Friday, February 13, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1960, black Nashville college students staged a peaceful protest, entering segregated stores to request service and attempting sit-ins at lunch counters.

Did you spot anything unusual in the sky early yesterday morning? The International Space Station, which typically orbits Earth 16 times each day, was visible above Middle Tennessee for about seven minutes early Thursday. Learn more in the story below.

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Flu Surge Closes Tennessee Schools

At least two school districts in Middle Tennessee are shutting down due to a spike in flu-like illnesses.

Coffee County Schools closed Thursday and Friday, with students returning after Presidents Day, while Grundy County Schools is shifting to virtual learning starting Friday through the end of next week.

Both districts cited high numbers of students and staff out sick.

Officials say the break will allow for rest, recovery, and deep-cleaning, with Grundy students also receiving meals to cover their remote days.

Antioch Residents Protest Against Landlords

Residents of Suburban Mobile Home Park in Antioch rallied Wednesday, demanding the property owner halt aggressive towing, allow more vehicles per household, and deliver promised amenities, including a playground and visitor parking.

The North Carolina-based owner, Jones Estates, limits households to two vehicles, triggering complaints from working families with multiple drivers and work vans.

The protest follows a year of complaints over towing fees reaching $500 and a lack of communication from management.

Tenants say the owner canceled a scheduled town hall and has no on-site office for concerns. A petition now demands allowances for four vehicles per household and better communication.

Students Build Off-Road Wheelchair for Peer

Tennessee Tech engineering students designed an all-terrain wheelchair for Nashville State Community College student Michael Vhan McGuire, who was paralyzed in a motorcycle crash.

Using parts from two motorized mountain bikes, the students built the Chariot to help McGuire return to hiking trails and pursue his love of nature.

The project was part of a long-running TTU course that crafts custom devices for people with disabilities.

McGuire called the gift from his peers “a blessing” that gave him back a piece of his old life.

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➤ Statewide: The International Space Station was visible across Middle Tennessee on Thursday around 5:30 a.m., appearing for seven minutes and peaking overhead in clear skies. (More)

➤ Memphis: Mayor Paul Young issued an apology after being accused of “misgendering” a heckler during disruptions at his State of the City address on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Sumner County: Officials are considering moving residents off the Nashville Electric Service system after prolonged January storm outages left some Hendersonville customers without power for more than a week. (More)

➤ Clarksville: The fire rescue team received a nearly $33,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation, in partnership with Whataburger, to purchase new protective equipment for its dive team. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A $100 million renovation of Lindsey Nelson Stadium is complete, nearly doubling the capacity of the ballpark with new suites, expanded concourses, and upgraded concessions. (See Stadium)

➤ Nashville: Leonard Slatkin was named the Nashville Symphony’s new music director for the 2026-27 season, beginning a three-year term that includes the orchestra’s 80th anniversary. (More)

➤ Gary Rankin—the winningest high school football coach in the state—is resigning as head coach of Boyd-Buchanan’s program after four seasons. The 72-year-old made it clear he’s “not retiring,” but doesn’t have another job lined up. (More)

➤ The New York Giants are hiring former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, adding veteran experience to their revamped offensive staff. (More)

➤ Predators goaltender Juuse Saros allowed three goals in his Olympic debut for Finland, which fell 4-1 to Slovakia. (More)

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➤ A local family has leased Rogersville Cinema 4, closed since 2020, and plans to renovate the four-screen theater before reopening in March with an updated arcade, concessions, and affordable movies. (More)

➤ Knoxville-based All Star Outfitters has been named the official merchandiser for Comic-Con International, producing apparel for both WonderCon and Comic-Con. (More)

➤ A new Italian restaurant has opened in Maryville's Greenway Village, a downtown development that has added eight businesses in the past year and boosted local economic growth. (More)

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➤ Einstein, an African grey parrot and longtime Zoo Knoxville icon who appeared on national television and at University of Tennessee events, died of cancer at 38, the zoo announced on Friday. (More)

➤ The Jackson Elks Lodge will host an '80s-themed prom on Saturday featuring a tribute band, photo booth, retro decor, and decade-inspired outfits for a night of dancing. (More)

➤ The Nashville Humane Association is celebrating Valentine's Day with Doogie Dates and Rovernights, allowing volunteers to take shelter dogs out for a day of socialization, exercise, and time outside the facility. (See Details)

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