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Articles by Brad Schmitt
Bree Smith named to lead WSMV4 weather team two years after leaving NewsChannel 5
After headline-grabbing episodes with AI deepfakes and her old TV station, Smith said she hopes to lean into Channel 4's tradition of 'excellence, compassion and genuine care for the community' Nov. 10, 2026, 3:50 p.m. CT Popular meteorologist Bree Smith has been tapped to lead WSMV4's weather team just 11 months after landing there following her fiery 2025 departure from NewsChannel 5.
Former NewsChannel 5 host Harry Chapman enters Emmys' Gold Circle
Winfrey, Nashville's first female Black TV anchor in the 1970s, said her one-time co-anchor, Harry Chapman, is 'a beautiful human' Nov. 10, 2026, 5:07 a.m. CT TV legend Oprah Winfrey — who became Nashville's first female Black TV anchor in 1974 — gave a video tribute last month to her first co-anchor at NewsChannel 5. Winfrey saluted longtime former WTVF personality Harry Chapman, who got inducted into the local Emmy chapter's Gold Circle, which recognizes 50 years in broadcasting.
Prison class sparked a friendship that changed two lives
She took a Lipscomb class that was only being offered in a prison that semester, and emerged with a B and a new best friend — one who was just released this summer Oct. 18, 2026, 5:01 a.m. CT "Want to go to prison?" Lipscomb University junior Amanda McDowell lacked one class to finish her criminal justice minor.
Prison class sparked a friendship that changed two lives
"Want to go to prison?" Lipscomb University junior Amanda McDowell lacked one class to finish her criminal justice minor. The "Society and the Law" course, her advisor told her, was available that semester in spring 2010 only as part of Lipscomb's Initiative for Education program, offered at the Tennessee Prison for Women. Would she want to complete the course behind bars? "Surely Lipscomb wouldn't put us in a dangerous situation," McDowell recalled thinking.
Prison class sparked a friendship that changed two lives
"Want to go to prison?" Lipscomb University junior Amanda McDowell lacked one class to finish her criminal justice minor. The "Society and the Law" course, her advisor told her, was available that semester in spring 2010 only as part of Lipscomb's Initiative for Education program, offered at the Tennessee Prison for Women. Would she want to complete the course behind bars? "Surely Lipscomb wouldn't put us in a dangerous situation," McDowell recalled thinking.
Prison class sparked a friendship that changed two lives
She took a Lipscomb class only being offered in a prison that semester and emerged with a B and a new best friend — who was just released this summer. "Want to go to prison?" Lipscomb University junior Amanda McDowell lacked one class to finish her criminal justice minor. The "Society and the Law" course, her advisor told her, was available that semester in spring 2010 only as part of Lipscomb's Initiative for Education program, offered at the Tennessee Prison for Women.
A new beginning beyond bars
Nicole Hester and Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean Sun, October 18, 2026 at 6:01 AM EDT Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Michelle Lockwood-Tipton, left, and her friend Amanda McDowell pose December 2022 at Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center women's prison in Nashville at a Lipscomb University graduation ceremony where Lockwood-Tipton, then an inmate, received her master's degree.
A new beginning beyond bars
Oct. 18, 2026, 5:01 a.m. CT The letter then inmate Michelle Lockwood-Tipton sent June 22, 2010, to her "outside" Lipscomb University classmate Amanda McDowell in Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center in Nashville to let McDowell know she'd been approved to visit Lockwood-Tipton. "That makes me extremely happy," Lockwood-Tipton wrote. McDowell visited her at least once a month for the next 15 years.
I got a new roommate when my recovery buddy got out of prison
I stood up, thrust my reinstated driver's license in the air and shouted, "Y'all, I got my (profanity) license back! I can drive again!" About 50 of my fellow recovering addicts erupted in cheers and laughter. I laughed with them as tears stung my eyes, grateful for the people in that 12-step meeting. Each had given me dozens of rides in the year after the state suspended my license when I got my second DUI in 2010. After the meeting, my sponsor grabbed me and said, "You owe a lot of rides.
I got a new roommate when my recovery buddy got out of prison
Tennessean Heartbeat columnist Brad Schmitt, in recovery for substance abuse, celebrates his friendship with a former Nashville drug dealer I stood up, thrust my reinstated driver's license in the air and shouted, "Y'all, I got my (profanity) license back! I can drive again!" About 50 of my fellow recovering addicts erupted in cheers and laughter. I laughed with them as tears stung my eyes, grateful for the people in that 12-step meeting.
I got a new roommate when my recovery buddy got out of prison
Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean Sun, October 18, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google I stood up, thrust my reinstated driver's license in the air and shouted, "Y'all, I got my (profanity) license back! I can drive again!" About 50 of my fellow recovering addicts erupted in cheers and laughter. I laughed with them as tears stung my eyes, grateful for the people in that 12-step meeting.
Tennessee Titans visit a children's hospital Oct. 6
Three defensive ends spend three hours at Monroe Carell Jr. Hospital at Vanderbilt
Jimmy Carter, longtime country music reporter in Nashville, dies at 73
Jimmy Carter, a Nashville-based entertainment reporter for decades, died Oct. 13, a former employer, WSM Radio, and his granddaughter, Kira Sparks, posted on Facebook. He was 73. Carter was best known for his 21 years on red carpets and at other Music Row functions as WSMV Channel 4's entertainment reporter. He worked for Channel 4 for six years in the 1980s and for 15 years between 2003 and 2018, according to his website, AskJimmyCarter.com.
Jimmy Carter, longtime country music reporter in Nashville, dies at 73
Oct. 14, 2026, 4:07 p.m. ET Jimmy Carter, a Nashville-based entertainment reporter for decades, died Oct. 13, a former employer, WSM Radio, and his granddaughter, Kira Sparks, posted on Facebook. He was 73. Carter was best known for his 21 years on red carpets and at other Music Row functions as WSMV Channel 4's entertainment reporter. He worked for Channel 4 for six years in the 1980s and for 15 years between 2003 and 2018, according to his website, AskJimmyCarter.com.
Jimmy Carter, longtime Channel 4 entertainment reporter, dies
Jimmy Carter, a Nashville-based entertainment reporter for decades, died Oct. 13, a former employer, WSM Radio, and his granddaughter, Kira Sparks, posted on Facebook. He was 73. Carter was best known for his 21 years on red carpets and at other Music Row functions as WSMV Channel 4's entertainment reporter.
The newest Nashville Christmas movie is now streaming on Amazon
Former CMT star-turned-movie director Lance Smith is set to screen his Nashville-made indie film, "The Christmas Heartbeat," for cast and crew Oct. 15 at Opry Mills.
Jimmy Carter, longtime Channel 4 entertainment reporter, dies Original
A former Channel 4 red carpet staple, Carter worked a total of 21 years for WSMV before leaving the station in 2018 Updated Oct. 13, 2026, 10:00 p.m. CT Jimmy Carter, a Nashville-based entertainment reporter for decades, died Oct. 13, a former employer, WSM Radio, and his granddaughter Kira Sparks posted on Facebook. He was 73. Carter was best known for his 21 years on red carpets and at other Music Row functions as WSMV Channel 4's entertainment reporter.
Nashville clogger celebrates 100th birthday with Station Inn dance
Banjo player Brad Bulla was playing with his bluegrass band at The Station Inn around 12 years ago when his 88-year-old mother spontaneously shuffled onto the stage. Dorothy A. "Dot" Bulla started clogging as the band played century-old fiddle tune "Angeline the Baker." "The crowd went absolutely nuts," Brad said. "Everyone was astounded she was so spry." After that, Dot Bulla danced nearly every time her son's band played The Station Inn, which happens several times a year.
Nashville clogger celebrates 100th birthday with Station Inn dance
Watch the beloved clogger Dorothy "Dot" Bulla dance in front of her son's bluegrass band at The Station Inn. Oct. 9, 2026, 9:36 a.m. CT Banjo player Brad Bulla was playing with his bluegrass band at The Station Inn around 12 years ago when his 88-year-old mother spontaneously shuffled onto the stage. Dorothy A. "Dot" Bulla started clogging as the band played century-old fiddle tune "Angeline the Baker." "The crowd went absolutely nuts," Brad said. "Everyone was astounded she was so spry."
The Station Inn's favorite clogger dances on her 100th birthday
Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean Fri, October 9, 2026 at 10:36 AM EDT Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Dorothy "Dot" Bulla, then 99, hoists a long-neck beer to celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31 at The Station Inn in Nashville. This picture became the bluegrass club's most popular social media post ever. More than 100 people pack into the iconic bluegrass club to celebrate Dorothy "Dot" Bulla
Her grandfather faked his own death. She turned his secret into a book
In the summer before her senior year at college, her dad dumped a huge family secret on her and told her never to speak of it again.
Kids love on Covenant teacher before he deployed
THE GOOD NEWS WITH BRAD SCHMITT Oct. 8, 2026, 11:59 a.m. CT Good morning, friends, this is Tennessean Heartbeat columnist Brad Schmitt, really happy I got to meet dozens of MTSU journalism students this week at a career fair on campus. It was awesome to meet so many young folks who are psyched about journalism, even if all of them are taller than I am. 🙄 Good luck to the students we met who are graduating in December! Here are this week's stories that'll make you smile.
'Pure Nashville.' Phil Ponder left a legacy of art, kindess
Phil Ponder, whose regularly updated Nashville skyline paintings became treasured markers of growth in the city he dearly loved, died Sept. 30 in his Hermitage home filled with family. He was 93. A former Nashville Metro Council member and Navy veteran who led dozens of civic organizations throughout his life, Ponder served others with a kindness, humility and consistency that deeply moved those he encountered.
Hundreds reach out after beloved artist Phil Ponder enters hospice care
Phil Ponder started writing a love letter to Nashville in the 1980s with his popular watercolor paintings of the downtown skyline. When he entered hospice care in early September at 93, the city he has spent decades celebrating has been sending that love back. Family members have brightened his days by reading from the hundreds of tributes from friends and loved ones whose lives Ponder has enriched.
Thousands reach out after beloved artist Phil Ponder enters hospice care
Hundreds have reached out to the family of Nashville artist and civic leader Phil Ponder since they found out in mid September that the beloved 93-year-old had entered hospice care in his home, relatives and friends said. Tributes also are pouring in for the painter whose iconic Nashville watercolor skylines have been ubiquitous in homes and businesses across Middle Tennessee for decades.
Phil Ponder's life in photos: artist, civic leader and great-grandfather
Phil Ponder poses as a Metro Councilman in 1998, left, and an artist in his Hermitage home’s studio in 2002. (The Tennessean) Phil Ponder as a boy in Ocala, Florida, in the 1930s. (Provided by Phil Ponder's family) Phil Ponder at U.S. Navy officer candidates school on March 18, 1956. (Provided by Phil Ponder's family) Phil and Dot Ponder on their wedding day, June 7, 1956, in Ocala, Florida.
Nonprofit tours crumbling 'The Castle' for possibilities | Exclusive
Thistle Farms leaders walked through the old prison's 120-acre property with the governor's sister and a deputy commissioner, but state officials said nothing could be done there for 'a few years' Sept. 22, 2026, 5:00 a.m. CT On the eve of its 30th anniversary, Nashville nonprofit Thistle Farms is eyeing the crumbling, historic Tennessee State Prison and its 120-acre property for a massive expansion, the nonprofit's founder, the Rev. Becca Stevens, revealed last week.
Thistle Farms serves women survivors of exploitation and addiction for nearly 30 years
Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean Tue, September 22, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The Rev. Becca Stevens shows some of the beauty and bath products made at Thistle Farms in Nashville in November 2011. (Karen Kraft / The Tennessean) The Rev.
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? Here's the woman who keeps life sweet
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? They are thriving, in part because the state's Queen Bee, Jessica Dodds-Davis, has been growing her nonprofit, Honeybee Tennessee, since she launched it in 2017 and created and the popular license plate that goes along with it. "Honeybee Tennessee is thriving and doing amazing," Dodds-Davis told The Tennessean in August. "We partnered with so many schools and universities and now we even have a scholarship program for kids pursuing a degree in agriculture.
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? Here's the woman who keeps life sweet
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? They are thriving, in part because the state's Queen Bee, Jessica Dodds-Davis, has been growing her nonprofit, Honeybee Tennessee, since she launched it in 2017 and created and the popular license plate that goes along with it. "Honeybee Tennessee is thriving and doing amazing," Dodds-Davis told The Tennessean in August. "We partnered with so many schools and universities and now we even have a scholarship program for kids pursuing a degree in agriculture.
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? Here's the woman who keeps life sweet
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? They are thriving, in part because the state's Queen Bee, Jessica Dodds-Davis, has been growing her nonprofit, Honeybee Tennessee, since she launched it in 2017 and created and the popular license plate that goes along with it. "Honeybee Tennessee is thriving and doing amazing," Dodds-Davis told The Tennessean in August. "We partnered with so many schools and universities and now we even have a scholarship program for kids pursuing a degree in agriculture.
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? Here's the woman who keeps life sweet
The buzz on honeybees in Tennessee? They are thriving, in part because the state's Queen Bee, Jessica Dodds-Davis, has been growing her nonprofit, Honeybee Tennessee, since she launched it in 2017 and created and the popular license plate that goes along with it. "Honeybee Tennessee is thriving and doing amazing," Dodds-Davis told The Tennessean in August. "We partnered with so many schools and universities and now we even have a scholarship program for kids pursuing a degree in agriculture.
Khristal Witta Eye said she was laid off from 92Q amid mental health crisis | Exclusive Original
Khristal Witta Eye is upset at the way she said she was laid off from the 615 Wake Up morning show at 92Q. But the Nashville comedian, whose given name is Khristal Majors, also told The Tennessean she's recovering and moving forward with new projects. Majors said management called her at home Aug. 6 while she was recovering from a mental health episode she'd experienced at the station the day before. "That morning, I had broke down, crying," she said.
Khristal Witta Eye said she was laid off from 92Q amid mental health crisis | Exclusive
Khristal Witta Eye is upset at the way she said she was laid off from the 615 Wake Up morning show at 92Q. But the Nashville comedian, whose given name is Khristal Majors, also told The Tennessean she's recovering and moving forward with new projects. Majors said management called her at home Aug. 6 while she was recovering from a mental health episode she'd experienced at the station the day before. "That morning, I had broke down, crying," she said.
92Q host Kenny Smoov, 615 Wake Up show out after Cumulus action | Exclusive Original
The layoffs are part of a nationwide downsizing from Cumulus, which filed for bankruptcy in March, but the Kenny and Sissy Show will launch online soon, Sissy Brown says Sept. 8, 2026, 8:11 p.m. CT Nashville R&B throwbacks radio station 92Q laid off popular 21-year personality Kenny Smoov and two members of the station's morning show, the 615 Wake Up, the on-air hosts confirmed to The Tennessean. "Right now, I feel gratitude," Smoov told The Tennessean Sept. 8.
92Q host Kenny Smoov, 615 Wake Up show out after Cumulus action | Exclusive
Nashville R&B throwbacks radio station 92Q laid off popular 21-year personality Kenny Smoov and two members of the station's morning show, the 615 Wake Up, the on-air hosts confirmed to The Tennessean. "Right now, I feel gratitude," Smoov told The Tennessean Sept. 8. "And I’m disappointed it ended like that. "I still had a whole book full of ideas.
She's the heartbeat of an East Nashville daycare that has survived it all Original
Through two tornadoes, a pandemic and personal tragedies, Karen Stump has continued to build a loving community of parents and kids at Holly Street Daycare for more than three decades Sept. 8, 2026, 5:01 a.m. CT The 2-year-old with pigtails thrust a handful of animal-shaped crackers toward Ms. Karen and smiled big. "Are they turtles?" she asked. "Is that what they are?" The toddler nodded. "Or are they fishees?" The toddler nodded again, and Ms. Karen smiled big.
She's the heartbeat of an East Nashville daycare that has survived it all
The 2-year-old with pigtails thrust a handful of animal-shaped crackers toward Ms. Karen and smiled big. "Are they turtles?" she asked. "Is that what they are?" "Or are they fishees?" The toddler nodded again, and Ms. Karen smiled big. In the nursery, Karen Stump, at 69, got on her hands and knees to bop the nose of a 3-month-old. "Hi Jack. Hi Jaaack," she said, her Chicago roots showing in the flat A sound in "Jack." "Whacha doin'?
Franklin mayor leads 22-person envoy to celebrate its German sister city Original
The affluent suburb of Bad Soden sets up a Franklin museum display and throws a party, while high school students fire tough questions at Franklin's mayor Sept. 4, 2026, 5:05 a.m. CT BAD SODEN, Germany — A 22-person delegation from Franklin, Tennessee, traveled 4,600 miles to celebrate the suburb's 10-year anniversary with its sister city in Germany.
What items scream "Franklin?" The things on display in the suburb's German sister city
Brad Schmitt Sept. 4, 2026, 5:05 a.m. CT A four-feet high photo of Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, hangs in the town gallery of Bad Soden, Germany, Sept. 2, 2026, as part of an exhibit about the Nashville suburb from Sept. 5 to Oct. 25, 2026, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Bad Soden and Franklin being sister cities. Brad Schmitt / The Tennessean A Trisha Yearwood Nashville Predators bobblehead is part of an exhibit about the Nashville suburb from Sept. 5 to Oct.
What items scream "Franklin?" The things on display in the suburb's German sister city
A four-feet high photo of Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, hangs in the town gallery of Bad Soden, Germany, Sept. 2, 2026, as part of an exhibit about the Nashville suburb from Sept. 5 to Oct. 25, 2026, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Bad Soden and Franklin being sister cities. (Brad Schmitt / The Tennessean)
The foods and views of Franklin's German sister city, Bad Soden
Follow The foods and views of Franklin's German sister city, Bad Soden Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean Updated Fri, September 4, 2026 at 2:28 AM EDT The foods and views of Franklin's German sister city, Bad Soden Part of the main thoroughfare in Bad Soden, Germany, an affluent suburb of Frankfurt with a population of about 23,000, on Sept. 3, 2026. (Brad Schmitt / The Tennessean) A look at this affluent Frankfurt suburb that has been Franklin's sister city since 2016
What does this German mayor think of Tennessee whiskey?
What does this German mayor think of Tennessee whiskey?
Reba, Jane Fonda, Beyoncé and more pay tribute to late Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton , music legend, Hollywood icon, business mogul, philanthropist, Tennessean and American original, died Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. Remembrances started pouring in from across the world swiftly after Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, delivered the announcement in a social media video Seaver did not announce a cause of death, although Parton had dealt with health issues.
By Audrey Gibbs Verified, Caché McClay Verified, Kirsten Fiscus Verified, Gabrielle Chenault Verified, Brad Schmitt Verified
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MSN
Verified
Dolly Parton dies at 80, and stars across the world react
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Dolly Parton , music legend, Hollywood icon, business mogul, philanthropist, Tennessean and American original, died Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. Remembrances started pouring in from across the world swiftly after Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, delivered the announcement in a social media video Seaver did not announce a cause of death, although Parton had dealt with health issues.
By Audrey Gibbs Verified, Caché McClay Verified, Kirsten Fiscus Verified, Gabrielle Chenault Verified, Brad Schmitt Verified
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MSN
Verified
RaeLynn looks to add to her fund to battle diabetes with Aug. 24 shows
The 'God Made Girls' singer, who got her break on TV's 'The Voice,' will perform with songwriters Aug. 24 at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville Updated Aug. 21, 2026, 1:16 p.m. CT Country singer RaeLynn ("God Made Girls") will host two fundraiser songwriters' shows Aug. 24 in Nashville to battle diabetes.
Drew Baldridge to play farm show to help feed people with food insecurity
Country singer Drew Baldridge ("She's Somebody's Daughter") will play a fundraiser show Sept. 4 for a Nashville nonprofit farm to promote the Sept. 18 release of his new album, "Farm Faith Family."
The moves Nashville TV news, radio figures are making this summer
It has been a hot summer for some of Nashville's best-known names in TV news and radio. Here's a look at some of the prominent figures making moves. WSMV4 meteorologist Lisa Spencer Spencer retired from Channel 4 as chief meteorologist Aug. 7 after 25 years at WSMV and a total of four decades in television news. She left feeling "showered with love" from viewers and colleagues, saying she'd pop up from time to time for special segments on the station.
The moves Nashville TV news, radio figures are making this summer
Out — Channel 4's Lisa Spencer, Channel 2 morning show's Jerry Barlar, radio's Amy Paige. Making big moves — Neil Orne, Nikki Burdine, Kelly Sutton and John Dwyer Aug. 18, 2026, 5:01 a.m. CT It has been a hot summer for some of Nashville's best-known names in TV news and radio. Here's a look at some of the prominent figures making moves. WSMV4 meteorologist Lisa Spencer Spencer retired from Channel 4 as chief meteorologist Aug. 7 after 25 years at WSMV and a total of four decades in television news.
Funeral arrangements set for Jamie Isabel as TSU lauds the civic leader Original
Isabel, a business leader and former Metro Council member, 'made a meaningful impact on Nashville,' TSU president says in a statement. Aug. 17, 2026, 5:21 p.m. CT Memorial services for Nashville civic and business leader Jamie D. Isabel will be held Aug. 20 and 21. Isabel, 61, who died of a heart attack Aug. 10, "made a meaningful impact on Nashville and the community he served," Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker said in a statement.
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