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Article Icon 1TN Orders CDL Drivers to Prove Citizenship

Tennessee is requiring about 8,800 commercial truck drivers to verify their U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, following a federal push under a new executive order from President Trump. 

State officials say many of the flagged drivers got their CDLs before proof-of-citizenship rules took effect, leaving outdated records. Not all CDL holders are affected.

Affected drivers will be notified by mail and must update their records in person at a state driver services center with an approved citizenship document.

Article Icon 1Storms, Flood Threat Roll Into Tennessee

A strong storm system is moving across Tennessee today, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and the risk of severe weather

Rain totals of 1–3 inches are expected statewide, with localized flooding likely—especially in Middle Tennessee, where a flood watch is in effect through Saturday morning. 

East Tennessee could experience high winds up to 40 mph, while western and southern counties have the highest chance for strong storms and an isolated tornado. 

The worst of the weather is expected from late morning through tonight, so drivers and early commuters should stay alert and have a way to receive weather alerts.

Article Icon 1Grand Ole Opry to Honor Dolly’s 80th Birthday

The Grand Ole Opry will honor Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with its annual Opry Goes Dolly concert on Jan. 17 at the Opry House in Nashville. 

Now in its fourth year, the show will feature performances from Opry members Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, and Rhonda Vincent, with songwriter Trannie Anderson making her Opry debut. 

While Dolly won’t appear in person, the night will spotlight her hits from the 1980s and beyond. Tickets are on sale now, with $5 from each going to her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children worldwide.

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Around Tennessee

Nashville: Lipscomb University faces a lawsuit from 11 students alleging black mold in dormitories caused chronic illness, including fatigue, headaches, and respiratory issues, forcing some to miss classes. (More)

➤ Also Nashville: Former East Nashville Magnet High School teacher Jennifer Love now helps educators become first-time homeowners through specialized programs after struggling to buy her own home on a teacher’s salary. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth reports infant childcare costs $13,926 annually, exceeding in-state tuition at all four public universities, while child poverty rates remain above the national average. (More)

➤ Memphis: The Shelby County Health Department warned of possible measles exposure at Memphis International Airport on Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 3 after a contagious out-of-state traveler passed through. (More)

➤ Gatlinburg: The city-owned Gatlinburg Golf Course earned the Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s 2025 Public Course of the Year award, recognized for excellence in groundskeeping and player experience following major renovations and ongoing improvements. (More)

➤ Rutherford County: A semi-truck carrying 26,000 pounds of pork and beef overturned on I-840 eastbound at mile marker 46 on Wednesday morning, temporarily closing the roadway before all lanes reopened. (More)

Tennessee Carolina Sports

Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea was named a finalist for the Bear Bryant Award, which is given to the best coach in college football. (More)

➤ No. 11 Vanderbilt beat No. 13 Alabama 96-90 behind Tyler Tanner’s career-high 29 points, keeping the Commodores undefeated. (More)

➤ Former Tennessee cornerback Boo Carter visited Vanderbilt’s campus this week while weighing transfer portal options, with Colorado, Auburn, and Mississippi State also pursuing him. (More)

➤ The Memphis Tigers hired former Whitehaven football coach Rodney Saulsberry as director of high school relations and player development after a 22-year prep career with multiple Tennessee state titles. (More)

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Tennessee Business

➤ WeGo Public Transit added 12 new buses and expanded routes across Nashville through the Choose How You Move Program, creating over 75 positions, including mechanics starting at nearly $30 hourly. (More)

➤ Fido coffee shop in Hillsboro Village will close in June 2028, and Margot Café will end service this June as rising rent prices and property taxes push longtime Nashville restaurateurs toward retirement. (More)

➤ East Tennessee small businesses face health insurance premium increases up to 25% in 2026 as Affordable Care Act tax credits expired, forcing owners to raise prices or cut costs to maintain coverage. (More)

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Et Cetera

➤ Video captured a peacock wandering West Knoxville, prompting wildlife officials to warn that domesticated birds can pose risks and to advise residents to contact animal services. (See Peacock)

Nashville 13-year-old Hudson Hensley stars alongside Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman in the new film Song Sung Blue, playing the stepson in the story about real-life Neil Diamond tribute performers. (More)

➤ Powell crossing guard Linda Saia will retire on Feb. 2 after 25 years directing traffic and building relationships with generations of students and families while battling cancer three times. (More)

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The Poll

Have you had the flu this Winter?

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Do you support legalizing certain psychedelics for mental health treatment?

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