Missing Teacher Found Dead Near Opryland

Authorities have announced that a Nashville teacher who had been missing for nearly three weeks has been found dead.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Gerardo Behori, 64, was last seen on Nov. 15 in the Brick Church Pike area. A Silver Alert was issued for him on Nov. 22.

Police reported that Behori was last seen at Republic High School, where he worked. His phone was last detected in the Opryland area before being turned off.

Behori’s body was discovered in a vehicle parked on Music Valley Drive with no signs of trauma.

Bill Filed to Eliminate Grocery Tax

A Tennessee lawmaker wants to eliminate the state’s grocery tax. State Representative Elaine Davis, a Republican from Knoxville, introduced the bill on Thursday.

House Bill 21 proposes ending the state tax on groceries without increasing business taxes. If approved, the legislation would allow counties to implement their own grocery sales tax. 

Davis emphasized the challenges families have faced due to rising food prices in recent years, noting that it has become increasingly difficult for many to afford necessities. She stated that repealing taxes on essential items, such as food and personal hygiene products, could save families hundreds of dollars annually. 

House leadership has expressed support for the legislation. Currently, the state imposes a 4% sales tax on food, which is added to the local tax rate. 

Vols Make College Football Playoffs

The Tennessee Volunteers have secured a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. They earned a No. 9 seed and will face No. 8 Ohio State on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. on ABC.

This marks only the second meeting between Tennessee and Ohio State since Tennessee’s 1996 Citrus Bowl victory. The winner of this opening-round matchup will advance to the quarterfinals to take on top-ranked Oregon. 

The Vols, as the highest-seeded team in the first round required to play on the road, will travel for their matchup. Teams seeded 5-8 host first-round playoff games, while teams seeded 9-12 play away.

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➤ Statewide: The Department of Economic and Community Development announced a new round of grants, allocating over $6 million to support renovating historic buildings. (More)

➤ Covington: Thousands of residents in the city and surrounding area of Tipton County woke up Friday morning with no power after a TVA substation went down on the coldest morning of the season so far. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Public school libraries across Knox County are removing dozens of books in compliance with new state regulations. (More)

➤ Spring Hill: A man accused of making threats against Harpeth Hills Church of Christ was arrested Thursday. (More)

➤ East Tennessee: Several new attractions have been announced for the region for 2025, including expansions at Soaky Mountain Waterpark and the Pigeon Forge Crayola Experience. (More)

➤ Clarksville: Fellowship United Methodist Church is reopening its doors one year after a tornado destroyed its facilities. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans lost 10-6 to the Jacksonville Jaguars at home in Week 14 NFL action. With the loss, the Titans have officially been eliminated from postseason contention. (More)

➤ Ja Morant made one of the best plays of the NBA season with this monster reverse dunk over a Boston Celtics defender. The Memphis Grizzlies won the game 127-122. (Watch Video)

➤ The Tennessee Volunteers have already signed 24 new players into next year’s college football recruiting class, including 4-star quarterback George Macintryre from Brentwood Academy in Franklin. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson was named USA Today’s SEC Player of the Year. He rushed for 22 touchdowns and scored 132 points during the regular season. (More)

Yesterday’s results: NFL | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | PGA

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➤ Nissan has started production of its newly redesigned Murano at the Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant. (More)

➤ TripAdvisor has named The Joseph, a Nashville hotel, among the top 20 hotels in the country as part of its “Travelers’ Choice 2024 Awards: Best of the Best” for the second year in a row. (More)

➤ Parkdale Mills in Mountain City will permanently close following damages caused by Hurricane Helene, resulting in the loss of 120 jobs at the location. (More)

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➤ Dolly Parton is searching for cast members for Dolly: An Original Musical, including the role of Dolly herself. Details on casting and video auditions are available. (More)

➤ Bristol made Southern Living’s new list of “The 18 Cutest Christmas Towns in the South.” (More)

➤ Did you know there are sharks in Gatlinburg? Check out this video of sharks, rays, and other sea creatures at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. (Watch Video)

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Do you prefer a real or artificial Christmas tree? 

1. Real
2. Artificial
3. No preference

Tuesday’s Results:

Have you ever been to Bristol Motor Speedway?

1. Yes: 18%
2. No: 82%

Which Tennessee city is known as Atomic City?

Show me the answer