Articles by Amanda Roberts
Dolly Parton cookies at Brentwood bakery benefit Imagination Library, honor deaf community
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Brentwood bakery's sparkly Dolly Parton cookies are selling out daily — and the man behind them has a deeply personal reason for wanting to give back. The Puffy Muffin has already sold more than 7,500 Dolly-themed cookies, with profits benefiting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The frosted treats feature Dolly words and phrases, and the timing is meaningful: September is Deaf Awareness Month.
Kimbro's general manager backs collaborative meeting after Franklin Beer Board spares license
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor opened its doors Saturday as usual — this time without the threat of losing its beer license. The Franklin Beer Board decided the bar and music venue and the City of Franklin needed to hold a collaborative meeting to hash out differences and reach an understanding. Supporters said the meeting is the next best option.
Middle Tennessee firefighters head home after battling massive Ross fire in Texas
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — Middle Tennessee firefighters are heading home after volunteering to help battle the Ross Fire in Texas, which has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced evacuations across North Texas. About two dozen firefighters from across Middle Tennessee began their journey back home Sunday after spending time on the front lines of what is currently the largest fire in Texas.
All 10 people escape massive Brentwood house fire that drew largest Williamson County response in years
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — A large house fire on Beech Hill in Brentwood drew one of the biggest fire responses Williamson County has seen in years, with more than 45 firefighters working for nearly 8 hours to bring the blaze under control. All 10 people inside the approximately 10,000-square-foot home — a group of family and friends — safely escaped before firefighters arrived.
Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes cuts ribbon on expanded campus in Williamson County
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes cut the ribbon on its expanding campus in Williamson County, a years-long project aimed at giving every child in its care their own special place. The nonprofit takes in and cares for children whose parents or family members cannot care for them. Currently, the campus can house 16 children, with hopes to double that number as more homes are built.
Produce recalls drive shoppers to local farmers markets, boosting sales by 30%
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Recent recalls and warnings tied to tainted produce are changing where people shop for fruits and vegetables, and local farmers markets are seeing the benefits. Vendors at the Franklin Farmers Market say foot traffic is up roughly 30% as consumers grow more cautious about commercially processed produce. "I'm seeing like about a 30% increase in people coming to the market," Amy Tavalin with the Franklin Farmers Market said.
Franklin woman, children shelter in place as wildfires force 250,000 to evacuate in France and Spain
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Franklin woman and her 2 young children are among those caught in the path of dangerous wildfires burning in France, sheltering in place in the small French town of Biscarrosse as flames from a nearby national forest cut off escape routes. Wildfires overseas have forced more than a quarter-million people to evacuate their homes across France and Spain. First responders are deploying large military aircraft in efforts to battle the blazes.
Cyclospora parasite outbreak drives shoppers to local farmers markets for produce
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — A parasite called Cyclospora has sickened thousands of people across the country, according to the FDA, and it's now prompting some local shoppers to rethink where they buy their produce. The Franklin Farmers Market drew a crowd of shoppers scanning for one produce item in particular: lettuce. Rose Creek Farms' Ray Tyler said his lettuce was flying off the table — selling out nearly two hours earlier than usual. "Ballpark maybe a thousand pounds.
Potential sale of Williamson Health hospital could have multigenerational impact on county
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Williamson County commissioners are weighing a nearly $1 billion deal to sell Williamson Health to Ascension St. Thomas — and what happens to that money could reshape the county for generations. The hospital board has recommended the sale, but county commissioners must still approve it, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. Outgoing Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, who voted to recommend the sale, addressed it at his final state of the county address.
Williamson County leaders weigh proposed hockey rink and sports complex amid traffic and growth concerns
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — A proposed sports and entertainment complex in Williamson County is generating both excitement and concern, as residents and local leaders weigh the potential benefits of new ice rinks and athletic fields against familiar worries about traffic, growth and quality of life. The Banks at Brownland project promises a 100,000-square-foot hockey facility aimed at families who are currently driving out of the county for ice time.
Franklin's first agri-hood aims to feed the neighborhood and beyond
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Franklin is getting its first agri-hood — an agricultural neighborhood — and the family behind the land says the project is about more than just development. It's about legacy. The Armistead development, located across from West Haven on Highway 96, will transform 200 acres of the Short family farm into a mixed-use community centered around a working farm.
Nashville Metro Council to consider budget with $23M for affordable housing program
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville's Metro Council is weighing a substitute budget that would direct more money toward affordable housing and safety initiatives, including increasing the Barnes Housing Trust Fund to $23 million. Metro Council Budget and Finance Committee Chair Kyonzté Toombs filed the FY2027 Substitute Budget Ordinance on Friday, building on Mayor Freddie O'Connell's recommended budget while incorporating feedback from council members, community stakeholders and residents.
Williamson County Sheriff's Office launches voluntary camera registry to aid investigations
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Williamson County Sheriff's Office has launched a new, voluntary camera registry program called Connect Williamson, giving deputies and detectives a streamlined way to locate and request footage from homeowners and businesses during investigations. The program is similar to FUSUS, a technology that stalled in Nashville last year over privacy concerns.
Franklin police ticket 13-year-old after e-bike crash, and a new Tennessee law brings more changes July 1
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Franklin police cited a 13-year-old following a crash involving a motorized bike, and a new Tennessee law taking effect July 1 will bring additional restrictions for young riders. On April 21, Franklin officers responded to a fender bender at the Interstate 65 off-ramp at the Goose Creek Bypass involving a 13-year-old on a motorized bike and a vehicle. Both the teen and the adult driver were waiting for officers when they arrived.
Nashville's Eastpoint Neighborhood groundbreaking marks largest affordable housing project in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville's newest neighborhood is starting to take shape. The Fallon Company broke ground on the Eastpoint Neighborhood, which developers say is the largest affordable housing project and investment in Tennessee right now. Mayor Freddie O'Connell says the mixed-use development is designed to benefit all families, accommodating incomes from $20,000 to $80,000 a year.
Spring Hill's Harvey Park to become fully accessible playground
SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WTVF) — Spring Hill parks commissioner Mary Ann Lapenta pushed for the change after identifying a gap in accessible play spaces for families. Spring Hill is transforming Harvey Park into a fully accessible playground, a project driven by parks and recreation commissioner Mary Ann Lapenta, who turned personal experience into community action. The renovation will replace all existing equipment and expand the park's footprint, enclosed by a new fence. A larger 13, 760 sq ft.
Insane doorbell camera captures ice storm devastating tree canopy as residents rally together
Click here for updates on this story WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tennessee (WTVF) -- The sounds were unmistakable – the sharp crack of ice-covered branches followed by thunderous crashes as entire trees succumbed to the weight of freezing rain. In Westhaven, a Williamson County neighborhood, decades of tree growth was destroyed in a matter of hours, but the community's response has been nothing short of remarkable.
Homeowners face tripled HOA fees after property management company allegedly mismanages funds
Click here for updates on this story NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) -- Residents at a local townhouse community are being forced to pay hundreds of dollars in additional fees during the holiday season after their property management company allegedly mismanaged their homeowner association funds. Carol Hancock moved into her Provincetown townhouse expecting to save money by downsizing and getting help with property upkeep.
Was Jesus a real person?
Only half of all Australians understand Jesus to be a real person who lived at a time and place in history, according to the latest Australian Community Survey. Two in 10 Australians said Jesus was a mythical or fictional character while three out of 10 didn’t know. Their doubts stand in contrast to those of ancient historians, classicists and New Testament scholars, who universally accept that Jesus was a real person in time and place in history.
Jack Daniel's scraps partnership with farmers in this Tenn. county, local livestock operations left scrambling
MOORE COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — For decades, the Jack Daniel's distillery and farmers in Moore County, Tennessee, maintained a mutually beneficial relationship that helped both parties thrive. The distillery provided its corn slop byproduct to local farmers at zero or low cost through what's known as the Cow Feeder Program, giving livestock operators an affordable feed source while helping the company dispose of its waste.
Stranger's quick thinking and CPR training turns shopping trip into life-saving miracle
Click here for updates on this story COOKEVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) -- A 27-year-old Cookeville man is alive today because a CPR instructor happened to be in the right place at the right time during a medical emergency at a local TJ Maxx store. Zach Porter collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while shopping, with no memory of the terrifying incident that nearly claimed his life.
Tennessee habitats restored to help monarchs spread their wings amid threat of endangered status
Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:00 Duration 0:00 Remaining Time -0:00 Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. Editorial Standards ⓘ Peak migration season has arrived for monarch butterflies, and they're now passing through Tennessee on their journey south.
AI, ethics, and human identity: the new religious frontier
As the Vatican seeks to harness social media to spread its message, others are warning that artificial intelligence poses a huge challenge to all religion. Could AI even be a rival to faith, projecting itself as a source of wisdom that’s neither human nor divine? Professor BETH SINGLER of the University of Zurich is the author of the new book, Religion and Artificial Intelligence. GUEST: Professor Beth Singler - Assistant Professor in Digital Religions at the University of Zurich
Woman leads police on hours-long low-speed chase in stolen car through Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) -- A woman led Nashville police on an unusual hours-long low-speed chase Tuesday morning after being found asleep in a stolen vehicle, at times traveling as slow as 7 miles per hour while morning commuters maneuvered around the pursuit. Convicted felon Katlyn Gayle Wray, 28, faces multiple charges, including vehicle theft, reckless endangerment, and evading arrest after the chase that began around 3 a.m. and ended with her arrest on I-24.
Caught on camera: Car literally drives through local market and crashes directly into a customer
PULASKI, Tennessee (WTVF) -- A car crashed into a convenience store in Pulaski Thursday evening, narrowly missing the owner and pinning a customer against the counter. Surveillance video shows the moment a vehicle plowed through the front doors of Town Square Market, causing extensive damage and injuring a customer who was purchasing a lottery ticket. Store owner Megh Patel was working the register when the crash occurred, having just taken over so an employee could go on break.
The Best Low-Maintenance Plants for City Dwellers
The warmer months are on the horizon, and it is the perfect time to bring some greenery into your space. Maybe you’re investing in your first plants, or perhaps you want to enjoy the vibrant energy plants add to a home without having to commit too much time to its care. These seven low-maintenance plants are perfect for city dwellers who want to add a fresh, modern vibe to their home or balcony.
'I saved her life.' 7-year-old honored for remembering school lesson and dialing 911
Click here for updates on this story FRANKLIN, Tennessee (WTVF) -- It's a conversation every family should have with their little one: How to call 911. In this day and age, do they know how to call 911 on a locked smartphone? I spoke with 7-year-old Jacob Peters, whose quick thinking saved his aunt's life. A look at the drawings in his room, it’s easy to see that scary dinosaurs are Jacob’s passion. “This one is a Spinosaurus. This one is a Stegosaurus,” said Jacob.
Cozy Cabin in the Core: Meet Scott and Bryan at STACKT Market
Fans can experience cottage country in downtown Toronto this spring, as Home Network celebrates new seasons of the hit series Renovation Resort and Scott’s Vacation House Rules with a pop-up experience at Toronto’s STACKT Market. At Home Network’s ‘Cozy Cabin in the Core’ experience, inspired by the Canadian Original series, fans can stop by for refreshments, games and giveaways. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter Home Network’s Watch and Win contest onsite for a chance to win $15,000.
10 Airbnbs to Visit for the Ultimate Girls Trip Weekend
Sometimes the trips do make it out of the group chat. Whether you’re planning an upcoming girls trip or have something special in mind for your Bachelorette party, we’ve got the Airbnb listings in the most sought-after spots. To make our list, these vacation rentals all sleep a minimum of five with the entire space dedicated to you and the girls (no shared accommodations here!). All of the spots featured here are also listed by Airbnb as guest favourites.
Level Up Your Spring Cleaning With These Tips and Tricks
The days are getting longer and the leaves are popping out. Spring is here, and that means it’s time for you to give your space a thorough clean. Whether it’s decluttering the basement, deep cleaning the kitchen or scouring the bathrooms, we’re here to help you cross off all the items on your spring cleaning checklist while avoiding common mistakes. Don’t let spring cleaning overwhelm you. Follow our advice and you’ll have a clean and tidy home in no time.
Everything You Need to Know About the Show
Leaving home isn’t always easy. Sure, gaining your independence and officially starting your adult life is exciting, but it’s also a big moment in which you kind of leave your childhood behind. That change can be tough for parents, too, especially when it comes to figuring out what to do with their adult children’s childhood things. Enter Empty Nest Refresh, the new home design series on Home Network.
How to Start a Herb Garden for $60 or Less
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How to Start a Herb Garden for $60 or Less
Have you ever bought a bunch of herbs at the grocery store for a recipe, only to have it wilt on you before you get around to using it? Dear readers, this perennial problem can be a thing of the past (during the summer, at least!) if you start your own herb garden.
Where Are Canadian Renters Getting the Most Space Per Dollar?
Finding a rental that balances price and space is a challenge these days, especially in Canada’s bustling housing market. With rents skyrocketing, renters across the country are eager to find cities that offer affordable, spacious living options. A study by the ViewHomes Team — a division of London, ON-based real estate firm Nu-Vista Premiere Realty Inc. — took a deep dive into rental data from 41 Canadian cities to assist potential tenants in making better choices.
10 Unexpected Sunny Destinations for Your Winter Escape
As the dark winter days drag on, the incessant cold has taken up permanent residence in our bones. Dreams of sunny destinations are swirling around our heads — clearly, it’s time to book that winter escape. Whether it’s dashing off at a moment’s notice this season or hunting for Winter 2026 inspiration, these unexpected sunny destinations are just the ticket.
These Black Canadian Designers Are Making Waves
In honour of Black History Month, we are highlighting seven Black-owned companies that are making an impact in the interior design landscape. Join us in celebrating Black creativity and entrepreneurship this February and beyond. Related: Made in Canada: 7 Canadian Home Goods Brands We Love Batiqua Founded by Linda Adimora, Batiqua specializes in stunning handmade throw pillows.
Injured Blue Heron inspires community creek clean-up
NASHVILLE (WTVF) -- Some of the images in this next story may be hard to watch, but they motivated one woman to do something to give back. While enjoying nature in her neighborhood Sylvan Park, she found wildlife strangled and hurt by fishing wire. News Channel 5's Amanda Roberts shows us how she's turning that distress into action. “It as on just a routine walk… I noticed it just laying lifeless,” said Mackenzie LaRoe describing a Blue Heron.
Antioch High School students return to class and protest for gun reform and mental health measures
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Antioch High School students return to class and protest for gun reform and mental health measures
By Amanda Roberts Click here for updates on this story ANTIOCH, Tennessee (WTVF) — A number of students at Antioch High School voiced their grief and frustration with an organized walkout and rally outside the school. The shooting less than a week ago left two teens dead, Dayana Escalante, 16, and the shooter himself.
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