Tennessee Deputy Killed in Highway Crash

A Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy died after his patrol car struck a disabled vehicle on Highway 111 in Tennessee Wednesday evening, the sheriff’s office confirmed.

Deputy Landon Faulkner, 24, was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Faulkner had served with Hamilton County since 2022 and previously worked in Grundy County.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Duck River Landfill Ban Passes

Tennessee lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to ban landfills within two miles of the Duck and Buffalo rivers, with the House passing the bill 81-5 and the Senate 32-0, sending it to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.

The Duck River is the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America and provides drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Middle Tennesseans.

Existing landfill permits issued before the bill’s passage are grandfathered in under an amendment added before the final vote. Lee is expected to sign the legislation.

Waymo Hits Snags in Nashville Debut

Driverless Waymo vehicles blocked traffic at three Nashville intersections in separate incidents over the weekend, just days after the company’s official launch in the city, with videos going viral on TikTok and Instagram.

One earlier incident on Broadway required a Metro Nashville police officer to manually disable the vehicle and drive it to a nearby parking lot after it got confused navigating the intersection.

The city has logged at least 30 incidents involving the self-driving cars since launch and has opened a HubNashville portal for residents to file complaints.

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee Board of Regents secured part of a $3.5 million Lumina Foundation grant to simplify admissions, expand dual enrollment access, and guide students with clearer advising and career-aligned pathways. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Hundreds of artists attended the 17th annual Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk over the weekend, transforming downtown Knoxville sidewalks into a vibrant outdoor gallery. (See Sidewalk Art)

➤ Chattanooga: Spain’s national team will base its World Cup preparations in Chattanooga, where officials praised the city’s facilities and community as they prepare for the 2026 tournament beginning on June 11. (More)

➤ Coffee County: Authorities are investigating a fatal boating incident on Normandy Lake after a 21-year-old man was found dead on Friday, marking Tennessee’s fifth waterway death in 2026, none involving life jackets. (More)

➤ Mt. Juliet: Police arrested a 38-year-old man wanted for a 2025 Nashville homicide after a proactive traffic stop on Saturday led officers to identify and detain the suspect. (More)

➤ Kingsport: A Saturday parade honored 3-year-old Charleigh McCracken, who survived heart failure, cardiac arrest, and strokes, as first responders and residents celebrated her miraculous recovery. (See Charleigh)

➤ The Nashville Predators stayed alive in the Western Conference’s wild card race with a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Predators center Steven Stamkos recorded two points, including his 40th goal of the season. (More)

➤ Tennessee football transfer quarterback Ryan Staub threw the only touchdown pass in the team’s annual spring football game on Saturday, a 75-yard connection with walk-on receiver Carson Whitehead. (Watch Video)

➤ Vanderbilt baseball lost its first home series of the year on Saturday, falling 6-5 in the series finale to No. 16 Oklahoma. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Masters | NBA | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Tennis | NASCAR

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➤ Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and Nashville ranked among the nation’s top 100 housing markets for buyers in a ConsumerAffairs report evaluating affordability, competition, home size, and livability. (More)

➤ Clarksville’s 10th Mega Job Fair will connect job seekers with regional employers April 14-15 at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center, offering hiring opportunities, resources, and career support services. (More)

➤ Little Diggers, a construction-themed playspace for children 7 and under, plans to open in Franklin this fall, featuring sand play areas, building toys, and hands-on activities. (More)

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➤ Tennessee’s spring turkey hunting season opened on Saturday and runs through May 24, with statewide access, harvest limits, and mandatory tagging rules enforced by Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide. (More)

➤ A Vintage Affair will host its 26th annual fundraiser April 18 in Franklin, transforming Liberty Hall into a circus-themed event supporting Williamson County charities serving women and children. (More)

➤ Nashville Zoo will host its fourth annual Sips for Species event on April 24, offering after-hours animal encounters, live music, and tastings to support global conservation efforts. (More)

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