Over 1,400 Daily Real ID Appointments Added

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has expanded access to REAL ID services by adding 1,432 additional appointment slots per day at Driver Services Centers statewide, with the deadline now just three months away.

Approximately 2.7 million Tennesseans have obtained their REAL ID-compliant credentials, while 1.9 million have yet to do so, just three months ahead of the May 7 deadline.

To apply for a REAL ID, residents must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency.

The cost is $28 for renewals or first-time licenses, with an additional $8 to $12 fee for obtaining a REAL ID outside of the renewal period. For more information, visit the REAL ID website.

Parent Stops Potential School Attack

Two male juveniles, 14 and 15, are facing charges after authorities uncovered a possible planned attack on McMinn High School Thursday night.

Sheriff Joe Guy reported receiving a call around 10:30 p.m. from a parent of one of the juveniles who had discovered disturbing content involving their child.

A concerned parent found footage from November showing their son and another student wearing masks, brandishing pellet guns as if they were real firearms, and making statements about individuals they felt had “wronged” them, as well as their intentions toward other students. 

Both juveniles have been charged with conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism. One is currently in custody at the Bradley County Juvenile Detention Center, while the other is receiving treatment at a mental health facility.

Major League Pickleball Team Moving to Nashville

The Major League Pickleball franchise Frisco Pandas is relocating to Nashville and will soon be known as the Nashville Chefs.

Jared Paul will serve as the team’s general manager, guiding its future in Music City. The franchise’s ownership group, which includes Dude Perfect and NFL star Dak Prescott, believes the move will expand its fanbase and strengthen its brand.

“The excitement and energy around pickleball in Nashville is incredible,” Paul told The Kitchen. “This city is the perfect place to grow the game, build a passionate fanbase, and attract new sponsors who want to be part of something special.”

Aspiring players can participate in open tryouts on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at The Kitchen’s headquarters in Austin, Texas. One man and one woman will earn a contract, making them eligible for the league’s draft in March.

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➤ Lebanon: Two people were arrested after a stolen car was found carrying hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, along with materials to create fake IDs and credit cards. (More)

➤ Kingsport: Holston Habitat for Humanity celebrated breaking ground on its 265th home in the area as part of its 40 years of service in the Tri-Cities area. (Watch Video)

➤ Knox County: All public schools in the county remain closed through Tuesday due to illness, according to school officials, joining a growing list of East Tennessee schools to shut down over high numbers of flu cases. (More)

➤ Putnam County: An investigation is underway after a deadly officer-involved shooting on Monday that ended in the death of one man who reportedly crashed his car into a police vehicle before producing a firearm. (More)

➤ Sevierville: A Tennessee businessman is suing his local police, alleging they destroyed $850,000 of legal hemp, mistaking it for marijuana. (More)

➤ Cocke County: Crews are cleaning 200 miles of river in the next step of Helene recovery, with the state already collecting over 400,000 cubic yards of debris from East Tennessee waterways. (Watch Video)

➤ Former Tennessee Volunteer basketball star Dalton Knecht’s trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded, pairing him with LeBron James and newly acquired All-Star Luka Dončić. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies travel to play the Phoenix Suns tonight following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday that broke the team’s four-game win streak. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Vols baseball team looks to defend its title starting Friday as it kicks off the season on Valentine’s Day at home against Hofstra. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ The Tennessee Valley Authority, one of the state’s largest employers, is preparing for workers to fully return to the office and end remote work following a White House mandate. (More)

➤ The Anderson-DeBose Company is opening its first location in Jefferson City, investing nearly $40 million and creating 80 new jobs. (More)

➤ Universal Music Group Nashville has reorganized its leadership, naming Mike Harris as CEO and Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb as chief creative officer. (More)

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➤ Several state parks are offering special deals for Valentine’s Day, including The Lodge at Paris Landing and Fall Creek Falls State Park. (More)

➤ Southern Living released a list of the 12 most beautiful places in Tennessee according to locals, with Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Cumberland Gap leading the rankings. (See List)

➤ The Tennessee Aquarium offers several live webcams of its inhabitants, including adorable penguins and otters. (Watch Videos)

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