MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — The recently formed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, led to the dismantling of several government agencies — one of which provides millions of dollars in grants to libraries and museums across the country, including Tennessee.

In an executive order earlier this month, President Trump called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which was established in 1998 by a Republican-led Congress. A local museum director worries these cuts will impact children, especially those in rural counties.

On an average afternoon, the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring welcomes around 200 kids from across the state. They’re having fun while also learning.

“I’ve learned about the animals outside and about the insects and stuff,” said one child visiting the center.

Everything they’re taught revolves around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, or STEAM.

“We’ve been learning about solids, liquids, and gases,” said another child who was on a field trip with his school.

These visits can inspire them to aim for the stars.

“We have testimonials from current pilots who grew up flying the little simulator that was here, and now they’re pilots, or another scientist who is working on disease and was influenced by the water table,” said Discovery Center President and CEO Tara MacDougall.

This work at the museum wouldn’t be possible without donations and grants; since 2008, they have received more than $2.1 million from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“A lot of our work that has been awarded through IMLS has to do with focusing on rural counties,” explained MacDougall.

Projects like renovating a school bus into a mobile science lab take the educational experience to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have these opportunities. However, a recent executive order is dismantling the agency.

MacDougall says she supports government efficiency but worries about the ripple effect this could have on children. “That will have a devastating effect, specifically on our rural counties,” added MacDougall.

Currently, they are at the end of a four-year leadership grant from IMLS and do not know if they will receive the last part of the funds.

“Our last big effort with this grant is with educators across the state of Tennessee,” said MacDougall. “So, it would interrupt what we had promised we were going to provide them, and that affects all children in Tennessee.”

The Trump administration says it will revitalize the agency and restore focus on patriotism.

“There’s no more organic way of feeling patriotic and learning about your country than by excelling in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math,” said MacDougall. “That builds a tremendous sense of pride, and it really develops leaders for the future.”

Though IMLS makes up less than .01% of the federal budget, it is the largest source of federal funding for libraries and helps museums across the country. On Monday, March 31, the Trump administration placed the staff of the agency on administrative leave.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at Patsy.Montesinos@NewsChannel5.com

The Tennessee Titans are getting close to officially closing the chapter on the Will Levis era.

Levis may still be with the Titans next year, but he will likely become a backup for whoever the team takes with the No. 1 overall pick.

Though Levis may be due for a demotion, that doesn’t mean he won’t get another opportunity to play again for the Titans or another team.

If and when he gets the opportunity to start, he will have to fix parts of his game, according to CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso.

“The brilliant flashes from Levis in Year 1 gave way to inopportune and at times ridiculous decisions on turnovers early in the season that were only made worse by more injuries for what we are realizing is a pretty reckless quarterback. He’s higher than Anthony Richardson because there’ve been longer stretches of quality play — like that amazing comeback in Miami in prime time as a rookie in 2023, and a 98-yard touchdown last season,” Trapasso writes.

“Levis needs to acknowledge taking the easy completion or throwing the football away is completely fine — and actually needed — to succeed in the NFL.”

A lot of Levis’ struggles may have been linked to the Titans’ offensive line woes. He was constantly under duress with pressure seeping through the trenches, and that forced him into some errant throws and turnovers.

Perhaps his next opportunity will have a stronger offensive line, and that could give Levis more time to make the smarter passes. It will be interesting to see how Levis responds to what’s about to happen to him, but if he can find a way to get better, he could wind up in the conversation towards being a starter again, similar to how Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield had their downs before their ups.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — An unrelenting need continues, and the doctor’s orders for this prescription can’t be filled at any pharmacy.

Passionate to share Blood Assurance’s message, Brooke Katz, who is the media relations coordinator, says fewer people have donated while the number of people in need of blood goes up here in Middle Tennessee.

“The thing that people don’t realize is how important this is,” said Katz. “Blood is a medicine, and it is being used every single day.”

Hospitals rely on people willing to give a piece of what keeps them alive. Katz explained how the 30 to 45-minute process works, so someone who hasn’t yet donated blood might consider it.

“Nobody loves needles, but I promise it does not hurt at all, and that is probably the shortest part,” said Katz. “When you donate here, it is helping local patients in this community.”

Blood Assurance supplies blood to the majority of hospitals in Middle Tennessee. The donation supply is currently upheld by a few donors.

“Out of all of the eligible people in the population who could donate, only about 3 percent do,” said Katz.

Blood Assurance makes incentives for the unyielding demand.

“If you donate through the 31st, so tomorrow, you will be entered to win a $500 e-gift card,” said Katz. “And then beginning in early April, on April 1st, we are giving away $100 gift cards to five people.”

Organizations can also host a blood drive through Blood Assurance.

Katz shared a message from a life-giving donor she met.

“She knows the good that it does,” said Katz. “And so I like her message: she said, ‘Do it scared; just do it.’”

For more information on how to donate, find locations, or organize a blood drive, visit Blood Assurance’s website.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (Kim.Rafferty@newschannel5.com).