Tennessee
How The Unkind Raven bookstore gave new life to a Tennessee house built in 1845
Local independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.
This week we have Leah Gilkerson and Kaitlyn Parker of The Unkind Raven in Dandridge, Tennessee!
What’s your store’s story?
We had a vision that The Unkind Raven Booktique could bring our community together in a non-traditional way by hosting workshops, fundraisers and events. Our charming indie bookstore is nestled in downtown historic Dandridge inside a quaint 1845 building known as the Historic Hynds House. As a women-owned establishment, we’re proud to have opened our doors in December 2023, extending a warm welcome to all who step into our shop.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
We stand out by fostering community bonds through an array of classes, gifting children’s books, and housing a dedicated museum within our historic building, creating a space where stories come to life. Our commitment to creating a holistic literary experience sets us apart as more than just a bookstore, but a cultural hub for all to enjoy.
What’s your favorite section in your store?
Our most cherished spots within the bookstore are the cozy rooms, where one can immerse themselves in books, or enjoy spirited games with friends, creating lasting memories within the heart of our historic house.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” will always be recommended because of its stance against censorship and the upholding of literature. Additionally, John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” is such a classic that gets overlooked!
Why is shopping at local independent bookstores important?
It’s crucial as it directly supports the local economy, preserves community character, and sustains neighborhood livelihoods. These small shops often offer personalized recommendations, unique selections, and a sense of belonging, fostering a vibrant literary culture that celebrates individuality and diversity.
What are some of your store’s upcoming programs or partnerships you would like to share?
We are continuing to achieve this vision through the month of October with pottery, jewelry making, a release party and reading, The Unkind Raven One Year Anniversary Booktacular, cookie decorating, stained glass, and Halloween fun.
Bill Lee discuss National Guard deployment, gives message to Memphians
Gov. Bill Lee gives details on the upcoming deployment of National Guard troops and other state and national resources to Memphis to combat crime.
The Tennessee Court of Appeals will allow the National Guard to remain in Memphis after a recent court opinion.
In an opinion issued April 28, three Tennessee Court of Appeals judges ruled that the National Guard deployment by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in October 2025 can stay because the plaintiffs do not have standing to block the deployment.
The appellate ruling sends the case back to Davidson County Chancery Court for continued litigation, and found the group of Democratic lawmakers bringing the case did not have standing to sue.
According to the written opinion, judges cite a lack of standing from the plaintiffs to bring the lawsuit.
Plaintiffs Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley, Jr., Shelby County Commissioners Erika Sugarmon and Henri Brooks, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, State Reps. GA Hardaway and Gabby Salinas, and State Sen. Jeff Yarbro sued to block the deployment on Oct. 17.
Yarbro is from Nashville and is the only non-Shelby County official listed as a plaintiff.
“Our conclusion is not that no one has standing. It is, instead, that these individuals lack standing,” the opinion said.
The opinion reverses Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal injunction, which temporarily ordered the National Guard be withdrawn from Memphis, issued on Nov. 17, 2025.
On March 5, a panel of three judges from the Tennessee Court of Appeals heard arguments about the constitutionality of Lee’s deployment of the National Guard to Memphis.
The Tennessee Attorney General’s office filed the appeal weeks after Moskal granted a temporary injunction against the National Guard deployment. If that injunction were to go into effect, the guard would be withdrawn from Memphis pending the final ruling in the case.
Three questions were brought by the state to the appeal: whether plaintiffs invoked an available waiver of the government’s immunity (known as sovereign immunity) from being sued, if they have standing and if Lee violated state law in deploying the National Guard to Memphis.
Lack of standing from plaintiffs
The opinion did not rule whether Lee’s deployment of the National Guard to Memphis was legal, but instead held that the individuals who brought the lawsuit do not have proper standing to do so.
Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Andy D. Bennett wrote the opinion of the Court, which Judges Frank Clement Jr. and Jeffrey Usman signed on to. In their opinion, they state that the opinion of the court is not that no one has standing to bring the lawsuit, just that the legislators who did so lack standing.
In essence, the appellate ruling focused on the barrier to entry for suing and not the constitutionality of deploying the National Guard to Memphis.
According to the court, individual state legislators cannot bring an action against the government unless authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly. It also found that Lee’s decision to deploy the National Guard, stripping them of their right to vote on the issue, counted as “diffuse injuries to legislative bodies, not personal injuries of the individual legislators.”
“To the extent that there is a cognizable injury, any injury in not voting upon or debating the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard is shared equally by the other members of the respective legislative bodies. This is problematic for the legislative plaintiffs’ position because, as noted above, ‘individual members lack standing to assert the institutional interests of a legislature,’” the court found.
The same reasoning was applied locally to the members of the Shelby County Commission and Memphis City Council.
As to Harris’ involvement, the court found that any injuries to him or his office would instead be “purported injuries to Shelby County.”
“For example, he notes financial strains upon the county budget stemming from the National Guard’s presence. Mayor Harris is not the county itself, and he does not assert that the Shelby County Charter confers upon him the authority to file lawsuits on behalf of Shelby County. Absent such authority he has no ability to bring suit on behalf of Shelby County. In fact, the plaintiffs expressly indicate in their briefing on appeal that ‘Mayor Harris… is not purporting to proceed on behalf of Shelby County, but rather, is vindicating executive prerogatives that are vested exclusively in his office.’ Accordingly, while injuries to Shelby County could potentially provide a basis for asserting that the county itself has been injured, injuries to the county are not a basis for providing standing for Mayor Harris,” the court wrote.
Despite reversing Moskal’s decision on the temporary injunction, the appellate court said it is possible that someone does have standing to bring the case, just not the ones currently named as plaintiffs.
Brooke Muckerman is the education and children’s issues and politics reporter for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com.
Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Division of Forestry said a wildfire began burning in Pigeon Forge on Monday and is not contained.
According to the forestry division’s wildfire tracking map, the fire on Rocky Creek Way was first reported Monday evening. As of 10 p.m., it had grown to two acres in size and was 0% contained.
Additional information, including how many crews have responded and if any homes or businesses are in danger, hasn’t been released.
This is a developing story.
Copyright 2026 WVLT. All rights reserved.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – We’re starting the week with back to back First Alert Weather Days. The first one is tonight, Monday April 27, with another round of storms expected Tuesday night.
Both rounds bring a risk for damaging wind gusts greater than 60mph, hail larger than quarters, and tornadoes.
Damaging straight line wind will be the most widespread threat both nights. For Monday night the tornado threat is higher, with a lower risk for tornadoes.
By Tuesday night, the setup shifts slightly. Damaging wind remains the dominant hazard, but the risk for hail increases compared to tonight’s storms.
No matter which threat materializes, now is the time to prepare. Take a few minutes to secure any loose outdoor items that could be blown around in strong wind. If you have vehicles or outdoor furniture, consider ways to protect them from potential hail damage.
It’s also a good idea to review your severe weather safety plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.
It’s important to prioritize tools that can wake you up if you decide to go to sleep.
A NOAA weather radio is a great resource. First Alert Meteorologist Dan Thomas has step by step instructions to help program your NOAA Weather Radio. The process takes a few minutes and allows you to receive weather watches and warnings issued for your area.
The WSMV4 First Alert Weather App can alert you before trouble arrives. Download the WSMV 4 First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you have ‘locations’ and ‘notifications’ turned on when using a weather app.
Knowing where to go before a tornado warning is issued — at home or at work — can make a critical difference.
Three factors can help guide that decision.
Think windowless
The first step is finding an interior room without windows. A hallway, bathroom or closet can all serve as shelter options.
Think low
A basement is the preferred location, but if one is not available, move to the lowest level of the home or business. Sheltering under a stairwell provides extra protection, as does taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Think small
Putting as many walls as possible between you and the storm increases safety. A windowless closet or interior bathroom is among the best available options.
Blankets, pillows or a helmet can be brought to the shelter location to provide additional protection from the storm and flying debris.
Mobile homes and cars do not offer protection during a tornado. Anyone in either should seek a conventionally constructed building — a neighbor’s home, a family member’s house or a nearby business.
Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.
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