SUMMARY: Fans at Knoxville’s Covenant Health Park celebrated the Fourth of July with the Tennessee Smokies baseball game, enjoying classic American traditions like hot dogs, fireworks, and baseball. The event marked the first Independence Day celebration at the new stadium, drawing families, first-time visitors, and community members. Army recruiters joined with booths to engage with attendees beyond their uniforms, emphasizing unity and patriotism. As the sun set, fans savored food and drinks while eagerly awaiting the fireworks show downtown. The festive atmosphere highlighted a shared sense of celebration, community, and American pride at the ballpark.

The Smokies’ signature colors weren’t the only reason for red, white and blue at tonight’s game.

Source

SUMMARY: New data from Metro Police reveals a 32% drop in gunshot victims in Nashville this year, with 148 shootings compared to 220 last year. The largest decline is among ages 18-24, followed by teens 13-17. Despite encouraging statistics, some remain skeptical due to ongoing nightly reports of gun violence. Historically, Nashville has seen deadly incidents during events like the 4th of July. Violence deeply affects community members like Verna Wyatt, whose activism stems from personal loss. Additionally, robberies decreased 23% and aggravated assaults 6%. Police emphasize these improvements result from their relentless, dangerous efforts on the front lines.

New data from Metro police shows the number of gunshot victims is dropping.

Source

SUMMARY: Around 1 a.m. in downtown Memphis near the Peabody Hotel, police officers were targeted by gunfire but no officers were injured. Officers at the new downtown command center spotted a man carrying a gun with an extended magazine and alerted officers on Beale Street. A group of seven to ten people argued and scattered into three vehicles—a dark blue Nissan Juke, a white Suburban, and a white Camaro. As the Nissan Juke drove by Peabody Place, a man inside fired shots at officers. Police are now searching for the suspects and urge anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.

Shots were fired directly at officers early Friday morning as officers responded to a report of men with weapons in Downtown …

Source