Tennessee

Here are a few key Tennessee Legislative races to follow on Election Day

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2024

Here are a few key Tennessee Legislative races to follow on Election Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — When it comes to the control of the Tennessee Legislature, our political analyst Pat Nolan thinks it will remain comfortably in Republican hands.

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, and this is a big elephant,” said Nolan.

That being said, he thinks both parties have some tight races, where they’ll have the chance to flip some seats.

District 75 in Clarksville

Allie Phillips, the Democratic nominee in House District 75 in Clarksville, got national attention for having to seek an abortion out of state. She was told by doctors her child wouldn’t survive birth.

She’s taking on Republican incumbent Rep. Jeff Burkhart, a former fireman, Clarksville businessman and former Clarksville City Councilmember. Republican insiders think Burkart’s seat is likely safe, but Phillips has the advantage when it comes to fundraising.

“She’s outraised her incumbent opponent two to one, is an indication that not only outside money may be coming in, but local money too. That may be a sign of support,” said Nolan.

District 67 in Clarksville

Rep. Ronnie Glynn, the Democratic incumbent in the House District 67 race, is a business owner and military veteran. He’s being challenged by Republican nominee Jamie Dean Peltz. Peltz works in the healthcare field and volunteers with non-profits in the community.

Glynn only won the 2022 election by about 150 votes, so this race could be razor tight as well.

District 49 in Smyrna

Pat is also watching Smyrna’s House District 49 race, where community organizer Luis Mata, who works with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) won the Democratic nomination. He’s challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Sparks, a longtime businessman and former Rutherford County Commissioner.

Smyrna has long been a Republican stronghold, but Nolan wonders if the district may be turning a little more purple.

“Over time, the demographics in that district might become a little more Democratic there,” said Nolan.

District 60 in Hermitage/Old Hickory

Former staffer for Republican Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Chad Bobo, is the Republican nominee in the Hermitage House District 60 Race. He’s taking on Shaundelle Brooks, the mother of Alkilah Desilva, who was tragically killed in the 2018 Waffle House shooting.

There’s no incumbent in this race, with longtimeRep. Darren Jernigan deciding to not seek another term and work in Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration. But Nolan thinks Brook’s appeal for gun safety could be compelling in this race.

“Running around town in Nashville, particularly after what happened in the Covenant shooting, that has a lot of bipartisan elements in it too,” he said.

Early Voting in Tennessee ends October 31st. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th.

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Tennessee

Tennessee releases availability update on star Nate Ament following injury

Published

1 hour ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

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.

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Tennessee

Volunteers needed for community-wide cleanup day with Hands On Nashville

Published

13 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

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

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Vanderbilt women’s basketball beats Lady Vols for second-ever win in Knoxville

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

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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