Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1998, country singer-songwriter Eddie Rabbitt passed away in Nashville at the age of 56 after a successful career writing hits like Elvis Presley’s “Kentucky Rain.”

If you just got back from a grocery run, especially for that spring salad, take note: vine-ripened tomatoes have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. Read more below.

Today’s sponsor is Claritox Pro. If you suffer from vertigo or frequent dizzy spells, be sure to check out their message below!

Lee Issues First-Ever Veto Over Parole Bill

Gov. Bill Lee issued the first veto of his administration on Monday, blocking a GOP-backed bill to expand the state parole board’s authority.

Lee argued that the measure would reverse progress made under the 2021 Reentry Success Act, which helped lower Tennessee’s recidivism rate to a record low.

The vetoed bill, which passed largely along party lines, sought to let the board deny parole for a broader set of crimes, including fentanyl-related deaths and carjackings.

Backers plan to push for a veto override in 2026, but Lee says the current safeguards are working and that broader discretion risks undermining public safety reforms.

Scorching Summer Predicted for Middle TN

Middle Tennessee is staring down another blistering summer in 2025, with the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasting hot, dry conditions across the South.

The National Weather Service agrees, giving Nashville a 33–50% chance of above-normal temperatures from June through August.

While June may start mild, July and August are expected to bring the real heat, much like 2024, which ranked as Nashville’s hottest year and included one of the driest Augusts on record.

The region’s average temperature usually hovers around 79°F, but this year, expect more 90-degree-plus days.

List: Nine Cool Ice Cream Spots in Knoxville

Knoxville’s gearing up for a scorcher, but a list of local favorite ice cream joints offers plenty of ways to chill.

From the viral pastry dough cones at Crispy Cones, which gained fame after being featured on the 14th season of Shark Tank, to the freshly opened Tesoro Gelato shop in the Old City, there’s no shortage of sweet relief.

Other favorites include La Michoacana’s fresas (strawberries) con crema, and the creative flavors like blueberry waffle cone and chocolate toasted coconut available at Kilwins on Gay Street.

Whether you’re craving a traditional scoop or something wilder (Knox Dough’s pizza cone, anyone?), these nine spots deliver flavor and fun just in time for summer. See the full list of Knoxville ice cream recommendations here.

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Even brain doctors were left in complete awe…

They just couldn’t believe what a Vertigo attack does to your brain…

And how dizziness episodes are, in fact, a symptom of another hidden condition.

Find everything about this here:

Why You Should Never Ignore A Vertigo Attack

➤ Statewide: Four-count vine-ripened tomatoes were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination, posing a serious health risk, especially to vulnerable groups, though no illnesses were reported. (See Details)

➤ Knox County: Berkley Mason, a recently graduated prosecutor, was fired Monday after social media posts suggesting a willingness to fabricate evidence led District Attorney Charme Allen to question his fitness to uphold justice. (More)

➤ Clarksville: The USDA-backed AgVOLs Program kicks off May 9 to help veterans transition into farming through hands-on training, mentorship, and financial support—aiming to boost rural economies and veteran well-being across the state. (More)

➤ Hawkins County: NewEarth Nation Coalition plans to build a self-governed “micronation” on 60 local acres, promoting holistic living and raising alarms among residents worried about its ideology and expansion plans. (More)

➤ Sevier County: The community received a nearly new Mobile Command Vehicle from Knox County to enhance on-site communication and coordination during emergencies and major events, equipped with modern tech and updated furnishings. (See Video)

➤ Shelby County: Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr.’s federal indictment on bribery and tax evasion charges led commissioners to clash over new ethics ordinances—one passed unanimously to tighten conflict-of-interest rules, while another was sent back for more debate. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators secured the fifth pick at the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday night, falling two spots from their projected position at third. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans will match up with teams from the AFC West and NFC West in 2025 as part of the NFL’s rotating conference schedule. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Vols are still expected to host a round of the NCAA baseball tournament despite a recent skid that has dropped them out of the top ten. (More)

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➤ American Pickers star Mike Wolfe is opening a wine bar called Revival in Columbia this June, after closing his Nashville antique store. (See Photos)

➤ Canadian firm 5C Group plans to convert a former Fred’s warehouse in Memphis into a 15MW data center, expanding to 60MW by 2027, marking a major tech investment in Shelby County. (More)

➤ A state tourism group opened a new office at Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville, aiming to boost visibility, expand staffing, and strengthen visitor outreach ahead of a projected $1 billion annual tourism milestone in the coming years. (See Photos)

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Even neurologists were stunned…

They couldn’t believe the true impact a vertigo attack has on the brain…

Or that dizzy spells might actually signal a deeper, hidden condition.

Discover the full story here:

Why You Should Never Ignore a Vertigo Attack

➤ The Strawberry Festival returned to Humboldt this week, launching with live music, food, kids’ activities, and fireworks at Barker Stadium to mark its 87th year of celebrating community and local tradition. (See Photos)

➤ Local artist Joseph Maye completed his eighth mural in Kingsport featuring whimsical images of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and cats in a UFO, continuing his mission to beautify the city through public art. (See Mural)

➤ The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera will hold a free, sensory-friendly concert on Saturday, May 10, offering a space with open seating, quiet areas, and interactive props to welcome guests with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. (See Details)

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