SUMMARY: Tennessee State Parks has hired its first accessibility coordinator, Ryan Jolley, to improve access to outdoor experiences for people with disabilities. Jolley, who has been legally blind since age 10 due to a rare genetic disease, will advise, train, and lead projects to enhance park accessibility. Nearly 50 parks in Tennessee now offer all-terrain wheelchairs, helping visitors with mobility issues enjoy otherwise inaccessible areas. Tennessee State Parks aims to become the nation’s most accessible system, with continued progress driven by Jolley’s expertise and input from those with diverse abilities. The announcement coincided with Disability Advocacy Day.

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SUMMARY: A family-owned restaurant in Gallatin, Martin’s Chicken and Waffles, is struggling to survive due to road construction outside their business. Owners Artha and Mo Martin say the noise from the construction, which they were not warned about, has made it difficult for them to continue. They have adjusted their hours, but business remains tough, especially after the impact of COVID-19. The restaurant, once a popular food truck, is a local favorite but is now facing financial strain. Gallatin’s mayor supports the Martins, acknowledging the importance of the roadwork but encouraging a compromise to assist small businesses. They’ve launched a GoFundMe for help.

A family-owned restaurant in Gallatin is pleading with the community to help them stay open.

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SUMMARY: Retired Shelby County Judge Bill Anderson is responding to criticism over his decision to release suspects on their own recognizance, particularly in violent crime cases. Anderson defended his actions, stating that the law required such releases, except for capital murder cases. He pointed to his accomplishments, including creating the veterans court, but faced backlash from state Senator Brent Taylor. Anderson criticized Taylor for misunderstanding the implications of his decisions, while Taylor accused Anderson of targeting young black males with his actions. Despite controversy, Anderson stands by his career choices and decisions during his time on the bench.

Weeks after he left the bench, retired Shelby County Judge Bill Anderson sat down with FOX13 to talk about his time in the courtroom. Towards the end of his career, many people criticized Anderson for his willingness to release defendants on their own recognizance, or without paying a monetary fine to be released. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/former-judge-bill-anderson-fires-back-at-state-senator-amid-criticism/article_f22c6194-004e-11f0-aef0-9fdeba546905.html

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