Tennessee
Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police says Metro officer acted lawfully when stopping THP trooper
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A routine traffic stop in Nashville became a test of authority after a Metro police officer attempted to pull over a vehicle driven by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper.
Newly released body camera video shows the Metro officer initiating the stop after clocking a black SUV traveling 85 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone. Police records indicate the officer followed the vehicle for several miles before it came to a stop.
When the driver exited the SUV, he identified himself as a state trooper. The exchange that followed quickly escalated with both officers asserting authority and disrupting the circumstances of the stop.
The Metro police officer demanded identification and told the trooper he was not free to leave. The trooper responded that he was “the police” and suggested they were preparing to move on.
The trooper later said he had blue lights activated, indicating they were responding to other business.
The Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police said that flashing blue lights alone do not override a lawful traffic stop.
“He was doing his job,” Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police President Scottie Delashmit said. “The officer was trying to ensure there was no threat to the public.”
The incident drew heightened attention after it was confirmed that Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
In a statement to News 2, Sexton criticized the Metro police officer’s conduct, describing it as overzealous and unsafe. He said he does not believe the state trooper violated traffic laws.
“Any vehicle traveling above a posted speed limit should have emergency lights and sirens operating under Tennessee state law,” DeLashmit said. “Otherwise, you are to adhere to the same traffic laws anyone else does.”
Delashmit said incidents like this highlight the need for clear communication and de-escalation, particularly when multiple law enforcement agencies are involved.
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“This is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided if there had been clearer communication and immediate compliance,” he said.
Following the incident, the Metro Nashville Police Department opened an internal investigation after concerns were raised by the House Speaker’s chief of staff. The review examined whether the Metro police officer violated department policy.
According to MNPD records, the traffic stop was lawful, and the officer acted within policy. Allegations of misconduct were either exonerated or found to be unfounded.
The History of Earth Day
A comprehensive look at the evolution of Earth Day from its 1970 origins to a global environmental movement.
Earth Day, the annual event which promotes environmental protection and awareness, is this week.
Celebrating its 56th year, this year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” which stresses the importance of communities, educators, workers and families working together toward environmental progress.
“‘Our Power, Our Planet’ is not a political statement. It is a commitment to stewardship, resilience, and shared accountability — a call for every individual, community, and sector to exercise their power in service of the planet we all depend on,” reads the 2026 manifesto.
To celebrate Earth Day 2026, the Tennessee State Parks system will be offering educational, recreational and volunteer events across the state.
Here’s what to know.
When is Earth Day 2026?
Earth Day is April 22.
According to Earthday.org, the movement’s founders — inspired by the student anti‑war protests of the 1960s and 1970s — chose a weekday falling between Spring Break and final exams to maximize the greatest student participation.
Why is Earth Day celebrated?
The history of Earth Day dates back to 1962 with Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestselling book, “Silent Spring” which raised awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the links between pollution and public health.
U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, was concerned about worsening environmental conditions and galvanized by the massive 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara. He launched the idea that would become Earth Day.
Nelson partnered with Republican U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes to organize nationwide teach‑ins on April 22, expanding the effort beyond college campuses and rebranding it as Earth Day, an event that quickly gained national media attention and widespread public participation.
Tennessee State Parks system celebrates Earth Day 2026
Here’s a look at events planned by region, happening on and around April 22.
West Tennessee
Middle Tennessee
East Tennessee:
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Big hearts, small hands! Tennessee kids are stepping up to make a big difference this summer.
First Lady Maria Lee on Tuesday announced the eighth annual Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge, encouraging young students to dedicate part of their summer to helping others.
The program, part of the Tennessee Serves initiative, runs from June 1 through Aug. 1 and is open to rising kindergarteners through rising sixth graders across the state.
Participants must complete at least two hours of service across two of eight designated categories to finish the challenge, with top participants earning an invitation to a September carnival at the Tennessee Residence.
Since its launch in 2019, more than 3,500 children have contributed over 15,000 hours of service through activities ranging from park cleanups to assisting nursing homes and raising funds for disaster relief.
Registration opened Tuesday, with parents and guardians able to sign up participants and access additional details through the First Lady’s official website.
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