Severe Storms Threatening TN Valley Again

Severe storms swept across Middle Tennessee yesterday afternoon and evening, with early Tuesday forecasts predicting high winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes.

Jackson was hit especially hard on Tuesday, with state troopers capturing dramatic video of high winds tearing the roof off a factory and debris flying. Watch it here.

While no major tornadoes had been officially confirmed as of late Tuesday, regional meteorologists warned of potential EF-2 strength twisters throughout the day.

Multiple school districts in the area sent students home early ahead of the inclement weather, and several schools have altered graduation plans in response to the storm threat.

TN Challenges New College Sports Rules

Tennessee has passed a new law that could let its universities sidestep upcoming national rules on college sports, including how athletes get paid and how schools are punished.

The law is a direct response to a proposed agreement tied to the House antitrust settlement, which would create a powerful new enforcement group called the College Sports Commission, replacing much of the NCAA’s authority. 

Under the plan, schools would have to follow the new rules or risk being kicked out of major conferences.

But Tennessee’s law says state schools can’t be penalized for following state law, setting up a legal showdown if the national deal is approved.

Kathie Lee Finds Peace on TN Farm

Kathie Lee Gifford, former Today show host, says many stars leave Hollywood for areas like rural Tennessee because the fame and fortune aren’t fulfilling.

In a Fox News interview, Gifford, 71, shared that she finds peace on her 10-acre Tennessee farm, living near A-list neighbors with far more land. Take a look at the photos.

For Gifford, the move was personal—she calls her home a tribute to her late parents, whose difficult lives inspired her.

Her comments tap into a growing trend of celebrities fleeing the spotlight in search of simplicity and privacy away from Hollywood’s grind.

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➤ Knox County: The county commission voted Monday on a $2.87 million contract with Porter Roofing for a partial roof replacement at Gibbs High School. (More)

➤ Franklin: Local police launched the Harpeth River Ready campaign with QR-coded safety signs and online resources to prevent water accidents ahead of Memorial Day weekend. (More)

➤ Sullivan County: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rescued three orphaned bear cubs after their mother was killed by a car, relocating them to a remote area to improve their survival chances. (See Bears)

➤ Washington County: Over 1,200 residents signed a petition to roll back a 2024 property tax increase, which added $15 million to the county budget, citing financial strain and calling for limits on future hikes. (More)

➤ Tullahoma: Tennessee Homes warned local renters of a scam involving fake listings, bogus keys, and stolen deposits by fraudsters posing as affiliates of their company. (See Details)

➤ Memphis: The city’s new report shows the drinking water met all safety standards, with no lead or copper violations, minimal bacteria, and a naturally filtered supply ranked among the highest-quality systems nationally. (See Report)

➤ UT-Knoxville setter Kelsey Kerr was selected for Team USA Volleyball’s U23 National Team roster, which will compete in the Pan American Cup this summer. (More)

➤ Seven Tennessee-based baseball players were named to the SEC’s All-Conference teams—four from the University of Tennessee, and three from Vanderbilt. (More)

➤ Nashville SC came in seventh in ESPN’s MLS Power Rankings after going undefeated in their last five games. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | WNBA | NHL | NCAAB | Soccer

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➤ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investing $205 million in Tennessee water infrastructure, including $32.2 million for Chickamauga Lock construction and $173 million for maintenance across the Cumberland River Basin. (More)

➤ Tennessee grads expect to enter a job market with 5% wage growth led by the finance and construction industries, with the state ranking 23rd nationally for pay increases. (More)

➤ Ingram Barge is building a new freight port in Ashland City, using a $2 million state grant to boost river transport, create jobs, and generate millions in tax revenue. (More)

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➤ Silent Book Club Nashville, a growing group for readers who prefer quiet socializing, is drawing over 160 attendees to its bring-your-own-book gatherings held several times a month. (See Video)

➤ The Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball team will hand out colored wristbands at their Saturday game to help fans playfully signal their relationship status. (See Photo)

➤ Nathaniel Sears, co-owner of Knoxville’s Next Level Brewing, embraced the Volunteer State spirit by joining groups like Mountain Strong Sanctuary to deliver supplies to his Kentucky hometown after deadly May storms. (See Video)

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If there were a silent book club in your city, would you go?

1. Already attending
2. I’m intrigued
3. No, I like discussion
4. Books are a solo sport
5. Other

Previous Results:

What’s the biggest bug problem in Tennessee summer?

1. Persistent mosquitos: 27%
2. Sneaky ticks: 22%
3. Aggressive wasps: 18%
4. Other: 17%
5. Noisy cicadas: 16%

How much did Graceland cost when Elvis Presley purchased it in 1957?

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