Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1963, a new all-time low for Memphis occurred with a temperature of -13°F.

Did you know that some of the nation's best residential Christmas lights are in Knoxville? We're featuring a 4k video of the light show in our Et Cetera section below.

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2.7 Million Tennesseans Traveling for the Holidays

AAA predicts that nearly 120 million Americans will be traveling this holiday season, marking another record-breaking year.

Although the estimated 2.7 million travelers from Tennessee fall slightly short of previous state projections, it still represents a significant number of people.

Nationwide, AAA anticipates an additional 2.5 million drivers on the roads compared to last year.

If you're planning a road trip, remember to prepare accordingly. Pack essential items like an emergency kit, blankets, snacks, and jumper cables. Before heading out, check your vehicle's fluids, especially if you're embarking on a long journey.

Audit Flags $132K in Sweetwater Spending

A state investigation revealed that city of Sweetwater officials made questionable credit card purchases totaling at least $132,680.03 over a nine-year period from December 2014 to June 2023.

More than half of the spending was on food, with city officials frequently dining at restaurants or food trucks in Sweetwater and nearby cities, despite the absence of a city policy governing such expenses.

The investigation found over $36,000 in purchases lacking proper documentation, including receipts, written approval, invoices, or packing slips. Over $10,000 was spent on items such as a knife, stationery, wooden serving boards, and essential oils.

Other expenditures included $9,843.38 on a purse, necklace, boutique items, gift cards, event tickets, and hotel stays in Sweetwater.

Memphis Zoo Animals Featured in New ‘Lion King’

If you're a fan of the Memphis Zoo, you might recognize some familiar sounds in Disney's new film, Mufasa: The Lion King.

Zoo officials shared that animal sounds from the Memphis Zoo were featured in the movie. Sound designer Watson Wu visited the zoo to collaborate with its animals, recording unique audio contributions for the film.

The powerful trumpeting of African elephants added drama and depth to key scenes, while the animated vocalizations of mandrills brought the wild to life.

The spirited chatter of meerkats added charm and character, and Pilar the hornbill, who has since passed away, left a lasting legacy in the sounds that captured Zazu’s beloved personality.

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➤ Halls: A person has been charged with assault and endangerment following a shooting at the Halls Walmart on Norris Freeway. The incident began as an altercation involving four people in the automotive section and escalated to the grocery area. (Watch Video)

➤ Clarksville: Starting in fall 2025, Austin Peay State University will offer a tuition-free program for incoming freshmen and transfer students with family incomes under $75,000. (More)

➤ Nashville: Metro Social Services handed out food boxes, toy gift bags, and bicycles to about 400 families on Saturday, with each food box containing enough to feed families for about a week to a week and a half. (More)

➤ Gatlinburg: Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened Monday afternoon after being closed since Friday due to ice and snow. (See Pictures)

➤ Putnam County: A man arrested this summer in connection with a video showing various explosives and weapons has pleaded guilty. (More)

➤ Sullivan County: Jo Ann Morrison, 62, has been charged after a TBI investigation revealed she attempted to vote twice despite being deemed ineligible by election officials. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt University plays in the Birmingham Bowl on Friday against Georgia Tech. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. (More)

➤ Tickets are still available for Nashville’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, featuring the Iowa Hawkeyes against the Missouri Tigers at Nissan Stadium. (More)

➤ Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard, who went over 1,000 rushing yards for the season on Sunday, left the game with his lingering ankle injury and remains questionable for next Sunday. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NFL | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM

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➤ The Regenx Tech Corp. will soon operate out of a historic food processing facility in Newport that was previously home to the Stokely Brothers, Quaker Oats, and ConAgra. (More)

➤ Chattanooga area Northgate Mall is undergoing remodeling as demolition work begins for a new BJ’s Wholesale Club. (More)

➤ A strip mall fire in Memphis on Monday destroyed several businesses in Highland Heights. (See Pictures)

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➤ Did you know that it costs an average of $20,000 per year to raise a child in Tennessee? See where the state compares with all 50 states in a new study. (See Chart)

➤ Tennessee is one of the five states with the most deaths from house fires, with a new report offering ways to increase safety in your home during the winter months. (More)

➤ Gray Eagle Spring in Knoxville is known for its elaborate Christmas light displays, featuring many custom light shows. Check out the amazing 4k video footage to see it for yourself. (Watch Video)

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