Tennessee
TWRA opens wildlife photography competition
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has officially opened their 2025-2026 photo contest for their annual Tennessee Wildlife calendar.
Photographers can submit up to 10 pictures of wildlife species native to Tennessee. Selected entries will appear in the calendar, which is formatted from August through July to allow for the inclusion of hunting season dates. Additionally, photographers will receive a $60 cash prize if their picture is selected.
Even photos that are not selected will be retained on file by the TWRA and will be considered for use in other TWRA publications, license cards, webpages and more, the agency noted in a press release.
Photographs taken while hunting, fishing and boating are also welcome. There are a few things to keep in mind for your submission:
- Be sure to turn in your photograph by March 17, 2025.
- Make sure that the submitted image is horizontal (landscape) and not vertical.
- Make sure that your photograph is in .JPEG format.
- Photographs should have a resolution of at least 300 pixels per inch.
- It can be sized to print no smaller than 8.5 by 11 inches.
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Follow this link to submit your entry.
Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine of the TWRA. It’s $10 for a one-year subscription, $17 for a two-year subscription and $25 for a three-year subscription. Follow this link to sign up online. You can also mail in a form or call (615) 532-0476 to get a subscription.
Tennessee is recruiting toward its 2027 football signing class.
Three-star defensive back Carter Jamison committed to Tennessee, according to Chad Simmons of On3.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound prospect is from Creekside High School in Fairburn, Georgia. Former Vols Eric Berry, Evan Berry and Elliott Berry are also from Creekside.
247Sports ranks Jamison as the No. 101 safety in the class and No. 115 player in Georgia.
Tennessee was the first school to offer him a scholarship on Feb. 17. The 2027 prospect unofficially visited the Vols for a spring practice on April 2 and will officially visit Tennessee on June 19.
Other schools to offer Jamison scholarships include USF, Charlotte, UNLV, Western Michigan, Liberty, Colorado State, Eastern Kentucky and East Carolina.
Tennessee has six other commitments in its 2027 football recruiting class: linebacker JP Peace, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, defensive lineman Kadin Fife, quarterback Derrick Baker, athlete Jaden Butler and wide receiver KeSean Bowman.
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At the behest of President Donald Trump, Tennessee’s Republican supermajority is returning to Nashville next week to redraw the state’s congressional maps, carving Memphis into multiple safe-Republican seats.
The session is made possible by the Supreme Court’s decision ending protections in the Voting Rights Act, made April 29.
Gov. Bill Lee issued a call for a special legislative session to approve new redistricting maps on the evening of May 1, one day after Trump announced on social media that Lee had promised to do so.
Lawmakers will return to Nashville on May 5.
“We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters,” Lee said.“After consultation with the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to review the map and ensure it remains fair, legal, and defensible.”
Once in Nashville, the Republican supermajority legislature will have the votes to crack Memphis and draw nine new safe-Republican congressional seats in Tennessee and eliminate the last remaining Democrat-held seat.
Candidates are already campaigning in the 9th Congressional District — which will likely be redrawn during the special session. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, and state Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, have both gathered and filed qualifying signatures and have been actively campaigning.
Redrawing maps would suspend those campaigns and require candidates in every congressional district to gather new signatures and re-qualify for their races.
“Donald Trump wants an extra seat. And he wants to get it by directing how the districts are drawn and to say they should not be drawn as they are now — they should be drawn the way he wants to draw them to give him the vote,” Cohen said on May 1.
“Civil rights are being attacked through this Supreme Court case. It’s taking away potentially a goodly half of African American and African American-chosen representation in the United States Congress,” Cohen said, pledging to launch a legal fight.
Lee’s call came hours after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session to redraw the maps there, as predominantly Republican Southern states begin to take political advantage of the Supreme Court’s decision to roll back protections for Black voters in the Voting Rights Act.
Electric Avenue robot parade brings silly fun to East Nashville
Dozens of robots of various shapes and sizes took over East Nashville on April 11 as part of the annual Electric Avenue Robot Parade.
Planning to head to the 40th annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival? Here’s what you should know before going.
Hours of operation
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Volunteer State’s blast into the 16th century will be held every Saturday and Sunday during May. Adult tickets purchased in advance start at $28.
Parking
Parking waits can build up at the renaissance fair, where parking is free with admission. Peak traffic times are expected between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., according to the event’s website tnrenfest.com.
Located in a “grassy field,” parking lots operate on a first come, first serve basis and open at 8 a.m. each day. No RVs or trailers are allowed.
Sheriff’s deputies and parking attendants will be on the grounds to help patrons park “as quickly and safely as possible,” the event states.
What if it rains?
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival will operate rain or shine, but some of the experiences may be limited during inclement weather.
“Depending on weather patterns, festival operations may be suspended, and patrons may be asked to shelter in place in their personal vehicle in the parking lot until weather conditions improve and the grounds are cleared to resume operations,” the website states.
Join the safety notification system by texting TNRENFEST to 888-777.
Are weapons allowed?
While firearms and prop guns are prohibited, all swords, daggers, bows and arrows, maces and other weapons are allowed but must be peace-tied.
Additionally, patrons purchasing or bringing bladed weapons must always have the sword sheathed and secured with a cable. Arrows are required to have their tips removed and be secured within a quiver or a case.
Will there be alcohol?
There will not be alcohol sold at this event.
Be prepared for spotty cell service
Due to the remote location of the festival, cell service may be limited, according to the website. The festival’s administrators recommend downloading, screenshotting or printing your ticket, or adding it to your e-wallet.
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