Tennessee
Four new women join an abortion lawsuit against Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Monday, four new women joined a lawsuit filed by the Center of Reproductive Rights against the State of Tennessee — Blackmon v. State of Tennessee.
Rachel Fulton, Monica Kelly, Kathryn Archer and Rebecca Milner joined the lawsuit. It was originally filed in September of 2023 on behalf of three patients and two physicians.
In November of 2023, the State of Tennessee filed a motion to dismiss the case.
“Tennessee’s abortion statute lawfully balances the State’s interest in protecting the lives of unborn babies with the health of their mothers. It does so by generally prohibiting the abortion of a child unless continuing a pregnancy would risk a mother’s life or cause substantial, long-term harm to her health,” the motion says in its introduction.
The lawsuit asks the court to “issue a declaratory judgment clarifying the scope of Tennessee’s Medical Condition Exception to its abortion ban.”
According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, this means they are asking for clarification regarding the scope of the medical necessity exception.
It is also asking for a block on the abortion ban as it applies to patients who have pregnancy complications that are dangerous to them, even as the case proceeds:
“To issue all declaratory or injunctive relief necessary to protect the health and lives of pregnant Tennesseeans with emergent medical conditions,” the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Barrett, Johnston, Martin, & Garrison LLC on behalf of patient plaintiffs Nicole Blackmon, Allyson Phillips, Kaitlyn Dulong, K. Monica Kelly, Kathryn Archer, Rebecca Milner, and Rachel Fulton — and on behalf of physician plaintiffs Heather Maune, M.D. and Laura Andreson, D.O. Defendants in the case include the State of Tennessee, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, and the Tennessee Board of Osteopathic Examination.
Carrie and Amy recommend:
Nashville artist’s colorful crayon craft has been a true gift
“Austin Pollack shows us the really cool art of Nashville artist, Herb Williams, whose work is featured all over the world. What really caught my attention was his story of being lost and found through his work after a personal tragedy. Heartbreaking and beautiful.”
-Carrie Sharp
” I loved the Crayon Artist story that Austin Pollack shared on NC5 This Morning at 9. He finds peace and therapy in immersing into his creativity, which helps him deal with emotional pain, I thought his art and his heart were beautiful.”
-Amy Watson
Tennessee
Tennessee releases availability update on star Nate Ament following injury
Tennessee star Nate Ament will miss a game against South Carolina on Tuesday, the program announced on Monday night. Ament was injured during a weekend contest against Alabama.
Ament was injured when he was rolled up on while going for a loose ball. His leg twisted awkwardly underneath him, and Ament immediately went to the locker room.
He would return briefly in the second half. Nate Ament even made a basket, but then he appeared to tweak his injury shortly after and returned to the bench. He did not re-enter the contest.
Tennessee issued a short statement on his availability against South Carolina. The program released the statement on Twitter.
“Nate Ament will not play tomorrow night at South Carolina,” Tennessee wrote. “Ament is out due to a right leg injury sustained Saturday against Alabama. The timetable for his return is to be determined and he will continue to be evaluated.”
A 6-foot-10, 207-pound freshman, Ament has been one of Tennessee’s best players all season. He is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 17.4 points per game. He’s also the team’s leading rebounder, securing 6.4 rebounds per game.
Nate Ament signs NIL deal with Reebok
On3’s Nick Schultz recently published a list of some of the top brands to sign college basketball freshmen to NIL deals. Ament was one of the top signees.
In addition to Arkansas star Darius Acuff, Ament signed with Reebok this year. Ament was the crown jewel of Tennessee’s recruiting class. He signed with the brand in October 2024 while he was the No. 4 overall player from the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Nate Ament sits second on the Tennessee roster with 17.4 points per game, and his 6.4 rebounds on average leads the Vols. Additionally, his $1.3 million On3 NIL Valuation ranks No. 14 in college basketball and No. 56 in the On3 NIL 100.
On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.
Tennessee
Volunteers needed for community-wide cleanup day with Hands On Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Thursday, Hands On and NewsChannel 5 staff will come together for a community-wide cleanup day.
The event, sponsored by NewsChannel 5 will take place from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 as we assist in winter storm cleanup.
If you’d like to help volunteer, you can sign up here.
Rhori, Carrie, Lelan and Brittany will all be helping assist residents removing and sorting debris.
Important details for those wishing to volunteer:
- This may require lifting and carrying objects that weigh 20+ pounds.
- Closed-toe shoes and long pants required. Heavy soles and steel toes preferred. Gloves and safety goggles will be provided, or you may bring your own.
- Current tetanus vaccination recommended. Chainsaws, utility crews, and heavy equipment will be active in the area.
- Volunteers under the age of 18 are prohibited from participating.
- Eat before you arrive and bring a water bottle, if needed.
Nashville’s Jefferson Street Sound Museum named stop on U.S. Civil Rights Trail
The Jefferson Street Sound Museum is a great little gem in North Nashville. The founder and curator turned his home into a museum to keep the legacy of historic Jefferson street alive. Now, it’s been named a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Aaron Cantrell takes us inside.
– Lelan Statom
Tennessee
Vanderbilt women’s basketball beats Lady Vols for second-ever win in Knoxville
KNOXVILLE ― Vanderbilt women’s basketball won at Tennessee for only the second time in program history, beating the Lady Vols 87-77 at Food City Center on March 1.
The Commodores (27-3, 13-3) are the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament, which begins March 4 in Greenville, South Carolina.
The regular-season finale featured multiple runs by both teams. Tennessee went on an 8-0 run in the second quarter and took a six-point lead into halftime. Vanderbilt went on an 8-0 run to end the third quarter, then went a 10-0 run in the fourth to put the game away.
The Commodores, who shot 53% from the field, were led by Mikayla Blakes, who finished with 34 points. Aubrey Galvan had 24 points, four rebounds and five assists, and Sacha Washington had 16 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
“The season has been really special, to be able to end it here at Tennessee with a win and secure I think the No. 2 seed in the SEC tournament,” coach Shea Ralph said. “So the double bye, it feels really cool. I’m happy for the team, but we are literally just getting started.”
Tennessee (16-12, 8-8) outrebounded Vanderbilt 32-29. The Commodores shot 17-for-20 on layups and had 27 fast-break points. Tennessee was 10-for-24 on layups.
Vanderbilt’s SEC Tournament seed
The SEC Tournament will be held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Vanderbilt will start play on March 6 and holds a bye into the quarterfinals, where it will play the No. 7 or No. 10 seed at approximately 5 p.m. CT.
Mikayla Blakes stats
Blakes put up another 30-point performance, her third straight and eighth in her past nine games. She added six rebounds and four assists, but also had six turnovers.
She made six 3-pointers, which ties her season high.
“She had 34 but her biggest buckets were when we had to happen,” Ralph said. “Her biggest moments in this game were when we had to happen. That kid shows up every time.”
Third straight rivalry win
Vanderbilt now has three straight wins over the Lady Vols, beating them last season in Nashville and once in the SEC Tournament.
“I think Tennessee is a great team,” Ralph said. “They will be for as long as women’s basketball exists. Playing here in front of this crowd is tough. It’s tough. So I was really proud of our team for being able to figure it out the second half and win, especially here at Tennessee.”
The Commodores have their most SEC wins in program history.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.
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