Tennessee
Some Tennessee state lawmakers strike partisan tones after assassination attempt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee lawmakers quickly reacted to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, with some immediately resorting to partisan talking points.
Democratic Rep. Antonio Parkinson of Memphis initially suggested the shooting might have been “staged,” while House Republican Leader William Lamberth of Portland blamed “an idiot liberal with a gun.”
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That was before anything was known about the shooter.
House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison of Cosby said responsibility lies with “the party of ‘tolerance, equity and inclusion,” while Democratic Sen. London Lamar of Memphis argued “the extremism of the MAGA regime has brought us to this moment.”
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Lamar later deleted that post.
Republicans have argued that Democrats have inflamed the rhetoric by arguing that Trump is a threat to democracy. But Trump has labeled President Joe Biden as “Crooked Joe” and claimed that “we’re not going to have a country” if Biden is re-elected.
More typical was the reaction from House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville. He tweeted, “As we wait for more news on @realDonaldTrump, join me in praying for him, his family and all the attendees at today’s rally in Pennsylvania.”
Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson, a Knoxville representative now running for the U.S. Senate, tweeted: “We condemn political violence of any kind, under any circumstances. We thank the Secret Service for their quick action and we hope and pray Former President Trump and others are not injured.”
Sissy arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in 2000, where caretakers began monitoring and managing her osteoarthritis. Sanctuary leaders said a recent progression of the disease caused what they described as “clear signs” of pain and swelling in her right wrist.
JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – The Tennessee Highway Patrol held an open house Thursday at the THP Jackson District Office in West Madison County for those interested in becoming a state trooper.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the various operations of the THP and the roles the department offers.
Trooper Tiffanie Williams said the career comes with competitive benefits and a sense of community responsibility.
“What makes us a good career choice is, one, base your retirement plan is pretty good, your benefits are pretty good. Also, just giving back to the community — we kind of hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Williams said.
For more information about the Tennessee Highway Patrol and how to get involved, click here.
Copyright 2026 WBBJ. All rights reserved.
Tennessee State men’s hockey has once again canceled its inaugural season.
The first ever ice hockey team at an historically Black, public university was expected to begin play in 2025-26, but the season was canceled due to a fundraising shortfall. Now, the team has canceled its 2026-27 season according to a source with knowledge of the situation who wished to remain anonymous because the news is not public.
The Tennessean reached out to Tennessee State president Dwayne Tucker, who decline to comment on the situation.
The Tennessee State’s men’s hockey website does not have a schedule, roster, or any team events listed on its website. The site’s most recent update was July 10 of last year, an announcement about the 2025-26 season cancellation. Requests for additional information about the hockey team have gone unanswered.
This delay in the start of the men’s hockey team comes three years after the team’s inception was announced at Bridgestone Arena ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Nashville Predators and NHL were instrumental in bringing a team to Tennessee State, and a representative with the Predators confirmed that support is ongoing.
While the 2025-26 cancellation followed unrest about the school’s financial situation, it’s unclear if this year’s cancellation is for the same reason or if its related to the school’s recent turmoil in the athletic department.
In May, six coaches gave a vote of no confidence for Tennessee State’s athletic director Mikki Allen. A letter to Dwayne Tucker on May 29 expressed concern about the “current direction, leadership, communication, and operational management of the athletic department” under Allen.
Men’s hockey coach Duante Abercrombie was not among the six coaches mentioned in the letter.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. He never uses artificial intelligence when developing or drafting stories. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
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