, city leaders feel that reinvesting the area will “redevelop a strong commercial core” in the area.
Regardless of BJ’s, though, Ellis said there is developer interest in pretty well all corners of the city, some of which came prior to BJ’s interest and official announcement.
“It is just another piece of the commercial puzzle that we are putting together to create a successful commerce here in our community.”
Ellis is also looking forward to attending the ribbon cutting once the wholesale club construction is finally complete. He told News 2 the estimated opening date would be late 2023 or early 2024.
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Tension in Olpad town after Muslim man accused of kidnapping Hindu minor girl
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Kentucky woman indicted for stalking, mailing threats
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WKRN) - A federal grand jury has indicted a Tompkinsville, Kentucky woman for stalking and mailing threats to injure another person.
According to the Department of Justice, on Jan. 27, 2023 and Jan. 30, 2023, Tara K. Thomas, 31, reportedly mailed threatening communications to another person in Bowling Green. Additionally, between Sept. 21, 2021 and Jan. 30, 2023, Thomas allegedly sent Facebook messages and used the United States mail to stalk another Bowling Green resident.
Thomas has been charged with one count of stalking and two counts of mailing threatening communications.
She was indicted on March 15, 2023. If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
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FSSAI finds 32 new cases of misleading ads, claims by food biz operators
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Thursday, 27 April 2023
1 arrested following Lebanon drug bust
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) - One person was arrested Tuesday following a drug bust at a home in Lebanon.
According to the Lebanon Police Department, officers responded to a home in the 600 block of CL Manier Street to serve an active warrant on one of many people who reportedly frequented the home. Police said the home, which is located near a church and child care facility, has been the location of multiple incidents involving drug use, drug-related arrests, and multiple search warrants involving narcotics.
When officers arrived at the home, they found the wanted person hiding in a vehicle in the driveway. Investigators also found evidence of drugs being distributed and executed a search warrant at the home, leading them to find crack cocaine, what is believed to be pressed pills, money, a stolen handgun, and items used to manufacture crack cocaine, according to police.
Investigators said the home has been a nuisance to residents in the area. The investigation remains ongoing.
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After Pawar says he wants to ‘spin the bread’, Ajit says it’s party tradition
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Proposed changes to dog ordinance a 'first step' to tackling issues, Metro council member says
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Within the last year, Music City Animal Advocates co-founder Denice Heatherly said she knows of at least two people who have been bitten and severely injured by dogs.
In both instances, Heatherly said the dogs they were bitten by were "just left to roam free." Despite the severity of their injuries and one woman's dog also racking up several vet bills because of its injuries, Heatherly said there were never any legal ramifications.
"Anybody who experiences that, the most that usually happens is a fine, a $50 fine, if it even goes that far, if it even makes it to court," Heatherly said.
Dogs running off leash has long been a concern among Davidson County residents. However, the issue has gained attention in recent weeks as a new piece of legislation is making its way through the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County.
The legislation would amend two chapters of Metro Nashville and Davidson County's Title 8 animal ordinance to tighten and clarify existing provisions, modify definitions like what makes a "vicious dog" and modernize some sections such as rabies vaccination requirements.
Heatherly, who served on a committee created by District 32 Council Member Joy Styles to start the process of updating the ordinance, said the current language in the ordinance allows too much leeway for dog owners on public property without leashes.
“The thing people seem to be the most concerned about are the animals running at large and that directly ties to the leash laws," Heatherly said. "Because as the leash law stands right now there is an allowance for voice control, which is highly abused."
In addition to allowing owners to have their dogs under "voice control" while walking them, the current ordinance also makes an exception where owners can have their dogs off leash for "training." However, the definition of training remains vague.
'It really bothered me... with the way the law is written'
Council Members Joy Styles, Tonya Hancock and Russ Bradford are sponsoring the legislation, which Bradford said he sees as a "first step" toward addressing some of the larger issues surrounding animal control and dogs at large in Davidson County.
Bradford first began looking into the issues in 2020 after an incident in his district where a teenager was attacked by dogs. Bradford said the girl had been helping a neighbor walk her dogs for some time.
However, on one afternoon when the girl came over to help, Bradford said the woman tripped and fell on the front steps. When the girl went to help her up, the dogs attacked. Under the current language, those dogs would be considered "vicious," despite the circumstances.
"It’s a tragic situation but the dogs perceived a threat to their owner and in their mind, they acted accordingly," Bradford said. "It really bothered me that with the way the law is written, it would be hard for a pet owner or even a judge to take in other factors and previous history.”
Upon examining Metro's current ordinance, Bradford said he began to realize not only that much of the language was outdated, but that there were some other issues at play. According to Bradford, the last time the ordinance was updated was more than two decades ago.
"We’ve realized there’s a lot of stuff that needs to be updated, but because of the staffing and resources that are currently allocated to MACC, a lot of the stuff can’t be done right now," Bradford said. “That’s where we’re at with my legislation is we wanted to identify everything possible that we can change that’s not going to cost any money."
More funding, resources required for enforcement
While tightening the provisions in the ordinance will likely make it easier for Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) and the Metro Public Health Department to enforce laws, Bradford said there will need to be more resources allocated to MACC to carry that out.
Based on size and population, Bradford said the Metro area has about half the animal control officers that most cities have. The agency has been "chronically understaffed," with only one officer for the entire county on weekends in the past.
In their research, council members have met with leaders in Portland, Oregon, which is about 100 square miles smaller than Davidson County.
"But they have almost triple the number of animal control officers," Bradford said. “Their shelter is twice the size of ours, so we definitely need more trucks, more equipment, more animal control officers, more vet staff, more space."
Bradford said he has been pushing for more funding for MACC, as well as a second shelter location to expand access to spay and neuter services and ideally prevent people from abandoning their animals on the streets.
"If we had satellite shelters or secondary shelters closer, it’s making it more convenient for people to surrender their animal," he said. "It’s also putting less strain on the staff because now they’re not having to drive from Joelton to Antioch two or three times a day picking up animals.”
In theory, Bradford said the proposed updates to the animal ordinance, including rabies vaccination requirements, could help generate money for the health department to provide more spay and neuter clinics, microchipping clinics and other animal services.
'You need to make your voice heard'
He also sees it bringing more awareness to the lack of funding for MACC, and ideally encouraging people to continue to put pressure on city leaders to address the issues— something which Heatherly also agreed is part of the solution.
“You have to make your voice heard. If you have a concern please email your council person, let it be known," she said. "If your council person never responds, in turn we can say to our community, ‘We have a representative that isn’t listening to our concerns,’ and that could affect that person’s election.”
Heatherly said she has been happy with Bradford and other council members' responses so far, with several residents getting a chance to attend community meetings to address their concerns regarding Davidson County's animal ordinance and leash laws.
Bradford said he plans to make additional amendments to the ordinance based on input from those community sessions. The second reading was delayed slightly in order for those changes to be made, but Bradford said the legislation could be up for a vote as soon as May.
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If passed, the ordinance would immediately be amended. Other proposed changes include no longer considering guard dogs as "vicious dogs," and removing a section of the ordinance that Bradford said appeared like it was "allowing MACC to have unfettered access to people's homes."
To view the proposed legislation as of the council's April 18 meeting, click here.
“My goal and my hope is it’s going to make it easier for MACC and the health department to enforce the laws," he said. "But it’s also going to help with getting education out there that we have more updated information that fits with the current times."
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Ponniyin Selvan 2 box office prediction: Mani Ratnam’s film holds strong in Tamil Nadu, all eyes on its pan-India collection
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How will new Titans stadium impact business outside of downtown Nashville?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- A dome stadium for the Tennessee Titans means business throughout the year in all conditions, which is an opportunity supported by the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce and the Madison-Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce.
While these neighborhoods are about 10 to 20 minutes outside of the new stadium location on Nashville's East Bank, the chamber directors said that business is going to bleed into their area.
Terri Williams Nutter, executive director of Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, described Donelson and Hermitage as the "hospitality gateway to Music City."
“We here in Donelson-Hermitage have the lion’s share of hotel rooms in this city," Nutter said. “One of the reasons is the Gaylord Opryland Resort, but we do have a tremendous number of really fine hotels in this area. So, I believe that we will continue to see what we’ve seen in the past, but that coupled with the upgrades at the airport, we’re just going to see more and more of that and we’re the first stop.”
According to Leesa LeClaire, president and CEO of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Organization, said there are about 7,500 hotel rooms in the Davidson County pipeline that will need to be filled, but the enclosed stadium will generate the demand needed to keep them booked year-round.
"It’ll give us an opportunity to create some demand generators in those slow times, steady hours for hospitality employees who get hours when business is good," LeClaire explained.
The stadium project is expected to break ground in 2024 before opening in 2027.
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Wednesday, 26 April 2023
THP: 2 dead following Portland crash
PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two people are dead following a crash in Sumner County.
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It happened around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on Route 109 near Longview Drive.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has confirmed to News 2 that two people have died in the crash.
The Portland Police Department is leading the investigation.
Drivers have been asked to avoid the area.
No further details have been released at this time.
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This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
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2 sought for breaking into Murfreesboro smoke shop
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) - The Murfreesboro Police Department is searching for two burglars who allegedly broke into a smoke shop.
According to police, during the early morning hours of Monday, April 17 a man was seen entering the Galaxy Vape store on S. Church Street through an unlocked front door. He stole several items from the store and left a short time later, running toward the area of Barfield Animal Clinic.
Police said when officers arrived on scene, they did not see any signs of forced entry, but found merchandise on the floor throughout the business. Investigators found two bongs, one of them broken, and several empty CBD and vape boxes in a nearby parking lot.
Two days later, the same man is believed to have returned to the store with another person. This time, the two suspects reportedly used a hatchet to break the glass on the door to get inside and were only inside the store for about one minute. They left crossing S. Church Street, according to investigators.
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Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Williams Pullias at 629-201-5640 or email 1114@murfreesborotn.gov.
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Calls issuing death threats, Kamlesh Tiwari aide seeks ‘category-level’ security
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Dates announced for special election to fill former state Rep. Scotty Campbell's seat
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The dates are set for the special primary and general elections to fill former state Rep. Scotty Campbell's seat.
Campbell resigned last Thursday over an ethics violation and allegations of sexual harassment involving legislative interns, according to reports.
The Republican from Mountain City represented House District 3, which includes all of Johnson County and parts of Carter, Sullivan and Hawkins counties.
To fill the vacancy, a special primary election will be held on Thursday, June 22 followed by a general election on Thursday, Aug. 3, according to the Tennessee secretary of state.
Early voting for the primary is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 2, and for the general election on Friday, July 14. However, under state law, there doesn't have to be an early voting period for the primary or general elections if there is only one candidate running.
An interim successor may be appointed by the Johnson County Commission to fill the seat until a successor is elected.
Key Dates for the District 3 Special Primary & General Elections
- Tuesday, April 25 — Writs of election issued and first day to issue petitions
- Thursday, May 11 — Qualifying deadline at 12:00 Noon
- Monday, May 15 — Withdrawal deadline at 12:00 Noon
- Tuesday, May 23 — Voter registration deadline for primary election
- Friday, June 2 — Early voting begins for primary election
- Thursday, June 15 — Absentee request deadline for primary election
- Saturday, June 17 — Early voting ends for primary election
- Thursday, June 22 — ELECTION DAY – Special Primary
- Wednesday, July 5 — Voter registration deadline for general election
- Friday, July 14 — Early voting begins for general election
- Thursday, July 27 — Absentee request deadline for general election
- Saturday, July 29 — Early voting ends for general election
- Thursday, Aug. 3 — ELECTION DAY – Special General
Local county election commissions will be reimbursed by the state for the costs of the special election.
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I said to him, ‘Basically I hated you as a kid’: Paulo Dybala on the Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi rivalry
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Christian County man sentenced to 5.5 years for drug, federal firearm charges
PADUCAH, Ky. (WKRN) -- A Christian County man will spend more than five years in a federal prison for distributing more than 50 grams of a methamphetamine mixture, as well as possessing more than a dozen firearms following a previous felony conviction.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky; Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow with the Louisville field division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Christian County Sheriff Tyler DeArmond.
According to court documents, 39-year-old Buddy Chambless of Hopkinsville, possessed more than 50 grams of a meth mixture, with the intent to distribute it, in March 2022.
At the time of the arrest, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said agents found approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as the following 13 firearms, inside a storage unit controlled by Chambless:
- A Diamondback Firearms LLC, model DB9, 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol
- A Taurus, model 85, .38 special caliber revolver
- A Harrington and Richardson, model 930, .22 caliber revolver
- A Sun City Machinery Co., model 320, 12-gauge slide action shotgun
- A Mossberg, model 500 Turkey, 12-gauge slide action shotgun
- A Winchester, model 120 Ranger, 20-gauge slide action shotgun
- A Mossberg, model 500E, .410-gauge slide action shotgun
- A Taurus, model Circuit Judge, 45 long colt/.410-gauge rifle
- A New England Firearms, model Pardner, 20-gauge single shot break action shotgun
- A Henry Repeating Rifle Company, model Golden Boy, .22 caliber lever action rifle
- A Savage Arms, model Mark II, .22 caliber bolt action rifle
- A Mosin-Nagant, model M91/30, 7.62x54R caliber bolt action rifle
- A Mosin-Nagant, model P-26, 7.62x54R caliber bolt action rifle
According to officials, Chambless was not allowed to possess a firearm because he was convicted in Christian Circuit Court of first-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (more than two grams of methamphetamine) while armed and first-degree possession of a controlled substance while armed back in August 2018.
On Tuesday, April 25, officials said Chambless was sentenced to five years and six months in federal prison, followed by four years under supervised release since there is no parole in the federal system.
"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone," the DOJ said in a statement on Wednesday, April 26. "On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results."
The case was reportedly investigated by the ATF Bowling Green field office and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. It was then prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus of the U.S. Attorney's Paducah branch office.
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Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Future of Metro's Community Oversight Board unclear as bill to abolish it sits on governor's desk
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Nashville's Community Oversight Board held its first meeting Monday night since the Tennessee legislature voted to pass a bill to abolish COBs in the state last Thursday.
Nashville residents overwhelmingly voted to create the COB in 2018. The group conducts independent investigations into police misconduct allegations, among other duties.
If Gov. Bill Lee doesn't veto the bill, which currently sits on his desk, within the next week it would become law even without his signature.
The executive director of Metro's COB, Jill Fitcheard, told News 2 the bill's passage is "disappointing," and it came at a terrible time following the brutal beating of Tyree Nichols in Memphis.
"I think it's very telling on what (Tennessee lawmakers) think about police accountability work and what they think about citizens experiencing brutalization," Fitcheard said. "Obviously, they don't have any regard for that."
The bill was drafted after the director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation claimed COBs have the potential to contaminate crime scenes and hurt police investigations, according to the bill's sponsor. Metro's COB has denied the allegation.
During the COB's first meeting since the bill was sent to the governor's desk, members called on the public to urge the governor to veto the legislation.
"Right now, I'm asking anyone within the sound of my voice to call the governor's office now, to email the governor now, and ask the governor not to take away the voted right of the people," Michael Milliner, Metro COB's chair said.
COB members have not disclosed how they plan to move forward if the bill becomes law.
However, some members discussed possibly working with groups, including the ACLU and NAACP, on a lawsuit against the state, claiming voter suppression.
Fitcheard expressed her concern about the fate of the 13 COB members, should the bill pass.
"If they move into this new system, there's no speak of whether we would have a staff or what would happen to the civil servants who are now employed here," Fitcheard said.
News 2 reached out to Gov. Lee's office for comment about his plans regarding the bill, but had not heard back at the time this article was published.
If the bill becomes law, the changes would go into effect 120 days after its passage.
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Govt allows splitting of environmental clearance for projects
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Student arrested for bringing gun to Johnson Alternative Learning Center
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - A student was arrested Tuesday for bringing a handgun to Johnson Alternative Learning Center.
According to Metro police, the 15-year-old student tried to pass through the metal detectors before school security stopped and detained him until officers arrived. A loaded 9mm handgun was found in his possession.
Police said the student has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property.
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GT vs MI IPL 2023 emotional rollercoaster: Arjun snares Saha, Gill goes after Green & Abhinav hammers Chawla
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Excise scam: Delhi court likely to pass order on Sisodia’s bail on Wednesday
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Priyanka Gandhi slams PM Modi for his ‘Congress busy digging my grave’ comment
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Monday, 24 April 2023
Allergy Forecast: Tree pollen taking over and enhancing allergies
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — If you cannot stop sneezing or coughing, you may be having allergies due to tree pollen.
Poplar, Maple, and Juniper are our top allergens this week. These are all tree pollens, but this is the first time Poplar has made an appearance this year. Tree pollen is the first sign of a long sneezing season ahead because we will still have grass and weed pollens to look forward to.
The best way to prevent hay fever from taking over is investing in nasal spray, allergy medicine, and a humidifier.
The good news is, we are expected to have plenty of rainfall in the next few days which will wash pollen away, but you may notice a flare up before that happens. This is because when raindrops hit pollen, it can break them up into smaller pieces causing them to travel further before being washed away.
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Virat Kohli, RCB players fined for slow over-rate during IPL clash against Rajasthan Royals
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2 co-accused to turn approvers against ex-IAS Sharma in land graft case
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As Hans Niemann makes appearance at side event in Astana, Nepo and Ding say almost impossible to cheat in OTB events
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Tucker Carlson, Fox News’ most popular host, out at network
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Man accused of stealing $53K of purses arrested after allegedly selling them on Instagram
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A man wanted on 16 outstanding warrants was taken into custody Friday — nearly three weeks after he was first featured on Nashville's weekly "Top 10 Most Wanted" list.
DeJohn Anderson, 22, was wanted on several charges involving alleged thefts dating as far back as December last year, as well as multiple probation violations, driving violations, failure to appear and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, six of the charges against Anderson were for theft of merchandise or organized retail crime in various amounts.
The earliest report dates back to Dec. 19, 2022, when, according to an arrest affidavit, Anderson tried to shoplift multiple items worth more than $1,000 from a sporting goods store on Gallatin Pike.
Employees at the store reportedly saw Anderson trying to take the items and confronted him. According to the affidavit, the employees "acted in accordance with store policy and did not make physical contact" with Anderson.
After confronted, Anderson dropped the items and ran out of the store, police reported. He then got into a black Toyota sedan and "intentionally swerved" at one of the employees as he sped off, according to the affidavit.
Police said the entire incident was captured on surveillance cameras.
Anderson is also accused in separate thefts on Jan. 19 and Feb. 6. In the more recent case, police said Anderson, along with seven other suspects, stole over $53,000 worth of purses from a clothing store at The Mall at Green Hills.
The suspects reportedly brought wire cutters with them to cut several bags off security wires. All eight suspects then ran out of the store and sped off in three separate vehicles, according to another affidavit.
Authorities said loss prevention employees later discovered that several of the stolen purses had been posted on an Instagram account belonging to Anderson.
A search warrant revealed messages and photos, which police said indicated that Anderson tried to sell four of the purses on Instagram in the days following the alleged theft. Anderson was booked into jail on Friday and was still behind bars Monday with a $155,500 bond.
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He is among at least 32 wanted fugitives who have been captured since the MNPD’s criminal warrants division began publishing the list in mid-October. Police have said the public exposure from the list has aided in many arrests.
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Sunday, 23 April 2023
Amritpal Singh arrest: Peaceful, no use of force, say villagers
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Day after clashes, uneasy calm prevails in Kaliaganj, prohibitory orders imposed
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Saturday, 22 April 2023
Crews fighting two-alarm fire at Hermitage apartment complex
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- First responders are spending their Saturday battling a two-alarm blaze at an apartment complex in Hermitage, which sent one person to the hospital.
The Nashville Fire Department told News 2 that units were dispatched to the 3500 block of Andrew Jackson Parkway after callers reported an apartment building was on fire. However, dispatch said the call came from Avalon of Hermitage Apartments, which is in the 3500 block of Andrew Jackson Way.
When crews arrived at Building 400 of Avalon Apartments, which contains 20 units, they reportedly found heavy smoke and flames that were spreading quickly.
At 4:50 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, officials told News 2 that personnel were still working to extinguish the fire, as well as assess the units to start primary searches.
Then, at 6:10 p.m., Nashville Fire tweeted that first responders are still fighting the fire, as well as working with property management to confirm all of the occupants are accounted for. Red Cross has also responded to the scene.
Officials confirmed one person was transported to the hospital with injuries, but there is no word on their condition at this time.
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In addition, the department said EMS crews were examining patients who might have jumped from a balcony.
No additional details have been released about this fire, but the scene is still active at this time.
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No Eid prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid: Mosque body slams ‘unreasonable conditions’
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Domestic help, 2 others held for killing 69-yr-old during robbery in Malad
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Riyad Mahrez hat-trick sends Man City into FA Cup final
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Carlos Alcaraz beats Daniel Evans to set up Barcelona final with Stefanos Tsitsipas
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Friday, 21 April 2023
BJP starts cleanliness drive near religious places today
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Dickson County teacher indicted on sexual battery charges
CHARLOTTE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Dickson County middle school teacher has been arrested on sexual battery charges.
Robert Capes is an eighth-grade science teacher at Charlotte Middle School in Dickson County, according to the school's website. It also states Capes has been a teacher for more than 25 years.
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Dickson County Sheriff Tim Eads says Capes turned himself in.
He has been indicted on a charge of sexual battery by an authority figure.
News 2 has reached out to the school for a statement, but we have yet to hear back.
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TN Assembly passes factories Bill for flexible working hours amidst protests
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Over 30% of TN families skipping meals as food insecurity continues to rise
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A rising number of Tennessee families are choosing to skip meals or change their spending habits as food costs continue to increase.
In a Fall 2022 poll of more than 1,000 Tennessee parents, the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy found that over 40% of families reported low or very low food security — a 10% increase from the previous year.
Over 70% of those families said they have changed their spending habits because of an increase in food prices, with almost 30% of parents reporting skipping meals. The situation has left many turning to local food banks like One Generation Away (OneGenAway) based out of Franklin.
OneGenAway receives surplus food from grocery stores, farms, restaurants and caterers and redistributes that food to families facing food insecurity through mobile food pantries in Middle Tennessee, North Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
'This is a real issue right now'
Since Jan. 1, Chris Whitney, founder and CEO of OneGenAway, said the nonprofit has seen a 17% increase in the number of families lining up at mobile food pantries, and it's often faces staff members have never seen before.
“Just for the general population, this is a real issue right now," Whitney said. “We live in the United States of America. We’re not a third world country, so we think ‘Oh that’s happening over there.’ No, it’s happening with your neighbors."
Lisa McCrady, Director of Communications at the Metropolitan Action Commission in Nashville, said there has been a noticeable increase in food insecurity among Davidson County families since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the need concentrated in North and South Nashville.
The Metro Action Commission, which has been running a free summer meal program for children for over 30 years, and nonprofits like OneGenAway don't see that need decreasing any time soon. In fact, Whitney said he only sees it rising as school lets out for the summer.
“We always see a little bit of an uptick in people needing resources (during the summer)," Whitney said. "But that will be exacerbated this year by the sheer fact that everyone is suffering from the same thing.”
'Everything's costing more money'
Several factors likely have more people reaching out for help, but the cost of food remains one of the biggest challenges. Whitney said the food purchased by OneGenAway has gone up nearly 20% in cost, with some staples like rice, pasta and beans nearly impossible to find.
"I think that’s a really hindering force and there’s just overall inflation," he said. "Everything’s costing more money, so there becomes this breaking point and food just happens to be one of those things where people are like ‘I can do without that for a couple of days.’”
In February, McCrady said many families who receive food-purchasing assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) saw a decrease in their benefits as emergency allotments put in place during COVID-19 ended nationwide.
That on top of children being home during the summer could have a "ripple effect for families who already have very fragile incomes," said McCrady, who added that additional utility and transportation costs can add up when children are spending more time at home.
Whitney said he expects to see a 25% increase in the number of families needing food assistance within the next couple of months, which according to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt can also have ripple effects on children's health.
In a news release, Cristin Fritz, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Pediatrics at Monroe Carell said growing up in a household experiencing food insecurity puts children at a higher risk of issues such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and depression.
'We’re going to get to the other side'
However, Whitney said the "bright side" is that several agencies are working to help combat hunger in Middle Tennessee. McCardy said organizations that distribute food and offer free summer meals have a "tremendous impact" on families experiencing food insecurity.
While the amount of surplus food being provided by grocery stores has decreased because stores tend to be holding products for longer, recent partnerships with major national suppliers have helped OneGenAway purchase more food at a lower cost.
“That’s just been a godsend beyond belief because we know the demand’s going higher and we’re being able to really leverage the dollar in an amazing way to get resources into our warehouses," Whitney said. “A lot of right now it’s cereal, protein bars and drinks."
The Metro Action Commission receives funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in order to continue providing free breakfasts and lunches over the summer and is looking to partner with more community centers and camps to distribute food this year.
"We don’t want food to be one of the things parents are worried about for their young person," McCardy said. "That’s why it’s really important for us to really remind some of the sites to hopefully generate even more interest in partnering with us to provide these meals.”
The COVID-19 pandemic limited the amount of distribution sites as many community centers and churches implemented safety protocols, and McCardy said not all of their previous partners have since returned, limiting the number of meals distributed to about 3,000 per day.
However, the Metro Action Commission hopes to recruit at least 100 summer camps, churches and community centers — "any place a young person gathers" — as distribution sites this summer to provide over 6,000 meals per day from June 5 to July 28.
Whether a child is involved in a particular summer program or not, McCardy said they will be able to go to a site and have a free meal. For more information about the agency's summer program or to apply as a summer site, call 615-862-8860, extension 70120.
More information can also be found online by clicking here. Whitney said OneGenAway encourages people who can afford to make donations to reach out in order to help meet increasing demand for food.
A full list of mobile food pantries, which occur every Saturday, can be found by clicking here.
"There are a lot of agencies like us out there that want to help you and get you through this season in life," Whitney said. "It’s such an honor and privilege to be able to do that, and together we’re going to get to the other side.”
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These bills passed by the general assembly would significantly impact Metro Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The first half of the legislative session is winding down, with lawmakers set to conclude their business for the year Friday. But one of their final acts before recessing until next year was passing a series of bills that would have a direct impact on Metro Nashville.
The relationship between the general assembly and the local government has been tested significantly this year, as the legislature introduced bills that would severely restrict Metro’s ability to govern itself and its assets.
The first bill that passed was the bill that would force the Metro Council to reduce its size by at least half. Metro currently has a 40-member council, and the law states no metropolitan government would be allowed to have more than 20 members of its governing body. Nashville sued, saying it violated the Tennessee Constitution and Metro’s sovereignty. The case is currently tied up in Davidson County Chancery Court.
Thursday saw the legislature take further steps to exert more control over the capitol city when it passed three more pieces of legislation: bills to abolish community oversight boards, reconstitute the Metro Nashville Airport Authority and to add restrictions on excess tax revenues from convention centers.
These three bills passed the final legislative hurdle and will now be sent to the governor's desk:
SB 1326/HB 1176
Proposed by Rep. Johnny Garrett (R—Goodlettsville) and Sen. Paul Bailey (R—Sparta), this bill vacates the current Metro Nashville Airport Authority and reconstitutes it with all new appointments from mostly state lawmakers. Currently, the authority is appointed by the mayor of Metro Nashville.
According to the text of the bill, the new authority board would be made up of eight commissioners with appointments coming from the governor, the Speaker of the House, Speaker of the Senate and Metro Mayor. Each leader would be able to appoint two commissioners, and at least one of those appointments would be required to reside in Davidson County.
Other requirements for the new board are to ensure at least one commissioner is female, another is of “a racial minority.” and that the commissioners are experienced in either engineering, law, industry or commerce or finance.
The new board should be in place by July 1, according to the bill.
SB 591/HB 764
Brought by Sen. Mark Pody (R—Lebanon) and Rep. Elaine Davis (R—Knoxville), this bill abolishes all currently formed Community Oversight Boards and replaces them with new “police advisory and review committees.”
Currently, community oversight boards can be formed by local governments to investigate or oversee investigation into possible law enforcement misconduct or the operations of law enforcement agencies.
The bill instead authorizes municipalities to set up police advisory and review committees by ordinance, requiring a two-thirds vote at two separate meetings. The committees would be made up of seven members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the governing body.
The committees would not be allowed to investigate any incidents that occurred prior to Jan. 1, 2023; they would also not be permitted to direct the chief of police to alter or impose disciplinary action against any police officers.
The bill gives local governments 120 days after July 1 to comply with the law.
SB 648/HB 1279
This bill was brought by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R—Franklin) and Davis and prohibits Metro Nashville Davidson County from levying up to a 2% hotel occupancy tax and redirects any current occupancy taxes collected to only be used for “direct promotion of tourism, tourist-related activities, and deposit into the general fund.” It also removes authorization for Davidson County to levy a $2.50 per-night hotel and short-term rental room tax and a $2 per-trip airport transit tax, as both of those tax funds are deposited into the convention center fund.
The bill will take effect upon gaining Gov. Bill Lee’s signature.
Hundreds of bills will be up for debate during the 113th General Assembly. Tennessee lawmakers shared their thoughts on some of the major issues up for discussion at this year's legislative session.
What lawmakers had to say about: Abortion Ban Clarification | Marijuana Reform | Transgender Therapy and LGBTQ+ Rights | Dept. of Children’s Services | Education | Crime/Public Safety | More
You can also find daily coverage from the session here.
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