Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1955, The Ballad of Davy Crockett, sung by Bill Hayes, became the No. 1 song in the country. You can listen to this classic and memorable tune here.

Junior pitcher Karlyn Pickens made history for the Lady Vols on Monday against Arkansas by recording the fastest pitch in college softball history at 78 mph. See the historic pitch and story below.

Today, we're sponsored by New Sapience, which offers an investment opportunity in AI technology. Be sure to get in on this while you still can.

Detroit to Tennessee Drug Pipeline Hit Hard

A multi-agency task force investigating a drug pipeline from Michigan to Tennessee has seized significant quantities of drugs, removed hundreds of firearms from the streets, and made hundreds of arrests.

Since December 2022, the 313 Initiative has been responsible for 453 arrests, the confiscation of over 237 pounds of drugs, and the removal of 251 guns from the streets.

Officials claim the task force has contributed to a decrease in Knox County overdose deaths, reducing the number from 485 in 2023 to 301 in 2024.

District Attorney General Charme Allen also credited the 313 Initiative with helping reduce overdose deaths in areas around Knoxville.

Childcare License Requirements Change

Tennessee lawmakers unanimously passed a bill Monday easing license requirements for eligible childcare programs.

House Bill 106 ensures that small-scale providers, including church nurseries, gym childcare, and pro sports facilities, no longer need a license from the Department of Human Services (DHS) if they care for less than five kids for under three hours a day.

Rep. Michael Hale says the law adds flexibility without cutting oversight. While parents voiced safety concerns, the state says programs will still need to register and follow set rules.

If Governor Lee signs the bill, it will take effect on July 1.

Rep. Returns to House After Organ Transplant

State Rep. Kevin Raper has been medically cleared to return to limited duty in the House of Representatives Thursday after successfully undergoing a liver transplant in February.

Doctors are encouraged by Raper's progress, stating he is ahead of schedule, with his new liver fully functioning and showing no signs of rejection.

For the remainder of the legislative session, he will remain in quarantine and limit his duties to floor sessions and committee meetings.

Raper released a statement thanking the medical staff and his family, expressing excitement to return to the State Capitol and "make life better for all Tennesseans."

Flying together with our sponsor

Final Day: Back a Team of Founders with $350M in Exits Combined

The clock is ticking on this opportunity to join a rocket scientist, an astronaut, and the co-inventor of the personal computer as they pioneer the next evolution in AI.

It's far from the first time this team has successfully grown a business—with $350M in previous exits and 100 patents combined. But this latest innovation could be their most groundbreaking yet, and you have just one day left to invest in New Sapience while they're private.

It's called Synthetic Intelligence, which lets machines learn and reason cognitively, like humans.

While ChatGPT and other large language models just rearrange words and "hallucinate," this is an opportunity to blaze the trail for a machine that truly understands and never makes things up. Bill Gates said that a company that builds a true AI could be "worth 10 Microsofts."

New Sapience's potential market is also huge–anyone with a smartphone and almost every business in every industry.

They're changing the share price soon. However, you can still invest at the $4 share price if you get in before the deadline.

Lock in the $4 share price while you still can!

Become a New Sapience shareholder by tomorrow at midnight PST.

➤ Chattanooga: Prep Public Schools named a new CEO and vice president of schools on Tuesday, following the dismissal of several staff members amid allegations of criminal conduct and questionable hiring practices. (More)

➤ Dickson: A 20-year-old Honduran man in the U.S. illegally has been indicted after allegedly helping ram a stolen car into a pawn shop last December and stealing more than 40 firearms. (More)

➤ Nashville: Airport officials denied on Monday that they had banned 34 drivers linked to February's rideshare protest, stating that they had only banned the protest organizers and suspended 30 others until May 15. (More)

➤ Murfreesboro: The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office used a drone to locate a Dodge Charger that had been swept away by floodwaters, finding it lodged against a bank along the West Fork of the Stones River. (More)

➤ Memphis: The Great American Beer Festival named Memphis-based Sky Dog Lager the best light beer in the U.S., with brewer Kellan Bartosch saying, "Our dreams are coming true." (More)

➤ Blountville: GreatNeckTools donated over $10,000 in equipment to Northeast State Community College on Monday, providing automotive and motorsports students with access to tools similar to those used in the workforce. (More)

➤ The Chattanooga Mocs advanced to the NIT semifinals Wednesday night, rallying from a 25-38 halftime deficit to defeat the Bradley Braves 67-65. (More)

➤ Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens made history Monday, throwing the fastest pitch in softball history at 78.2 mph during the sixth inning against Arkansas, breaking the record held by former Lady Vol Monica Abbott. (See Pitch)

➤ Former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward worked out for NFL teams Monday, including the Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 1 pick. Ward declared he will be the top pick in the draft. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Relieve sore muscles fast with Glokore Recovery Wraps! These soothing wraps use targeted compression and heat therapy to ease tension, reduce inflammation, and speed up muscle recovery. Perfect after workouts or long days, they help your body heal naturally so you feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to move again. (Shop Now)

➤ Sambuca Nashville has permanently closed, citing post-COVID challenges and rising costs, but thanked the community for two decades of music, memories, and fun. (More)

➤ Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development selected Sequatchie, Tipton, and Cocke counties to participate in the state's Property Evaluation Program, which aims to boost long-term economic growth and job creation. (More)

➤ The Cookeville Mayor announced a major retail project that will feature a Target and Home Depot. The development is set to open in fall 2026, bringing new shopping and dining options to the area. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Soothe joint discomfort naturally with Hempified CBD Gummies! Our premium hemp-based formulas are designed to reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and support long-term joint health. Whether you're active or just want better mobility, Hempified helps you move freely and feel your best—without harsh chemicals or side effects. Relief starts here, naturally.

Flying together with our sponsor

One Day Left: Solving the Biggest Problem with AI

Today's artificial intelligence makes mistakes. That's because it doesn't truly know anything and can't learn or think the way humans do. This is about to change thanks to New Sapience—and you have one day left to invest in the company.

New Sapience is creating what they call "Synthetic Intelligence" that truly comprehends language and explains its reasoning. And the potential here is staggering. Bill Gates says a company that can build a true AI would be "worth 10 Microsofts."

What's even better is that you can still invest at $4 per share if you get in before the current deadline. The price is changing soon, so there's no time to waste: Become a New Sapience shareholder by tomorrow at midnight PST.

This is a paid advertisement for New Sapience's Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.newsapience.com/

➤ The Country Music Association announced on Tuesday that Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash, and Tony Brown will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, honoring their impact and legacy in country music. (More)

➤ Dollywood has earned nine readers' choice nominations from USA Today for theme park attractions, including Best Outdoor Water Park and Best Theme Park, with voting open through April 21. (More)

➤ Johnson City will distribute 3,000 tree seedlings on April 5 as part of its annual Arbor Day celebration, a tradition that has handed out nearly 40,000 trees since 2010. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect yourself on the road with CamHandy Dash Cam! This compact, easy-to-install camera records every drive in crisp HD, capturing accidents, near-misses, and more. With loop recording and motion detection, you'll always have proof when it matters most. Stay safe, stay covered—drive with confidence using CamHandy!