TN-7 Special Election Comes to a Head

Protesters Rally Against Avelo Airlines at BNA

Immigration activists staged a protest Sunday at Nashville International Airport (BNA), urging travelers to boycott Avelo Airlines over claims that the company helps operate deportation flights.

Organized by the Nashville Boycott Avelo Movement, the demonstration was part of a nationwide protest in more than 20 cities.

Protesters say Avelo holds a contract with ICE, but the airline denies that claim. 

Avelo says it has no contracts with ICE or Homeland Security but has operated government charters under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Holiday Festivities Light Up East Tennessee

East Tennessee is gearing up for a packed holiday season, with festive events happening from Knoxville to Gatlinburg and beyond.

Highlights include UT’s A Christmas Carol at Clarence Brown Theatre, the Fantasy of Trees fundraiser, and light displays like the Knox County Festival of Lights and Smokies Winter Wonderland.

Parades are planned in Clinton, Karns, Gatlinburg, and Lenoir City, while kids can visit Santa at West Town Mall or ride the Christmas Lantern Express train.

Most events run through early January, offering free or low-cost fun for families across the region.

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➤ Statewide: The Tennessee Valley Authority awarded $1.5 million in grants to 339 Tennessee schools to support student projects in science, technology, engineering, and math. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The brother of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was arrested for public intoxication during the fourth quarter of the Commodores’ win over Tennessee after a dispute with event staff. (More)

➤ Also Knoxville: Crews will drill core samples this week at Chilhowee Park as part of a study to address frequent flooding around Lake Ottosee and nearby properties. (More)

➤ Martin: City leadership is scrambling to reorganize after its longtime mayor and economic development director resigned following indictments for misusing over $450,000 in public funds. (More)

➤ Murfreesboro: Activists protested recent Rutherford County Library System decisions, including book removals and policy changes, by rallying ahead of a city council meeting. (More)

➤ Johnson City: Christmas light shows have opened for the season, including Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, with a North Pole theme, and Candy Land Christmas, which features 180 decorated trees. (More)

➤ Tennessee basketball moved up four spots to No. 13 in this week’s men’s basketball AP Poll, while Vanderbilt made the biggest leap of any team in the country, ascending seven spots to No. 17. (See Full Poll)

➤ Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield was hired away to become Arkansas’ newest head coach. Silverfield finishes his Tigers tenure with a 50-24 record in six seasons. (More)

➤ Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut claims Jaguars punter Logan Cooke threatened his life during their game on Sunday: “I was just trying to play hard, and he came up to me and said he was going to kill me… I don’t know what made him do that.” (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Baristas at a Starbucks on Memphis’ Poplar Avenue walked off the job Saturday as part of the national Red Cup Rebellion strike, leaving the store closed until further notice. (More)

➤ In other coffee news, the team behind Nashville’s Pinewood Social has launched Pinewood Coffee. The new roasting brand, based in Franklin, features ethically sourced beans. (More)

➤ The Mall at Johnson City has been acquired by Spinoso Real Estate Group and Tryperion Holdings, which is planning to enhance the shopping experience. (More)

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➤ A former Brentwood teacher celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by former students and loved ones, honoring her life of service, from WWII aviation studies to decades in education. (See Video)

➤ Chattanooga native and WNBA guard Rhyne Howard visited Hardy and Woodmere elementary schools to donate winter coats, sign autographs, and inspire students. (See Photos)

➤ A University of Tennessee professor received a Fulbright award to study at a university in the Philippines, focusing on South China Sea tensions and U.S.-Philippine relations. (More)

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What’s your festive beverage of choice?

1. Eggnog
2. Hot chocolate
3. Peppermint mocha
4. Mulled wine
5. Other (reply to tell us!)

Previous Results:

When it comes to Christmas trees, which team are you on—real or artificial?

1. Artificial tree: 39%
2. Real tree: 33%
3. No tree at all: 28%

Who was Tennessee’s first member of the U.S. House of Representatives?

Show me the answer