Monday, February 24, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, Union troops captured the city of Nashville, marking a major shift in the Civil War. The city remained in Union control, sparing it from the destruction other Southern cities later faced.

It may be winter, but that didn’t stop many Tennesseans from taking a polar plunge on Saturday to support the state’s Special Olympics program, as seen in one participant’s experience in a video in today’s Et Cetera section.

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Memphis Woman Becomes ‘Pardon Czar’

Alice Marie Johnson, a Memphis woman pardoned by former President Trump in 2018 after serving over 21 years in prison for a non-violent drug conviction, has been appointed the nation’s first “pardon czar.”

Johnson gained national attention after reality star Kim Kardashian advocated for her release, leading to a full pardon.

The new pardon czar acknowledged her mistake in her involvement in a drug operation but chose not to make excuses, instead dedicating herself to making a difference, first behind prison bars and now in the world beyond.

Since then, she has actively advocated for criminal justice reform. Trump announced her new role at the White House on Thursday.

State Considers School Cell Phone Ban

A Tennessee bill allowing school districts to approve policies banning cell phone use during instructional time received bipartisan support and unanimously passed its first House subcommittee hearing last week.

The legislation also permits districts to require students to surrender their phones at the start of the school day.

House Republicans noted that some school boards were uncertain about their authority to enforce such policies. The House version of the bill passed unanimously on Tuesday, gaining support from both parties.

Tennessee’s effort could soon make it the 20th state to pass legislation regulating school cell phone use. Some counties in Tennessee are already considering separate measures to ban cell phone use in high schools.

Ringo Starr Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Ringo Starr debuted at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, marking a new chapter in his country-roots revival.

The Friday night lineup also featured country-pop singer Lauren Alaina, vocalist Mickey Guyton, The Gambler songwriter Don Schlitz, and classic crooner Mandy Barnett.

The 84-year-old former Beatles drummer recently released Look Up, an album of country songs recorded with collaborator and Americana icon T Bone Burnett.

Starr’s debut comes during a milestone year for the Grand Ole Opry, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Nov. 28, 2025. Watch a Ringo Starr perform here.

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➤ Soddy-Daisy: A teen in Soddy-Daisy faces charges after authorities say he posted a TikTok video “referencing school violence” against Soddy-Daisy Middle School and its faculty. (More)

➤ Tennessee City: Fire rescue officials said their crews responded to a fire at Friendship Baptist Church early Saturday morning and are investigating its potential cause. (More)

➤ Newport: Max Movement Dance Studio, located downtown, celebrated its reopening months after Hurricane Helene heavily damaged it. (More)

➤ Anderson County: A portion of Park Lane collapsed on Friday, shutting down access to Anderson County Park. (Watch Video)

➤ Lebanon: Former Mayor Don Fox died Friday at 86 following a recent illness, according to his family. He served as mayor from 1994-2008. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Parents and students at Beaumont Magnet Academy were shocked after it was announced that the school will be closing as part of Knox County’s school reorganization. (More)

➤ The University of Tennessee swimming and diving team set a new NCAA record on the final night of the 2025 SEC Championships, secured five event victories, and earned a total of 10 medals. (More)

➤ Memphis Tigers Coach Penny Hardaway is one of 15 coaches named among the finalists for the men’s NCAA Division I Coach of the Year Award. (More)

➤ A group targeting pro athletes burglarized the home of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, according to a report. (More)

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➤ Developers revealed the first plans for the future of Chattanooga´s Hawk Hill after AT&T Field is demolished in 2026 when the Lookouts baseball team moves to its new location. (More)

➤ Whataburger is coming to East Ridge, opening at the site of the city’s former Wally’s restaurant as one of the franchise’s first locations in East Tennessee. (More)

➤ The Melting Pot, a popular fondue restaurant, is set to reopen in Memphis after a closure of nearly 15 years. (More)

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➤ Musician Luke Combs has launched The Eye, a 10,000-square-foot rooftop bar and restaurant featuring the largest outdoor deck on Nashville’s Broadway. (More)

➤ Nashville was ranked No. 4 among the best cities in the nation for working families. (Watch Video)

➤ Nashville supporters were “freezin’ for a reason” on Saturday, taking part in the 2025 Music City Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Tennessee. (Watch Video)

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