SUMMARY: Regan Prater, linked to white supremacist movements, was arrested for the March 2019 arson at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. The fire, which destroyed irreplaceable materials related to the Civil Rights Movement, was allegedly set using a sparkler bomb and napalm. Prater’s involvement was confirmed through group chat posts and a white-power symbol found at the scene. Previously, Prater served a five-year sentence for another fire in 2019. Despite the trauma, Highlander remains committed to its mission, continuing its rebuild while honoring its history of civil rights activism.

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SUMMARY: Actor Joaquin Phoenix supports calls to free two bears, Daisy and River, held at the Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, sparking controversy. While some visitors believe the bears appear happy with ample food and enrichment, Phoenix and animal rights group PETA argue the bears suffer in captivity and need to be moved to a sanctuary for proper care. The store claims the bears are non-releasable and their enclosure promotes education about black bears, not profit. They state compliance with USDA and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations. PETA urges people to research before supporting such captive-animal attractions.

Phoenix joins PETA in urging a Pigeon Forge store to release two captive bears, sparking debate over animal welfare and tourist tradition.

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SUMMARY: Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s proposed budget for the next year excludes funding for license plate readers (LPRs), a topic many had hoped would be addressed after the omission in the 2025 budget. Despite setting aside \$24.7 million for Metro Police, LPRs are not mentioned. O’Connell suggests that LPRs could still be considered if the Metro Council approves a proposed policy framework. However, Council members like Courtney Johnston and Joy Styles criticize the omission, emphasizing that many constituents, particularly minorities, support LPRs for safety and feel their needs are being ignored. They push for an amendment to fund the program.

With Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell sharing his proposed budget for next year, many have been waiting to see if license plate readers would be funded.

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