Tennessee
New Tennessee law puts an end to spam texts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — If you hate getting spam texts, then you are in luck. July 1st a new bill goes into effect in Tennessee that will help finally put an end to them.
Ahead of the Do Not Text law going into effect, you can submit you phone number online to be taken off of solicitation lists.
The new bill extends the penalties that apply to telephone solicitations to text messages too. That means the people sending text messages about property, investments, goods and services can face a fine of $2,000 per violation.
There are some exemptions though, like non-profits asking for donations, if the person being contacted actually inquired about something, or if there was a previous business relationship with the person contacted.
Political texts are also exempt from this bill.
Once you register your phone number on the do not call and text list you can also fill out a complaint form against the number that keeps contacting you.
Read the full details of the bill here.
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Tennessee
Affidavit: Tennessee cop faces DUI, assault charges, stopped for going 104 miles per hour
A Hendersonville police officer has been decommissioned and temporarily suspended from duty pending an internal investigation after he was stopped by a Sumner County deputy Monday and charged with driving under the influence and assault on an officer, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
According to an arrest affidavit, Steven Wilson was driving 104 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per hour zone on Highway 86, and he continued on toward Exit 6 after a deputy activated his overhead lights and siren in an attempt to stop him.
Wilson was seen with “bloodshot-watery eyes” and the odor of intoxicating beverage was coming from his vehicle once he did pull over, the affidavit said.
When he was asked to get out of his car, Wilson asked Deputy Oscar Vazquez to turn off his body camera, the affidavit notes. It also said that when Vazquez refused, Wilson grabbed at the deputy’s body camera repeatedly and eventually grabbed at Vazquez’s left wrist.
Body camera footage also shows Wilson grab his car keys off the hood of Vazquez’s cruiser and begin walking back to his car before Vazquez grabbed Wilson, the affidavit said.
A struggle ensued, and Vazquez is heard asking responding officers to “step it up” in coming to the scene, the affidavit notes of the footage.
At least four responding deputies and a Hendersonville police officer arrived and struggled to gain control of Wilson, who was warned he would be Tased, the affidavit said.
Four deputies were ultimately able to take Wilson to the ground and handcuff him, the affidavit said.
Vazquez suffered a cut near the pinky finger of his left hand while trying to handcuff Wilson, but he did not seek medical attention for the wound, according to documentation from authorities.
Wilson did not consent to a blood test, but the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant for one and conducted a blood draw shortly before 4 a.m. on Monday.
A search of Wilson’s car revealed two small Jack Daniels bottles and two unopened White Claw beverages, authorities noted.
“Based on the speeds he was traveling, his intoxication, and his action during the traffic stop, I believe that Mr. Wilson was a danger to himself and the public,” the affidavit said.
Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.
Tennessee
Titans fire general manager Ran Carthon
The Tennessee Titans have fired general manager Ran Carthon per Jim Wyatt. President of Football Operations Chad Brinker will be retained and will conduct the search for a new general manager per Wyatt’s report. The report also confirms that Brian Callahan will be retained as the Titans’ head coach.
Ran Carthon was hired in January of 2023 to succeed Jon Robinson who had been fired during the 2023 season. In his two years here, the team compiled a 9-25 record. Just putting that record out there without context isn’t fair to Carthon, however. He took over a roster that was depleted of talent after Robinson had three really bad drafts in a row.
Carthon’s 2024 draft looks like it could end up being pretty good. JC Latham had a solid rookie year and looks like a tackle the Titans can count on going forward. T’Vondre Seat showed some promise in his rookie season, though they need him to develop as a pass rusher. Jarvis Brownlee held his own at cornerback after the two guys they brought in, Chidobe Awuzie and L’Jarius Sneed were injured for the majority of the season.
But at the end of the day, this roster really is not any better than the one Carthon inherited when he was hired. It was always curious that Carthon hired Brinker and Brinker ended up being promoted over him in less than a year here. That was a pretty strong indication that people inside the organization were not happy with the job Ran was doing.
Last year, Amy Adams Strunk chose to keep Carthon over Mike Vrabel. You have to wonder if she regrets that decision now just a year later.
Full statement from AAS:
“I’ve loved the time I’ve spent with Ran. He’s a talented football mind, a great man, and friend to everyone along his path,” Strunk said in the statement. “It’s impossible to ignore that our football team hasn’t improved over the past two years. I am deeply disappointed in our poor win-loss record during this period, of course, but my decision also speaks to my concern about our long-term future should we stay the course.
“I love this team more than you can imagine. To our fans: we know this level of performance isn’t acceptable. We’re humbled by your support as we continue to work towards building the team you expect and deserve.”
Tennessee
What schools are closed Tuesday? Middle Tennessee school closures, delays due to weather
‘Heaviest snowfall in over a decade’: Winter storm impacting millions
A massive winter storm is bringing bitter cold temperatures, rain and snow to more than 60 million Americans.
A strong cold front brought freezing temperatures and some snow showers to Middle Tennessee this week.
While the precipitation was expected to taper off Monday evening, moisure left on the roads could freeze overnight, the National Weather Service in Nashville reported.
Williamson County Schools reported car accidents, black ice events and road closures.
Here’s what Middle Tennessee schools are closed on Tuesday.
Middle Tennessee school closings and delays
- Cheatham County Schools: two-hour delay
- Franklin Special School District: closed
- Williamson County Schools: closed
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