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Article Icon 1TN Bringing Broadband to All by 2028

Tennessee plans to spend more than $200 million in federal broadband funding to bring high-speed internet to about 43,000 unserved homes and businesses across 74 counties by the end of 2028.

The money comes from the federal BEAD program and will support 128 projects statewide, with providers adding roughly $200 million in matching funds.

State officials say about 98% of Tennesseans already have access to high-speed internet, but remote areas remain difficult and costly to connect.

Leaders say the expansion will improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in rural communities.

Article Icon 1Cothren Launches State House Bid

Cade Cothren, former chief of staff to former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, announced he will run as a Republican for Tennessee’s 71st House District, launching a primary challenge against incumbent GOP Rep. Kip Capley.

Cothren and Casada were previously convicted in a kickback scheme involving state mail contracts but had their convictions vacated in 2026 following a presidential pardon and a federal judge’s ruling.

The 38-year-old announced his campaign on Facebook, posting his campaign will focus on defending “faith, family, and freedom.”

District 71 covers parts of Hardin, Lauderdale, and McNairy counties, along with all of Decatur and Wayne counties.

Article Icon 1Nashville Hosts St. Patrick’s Events

Bars, restaurants, and venues across Nashville are hosting St. Patrick’s Day celebrations throughout the week with themed parties, drink specials, and races.

Events include block parties and other large-scale celebrations like the East Nash Stache Bash and Von Patrick’s Day at Von Elrod’s. 

Several venues are offering green beer, Guinness specials, and live entertainment leading up to tomorrow. 

Organizers say the events give locals and visitors plenty of ways to celebrate the Irish holiday around Music City. See more events and activities here.

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Around Tennessee

➤ Memphis: A judge ran into heavy traffic to rescue a toddler who had wandered into the road, as Mayor Lee Harris witnessed the quick action and credited him with saving the child’s life. (More)

➤ Also Memphis: A Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital nurse received a DAISY Award after forming a comforting bond with a young patient and helping ease the child’s fears. (See Nurse)

➤ Knoxville: Police returned a rare Winchester Model 1895 rifle to its owner’s family more than 50 years after it was stolen in a 1973 burglary. (See Story)

➤ Nashville: Advocates with To Nashville With Love said city officials removed several handmade benches placed near bus stops, while the city says some were removed last year for obstructing public rights-of-way. (More)

➤ Pigeon Forge: Officials launched a $37 million water project to expand treatment capacity after the city sold a record 2.4 billion gallons of water in 2025. (More)

➤ Also Pigeon Forge: The Smoky Mountain Shaggers hosted their 25th annual Smoky Mountain Boogie in Pigeon Forge last week, drawing more than 400 dancers while raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (See Details)

Tennessee Carolina Sports

Tennessee will send five teams to the NCAA basketball tournaments this year. On the men’s side, No. 5 Vanderbilt, No. 6 Tennessee, and No. 15 Tennessee State will begin play when March Madness tips off on Tuesday, March 17. On the women’s side, No. 2 Vanderbilt and No. 10 Tennessee earned bids, with the First Four starting on Wednesday, March 18, and first-round games beginning on Friday. (See Brackets

➤ Vanderbilt fell 86-75 to No. 17 Arkansas in the SEC Tournament championship on Sunday, as John Calipari secured a conference tournament title with a second SEC program. (More

➤ Pitcher Karlyn Pickens recorded her 700th career strikeout and threw a one-hit complete game after returning from injury as No. 1 Tennessee beat No. 12 Mississippi State 4-1. (See Strikeout

The Tennessee Titans recently unveiled new uniforms and a new logo. The redesign incorporates details that are intended to respect the franchise’s history. (See Uniforms)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | World Baseball Classic | Golf | NASCAR | F1

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Tennessee Business

L.L. Bean will open its first Tennessee store in July at Coolsprings Galleria in Franklin, marking the outdoor retailer’s first physical location in the state. (More)

Demolition has begun at RiverGate Mall in Goodlettsville as the longtime shopping center undergoes a $450 million redevelopment into a mixed-use project with retail and housing. (More)

➤ Dollywood opened its 41st season on Friday with a keynote from Dolly Parton and an opening-day parade. New attractions like the $50 million NightFlight Expedition coaster will debut later this spring. (More)

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The 15-Minute Retirement Plan 

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Et Cetera

➤ An unsponsored 22-year-old runner won the women’s division of the grueling 300-mile Viper ultramarathon in Memphis, beating many elite, endorsed competitors. (See Photos)

A teen entrepreneur opened Tobey’s Sandwich Shack in Manchester with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, launching the business using savings his grandfather set aside for him. (More)

The Chattanooga Zoo has added a colony of 15 naked mole-rats to its exhibits, showcasing the unusual rodents native to eastern Africa. (See Mole-Rats)

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The Poll

Will you wear green for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Only by accident


 

Previous Results:

Will you take a state park hike this spring?

  1. Probably not: 38%
  2. Maybe: 24%
  3. Yes, on my own: 23%
  4. Yes, a guided one: 15%
North Carolina Trivia

Which Tennessee town’s name comes from the Irish phrase meaning “Ireland Forever”?

Show me the answer

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