Ohio born and raised • Former Central Ohio morning radio host 🎙 • Current Content/Digital Producer in Middle Tennessee • Opinions are my own
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Articles by Blake Summers
Problems, Problems and More Problems
By Blake Summers, Photos by Josh Ferguson Where the Wasatch Plateau meets the high desert, Joe's Valley sits as a world-class bouldering destination. Beautifully color streaked boulders dot the landscape just east of Joe's Valley Reservoir in Central Utah's "Castle Country".
Bigger fines sought for drivers passing school buses
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - A bill aimed at raising the fine for passing a stopped a school bus has unanimously passed through the Senate. If a school bus camera catches you passing a bus while it's stopped, you get a $50 fine, but TN SB2512 could make that a $200 fine. Some people say that raising the fine to $200 may not be enough to prevent drivers from passing school buses.
MNPD: Detectives investigating Monday morning homicide
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - Metro Nashville East Precinct detectives investigate a Monday morning shooting According to police, 23-year-old Charles Andrew Rooks was discovered in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Sentra with multiple gunshot wounds on Dellway Drive Monday morning. According to police at the scene, there was a shots fired call that had come out earlier in the night. When police arrived, they did not find any signs of a shooting.
Arrest affidavit: Teen shot in back outside a Nashville home
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - Metro Police arrested an 18-year-old man after a shooting that injured a teen in Nashville in early February. Michael Hobson was seen walking around the area in the 1700 block of Kellow Street on Feb. 9. According to an affidavit, the victim was in his car waiting for a friend he had just been with during the day to come back out of her family member's home. The affidavit stated Hobson began approaching the vehicle with a handgun when she came out.
MNPD: Body located downtown near Walk Of Fame
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A body was discovered around 9 a.m. Tuesday morning in the downtown Nashville area. According to Metro Nashville Police, the body of a man, possibly in his late 50s, was found near the Walk Of Fame area of Demonbreun Street. Police on scene believe this may be a death from natural causes, although, this is still an open investigation. This story is developing and News4 is heading to the scene to gather more information.
New Jersey boy continues surfing goal on visit to Nashville
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - To keep himself busy during the pandemic, an 11-year-old boy from New Jersey made it his goal to surf for 1,000 days. Carter Doorley will haul his surfboard through the snow and ice on the coast of New Jersey just to ensure he keeps up his goal. On his first trip to Nashville, Doorley was granted special access to SoundWaves at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to ensure he could continue with his goal.
New Jersey boy continues surfing goal on visit to Nashville
By Blake Summers, Content Producer Click here for updates on this story NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WSMV) — To keep himself busy during the pandemic, an 11-year-old boy from New Jersey made it his goal to surf for 1,000 days. Carter Doorley will haul his surfboard through the snow and ice on the coast of New Jersey just to ensure he keeps up his goal. On his first trip to Nashville, Doorley was granted special access to SoundWaves at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to ensure he could continue with his goal.
Mike Stewart announces he will not seek re-election
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Democratic Representative Mike Stewart announced Friday morning he will not be seeking re-election for the state house seat he has held since 2008. Stewart intends now to shift his political energy to protecting America's democratic system.
U.S. Secretary of Education visits TSU Friday
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - The United States Secretary of Education is making a stop at Tennessee State University Friday morning. Dr. Miguel Cardona will be attending a roundtable discussion while visiting where the focus will be efforts to address teacher shortages. Dr. Cardona was also in Tennessee Thursday holding a rural student roundtable as well in Trousdale County along with attending the National Conference on Education here in Nashville.
Arrest affidavit: Woman arrested for home burglary in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - A woman is behind bars after she broke into a Nashville home on January 2 and stole several items, according to an arrest affidavit. An arrest affidavit stated that Tiffany Dawn Likens, 39, entered a home on Elberta Street in Nashville through an unlocked back door. Likens was seen then on a Ring camera exiting the home with items in her hand, including two handguns, a .32 revolver, a snub nose .38, and $300 cash, the arrest affidavit stated.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday for June 24 weekend at Nashville Superspeedway
NASHVILLE (WSMV) – Tickets go on sale Tuesday for the Cup race along with other races the weekend of June 24-26 at Nashville Superspeedway. Last year was the first Cup race at Nashville Superspeedway since 2001 and the first race since 2011 when the track closed. Tickets for the June 24-26 NASCAR weekend start at just $35.
Gas prices continue to see steady rise, according to report
NASHVILLE (WSMV/WVLT) - Gas prices continue to steadily rise across the state of Tennessee with a five-cent average increase since February 1. According to a report from AAA - The Auto Club Group, Tennessee’s gas average is now sitting at $3.15. An increase of 13 cents since this time in January and more than 91 cents since this time in 2021.
Gas prices continue to see steady rise, according to report
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Gas prices continue to steadily rise across the state of Tennessee with a five cent average increase since February 1. According to a report from AAA - The Auto Club Group, Tennessee gas average is now sitting at $3.15. An increase of 13 cents since this time in January and more than 91 cents since this time in 2021.
By Blake Summers Click here for updates on this story LA VERGNE, Tennessee (WSMV) — A family is out of a home Monday in La Vergne after a fire caused a total loss to the home. The man living in the home on Ridgemont Drive said he and his wife began to smell smoke and discovered their couch on fire in the living room. After attempting to extinguish the fire himself, the fire spread throughout the home.
Parents, infant child escape house fire Monday morning
LA VERGNE, TENN. (WSMV) - A family is out of a home Monday in La Vergne after a fire caused a total loss to the home. The man living in the home on Ridgemont Drive said he and his wife began to smell smoke and discovered their couch on fire in the living room. After attempting to extinguish the fire himself, the fire spread throughout the home. The man and his wife grabbed their infant child and made their way to the neighbor's home, where they called for help.
Franklin man charged after shooting WCSO Deputy
PRIMM SPRINGS, TN (WSMV) - The Williamson County Sheriff's Office charged a man for shooting one of their deputies. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Chandler Rowe attempted to stop a car for expired tags on Old Pinewood and Daugherty-Capley roads. However, the Williamson County Sheriffs Office said the driver, later identified as 35-year-old Samuel Bennett, would not stop and thus, began a pursuit.
Man charged with setting home on fire in early January
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man has been charged after setting fire to his home in early January with his son inside at the time. Metro Police have charged Derek Dewitt Tidwell, 41, with aggravated arson after pouring camping oil in the home and setting it on fire January 3, according to an arrest affidavit. Witnesses at the scene told police Tidwell had a rifle in his hand yelling that he was not going to go back to jail. His son was home at the time and was able to get the magazine out of the rifle.
Body found along roadway in Crieve Hall
Police have identified the woman as 21-year-old Diana Poole. Toxicology results are still pending. NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A body was discovered with drug paraphernalia along Farrell Parkway in Crieve Hall Thursday morning. Police on the scene say the call came in around 7 a.m. from a passerby that noticed the body. Investigators have described the woman as being in her 20s and having tattoos on her face and upper body. The investigation is still active, and details are slowly being released.
Opening statements begin in 2018 Waffle House shooter trial
By BLAKE SUMMERS Click here for updates on this story NASHVILLE (WSMV) — Monday begins the trial for Travis Reinking, the man accused of shooting and killing multiple people inside of a Waffle House in April of 2018. The jury selection was held on January 25 where twelve women and two men were selected, two of which will be alternates. Police say Reinking, 30 at the time of the shooting, walked into an Antioch Waffle House with an AR-15 and opened fire, killing four people.
MNPD: one man dead after being shot whilst walking to his car Monday morning
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) – Officials reported one individual in critical condition after being shot whilst heading to his car Monday morning. Authorities said a man getting his day started this morning was shot multiple times in his car around 5:30 a.m. 34-year-old Jamonta Osborne’s brother said Osborne was either on his way to the gym or on his way to work as a furniture mover and has no idea why someone would shoot him. "Why would someone shoot my brother," Osborne's brother, Paul Campbell, asked.
Pedestrian killed on I-65 North in Williamson County
FRANKLIN, TENN. (WSMV) - A pedestrian has been killed after he was struck by a driver on I-65 north Monday morning. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Jacob A. Almazan was walking on the interstate near mile marker 71 and was struck by a driver in the left lane. The driver, a Spring Hill resident, was not charged with the crash.
Trial underway for man accused of killing 4 in 2018 at Antioch Waffle House
Reinking is charged with shooting and killing four people inside the Antioch restaurant in April 2018. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The trial for accused Waffle House shooter Travis Reinking is underway. Reinking is charged with shooting and killing four people inside the Antioch restaurant in April 2018. Abede DaSilva was one of the witnesses who testified in the first day of the trial on Monday. His brother Akilah DaSilva was one of the four people who died when the shooting happened.
War veteran creates company to help wounded warriors Original
BRENTWOOD, TN (WSMV) - Amid a global pandemic, one local war veteran made it their duty to continue giving back to other veterans by creating a fishing company. In September 2020, John Lopiccolo created Kane Fishing Gear, a company that shares profits with other war veterans locally and across multiple states. "I'm a wounded veteran, and I wanted to give back to wounded veterans who needed more than I do," said Lopiccolo.
Officials discuss planned route to remove juvenile judge in Rutherford County
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENN. (WSMV) - The Tennessee General Assembly could remove a Rutherford County juvenile judge after she was accused of jailing juveniles for misdemeanor charges. If passed, Senate Joint Resolution 788, which is sponsored by Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) and Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), would authorize the senate and the house speakers to appoint a panel of 10 lawmakers to consider the case of removing Juvenile Court Judge Donna Scott Davenport.
Woman shot during altercation Monday morning
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A woman is recovering after being shot in the face Monday morning during an altercation with a man she knows. During the altercation, the woman attempted to drive away from the scene and the man began shooting towards her vehicle, striking her. The woman was able to drive herself to a parking lot at the intersection of Charles E. Davis Blvd. and Fain Street where she called police.
One person treated following Hendersonville fire
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - One person was treated for smoke inhalation after an apartment caught fire Thursday night in Hendersonville. The fire was called in at 9:06 p.m. in the 200 block of New Shackle Island Road at the Reserve at Drakes Creek. Fire crews were able to get on scene quickly and knock down the fire within 30 minutes of arriving. Two apartments were damaged from fire and heat while four additional units were damaged due to smoke and water.
Suspect flees Waffle House after armed robbery
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man is on the loose after robbing a Waffle House in Nashville at gunpoint Thursday morning. According to police at the scene, a black male standing roughly 6-feet tall walked into the Waffle House at 3304 Dickerson Pike, produced a pistol and demanded money. The suspect, wearing a yellow show and blue pants, fled from the Waffle House, running towards the Days Inn and Super 8 hotels nearby. Police are working to identify the unknown man.
THDA launches federal program for mortgage assistance Original
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - The Tennessee Housing Development Agency is launching a new federally funded program that will be set to help homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 related financial hardship. The Tennessee Homeowner Assistance Fund, which was created as part of the American Rescue Plan and is being administered in the state by THDA, launched Monday morning. Over $168 million has been received in funding for the program.
Man shoots at ex-girlfriend and her brother after fight
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man will face a judge on Thursday after he opened fire on his ex-girlfriend and her brother in October 2021 in Nashville. According to an arrest warrant, On October 27, Kenchisa T. Carter, 25, was picked up at his home on Highland Circle by his ex-girlfriend and they went to pick up her brother at the Nashville Nightmare haunted house on Gallatin Pike North. While on the way back to drop off Carter at home, he and his ex-girlfriend began to argue.
Father pulls gun during child custody exchange
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man was arrested and released from Davidson County Jail after he pulled a gun during a child custody exchange in December. According to an arrest warrant, On December 12, 2021, Jalin M. Vinsang, 27, arrived to a meeting point to drop off his son with maternal grandmother. While at the meeting spot, the grandmother and Vinsang began arguing regarding the child not being properly secured into the vehicle.
Titans themed wedding band found at Nissan Stadium
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man posted on social media Sunday that he had lost his wedding band while at the game and was hoping that someone would spot it. Well, after being worried he wouldn't find it, a reply came that someone had found it. The someone that had replied back with a photo of the ring was Burke Nihill, the President and CEO of the Titans. The ring will be returned, once coordinated, to the owner.
2022 Figure Skating Championships begin at Bridgestone Arena
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - The 2022 Figure Skating Championship is taking place at Bridgestone Arena downtown Nashville beginning today. Some of the best figure skaters in the country are battling for their chance to get a spot on team USA for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Fans will be able to attend and watch the skating from inside the arena. For the men, Jason Brown, Vincent Zhou and Nathan Chen are competing.
2022 Figure Skating Championships begin at Bridgestone Arena
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - The 2022 Figure Skating Championship starts at Bridgestone Arena downtown Nashville on Monday. Some of the best figure skaters in the country are battling for their chance to get a spot on Team USA for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Fans will attend and watch the skating from inside the arena. Jason Brown, Vincent Zhou, and Nathan Chen are competing for the men.
Passengers stranded at BNA as Southwest continues to cancel flights
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Many passengers eager to get where they are going have been spending some extra time in Music City as Southwest Airlines began canceling flights over the weekend. People are lined up through the Southwest terminal of BNA Monday morning while people attempt to make new flight arrangements after winter weather blasted the mid-state.
New Year snowfall in Middle Tennessee
1 of 43 Amanda Jones - East Nashville.jfif Annabelle's snowman - Franklin.jpeg Ashton and Ryder - Southside.jpeg Becky Gibby - Mt. Juliet.jpeg Benjamin Bradford - College Grove.jpg Brad Day - Bellevue.jpeg Brooke Groom - Hillsboro.jpeg Carol Bennett - Murfreesboro 4 inche of snow.jpeg Carol Bennett - Murfreesboro.jpeg Chad McAnally - backyard snow.jfif Cheryl Stephens - Jamestown.jpeg Chris James - Shelbyville 9 inch snow.jpeg Chris James - Shelbyville.jpeg Gretchen Martin - Columbia.jpeg...
Omicron spreads across Tennessee
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Health officials are warning people ahead of holiday travel of the rapid spread of Omicron across the state. In Nashville, there has been a steady increase in testing site lines as people try to ensure their safety along with others before gatherings.
Man shot at house party over argument
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man needed surgery after being shot at a house party on Trinity Lane on December 5. According to a police report, the victim was having a verbal argument with the suspect, Armin Smajilovic, before he was shot. While arguing, Smajilovic pulled out a gun and got into a physical altercation while the victim attempted to stop him from using the gun.
VUMC arrested after waving gun at hospital
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A Vanderbilt University Medical Center employee was arrested after being seen at the hospital waving a gun in front of people. According to an arrest affidavit, Gregory Thornton, 29, was upset about his cell phone missing at the hospital and began to wave a SSCY 9mm handgun around while attempting to search for it. Other employees and witnesses called hospital police along with Metro Nashville police to contain the situation.
Man beat, robbed and kidnapped in August incident
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - A man was beaten, robbed and kidnapped in August when he showed up to a residence in the 1000 block of 40th Avenue North. The man arrived to the residence and was ambushed when a group of people came out from the bedroom, one with a stun gun and another with a hammer. The suspects in the room went through the pockets of the victim, taking his phone and keys. The victim was then ordered to send money via CashApp in the amounts of 75 dollars twice and another 600 dollar transfer.
AG Slatery joins lawsuit to stop mask and vaccine requirements
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III has joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Biden Administration’s recent mask requirements for toddlers and COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and volunteers in Head Start Programs. “We have consistently opposed mandates in the context of education, defending state statutes passed by our General Assembly. This challenge is consistent with our past positions, especially in the context of education.
TDOT halting construction for holiday travel
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - If you are not one of the millions of people flying for the holidays, you may be one of the millions dreading road construction as you drive. Tennessee Department of Transportation announced they will be halting construction during the next two weeks to ensure travelers can get back and forth as smoothly as possible. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction beginning at midnight on Thursday, December 23, 2021 through 6am on Monday, January 3, 2022.
Airbnb cracking down on New Year's Eve parties
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Airbnb has announced they will be cracking down and monitoring any parties that may take place in a rental location. Restrictions have been put in place to prevent any parties as part of the company's anti-party initiative. For those wishing to rent a one-night location, you must have a history of positive reviews on Airbnb. For those wishing to book a two-night location, there will be restrictions in place additional to the positive history on Airbnb.
Holiday travel growing since 2020
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Around 100 million people are expected to travel this week for the holiday, according to AAA. Locally, BNA says they are expecting two times more passengers this year compared to the same time in 2020. This number comes out to about 25,000 to 30,000 people per day until the end of the year. Although there seems to be growth, the numbers of people we are seeing still do not add up to that before the pandemic began in early 2020.
Candle light vigil held to honor Bowling Green victims
BOWLING GREEN, KY. (WSMV) - A candle light vigil will be held Monday night for the victims of the December 10 and 11 tornadoes in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The community will gather at the Bowling Green Ballpark where Bowling Green's minor league team The Hot Rods play. The vigil will begin at 5 p.m. 244 people were reported missing after the EF-3 tornado hit Warren County. As of December 15, the last person unaccounted for in Bowling Green was recovered, bring the death toll to at least 15 people.
Clarksville PD investigating theft and fraud at multiple stores
CLARKSVILLE, TENN. (WSMV) - Clarksville Police are currently investigating an instance of theft and fraud that took place at the Publix Supermarket at Sango Square in Clarksville on December 13. Four individuals walked into the store wearing face coverings and pretended to shop while searching for victims. An elderly woman shopping was approached by one of the female suspects and engaged in conversation, pulling her attention away from her cart where her purse and wallet were sitting.
Passenger critically injured in single-vehicle crash
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Two people were injured Thursday night after a single-vehicle crash in South Nashville. Just before 10 p.m., police were called to the area of 3302 Nolensville Pike after a driver said they had crashed. Based on the evidence at the scene, police believe the driver had struck a pole on Antioch Pike and drove another three blocks before calling for help. The passenger side of the vehicle was shredded off and the passenger is in critical condition.
Nashville Preds, American Red Cross team up to battle blood shortage
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - The Nashville Predators and the American Red Cross are continuing their partnership to host a multi-city blood drive beginning December 27. Donors that pre-schedule an appointment to donate blood at one of the 32 donation sites between December 27 - December 31 will receive a Predators foam hockey puck, and a Preds "Bleed Gold" t-shirt while supplies last.
MNPD: Officers return fire, kill suspect in Thursday morning officer-involved shooting
MADISON, TN (WSMV) - Metro Police, along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, are working to investigate an officer-involved shooting that has left one person dead. A large police presence is on the shooting scene in the Bellshire area. A call went out just after 2:30 a.m. for the 900 block of Old Hickory Blvd. near Cedar Hill Park. According to police, a witness called about an abandoned vehicle in the traffic lane with doors open.
Officer involved shooting investigation closes Old Hickory Blvd. in Madison
MADISON, TENN. (WSMV) - A large police presence is on scene of an officer-involved shooting in the Bellshire area. A call went out just after 2:30 a.m. for the 900 block of Old Hickory Blvd. near Cedar Hill Park. The call went out to dispatch as a possible officer in danger. News4 is on the scene gathering more information. This story is developing and will be updated as information is made available.
Two injured in overnight shooting
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Two women were injured after being shot late Wednesday night in Nashville. Witnesses tell police they believe gunfire came from an SUV in the area of Sylvan and 7th Street. The witnesses told police the SUV had been driving around while randomly shooting in the area. Police do not believe the two women were intended targets of this shooting, but rather innocent bystanders. At this time, nobody has been arrested and the two women are expected to survive.
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