TURTLETOWN, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Tennessee man died Sunday after he fell from a raft while paddling on the Ocoee River in Polk County, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

The TWRA said game wardens and Tennessee State Park Rangers responded to just south of Ocoee Dam No. 2 for reports of an unconscious man on the Ocoee River.

Witnesses told officials that 50-year-old Richard White, of Cleveland, fell from a raft while paddling on the river. Bystanders pulled him from the water and performed CPR until emergency services arrived.

The TWRA said White was taken to Bradley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

White was wearing protective equipment, including a helmet and a personal floatation device, the TWRA said.

The investigation is ongoing.

This incident marks the sixth boating-related fatality this year, the TWRA said. This is the first death this year in which the victim was wearing a life jacket.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee has approved funding for Summer EBT benefits that will put money directly on families’ grocery cards, but the program will not kick in until summer 2027.

This delay leaves families to find other resources for the upcoming summer.

The program will make way for eligible families to get $120 in federal funds per child to spend on groceries during summer months when kids lose access to school breakfast and lunch.

About 700,000 Tennessee children would qualify for the benefit.

Tennessee participated in 2024 but skipped the program for 2025 and 2026.

Advocates like Marissa Spady, senior manager at No Kid Hungry, say the program couldn’t be more critical.

“It’s very exciting to know that families will have the resources that they need to make sure that their children are able to head back to school in August with having the nutrition they need to be ready to learn,” Spady said.

The program allows families to use benefits at grocery stores and farmers markets they already shop at, bringing millions of federal dollars into Tennessee’s economy.

For families needing help this upcoming summer, you can check with your school district about summer meal sites and other resources.

To learn more about how this delay impacts local families and what resources are available now, watch the full video report above. Have questions or a story idea? Reach out to me directly at Eric.Pointer@NewsChannel5.com.

This story was reported by Eric Pointer and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Eric Pointer and our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – President Donald Trump and other top leaders in the U.S. are unharmed after being evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner when a shooter opened fire at the hotel the event was being held.

The Associated Press reported that the incident happened outside the ballroom where the dinner was being held. The correspondents’ dinner was scrapped and will be rescheduled.

The FBI said the shooter is in custody.

During a press conference after the incident, President Trump said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons before being stopped.

Trump unharmed after security incident at White House correspondents’ dinner

Trump responds after shooter opened fired at correspondents’ dinner

Some Tennessee lawmakers have shared their reactions to the on social media.

Gov. Bill Lee:

Congressman Andy Ogles, who was at the dinner, posted a video to X saying he and his other colleagues were safe.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn:

Sen. Bill Hagerty:

U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps:

The AP reported that the FBI Washington field office is investigating the shooting.