Supreme Court Declines Challenge to Drag Law

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Tennessee’s law restricting certain drag performances, allowing the 2023 measure to remain largely intact.

The law, which limits “adult-oriented performances” in public spaces or where minors may be present, was previously ruled unconstitutional by a Tennessee court, but a federal appeals court reversed that decision, saying the theater group that brought the challenge lacked standing.

The appeals court found the law only applies to performances deemed “harmful to minors,” while the theater group argued this interpretation unlawfully narrowed its scope.

Several Republican-led states have introduced similar laws, while advocates defend drag performances as a form of self-expression and inclusivity.

Blackburn Calls for Release of Epstein Documents

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to the FBI, U.S. Attorney General, and IRS requesting the release of records related to the international sex-trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Blackburn urged FBI Director Kash Patel to disclose flight logs, surveillance footage from Epstein’s private jet and Palm Beach home, and the alleged “little black book” listing individuals associated with Epstein and Maxwell.

The senator also sought IRS records identifying individuals or entities with financial ties to Epstein or Maxwell.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, while Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Oak Ridge Police Chase Runaway Pig

The Oak Ridge Police Department “detained” a pig on the loose, which caused problems for drivers.

“This isn’t exactly the ‘high-speed chase’ I had in mind,” the officer said in a humorous post on the department’s Facebook page. 

“This delinquent has been sent to the Fur-titude Correctional Facility (Animal Shelter) for further questioning,” the department added.

The pig was reportedly taken to a nearby animal shelter. Its owner has not been found.

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➤ Statewide: The labor department announced it will award $10.7 million to 38 organizations to expand the rural healthcare workforce, funding training, certifications, and apprenticeships across 91 non-metropolitan counties. (More)

➤ Clarksville: Officials at Dunbar Cave State Park reported that the 800-year-old cave art, the oldest in the U.S., was completely submerged following recent flooding. (Watch Video)

➤ Germantown: Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey is now in federal prison following a guilty plea to campaign violations in 2022, and he is scheduled to serve 21 months. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley announced the organization had a data breach. (More)

➤ Campbell County: A truck reportedly exploded Tuesday morning, catching a house on fire, with multiple area fire departments responding. (More)

➤ Memphis: A fire investigation is underway after a church building on the 700 block of East Trigg Avenue caught fire early Tuesday morning. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt announced it would play its Black and Gold spring football game on April 12, following the team’s first winning season since 2014 under quarterback Diego Pavia. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Volunteers men’s team ranked No. 5 in the new AP Top 25 list, with Memphis at No. 18. (More)

➤ The Lady Vols ranked No. 11 on the women’s basketball AP Top 25 list, moving up four spots after a win against Florida. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Pigeon Forge generated $2.4 billion from tourism last year, though the last quarter of 2024 saw a 1% decline in visitor spending. (More)

➤ McDermott Will & Emery, a prominent Chicago-based law firm, has announced the opening of its new healthcare law office in Nashville. (More)

➤ Mom+Pop Music has become the latest coastal music label to open an office in Music City, naming Katie Fagan as the president. (More)

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➤ The Chattanooga Zoo welcomed two new female warthogs named Big Girl and Peanut as part of its new Cape of Africa section. (See Photos)

➤ Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee announced its annual “Pack the Bag” campaign received funding to distribute over 136,000 bags of food to children in nearly 300 public schools and programs. (More)

➤ Nashville’s Urban Dog Bar is hosting its Mardi Gras Puppy Parade and Party on March 1, including beads, dog bandanas, and New Orleans cuisine. (More)

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