DOJ Probes LMU Over Antisemitism Claims

The Department of Justice is investigating Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine over allegations it discriminated against Jewish students, officials announced last week. 

The probe centers on a new handbook policy that states religious holidays do not qualify for excused absences from exams, a change made before the spring semester.

A Knoxville rabbi says at least two Orthodox Jewish students were previously granted accommodations but now face conflicts with Passover and other holy days.

The investigation, conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, will examine whether the federally funded university violated civil rights protections.

Cigna Restores Children’s Hospital Contract

Cigna has reversed its decision to terminate its contract with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, hospital leaders announced on Friday.

The insurer had planned to end the agreement on March 1 after notifying ETCH last May, raising concerns that roughly 27,000 patients could lose in-network coverage.

Hospital officials said Cigna recently submitted a comprehensive proposal, and the longstanding contract will now remain in effect without interruption.

ETCH called the move a positive outcome for families across East Tennessee who rely on the hospital for pediatric care.

Anakeesta Gifts Proposal Chair to Couple

Anakeesta surprised a Cookeville couple with the exact Chondola chairlift seat where their mountaintop proposal happened in October 2016, just as the ride prepares to retire.

Blake Taylor proposed to Amber while descending the Gatlinburg attraction nearly 10 years ago. She contacted Anakeesta after learning it would retire the beloved Chondola, asking what would happen to the chairlifts and whether the park would sell one.

The park tracked down the couple’s specific seat and gifted it to them ahead of Valentine’s Day.

The Chondola, which has carried more than 10 million visitors, will be replaced by the new Crystal Express gondola when it opens this spring.

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➤ Nashville: Two prominent local businessmen were among four people killed in a plane crash near Denver, along with one man’s son and nephew, authorities said. (More)

➤ Sevierville: Police officers rescued barn animals from a fire that destroyed two large barns at Skyland Ranch early Friday. No injuries were reported. (See Video)

➤ Chattanooga: The U.S. General Services Administration has taken control of the Vine Street site to construct a new 190,701-square-foot federal courthouse, citing up to $117 million in taxpayer savings. (See Details)

➤ Murfreesboro: Emergency officials urge residents to register automated external defibrillators as 911 dispatchers integrate the PulsePoint AED Registry to quickly locate nearby devices during cardiac emergencies. (More)

➤ Memphis: Water damage from fire suppression system upgrades has delayed the opening of the Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time attraction at Mud Island. (More)

➤ Jackson: Eighteen high school students across West Tennessee are promoting heart disease and stroke prevention through the nine-week Teen of Impact campaign, becoming CPR certified and supporting lifesaving research. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans are reportedly going undergo a redesign next season, and one of the team’s new primary logos was recently leaked by Fanatics, the NFL’s main distributor of apparel. (More)

➤ Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar had a court hearing over the weekend to seek an additional season of NCAA eligibility, arguing that his time at junior college should not count. A decision is expected to come as early as Tuesday. (More)

➤ Tennessee men’s basketball now sits tied for third in the SEC standings after withstanding an LSU comeback on Saturday to defeat them 73-63. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Olympics | Daytona 500 | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Nashville songwriters met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to push for regulations when copyrighted music is used to train generative AI systems. (More)

➤ In-N-Out has canceled plans to open restaurants in Chattanooga, saying it currently has no plans to expand to the city despite earlier announcements. (More)

➤ Southwest Airlines will add a new seasonal nonstop flight from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport to Austin, Texas, beginning in October. (More)

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The Only Crew with Access to a $450M ‘Gold Rush’

Decades of combined experience working with finance leaders like Goldman Sachs is a business advantage. Add that to operating America’s largest tungsten mine, and it’s a massive opportunity. Now, United States Tungsten is sharing access to 1 million untapped tons of precious metals with investors. 

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Don’t miss this chance to back the company that holds the lease. 

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➤ The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office posted: “Roses are red, violets are blue, ex with a warrant, let’s hear from you!” inviting residents to report wanted exes for Valentine’s Day. (See Post)

➤ Tennessee State Fair will return to the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon from Aug. 13-22, featuring the theme “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250” and the Year of Forestry. (See Details)

➤ Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget includes $45.3 million to convert more than 1,300 acres of McDonald Farm into Tennessee’s 70th state park, pending Hamilton County Commission approval. (See Video)

Do you plan to attend the Tennessee State Fair this year?

1. Yes, definitely
2. I’ll consider it
3. Probably not

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How do you usually watch a new movie?

1. Streaming at home: 50%
2. At the theater: 28%
3. Rent physical copy: 22%

Which modern Tennessee county was an independent, though unofficial, state from 1784 to 1788?

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