Small Plane Crash Claims Three in Franklin

Three people were killed Saturday when a single-engine plane crashed in a wooded area near Sparta.

The plane was headed to the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport when it went down, and all aboard were pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Federal Aviation Administration responded shortly after the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board is now leading the investigation.

Authorities have identified the victims as pilot Jonathan Braun and passengers Dylan Clay Davis and Kelsie Lynn Davis; the cause of the crash remains under review.

Real ID Rush Draws Over 700 in Antioch

Hundreds of Tennesseans packed the Southeast Community Center in Antioch this weekend to obtain their Real IDs ahead of the May 7 federal deadline.

State Sen. Charlane Oliver organized the event to help residents avoid long DMV waits, drawing more than 700 attendees—so many that some had to be turned away.

The event, featuring food, volunteers, and a festive environment, sought to make the usually painful process a breeze, and organizers say they’ll plan more sessions soon. 

Residents still needing a Real ID should bring citizenship proof, a Social Security number, two proofs of Tennessee residency, and name change documents to the DMV.

Steve Earle Joins Grand Ole Opry

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Steve Earle was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night during a live show at the Opry House in Nashville.

Vince Gill surprised Earle onstage after a performance of “Copperhead Road,” gifting him a custom Opry guitar strap for its 100th anniversary and officially extending the invitation. See video of the exciting moment here.

A teary-eyed Earle, who called the honor “the biggest thing that has ever happened to me,” will be formally inducted later this year. 

Known for his landmark albums like Guitar Town and recent honors including induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Earle becomes the first artist tapped for membership during the Opry’s centennial year.

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➤ Rutherford County: District school bus drivers are demanding higher pay and better benefits, warning they may stop driving by May 1 if contract negotiations fail. (More)

➤ Shelby County: Operation 360, a new law enforcement initiative, targets road rage and seeks to improve highway safety following a spike in crime. (More)

➤ Carter County: A disaster relief benefit concert organized by Christian nonprofit KnoxCAM featured local musicians and raised over $2,000 to support victims of Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Nashville Zoo earned re-accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, reaffirming its status among the nation’s top facilities. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Tate’s School, which was destroyed by a Category 2 tornado in 2023, celebrated the grand reopening of its new building, featuring open-air classrooms, a boating pond, and climbing walls. (More)

➤ Memphis: Residents protested Elon Musk’s xAI supercomputer at a town hall, citing pollution from unpermitted methane turbines as officials prepare to rule on its permit after April 30. (More)

➤ Outfielder Taylor Pannell’s three-run homer in the third inning Sunday gave Tennessee all the runs needed for a 7-1 win over Ole Miss in Oxford. (See Home Run)

➤ The No. 6 Vols baseball team fell 12-2 Sunday, losing the series to the No. 5 LSU Tigers and dropping three of the last four series for the first time since 2023. (More)

➤ Former ETSU Buccaneers Alijah Huzzie and Chandler Martin signed as undrafted free agents, with Huzzie joining the Houston Texans and Martin heading to the Baltimore Ravens. (More)

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➤ The Outlet Resource Group has four months to submit redevelopment plans for the former Smokies stadium in Kodak after reaching a tentative deal with Sevier County officials. (More)

➤ A proposed 900-home subdivision in Sevier County faces resident pushback over concerns about traffic, zoning issues and obstructed mountain views. (More)

➤ About 100 HCA Healthcare nurses protested outside Nashville’s Frist Gala, demanding better staffing and working conditions amid rising concerns over patient and worker safety. (More)

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➤ A local artist says her new mural at Jefferson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard in Nashville honors the heritage and culture of the historic intersection. (More)

➤ A Knoxville teen raised $83,405 for the American Heart Association, earning the 2025 Knoxville Teen of Impact title and placing third nationally among 177 teens. (More)

➤ La Vergne police surprised a 14-year-old leukemia patient with gifts and encouragement at his home, showing support during his eight-year battle with cancer. (See Visit)

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Which Grand Ole Opry member is the ultimate icon?

1. Dolly Parton
2. Keith Urban
3. Reba McEntire
4. Emmylou Harris
5. Other

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Should cornbread have sugar in it?

1. No, keep it savory: 35%
2. Yes, sweet is best: 26%
3. I’m open to it: 23%
4. Other: 17%

Who was the first member ever inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1925?

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