Friday, January 2, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1947, zookeeper and conservationist Jack Hanna, often known as "Jungle Jack," was born in Knoxville.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has launched in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea, offering kids under five a free book each month to spark a lifelong love of reading. See details in the story below.

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Boucek Sworn In as U.S. Attorney

Braden Boucek has been sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee during a ceremony at the federal courthouse in Nashville.

A former federal prosecutor and legal advocate, Boucek brings more than two decades of courtroom experience to the role. He pledged to uphold constitutional freedoms and thanked Tennessee Sens. Blackburn and Hagerty for their support.

Nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate on Dec. 18, Boucek will lead prosecutions across 32 counties, serving nearly 3 million residents.

Dolly's Book Program Hits Isle of Man

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has launched in Douglas, Isle of Man, bringing free monthly books to children under five.

Parents on the small island in the Irish Sea can now sign up to receive up to 60 age-appropriate books per child, with hopes to expand island-wide. Funded locally with support from Parton’s Dollywood Foundation, the program promotes equal access to early learning regardless of income.

The literacy program, which began in Tennessee in 1995, aims to close education gaps by boosting early language skills.

Memphis 11-Year-Old Tackles Hunger

An 11-year-old in Collierville is taking on food insecurity by setting up free pantry boxes across Memphis neighborhoods.

Jack Knight and his parents launched the First Help Pantry to provide nonperishable food for families in need—no red tape, just “take what you need.” The first pantry is stocked at 164 Washington Street, with more locations planned next month.

With over 140,000 people facing hunger in Shelby County, Jack says he hopes to inspire other kids to step up, too.

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➤ Kingsport Cultural Arts announced a vendor call for the third annual Kingsport Arts Festival, set for April 18, with applications due Jan. 15 and $50 booth fees due March 1. (See Details)

➤ Johnson City churches teamed up to distribute backpacks with hygiene items, blankets, snacks, and Bibles on Christmas Day, launching a coordinated effort leaders hope becomes an annual community outreach. (More)

➤ Austin Peay State University was awarded a $1.025 million grant to support its Grow Your Own teacher residency program, which offers a no-cost path into education to ease Tennessee’s teacher shortage. (More)

➤ Cheekwood Estate & Gardens announced winter programming featuring an orchid display, art exhibition, adult workshops, and February afternoon teas, with events running from Jan. 31 through June 21. (See Details)

➤ UT Medical Center is expanding its emergency department by 30,000 square feet, adding treatment rooms, a new lobby, and expanded trauma services, with the Haslam Family Center targeted to open Jan. 5. (More)

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