Tennessee State

<div> If you're driving while reading this, stop. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is reporting an "alarming increase" in distracted driving statewide. <hr> By the numbers: TDOT workers and equipment have been hit by a passing motorist 73 times so far in 2024, the agency said. The bottom line: "Motorists need to follow the law and put down their phones as well as move over and slow down when emergency and roadside workers are present," TDOT commissioner Butch Eley said in a statement. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate></div>

Axios Nashville

Data: NOAA; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosDavidson County has averaged 13 severe storm watches per year over the past two decades, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.That includes watches for thunderstorms and tornadoes.Zoom out: In general, the average number of watches from 2004-2023 was higher in West Tennessee and lower in East Tennessee.The big picture: The metro area with the most severe storm watches was Oklahoma City, which averages 19 severe storm watches a year.

Map: Severe weather watches by county in Tennessee

Nashville, TN

Southwest Airlines, which is the busiest airline at Nashville International Airport, announced a dramatic shakeup of its business model Thursday.Driving the news: Southwest is switching to assigned seating and offering premium seats with extra legroom, Axios' Jacob Knutson reports.Why it matters: The changes come the same day the airline reported second-quarter results that beat some expectations following a bump from a summer travel boom but still "fell short" in other key areas.How it works: Over its 50-year history, Southwest has had an open seat model, with passengers only assigned a boarding group and a number that represents a reserved spot within that group.The airline said its research found 80% of its customers and 86% of potential customers preferred assigned seating."When a Customer elects to stop flying with Southwest and chooses a competitor, open seating is cited as the number one reason for the change," it said.The company didn't specify when the changes would go into effect but said it would provide more details in late September.Zoom in: Nashville is also among five markets where Southwest will begin offering overnight red-eye flights.Go deeper: Read Knutson's full story about Southwest's "transformational change."

Southwest will add Nashville red-eye flights as part of shakeup

Data: USDA Census of Agriculture; Note: Farms include places that produce/sell at least $1,000 of agricultural products; Map: Axios VisualsHoneybees have made a big comeback since the colony collapse crisis of the early 2000s. Now, these tiny creatures are the fastest-growing type of livestock in the country.By the numbers: In Tennessee, the number of farms with honeybee colonies grew 7% in five years, from 2,674 in 2017 to 2,862 in 2022, per the USDA Census of Agriculture.Growth was even faster nationwide, growing by more than 21%.Zoom in: The number of Tennessee farm colonies themselves grew from 18,663 in 2017 to 24,212 in 2022.Yes, but: Research also suggests that despite recent increases in honeybee populations, honey yields in the U.S. have been decreasing since the 1990s because of changing climates and decreased soil productivity.Go deeper: U.S. bee farms are buzzing

Tennessee's number of honeybee colonies is growing

Data: Oxfam America; Chart: Axios VisualsMore than a quarter of Tennessee workers would benefit from a raise in minimum wage to $17, according to new data from Oxfam.The organization revised its definition of a low-wage worker this year, from those earning less than $15 an hour to those earning less than $17.State of pay: The minimum wage in Tennessee is the federal rate of $7.25 per hour.Tennessee workers who make less than $17 are more likely to be women, Black and Hispanic.The big picture: Just 13% of U.S. workers earn less than $15 an hour. Two years ago, that number was 31.9%, per Oxfam.

Chart: Examining Tennessee's lowest earners

Tennessee's popular seasonal effort to save monarch butterflies by preserving their habitat is underway.Why it matters: The Project Milkweed program, led by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, is distributing free milkweed seeds while supplies last.Experts say boosting milkweed's presence is essential for the survival of the imperiled monarch butterflies, which use the plant for food and shelter.The big picture: The population of migratory monarch butterflies has plummeted as development has "paved and plowed over millions of acres of milkweed," according to the World Wildlife Fund, which lists monarchs as endangered.Threat level: Last year, TDOT estimated that monarchs and milkweed habitats...

Tennessee works to boost the monarch butterfly population

It takes about 150 people to work on a single organ transplant, and the Vanderbilt Transplant Center performed a record number in fiscal year 2024.By the numbers: From July 2023 through June 2024, the adult and pediatric programs completed 809 solid organ transplants.The adult program performed:333 kidney transplants180 liver transplants150 heart transplants90 lung transplants4 kidney/pancreas transplants3 heart/lung transplantsThe pediatric program performed:26 liver transplants14 kidney transplants9 heart transplantsThe big picture: "While the numbers are impressive, it is so important not to lose sight of the fact that each one of those transplants is potentially a life saved and/or improved dramatically," said...

VUMC logs record year for transplants

Lake Mary, FL

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Akeena

If you're a fan of hearty breakfasts and brunches in Florida, you might have had Keke’s Cafe on your radar. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, Keke’s has been a go-to spot for many. However, the Lake Mary location recently hit a bump in the road, resulting in a temporary shutdown following a state inspection that uncovered 15 violations.

Breakfast Eatery Closed in Florida for Roaches, Dirty Hands, and Cold Foods Over 41 Degrees

Colorado State

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David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Las Vegas, NV

Bellingham Metro News

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck areas near Las Vegas on Tuesday night, according to the United States Geological Service (USGS). The quake, which occurred at 8:06 p.m., was centered approximately 45 minutes from Las Vegas, near Indian Springs.

Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Shakes Areas Near Las Vegas

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

A historic marker could be erected to honor the victims of the racist mass shooting at the Dollar General store in Jacksonville’s New Town neighborhood nearly a year ago. If approved by the Jacksonville City Council, a marker would be installed at Kings Road and Canal Street on Aug. 25, a day before the first anniversary of the shooting, when a white gunman took the lives of three Black people.

Memorial considered to honor Dollar General victims

Data: Nashville International Airport; Chart: Axios VisualsSouthwest Airlines, which announced last week it was adding new red-eye flights from Los Angeles to Nashville, is Music City's biggest airline by a wide margin.By the numbers: More than 50,000 Southwest flights departed from Nashville International Airport in the last fiscal year, accounting for nearly half of all departures.American Airlines came in a distant second with 17,769 departures.

Top airlines at Nashville International Airport

Ohio State

The Lantern

On Tuesday, licensed Ohio dispensaries began legally selling non-medical marijuana to consumers; however, the drug’s possession, growth and/or usage are still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus. Credit: Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times/TNS [Original caption: Four citizen-led petitions with proposals to update Dallas’ charter hit the 20,000 valid signature threshold to make it on the Nov. 5 election ballot, including one that would ban police officers from arresting or citing people carrying less than four ounces of marijuana.] As of Tuesday, students 21 and older can now legally purchase marijuana in Ohio.

Dispensary sales of recreational marijuana began Tuesday; possession and usage still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus

Georgia State

Douglas, GA

Daily Coffee Press

Last week, a 32-year-old was arrested on trafficking charges after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and abandoning the vehicle with a child in the passenger seat. The chase resulted in the discovery of 230 grams of methamphetamine, which the suspect allegedly threw out while fleeing on foot. According to local detectives, the vehicle the suspect was driving was registered to NFL football player Tyreek Hill.

Man Driving Vehicle Registered to Tyreek Hill Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges in Douglas

Atlanta, GA

A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to over 28 years in prison for distributing significant amounts of fentanyl and other controlled substances to dealers in the Middle Georgia region. Authorities revealed that investigators uncovered evidence linking the drugs provided by the defendant, 40-year-old Lagary Williams, also known as "Frog," from Atlanta, to a fatal overdose.

Atlanta Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Supplying Deadly Fentanyl Linked to Fatal Overdose

Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosThe 65-and-up population in Nashville grew by 13% from 2020 to 2023, faster than any other age group.Why it matters: The ongoing trend comes hand in hand with expanding needs Nashville and the state must address, including elder care, transportation and affordable housing.One in every seven Nashvillians is 65 or older, according to a city report. One in three older Nashvillians has one or more disabilities.Threat level: A 2022 report from the state comptroller found Tennessee already "has a critical shortage of paid caregivers who help elderly and vulnerable adults continue to live in...

Nashville's older population surges

Ocilla, GA

Last Thursday, agents from the South Central Drug Task Force (SCDTF) made an arrest following a successful execution of a search warrant at a residence in Ocilla. According to officials, the search yielded a significant quantity of drugs, including tablets suspected to contain fentanyl, associated with a criminal street gang.

Successful Drug Bust in Ocilla Leads to Arrest Linked to 'Local Criminal Street Gang'

Data: NOAA; Map: Axios VisualsAfter a brief break from extreme heat, scorching conditions are returning to Nashville.State of play: A heat advisory is in effect for Middle Tennessee from 12-7pm Tuesday. Heat index values up to 109 are expected, according to the National Weather Service.The forecast is unrelenting, with highs expected to remain in the high 90s through Friday.Threat level: Those conditions could cause life-threatening heat illness. Experts advise residents to drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun.What we're watching: The next big heat wave is expected to send temperatures soaring well above normal in much of the country into next week, NOAA predicts.

Searing heat returns to Nashville

South Carolina State

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Colleton County, SC

Explore Beaufort SC

Some beachgoers were in for a surprise this week when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore in Colleton County along Edisto Beach at Edisto Beach State Park. It turned out to be an atlantic sturgeon.

Rare Atlantic sturgeon washes ashore on South Carolina beach

The state is still fighting to cut the size of the Metro Council in half.State of play: A three-judge panel tossed out the 2023 state law slashing the council size in a ruling last month, saying it unconstitutionally singled out Nashville's local legislative body. The state announced plans to appeal that decision this week.What they're saying: Nashville Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, who presides over the council, blasted the appeal in a statement."It is my duty and intent to fulfill the will of Nashville voters and help make our 40-member body work well for all 715,000 Nashvillians residing within our city's 526 square miles," she said.

State appeals council lawsuit

If you're driving while reading this, stop.The Tennessee Department of Transportation is reporting an \"alarming increase\" in distracted driving statewide.By the numbers: TDOT workers and equipment have been hit by a passing motorist 73 times so far in 2024, the agency said.The bottom line: \"Motorists need to follow the law and put down their phones as well as move over and slow down when emergency and roadside workers are present,\" TDOT commissioner Butch Eley said in a statement.

TDOT warns about distracted driving

NewsBreak

If you're driving while reading this, stop.The Tennessee Department of Transportation is reporting an "alarming increase" in distracted driving statewide.By the numbers: TDOT workers and equipment have been hit by a passing motorist 73 times so far in 2024, the agency said.The bottom line: "Motorists need to follow the law and put down their phones as well as move over and slow down when emergency and roadside workers are present," TDOT commissioner Butch Eley said in a statement.

TDOT warns about distracted driving

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