Friday, February 7, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1901, the community of Jefferson City was incorporated, though settlers have called the area home since 1788 under the name of Mossy Creek. It continues to be known as a charming small town for residents and guests alike today.

If you haven’t heard, the CEO of Camping World is refusing to take down its massive American flag. You can read about it in our Top Stories below. Make sure to let us know your thoughts in today’s poll.

Our sponsor today is Mode Mobile, which is pioneering a transformative approach to smartphone usage by turning everyday devices into income-generating assets.

Camping World CEO Refuses to Remove Flag

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis is refusing to remove a giant American flag flying over its location, with the City of Sevierville considering legal action.

“This is my way to pay respect, not only to the veterans of this country, but the current and active military, and everybody else who just loves the country,” Lemonis said.

Last year, the city’s board of zoning appeals denied Camping World’s request to install a 130-foot flagpole. Still, the company proceeded with construction.

While the flagpole exceeds the city’s 44-foot height limit for the Arterial Commercial (AC) zone, Lemonis insists it doesn’t pose a safety concern. The company is currently being fined $250 per day over the flag.

TSU’s Financial Issues Continue

Tennessee State University continues exploring cost-saving measures as it prepares to address more financial questions by mid-February. The university could face a $58 million deficit by late spring.

TSU has already taken significant cost-cutting steps, including laying off over 100 staff members, discontinuing airport advertising, reducing band travel for away football games, and ending hotel stays for the football team before home games.

This week, the university also confirmed its withdrawal from the Southern Heritage Classic, an annual football game in Memphis between historically black colleges, citing financial constraints.

TSU eliminated 117 redundant contracts, saving $3.5 million, and is working with a consultant to help further curb financial issues.

Valentine’s Flowers for Widows and Widowers

Brighten Up Nashville is a nonprofit that delivers free, fresh-cut flowers and gift bundles to hundreds of widows and widowers across Middle Tennessee on Valentine’s Day.

Now in its second year of hosting the Widow Outreach event, the organization quickly met its goal of 500 nominations and is coordinating volunteers to assist with deliveries.

The organization aims to provide a way for the community to share love and encouragement with widows on a day that can often feel lonely, as pictures from last year show.

For more information or to volunteer with Brighten Up Nashville, visit their website.

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➤ Robertson County: Most-wanted suspect Jimmy Anthony Cox was found by authorities in a remote cave and was arrested on murder charges. (More)

➤ Memphis: A new airline, Breeze Airlines, will start flights to and from the Memphis International Airport in May, including nonstop service to Tampa and Raleigh-Durham. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The city is seeking to retain its No. 2 ranking for Best Arts District in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. (More)

➤ Smyrna: A former city police officer was arrested and charged with forging doctor’s notes for school absences. (Watch Video)

➤ Nashville: The Metro Historic Zoning Commission has approved plans to upgrade the building that houses Robert’s Western World on Broadway. (More)

➤ Greene County: A $6.2 million FEMA grant has been approved to rebuild a bridge destroyed during Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Tennessee Vols basketball great and NBA player Dalton Knecht has reportedly been traded to the Charlotte Hornets, along with Cam Reddish and future draft picks, in exchange for center Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers. (More)

➤ Two Maryville High School players, Price Davis and Alex Boyd, have signed to play football at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (More)

➤ Six players on the University of Tennessee baseball team made the pre-season all-conference team, including Tony Vitello earning second place in the coaches poll. (More)

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➤ Tennessee American Water was denied nearly all of its proposed $13.9 million rate hike by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission in a move that will keep prices lower for consumers. (More)

➤ Bargain Hunt announced on Wednesday that it is closing all its locations nationwide, including over 30 across Tennessee. (More)

➤ FedEx announced plans to close its Cleveland location and downsize in Chattanooga later this year, eliminating several jobs statewide. (More)

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➤ Two Tennessee Bureau of Investigation employees will perform onstage with legendary opera singer Andrea Bocelli on Saturday in Knoxville. (More)

➤ Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School senior Lena Zewdu Feleke has been selected among 40 national finalists for the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search award. (More)

➤ Buffalo Disaster Relief is turning a former hotel in Unicoi into housing for Hurricane Helene victims. (Watch Video)

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