WTVF NewsChannel5 Nashville

A Franklin woman and her children are sheltering in Biscarrosse, France, as wildfires force over 250,000 to evacuate in France and Spain. Emergency authorities are using military aircraft to combat the fires, and the family remains in place with plans for food delivery.

Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell and over 200 bipartisan mayors urge Congress to reject further SNAP cuts, citing increased hunger and challenges from new work requirements and eligibility changes under HR1. Advocates report rising caseloads at the Tennessee Justice Center as families struggle with revised rules, impacting homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults aging out of foster care.

Nashville is acquiring 300 acres of forestland to expand Beaman Park, aiming to preserve green spaces as the city grows. The Conservation Fund and Metro Nashville, along with contributions from the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund and the Beaman Family, funded the project. The new land, part of the Highland Rim Forest, will more than double the size of Centennial Park.

Kate Bradford Stockton ran for Tennessee governor in 1936 on the Socialist Party ticket, advocating for progressive policies like free school lunches and women's education. She received 3,786 votes in a state dominated by Gordon Browning, who won with over 332,000 votes. The article highlights her role as a pioneering figure in Tennessee politics and her willingness to challenge societal norms.

A petition drive to end racing at the Nashville Fairgrounds is accused of using misleading claims, including false assertions that the track will be demolished. Canvassers claim the track is being destroyed by NASCAR and could be replaced with affordable housing, despite no confirmed demolition plans. The petition, previously rejected in court for vagueness, faces opposition from groups like 'Decline to Sign' and former track supporters.

A Williamson County judge denied bond for Douglas 'Kirk' Rawl, accused of killing his wife Allison 'Che Che' Rawl. Testimony included a 911 call where Rawl stated he shot his wife and described the incident, along with accounts of deputies tasering him and investigators recovering a revolver as the suspected murder weapon.

Fifteen Nashville high school interns worked with the Civic Design Center to research community needs in South Nashville, highlighting demands for safer streets, improved public transit, and youth-focused spaces like the Global Mall. The teens presented their findings to city leaders, emphasizing the lack of accessible transit options and the need for inclusive community investment.

Tennessee farmer Wilson Kirby faced an IRS dispute over a mistaken $20,000 refund, which led to interest charges and property threats. Country music star John Rich intervened by contacting the IRS and the White House, leading to a resolution. Kirby's case is now settled, though he awaits official confirmation.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed Senior Judge Mark Ward to review challenges to the planned execution of Christa Pike, the only woman on Tennessee's death row, scheduled for Sept. 30. Pike's attorneys argue her health conditions and prison transfer risks harm, while also contesting Tennessee's lethal injection protocol based on a prior failed execution.

Gary Murray Jr. was charged with aggravated arson after a house fire that critically injured his roommate. He admitted to setting the fire to force a woman to leave the residence.

A Davidson County judge ordered Tennessee's Department of Correction to transfer 149 inmates from Nashville jails within 10 days due to overcrowding caused by delayed transfers. Metro Nashville sued the state, citing safety and financial concerns, and the court rejected the state's claim of insufficient capacity. Sheriff Daron Hall praised the decision as a step toward improving the correctional system.

An MNPD investigation revealed a school resource officer and sergeant engaged in sexual activity at Madison Middle School and in a police vehicle during work hours in Spring 2025. The investigation followed reports from the officer's husband, who provided evidence of the affair, leading to both individuals losing police authority and systems access. Lisa Vidrios admitted to four instances of sexual activity at the school and two in a vehicle, with meetings occurring during work time and paid overtime.

Darrell Hines' attorneys released documents highlighting problematic execution history under Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada, citing three Arizona executions with IV access issues similar to a botched Tennessee case. They reference a 2024 Arizona death penalty review and Strada's role in Tennessee's 2025 lethal injection protocol.

Nashville International Airport Police Chief Beth Kreppein has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The nature of the investigation has not been disclosed, and a BNA spokesperson declined to comment, citing privacy concerns.

A PAC linked to Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn is accusing Republican Congressman John Rose of being a former Democrat, citing his past primary election votes and donations in the early 2000s. Rose's campaign denies the claims, calling Blackburn's tactics desperate, as both candidates compete to be the conservative choice in the governor's race.

John Carroll, a 101-year-old WWII veteran from Murfreesboro, shared his military experiences with Chandler Stark, an oral historian from the National World War II Museum. Carroll, who served in the U.S. Army for three years after being drafted at 19, recounted details including his training at Fort Bliss, Texas, and use of a 120 millimeter anti-aircraft gun. His story will be preserved in the museum's historical archives.

The Better Business Bureau of Tennessee warns residents about storm chasers targeting flood victims in Middle Tennessee, who use deceptive tactics like demanding cash upfront and pressuring homeowners for immediate decisions. Legitimate contractors differ by allowing time for consideration, and the BBB advises contacting insurance companies, obtaining written estimates, and using credit cards for payments.

A Nashville man was arrested on rape and sexual exploitation of a minor charges after an investigation revealed he was in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy. The case began when another man reported that inappropriate photos of the boy were shared on a Google account between him and the suspect, and the boy met the suspect on a dating app.

The Wilson County Election Commission used a movie premiere-style backdrop and social media to encourage early voting ahead of the August 6 election. Voters shared photos at polling locations, with leaders aiming to increase turnout through a fun, shareable experience.

Sumner County Schools delayed the start of the school year due to an unauthorized network breach discovered July 20, prompting Impact Martial Arts in Gallatin to add a fifth summer camp session to help families. Parents sought childcare solutions during the unexpected extension, and the district is addressing the breach without disclosing further details.