MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, the Battle of Paris took place when Confederate soldiers engaged in a 15-minute battle with Union troops after a Confederate private crossed his lines alone and possibly under the influence of alcohol

Nico Iamaleava's departure from the University of Tennessee football program has led to some controversy, prompting the Knoxville Smokies to cancel their invitation for him to throw out the first pitch this season. See the story below for all the details.

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Pastor Abducted Mid-Sermon

A Tennessee man living in South Africa was allegedly kidnapped by masked gunmen during a Thursday church service and driven away in his own truck.

Authorities say Pastor Josh Sullivan was mid-sermon prior to being taken away at gunpoint. The assailants also robbed the congregation of about 30 people, including his wife and six children.

The incident is believed to be a kidnapping for ransom, and once a demand is made, police will transfer the case to the Hawks, South Africa's specialized unit for serious and organized crime.

Kidnappings in South Africa have surged 264% over the past decade, according to police statistics.

Plane Crash Kills Three

Officials have confirmed that at least three people are dead following a small plane crash Friday in the Ocoee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest near Chattanooga.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a Mooney M20 crashed in the Cherokee National Forest around 4:20 p.m. on Friday, killing all three people reportedly on board the plane.

The victims are believed to be the father and grandparents of Middle Tennessee State University golfer Carter Maneth. They were en route to the Tar Heel Intercollegiate when the crash occurred.

The FAA is investigating the incident.

Police Foil Murder-For-Hire Scheme

Police arrested a Franklin woman Friday in an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting her ex-husband, former WSMV4 morning anchor Aaron Solomon.

Franklin police arrested Angelia Solomon, also known as Angie Huffines, on charges of soliciting first-degree murder following a joint investigation with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

She's being held on a $500,000 bond. No additional information was available as the investigation continues.

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➤ Chattanooga: The Loudon County authorities have recovered the body of one of two missing Chattanooga teens who fled in a stolen vehicle and jumped into the Tennessee River during a police chase last week. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed that celebrated marathoner Don Slusser was found dead in Percy Priest Lake after disappearing during a Thursday kayak trip. (More)

➤ Goodlettsville: City leaders rejected a proposal to allow "hobby chickens" or domestic chickens in residential zones, despite renewed interest from residents and backing from Commissioner Jesse Walker. (More)

➤ Mt. Juliet: Police arrested a Nashville man for domestic assault during a DoorDash delivery—then completed the drop-off themselves, so the order wouldn't go to waste. (More)

➤ Hendersonville: Sumner County venues have hosted over 900 weddings, generating an estimated $32 million as they capitalize on Nashville's global appeal as a top elopement destination. (More)

➤ Kyle Larson led 411 of 500 laps to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol, his 31st career victory, with Denny Hamlin finishing second, failing in his bid for a third consecutive win. (More)

➤ The Knoxville Ice Bears will face the Birmingham Bulls in the President's Cup semifinals Wednesday after beating the Roanoke Rail Yard Dogs 6-2 Saturday. (More)

➤ Also in Knoxville, the Smokies, a MiLB AA team, have canceled its invitation for former University Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava to throw out a ceremonial first pitch this season. (More)

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➤ Nashville International Airport launched its first-ever nonstop flight from Music City to Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, celebrating with Irish music, green decorations, and souvenir gift bags. (More)

➤ An $80 million class-action lawsuit filed Thursday accuses two Tennessee law firms of leading a large-scale racketeering scheme. (More)

➤ Hemp retailers are concerned about a proposed amendment to Tennessee HB 1376, stating that banning products with over 0.3% THC could jeopardize their businesses. (More)

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➤ A Nashville real estate agent offered "free eggs with purchase" as an incentive for a $600,000 Germantown townhouse, adding an unusual extra to the two-bedroom home's listing. (See Sign)

➤ Sumner County has partnered with local agencies and volunteers to operate 38 Blessing Boxes, donation sites filled with non-perishable foods, hygiene products, and baby supplies for families in need. (More)

➤ Country music superstars Amy Grant and Vince Gill announced their 15th annual Christmas at the Ryman residency, returning to Nashville's Ryman Auditorium this December for their beloved holiday tradition. (See Dates)

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