Tennessee

Lottery ticket wins $1 million; Tennessee police say clerk tried to steal it

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2024

Lottery ticket wins million; Tennessee police say clerk tried to steal it

MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A man who won $1 million in the Tennessee lottery almost never saw his winnings.

That’s because a clerk at the store where he bought the ticket attempted to steal it without the the purchaser ever knowing he actually won, authorities say. Now Meet Patel, 23, is being held in jail on a $100,000 bond in Rutherford County on a charge of theft, CNN reports.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office tells WSMV Channel 4 the victim purchased two $20 Diamond and Gold lottery tickets at a Shell gas station where Patel worked. The victim, whose identity has not been released, only scratched off the front bar codes on the tickets then asked Patel to check they were winners, WTVF Channel 5 reports.

Patel is accused of giving the man the $40 winner, but then tossing the $1 million winner in the trash. Authorities say store video shows Patel later remove the ticket from the trash and put it in his pocket.

“Mr. Patel is then seen later in the video celebrating in the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and learning it was a $1 million winner,” Det. Dennis Ward said, according to CNN.

Reports say Patel tried to claim the prize at the lottery headquarters in Nashville, but lottery officials immediately became suspicious. Ward said a normal line of questioning set off “red flags.” Lottery officials held onto the ticket and told Patel to “get his affairs in order.” Patel was later arrested and charged.

“The feel-good side of this story is the (the father) never knew he was the winner until we made contact with him,” Detective Lt. Steve Craig tells WSMV. “That is absolutely life-changing money.”

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Tennessee

Tennessee Titans head coach interview schedule takes shape

Published

11 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Tennessee Titans head coach interview schedule takes shape

The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.

Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.

Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.

Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.

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Tennessee

419 sober drivers in Tennessee arrested for DUI in 2024, according to TBI

Published

23 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

419 sober drivers in Tennessee arrested for DUI in 2024, according to TBI

New data released Monday by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shows 419 sober drivers were arrested for DUI in Tennessee in 2024, the highest number of wrongful arrests in a single year since WSMV4 Investigates first started obtaining the data.

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Tennessee

Sick and tired: Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee

Published

1 day ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Sick and tired: Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Tennessee health officials say flu activity is rising sharply in around Chattanooga, with counties surrounding Hamilton showing some of the highest rates in the state.

Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Tennessee Dept. of Health. Photo via the Tennessee Health Dept.

Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These counties have flu positivity rates greater than 10 percent. By comparison, the statewide average is 6.5 percent, and Hamilton County itself is at 6.9 percent.

State and federal health experts say the surge comes as influenza A(H3N2) continues to circulate widely. The CDC reports at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide so far this season. One pediatric death was reported this week in Tennessee, bringing the season total to nine nationwide.

File photo: Getty Images.

Georgia officials are also reporting higher-than-average flu activity, signaling that the region is experiencing a particularly active season. Health authorities encourage residents six months and older to get vaccinated if they have not already and to take precautions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.

Flu activity is expected to remain elevated in Tennessee and across the U.S. for several more weeks, according to the CDC. Local hospitals and clinics are urging families to monitor symptoms and seek care early, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.

For the latest guidance on influenza vaccination and antiviral treatments, visit the Tennessee Department of Health or the CDC at cdc.gov.

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