Thursday, April 10, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 2009, 14 tornadoes touched down in Tennessee, with the strongest, an EF4, striking Murfreesboro. This storm damaged 845 buildings, completely destroying 117 of them.

A wayward coyote briefly shut down Nashville airport runways, frolicking in the fields before fleeing. Officials believe the coyote may have been hunting rabbits. See the story and video below in today’s edition.

We’re sponsored today by World Concern, a nonprofit offering an opportunity to help earthquake victims in Myanmar.

Open Carry Bill Stalls in Senate Committee

The State Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-4 Tuesday and defeated a proposed bill to allow Tennesseans with handgun permits to openly carry long guns in public.

The bill would have let handgun permit holders carry loaded long guns, including shotguns and high-powered rifles, except in schools, government buildings, and certain parks.

Republican State Sens. Todd Gardenhire and Paul Rose broke with their party to vote against the bill, likely ending the proposal’s chances this year in committee.

No action was taken Wednesday on the House version of the bill, which cannot become law without the Senate counterpart advancing.

School Ban on Red 40 Advances

A Tennessee bill to ban Red 40 food dye in public schools cleared the State House this week with an 88–5 vote.

Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Davis, HB 0134 would prohibit public and charter schools from offering food or drinks containing the artificial dye, except during fundraising events.

Davis cited health concerns linked to Red 40—commonly found in cereals, snacks, and drinks—though federal health officials say conclusive evidence is lacking.

The bill, which exempts vending machines and concessions, would take effect August 1, 2027, pending Senate approval and the governor’s signature.

Nashville Updates Downtown Parking Rules

Nashville will overhaul its downtown street parking system this week, reducing rates and extending time limits to boost accessibility.

New signs will introduce tiered pricing and allow up to 10 hours of parking—up from the previous 2–3 hours. Designated economy zones will charge as little as $1 an hour.

The changes aim to fix longstanding issues with the Park Smart system and encourage more foot traffic to local businesses and events.

Parking enforcement hours remain the same, and drivers must still enter their license plate numbers at kiosks or a mobile app.

Flying together with our sponsor

It’s fallen out of the news cycle, but we know you won’t forget these families.

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Southeast Asia, leaving behind devastation, death, and despair. Homes have crumbled, families are displaced, and critical infrastructure has collapsed. At this moment, there are more than 3,000 reported dead, and aid groups have described the damage and needs as “staggering.”

Send Aid Now

➤ Memphis: Mayor Paul Young presented an $883 million budget to the City Council Tuesday, which also approved raising the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax to 4%. (More)

➤ Nashville: Authorities charged a woman with felony fraud and forgery Tuesday, alleging she forged a $36,741 check to remain enrolled at Tennessee State University. (More)

➤ Murfreesboro: The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced a $101 million infrastructure project to widen Old Fort Parkway and fund the Cherry Lane interchange with Interstate 840 in Murfreesboro. (More)

➤ Obion: Emergency crews rescued three people Tuesday after extreme currents capsized their boat; they were found clinging to trees two miles south of their launch site. (More)

➤ Washington County: BrightRidge contributed $82,248 to Washington County Schools Thursday, raising the electric utility’s three-year total for the Solar Schools Initiative to over $206,000. (More)

➤ Hendersonville: Authorities have warned that a viral social media post involving the Hendersonville Police Department and a rescued child is a hoax and urged residents not to share it. (More)

➤ Memphis Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells was released from the hospital after breaking his wrist in Tuesday’s fall and will be out indefinitely, according to his agent. (More)

➤ Lennie Acuff resigned as Lipscomb’s men’s basketball coach Wednesday, accepting the vacant coaching position at Samford University after leading the Bisons to the school’s second NCAA Tournament appearance. (More)

➤ Madison Little League, among the state’s oldest, will open its season this weekend after volunteers cleared storm debris and felled trees from the fields. (More)

➤ Love college athletics? Want to stay up to date on everything related to name, image, and likeness in sports? NIL Wire is just the place for you. Sign up here with one click!

➤ Trader Joe’s is set to open its first Murfreesboro store today, creating 65 new jobs as well as providing daily donations of all unsold products to local nonprofit organizations. (More)

➤ Small businesses and nonprofits in eight counties can apply for low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million from the Small Business Administration following the 2024 drought. (More)

➤ A new developer is taking over Clarksville’s 30-acre Vulcan site with plans to build housing, retail, and a grocery store, pending results of an environmental review. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Struggling to make ends meet? The Penny Hoarder offers practical resources to help you save money, reduce debt, and boost your income. Discover tips on lowering car insurance, earning extra cash online, and managing finances effectively. Start improving your financial well-being today with The Penny Hoarder’s expert guidance.

Flying together with our sponsor

Families in Myanmar are in need of emergency medical treatment, food, water, and vital services. World Concern has been working in Myanmar for decades, and is on the ground assessing needs, actively responding, and investing in the long-term rehabilitation of this region and its people. Please give today!

Your gift today can help provide:
· Emergency medical care, medicines, and vaccinations
· Safe water, hygiene kits, and sanitation services
· Emergency shelter and essential supplies for displaced families

Every moment counts—and every gift helps. Thank you for standing with the people of Myanmar in this time of urgent need.

Send Aid Now

➤ The Country Music Hall of Fame’s Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker exhibit will open May 20, and feature handwritten lyrics to Jolene, along with other legendary memorabilia. (See List)

➤ A coyote delayed flights at BNA before a news helicopter chased it off the runway. Officials believe it dug under a fence to hunt rabbits. (See Video)

➤ East Nashville’s annual Robot Parade returns Saturday, with participants wearing homemade robot costumes while dancing down Electric Avenue to the Eddy Grant hit of the same name. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Say goodbye to costly cable bills with the WaveLyte Digital Antenna! Enjoy crystal-clear HD channels for free, thanks to its 60-mile range and built-in signal amplifier. Easy to install and compatible with virtually any TV, it’s your ticket to endless entertainment without monthly fees. Order now and save 50%!