Van Epps Wins TN-7 in GOP Hold

Republican Matt Van Epps won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election Tuesday, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn in a race closely watched nationwide.

Though the district leans heavily Republican, Behn’s showing, fueled by high-profile endorsements, narrowed a gap that was once over 20 points.

Van Epps, a West Point grad and former state official, ran as a Trump ally and thanked the president during his victory speech. 

The race, triggered by Rep. Mark Green’s resignation, drew millions in outside spending and evinced rising political tension.

Escaped Nashville Inmate Recaptured

A 44-year-old inmate who broke out of a Nashville jail nearly a month ago has been caught in Knoxville.

Jamie Lynn Pfitzner, jailed on fraud and theft charges, escaped from a Davidson County facility in early November.

U.S. Marshals tracked her to a home on Linden Avenue, where she was arrested Tuesday morning without incident.

Pfitzner now awaits extradition back to Nashville.

Frat House Chef Becomes TikTok Star

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➤ Statewide: The Tennessee State Board of Education is considering a proposal to reduce high school world language requirements from two credits to one. (More)

➤ Hickman County: A terminally ill inmate convicted of murder in 2008 is seeking clemency from Gov. Bill Lee, citing new DNA evidence and hopes to spend his final months with family outside prison. (More)

➤ Nashville: Metro Council is debating a $15 million downtown safety plan funded by a state grant, with plans for upgraded equipment raising concerns about expanded surveillance. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The city is seeking public input on the future use of the historic Serene Manor building. A meeting today will guide redevelopment plans focused on supportive and transitional housing. (More)

➤ Antioch: Habitat for Humanity will begin construction next year on Bella Terra, a 53-home affordable housing community set to be completed by 2027. (More)

➤ La Vergne: Police playfully arrested the Grinch during a weekend toy drive, part of a festive push to collect toys and donations for the city’s Christmas Toy Store benefiting local families. (See Photos)

➤ The Vanderbilt Commodores narrowly missed the 12-team cut for in this week’s College Football Playoff Rankings, coming in at No.14. (See Full Rankings)

➤ Women’s Basketball AP Poll: Vanderbilt moved up two spots to No. 15, while Tennessee fell five spots to No. 19. (See Full Poll)

➤ Tennessee Tech signed coach Bobby Wilder to a five-year extension this week. Wilder set multiple program records with the Golden Eagles this year, including the most points scored (482), the most total touchdowns (65), and a 10-0 start for the first time in school history. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators ranked 32nd in USA Today’s latest NHL Power Rankings—last in the entire league. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Developer Fallon Company has named its East Bank Nashville project Eastpoint, revealing plans for affordable housing, shopping, and recreation that reconnect the city with the Cumberland River. (More)

➤ Dutch Bros Coffee is set to open its first Kingsport location by spring 2026. The drive-thru-only building, formerly occupied by an urgent care center, is expected to employ around 40 people. (More)

➤ Tennessee hemp businesses can operate under 2023 regulations until their licenses expire after a new agreement between the Tennessee Healthy Alternatives Association and state departments. (More)

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➤ The East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard is seeking younger volunteers and donations to help continue their mission of providing roughly 300 military funeral honors services annually. (More)

➤ Taylor Swift is reportedly considering a luxurious Nashville bachelorette party, in addition to other trips to spots like NYC, Italy, and the Bahamas, ahead of her wedding to Travis Kelce. (More)

➤ La Vergne police officers reunited a lost dog with its family during Thanksgiving week after quickly responding to a missing pet report and coordinating a heartwarming reunion. (See Video)

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What world language did you study in K-12?

1. Spanish
2. French
3. German
4. Latin
5. Other
6. None

Previous Results:

What’s your festive beverage of choice?

1. Eggnog: 22%
2. Hot chocolate: 22%
3. Peppermint mocha: 19%
4. Other (reply to tell us!): 19%
5. Mulled wine: 18%

What two Tennessee towns are mentioned in Ronnie Milsap’s 1980 song Smoky Mountain Rain?

Show me the answer