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The Commercial Appeal The Commercial Appeal
Endorsements pile up as Memphis, Tennessee elections approach

Endorsements pile up as Memphis, Tennessee elections approach

A teachers union endorsed a county mayoral candidate and President Donald Trump weighed in on the race for the state's 5th Congressional District.
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
TN lawmakers push to hold teachers accountable for sexual misconduct

TN lawmakers push to hold teachers accountable for sexual misconduct

A Nashville teacher was fired after students say he used AI to alter images of them in inappropriate ways. Now state lawmakers are pushing for change.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Why Knox County Schools is losing students despite the population boom

Why Knox County Schools is losing students despite the population boom

Is it vouchers? Homeschooling? Knox County Schools enrollment is declining, even as more and more families are moving to Knoxville.
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Greg Locke's Global Vision Bible Church Moves Amid Membership Decline

Greg Locke's Global Vision Bible Church Moves Amid Membership Decline

Global Vision Bible Church, led by Pastor Greg Locke, is relocating from its Mt. Juliet location to a new facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. This move follows a significant drop in church attendance, from a peak of around 3,000 to a few hundred members. The church's relocation to a 32,600-square-foot warehouse is part of efforts to revitalize the congregation. Locke, who founded the church in 2006, has been a controversial figure due to his outspoken social and political views. Recently, Locke faced a federal investigation for alleged misappropriation of church funds, coinciding with a personal tragedy involving the death of his son. Despite these challenges, Locke remains optimistic about the church's future, emphasizing a focus on dedicated followers.
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
Gov. Lee rejects execution pause, cites different reason for failure

Gov. Lee rejects execution pause, cites different reason for failure

The governor confirmed he has spoken with Senate leadership regarding a request for an independent review of the failed execution of Tony Carruthers.
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U.S. Women's Amateur 2026 Kicks Off at The Honors Course in Tennessee

U.S. Women's Amateur 2026 Kicks Off at The Honors Course in Tennessee

U.S. Women's Amateur 2026 Kicks Off at The Honors Course in Tennessee
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Officials Debate Road Construction's Role in McCaysville and Copperhill Flooding

Officials Debate Road Construction's Role in McCaysville and Copperhill Flooding

The cities of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, are recovering from severe flooding following a storm that dropped over seven inches of rain in eight hours. Local officials, including McCaysville's Chief of Police Michael Earley, suggest that ongoing State Highway 5 road construction may have exacerbated drainage issues, leading to significant flooding in downtown areas. Businesses, government buildings, and residential properties have been affected, with the McCaysville Police Department and Post Office among those flooded. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has acknowledged the storm's severity but has not confirmed construction as a contributing factor. GDOT plans to explore future mitigation strategies. Both cities are under boil water advisories due to damage to water treatment systems.
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Green Diamond Resource Company Sponsors National 4-H Forestry Invitational, Highlighting Youth Engagement in Forestry

Green Diamond Resource Company Sponsors National 4-H Forestry Invitational, Highlighting Youth Engagement in Forestry

The National 4-H Forestry Invitational, held from July 20 to July 23 at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center, saw participation from 15 states, including West Virginia. Sponsored by Green Diamond Resource Company, among others, the event featured various forestry-related competitions such as tree identification, compass and pacing, and a forestry bowl. The West Virginia team, coached by Jennifer Friend, included Camille Deaton, Carver Deaton, Emmy Haddix, and Abram Jenkins. Tennessee's Aiden McKenzie achieved the highest individual score, while Carver Deaton from West Virginia secured the third place. The event also recognized individuals with awards like the Joe Yeager 'Spirit of the Invitational' and the Tommy and Susan Futral Inspiration of the Invitational Award.
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Tennessee Prepares for 2026 Primary Election with Key Deadlines and Voter Information

Tennessee Prepares for 2026 Primary Election with Key Deadlines and Voter Information

Tennessee is gearing up for its primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026. The state has provided a comprehensive voter guide to inform residents about the candidates, voting procedures, and important deadlines. The guide includes details on who can vote in the primary election, the differences between primary and general elections, and a timeline of key dates. Tennessee operates open primaries, allowing voters to participate without being affiliated with a specific party. Key races include those for the governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state legislative positions. The voter registration deadline for the primary was July 7, 2026, and early voting is available from July 17 to August 1, 2026. The guide also outlines the requirements for absentee ballot requests and the necessary identification for voting.
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Blackburn and Rose in Tight Race for Tennessee Governor as Polls Narrow

Blackburn and Rose in Tight Race for Tennessee Governor as Polls Narrow

In the Tennessee gubernatorial race, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn's lead over U.S. Representative John Rose has significantly narrowed, with a recent poll showing Blackburn ahead by just 3.5 points. This development comes as the GOP primary approaches, with Blackburn's once-commanding lead diminishing. The poll, conducted by OnMessage Inc., surveyed 800 likely Republican primary voters, revealing that 34.5% support Blackburn, 31% back Rose, and 25.6% favor state Rep. Monty Fritts. The poll also indicated that Rose holds a slight lead among those who have already voted. The race has tightened following reports of a U.S. Senate ethics investigation into Blackburn's office, which found violations of Senate ethics rules. Despite the close race, Blackburn's campaign remains confident, citing internal polling that shows her with a more substantial lead.
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Tennessee GOP Primary Poll Shows Tight Race Between Blackburn and Rose

Tennessee GOP Primary Poll Shows Tight Race Between Blackburn and Rose

A recent poll conducted by OnMessage reveals a close race in the Republican primary for Tennessee governor between U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose. The poll indicates Blackburn holds a narrow lead with 34.5% support, while Rose follows closely with 31%. State Rep. Monty Fritts garners 25.6% support. The poll surveyed 800 likely Republican primary voters and has a margin of error of 3.5%. This development comes as Blackburn's once-commanding lead has diminished significantly, with Rose gaining momentum. The poll was conducted from July 23 to 25, and it is the first public poll since reports of a U.S. Senate ethics investigation involving Blackburn. The poll was not commissioned by any campaign, though it was conducted by a firm with past ties to Rose.
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Two Brooklyn Men Sentenced for $750,000 Gold Theft in Tennessee Treasury Scam

Two Brooklyn Men Sentenced for $750,000 Gold Theft in Tennessee Treasury Scam

Two men from Brooklyn, New York, Fei Wang and Zhi Huang, have been sentenced to 20 years in prison for their roles in a Treasury impersonation scam that defrauded a Tennessee man of $750,000 in gold. The scam began in April 2024, when the victim was convinced by individuals posing as U.S. Department of the Treasury officials that his identity and finances were at risk. He was instructed to liquidate his investments and purchase gold, which he then handed over to couriers under the pretense of safeguarding it. The victim complied three times before reporting the scam to authorities. A sting operation by the FBI Nashville Cyber Task Force led to the arrest of Wang and Huang when they attempted to collect more gold from the victim.