SUMMARY: Monterey Police Chief Bill Randolph faces multiple charges for allegedly skipping a training conference to shop and dine with his wife. According to a report by Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower, Randolph improperly had a subordinate scan attendance QR codes to falsely appear as if he attended the November 2022 event. He received $1,200 for accommodations, $275 in per diem, and reimbursement for fuel and registration fees. A grand jury indicted him on charges including theft and official misconduct. Randolph maintains he did nothing wrong but is willing to reimburse expenses. He has been suspended pending investigation.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee’s Democratic Party faced significant losses in the recent elections, failing to gain seats from the Republican supermajority in the legislature. Former President Donald Trump was declared the president-elect, receiving 1.9 million votes in Tennessee, while Democratic candidate Gloria Johnson garnered only 1 million. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn also won decisively against Johnson. Tennessee Democratic State Party Chair Hendr Remis acknowledged the party’s struggle in the Republican stronghold but emphasized the need for a strategic reassessment of candidate selection and messaging to better connect with voters. The state’s Republican dominance has persisted since George W. Bush’s election in 2000.

Tennessee’s Democratic Party tried and failed to take a few seats from the Republican supermajority legislature in Tuesday night’s election.

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SUMMARY: Riverview Baptist Church in Erwin, Tennessee, is undergoing extensive rebuilding after severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. The main sanctuary remained largely intact, but the church endured up to 4 feet of water and mud, damaging electrical systems. Volunteers helped clear debris and begin reconstruction, as the church relies on donations and a GoFundMe for funding, without support from insurance or government aid. The basement has been reframed and rewired, though attached structures like the fellowship hall were lost. Deacon Jeff Simmons aims for the church to be ready by Christmas.

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