Local News
A new Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury report on the Tennessee Department of Transportation found the main solution to addressing congestion will require “extensive planning and oversight to respond to new risks.” Gov. Bill Lee’s Transportation Modernization Act into law to reduce traffic in the state is the creation of what the governor calls “choice lanes.” They have added lanes to state highways that drivers can use for a fee. Despite studying the possibility of bringing choice lanes to cities like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, the report concluded that may not be possible. TDOT is expected to release more information on the proposed locations for choice lanes on Monday, Dec. 18.
A man was injured in a shooting in Hermitage Wednesday night at an apartment complex located in the 5600 block of Old Hickory Boulevard. Police say a 36-year-old man was found shot in the backyard of one of the apartments and transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said they believe some sort of altercation happened in the woods nearby, which resulted in the shooting. No suspects are in custody
Tennessee’s Attorney General is joining 26 state leaders across the country to fight a proposed rule that they say violates the Second Amendment. ATF wants to make any individual who sells a firearm for profit liable to civil, administrative, and even criminal penalties for failing to register with a federal agency. The Attorney’s General says that the right to sell guns without significant federal government licensing and oversight is protected by the Second Amendment.
The Smyrna Police Department is warning of a potential scam involving organizations claiming to be “Citizens Behind the Badge” and “United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association.” Local law enforcement agencies want to make it explicitly clear that they neither endorse nor have any affiliation with these groups. Recent reports have surfaced regarding mailed letters purportedly from these organizations, prompting the Smyrna Police to emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant to avoid anyone being potentially scammed.