Local News

There are over 14-hundred new coronavirus cases in Tennessee.  The Tennessee Department of Health reported the new cases yesterday, bringing the total since the outbreak began to over 879-thousand-260.  An additional 15 COVID-19-related deaths were also reported, with the total number standing at nearly 12-thousand-670.  There are close to 550 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tennessee.

The vast majority of Tennesseans are more comfortable traveling now than they were just three months ago.  A survey of five-thousand people by Triple-A says over 70 percent of those polled are more comfortable traveling now during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak than they were a few months ago.  Reasons for the increased confidence by travelers included having been vaccinated, increased safety precautions, and not being as afraid of the virus as they were previously.

Some 20 current, former and future UT athletes will compete in the Tokyo Olympics.  UTSports.com says it’s the 15th consecutive Olympic Games to include UT athletes.  Nearly 120 Vols have won more than 60 Olympic medals, including 39 gold.  The Summer Games get underway today..

The first-ever sales tax holiday on gun safety equipment is underway.  For the next year, through June 30th, 2022 buyers will not pay sales tax on gun safes, locks and other gun safety equipment.  Unlocked firearms often lead to accidental shootings and tragedies.  Officials urge gun owners to secure their firearms and ammunition properly.

Governor Bill Lee says he stands behind the decision to fire the state’s top vaccine official.  Speaking to the media for the first time yesterday about the firing of Dr. Michelle Fiscus, Governor Lee said he trusts Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey’s decision to stop vaccine outreach directed at children.  Lee said parents are the only appropriate decision makers for the health of their children.