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Travis Kelce’s Friend Recants After Viral Wedding Snub Accusation

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Travis Kelce’s Friend Recants After Viral Wedding Snub Accusation

Taylor Lewan downplays the significance of being left out of Travis Kelce’s wedding guest list, just hours following a public expression of disappointment toward his decade-long friend for the oversight.

Despite their enduring friendship, Lewan was not among those invited to the high-profile wedding held at Madison Square Garden last Friday. The event witnessed Kelce’s marriage to Taylor Swift in the presence of approximately 1,000 attendees.

The ex-Tennessee Titans player expressed his frustration on Tuesday’s episode of his ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ podcast. He remarked on the guest list with surprise, saying, ‘Seeing certain names… that’s when I felt, okay, something’s off. I noticed George Kittle’s mom and stepmom made the cut! Man, we’ve been tight for over a decade! We frequently exchange texts and calls!

He added, ‘I’ll choose the mature route here, but it’s clear I must be doing something wrong in this friendship. Obviously, I’m missing something.’

During the podcast, when queried about whether Swift might have influenced Kelce’s decision to exclude him, Lewan considered sending a voice message to the Kansas City Chiefs star to inquire directly but ultimately opted against it.

Hours later, the 34-year-old took to social media to play down his comments and claim he was ‘ripping around’ and ‘making a joke about it’ on the podcast.

Taylor Lewan

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Taylor Lewan insists it’s ‘not that big of a deal’ that he didn’t get invited to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding

Lewan called out Kelce for not inviting him to his wedding on his podcast just hours earlier

Lewan called out Kelce for not inviting him to his wedding on his podcast just hours earlier 

After revealing his family are being contacted by the press over the wedding snub, Lewan said: ‘Here’s the deal, here’s my statement on that. If you’re getting married, you can invite whoever the f*** you want to your wedding. It doesn’t matter who you do and don’t invite.

‘It’s not about you. The boys were having a fun time on a podcast yesterday, ripping around, taking the high road, making a joke about it.

‘At the end of the day, Travis, Taylor, both phenomenal people. I’ve known Travis very well for over 10 years, all good I didn’t get invited.

‘Yeah, next time I see him am I gonna say something about it? Am I gonna give him a hard time and razz him up a little bit? No doubt. But it’s not that big of a deal guys.’

A number of high-profile NFL figures were in attendance at MSG on Friday night, including Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Baker Mayfield.

The guest list was a who’s who of the A-list world, bringing stars from Hollywood, the music industry, fashion and sport together in the Big Apple. Comedy icon Adam Sandler also officiated the wedding.

Nevertheless, Lewan’s ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ podcast co-host Will Compton was also left off the guest list despite enjoying his own long friendship with Kelce. He admitted he too was ‘flabbergasted’ to not receive an invite.

Lewan (left), with Kelce and Swift in 2025, publicly called out Kelce over his decision

Lewan (left), with Kelce and Swift in 2025, publicly called out Kelce over his decision

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Should friends feel hurt if they’re left out of a celebrity wedding with hundreds of guests?

Lewan and Compton have always spoken openly of their admiration and friendship with the Chiefs star and the feelings have always appeared mutual. They have also spent time with Swift since she and Kelce became an item.

But while hosting the latest ‘Bussin’ episode without Compton, Lewan looked visibly surprised at being left off the guest list while discussing the big wedding. While he repeatedly joked about the snub, there was clearly some truth to the feeling behind his words.

‘We are extremely happy for them, clearly it was an extremely intimate wedding,’ he began. ‘An intimate wedding with only their closest friends, only their closest friends and family went to.

‘Going into the weekend I thought “all good, didn’t get an invite”. At the end of the day when it comes to weddings, don’t make it about yourself. I sit back, happy for them, I shot Travis a text saying congratulations, he hit me back pretty quick. Happy for them and their relationship.

‘I hear it’s at MSG. Unique spot to get married. Heard they donated $26m to charity, incredible thing. I see a Pat McAfee post, him and his beautiful wife at the wedding, that’s awesome.

Kelce and Swift transformed Madison Square Garden and invited around 1,000 guests

Kelce and Swift transformed Madison Square Garden and invited around 1,000 guests 

I see Paul Rudd is there. Incredible stuff man, great actor. Abigail Anderson, I was thinking “I don’t know who that is”, turns out one of Taylor Swift’s closest friends from when she was little. That’s so beautiful.’

Eventually though, Lewan started to feel hurt over who made the cut ahead of him.

‘Then I start to see – who is (US women’s soccer player) Alex Morgan? Who is that? And then Saturday afternoon, or in the evening, seems like a lot of people go to this wedding. Baker Mayfield, his wife there. Beaabadoobee (the singer)… gotta go? Benson Boone, yeah gotta have him. Bowen Yang, who is that?

‘Dude when I saw that Dean Blandino got invited, friend of our show. Dean Blandino was there. Now I am starting to think is this a personal shot that Will and I are taking?’

Georgia Educators Advocate for Overhaul of Outdated School Funding Formula

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Georgia Educators Advocate for Overhaul of Outdated School Funding Formula

ATLANTA (WJBF) — Across Georgia, educators are advocating for a significant revision of the public school funding framework, pointing out that the existing decades-old system no longer aligns with the current needs of classrooms.

The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is pressing state authorities to revamp the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula. This formula, which determines the financial allocation to school districts from the state, was implemented in 1985 and remains at the core of the state’s public education funding strategy.

“QBE stands for Quality Basic Education Act, passed in 1985 to fund public education in Georgia,” explained Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators. “We’re still relying on that same formula 42 years after it was first created.”

The association contends that the current system is outdated and fails to meet the evolving requirements of schools and students. They are urging legislators to ensure funding for areas such as student poverty, mental health services, support for English language learners, transportation, and classroom technology becomes a permanent part of the state’s funding model.

Morgan highlighted that many of these essential expenses receive insufficient funding or are handled through separate grants rather than being integrated into the primary QBE framework.

“Transportation is not fully funded in the QBE formula,” Morgan said. “There are other things that are just not there. Georgia is one of only six states that does not address poverty in the community when we fund our schools.”

Educators also said technology has dramatically changed teaching and learning since the formula was created more than four decades ago.

“There are a lot of things that we need in our public schools now that weren’t around in 1985,” Morgan said. “There was one computer in the school on a cart that was wheeled around. Now we have one-to-one technology where each student has technology.”

The group argues those technology needs should become a permanent part of the state’s education funding formula instead of relying on temporary funding sources.

The Georgia Department of Education notes that recent state budgets have provided additional grant funding to help school districts hire social workers and expand access to student mental health services. However, those investments are made outside the traditional QBE formula.

Advocates said incorporating those priorities into the state’s permanent funding model would provide greater stability and predictability for local school districts.

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute also points to staffing concerns under the current funding system. According to the organization, the formula funds one school counselor for every 450 students, well above the recommended ratio of one counselor for every 250 students recommended by the American School Counselor Association.

Education advocates argue additional investments would allow schools to better address students’ academic, emotional, and mental health needs.

Lawmakers and education advocacy groups are continuing to gather feedback on potential changes to the QBE formula.

Any legislation to revise Georgia’s school funding system is expected to be considered during the 2027 legislative session, when lawmakers return to the State Capitol in January.

Case Dismissed for Parks Director Who Left Child in Van

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Case Dismissed for Parks Director Who Left Child in Van

Case dismissed after cop

Inset: Zonya Ray from the City of Opa-locka, Florida. Background: News footage of the parking lot where the child was found (WTVJ).

In Florida, a city official saw her legal case thrown out because the police officer who filed the charge failed to attend the court hearing.

Zonya Ray, who serves as the Parks & Recreation Director in Opa-locka, Florida, was cited back in April when she was accused of leaving a 5-year-old unattended in a city-provided van overnight. As reported by local NBC affiliate WTVJ, Ray had driven multiple children to and from their football practice the night of March 10.

At approximately 6 a.m. the following morning, the child was found alone in the van in a parking lot after spending the entire night there. The incident was documented by local news coverage.

Police said Ray acknowledged that she did not check the van to make sure it was unoccupied before she locked it and went home for the night. According to an arrest report obtained by WTVJ and local CBS affiliate WFOR, Ray said she did not realize the 5-year-old had gotten into her van when she left the football practice.

Ray told police that she realized the child might be in the van when she was informed on the morning of March 11 that the child was missing. She then returned to the parking lot. Police said the child was alone in the van, in the parking lot, for more than eight hours.

Police issued Ray a citation for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, on April 30. Instead of being booked into jail, Ray signed paperwork promising to appear in court.

Ray was in court for her hearing on Tuesday, but the Opa-locka police officer who issued the citation was not. WTVJ reported from the courtroom that since the officer failed to show up for court, the case against Ray was dismissed.

WFOR reported on June 4 that Ray was fired from her job as the city’s Parks & Recreation director because of the charge, but her name and photo still appear on the city’s official site.

Family Seeks Answers After Nolan Wells Discovered Deceased Following Horn Island Visit

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Family Seeks Answers After Nolan Wells Discovered Deceased Following Horn Island Visit

Mystery continues to shroud the tragic demise of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who vanished during a Fourth of July boating excursion to Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi.

A student and football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Wells was reportedly last seen alive on Horn Island on Independence Day, as confirmed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Nolan Wells was on a boat,” Sheriff John Ledbetter mentioned to ABC News. “He departed from a private dock in the Ocean Springs area with his friends heading to Horn Island. They returned without Nolan after he decided to remain on the island.”

After Wells didn’t return home, his mother Christine Wonsley reported him missing at midnight, according to WLOX, sparking a multi-day search effort.

On July 6, around 8:45 a.m., the body of a young man matching Wells’ description was found near the northwest shore of the island, as Sheriff Ledbetter confirmed to The New York Post.

Jackson County coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. later confirmed to CBS News that the remains belonged to Wells, with identification being verified through dental records. An autopsy was conducted on July 7, but results have yet to be disclosed. Oxygen seeks further input from Lynd Jr.

“After an extensive search involving countless volunteers from the United Cajun Navy, first responders, local law enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, and organizations from across the region, our worst fears became reality,” read a statement on Wells’ family’s official GoFundMe, organized by a friend of Wonsley. “While no words can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, we are deeply grateful for every person who searched, prayed, shared his story, and stood beside our family during these difficult days.”

In a statement of her own, Wonsley shared that she was “absolutely devastated” by her son’s loss.

“My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” she wrote in part on Facebook. “Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you all please give me and my family privacy as we grieve.”

What Has Happened in the Nolan Wells Case?

On July 7, the sheriff’s office announced they were continuing to “actively investigate the circumstances” surrounding Wells’ death and were “working to establish the facts through eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and other reliable information.”

The department also sought the public’s help in their efforts, asking for anyone who was on Horn Island on July 4 to reach out if they “observed or heard an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity” while there or took any unedited photos and videos on the island believed to include Wells.

As their press release noted, “Original media often contains critical details that may be essential to the ongoing investigation.”

“Even information that may seem insignificant could prove valuable to investigators,” they added. “We encourage anyone with firsthand knowledge to come forward.”

The sheriff’s department also noted that their “thoughts, prayers, and condolences remain with Nolan Wells’ family during this difficult time.”

“We respectfully ask the public to extend compassion and privacy to his loved ones,” their statement read, “as investigators continue working diligently to determine exactly what occurred.”

In an interview published the same day, Ledbetter told ABC News that investigators do not currently suspect foul play.

“There is no information that we have right now,” he said, “that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred.”

Amid the investigation, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump has announced that he’s been retained by Wells’ family.

“His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth,” Crump wrote on X. “We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.”

Top 5 Emmy 2026 Nomination Snubs That Shocked the Industry

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Top 5 Emmy 2026 Nomination Snubs That Shocked the Industry

Joyce Byers in the Abyss in

Netflix

The nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced, celebrating a triumphant day for some of television’s most lauded programs. Shows such as “The Pitt” and “Widow’s Bay” dominated with numerous nods, while streaming services like Apple TV and HBO also reaped a hefty share of nominations. For many in the industry, this lineup hints that certain series, especially “The Pitt,” might achieve significant victories during the upcoming ceremony in September. Nonetheless, with every announcement of nominations, there are inevitable disappointments and notable omissions that stir controversy.

Among the letdowns this year, a particularly glaring issue is the lack of representation for potential nominees of color at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. For dedicated TV enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, certain exclusions in the 2026 nominations resonated more sharply. The top five unsatisfactory omissions point to broader trends than just specific productions being sidelined. They highlight shifts in the types of shows that Emmy voters are now favoring for the top accolades. Additionally, these snubs reveal the difficulties some programs face in niche categories where only a small number of nominees can make the cut.

Even amidst the excitement for those who soared with nominations, several egregious oversights at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have prompted deep analysis. Let us delve into the snubs that left both fans and industry experts in disbelief.

Stranger Things was not nominated for outstanding drama series

Dustin looking up at danger in

Netflix

It’s not always the artistic quality that leads to shocking snubs during award seasons. Consider the final season of “Stranger Things.” Its concluding episodes sparked a highly mixed reception. Rather than being captivated by the storylines, audiences frequently focused on the noticeable flaws in writing or the cumbersome exposition in Season 5. This criticism was further fueled by subsequent releases, like a documentary on the series, which only intensified the debate surrounding its finale. Without context, it wouldn’t be surprising that this season didn’t secure an Emmy nomination.

What makes this snub unexpected, however, is that every prior season of “Stranger Things” did receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. Notably, both the third and fourth seasons were solely recognized in this category, unlike the first two, which also garnered acting and writing nominations. The affection for “Stranger Things” seemed to dwindle among Emmy voters this time around, deviating from previous patterns.

Between “The Boys,” “Euphoria,” and especially “Stranger Things,” the outstanding drama series category this year wasn’t interested in divisive final seasons of shows that stirred up lots of discourse. Netflix and the “Stranger Things” crew can console themselves with all the merchandising money the show made, but still, the Emmys ignoring “Stranger Things” after previously going nuts for it was a bit shocking, even given the final season’s quality.

Death by Lightning was excluded in limited or anthology series

James A. Garfield emerging triumphant in

Netflix

As late as 2014, it sure looked like the TV miniseries was on its last legs. Then Peak TV kicked into overdrive and new streamers needed star-studded programming fast. Suddenly, this format was hot again and omnipresent. In the last two years, the miniseries has simmered down again in popularity as streamers return their focus to shows with longer, multiple seasons (like “The Pitt”). However, there are still enough of these shows that some great programs can get lost in the outstanding limited or anthology series Emmy category. Case in point: the exclusion this year of “Death by Lightning.”

This entertaining and well-crafted program spent four episodes chronicling James A. Garfield’s (Michael Shannon) unexpected ascendency to the U.S. Presidency as well as the scheming machinations of Charles J. Guiteau (Matthew Macfayden), who eventually assassinates Garfield. The show’s sharp writing (courtesy of Mike Makowsky) made sequences depicting events like voting at the Republican National Convention enthralling. All the performances were sublime too, including Shannon in one of his most empathetic on-screen roles as Garfield. Alas, these qualities weren’t enough to get the show a well-deserved nod for outstanding limited or anthology series.

Perhaps the program’s November 2025 airdate ensured it was out of people’s minds by the time summer 2026 Emmy voting rolled around. Whatever led to its exclusion, “Death by Lightning” getting snubbed is another insult to James A. Garfield.

No room for Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice in outstanding television movie

Alice, Mike, and one of the Nick's going for an elevator ride in "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice" (2026)

Hulu

Typically, a movie heading to a streaming platform indicates that it must be of inferior quality, but the snappy time travel comedy “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” was fun enough to make one lament that it was dumped on Hulu. This high-concept feature involving gangsters, two Vince Vaughns, and James Marsden’s comic timing was a solid outing from writer-director BenDavid Grabinski. Given how lackluster many TV movies are, one could imagine “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” easily scoring an outstanding television movie Emmy nomination.

Unfortunately, the film — complete with witty dialogue referencing questionable things we ignored in “Gilmore Girls” – was not on the wavelength of Emmy voters. Even more bafflingly, it got knocked out of this category by two worse-reviewed Amazon streaming films. One was the John Cena/Idris Elba actioner “Heads of State,” while the other was “Jack Ryan: Ghost War.” It’s so bizarre fathoming how these two even got in, regardless of whether they beat out “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” for a nomination or not.

Perhaps this outcome reinforces that “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” was always an odd fit for a TV movie. Perhaps the extension of pre-existing TV shows like “Shadow War” struck Emmy voters as natural TV movies. Meanwhile, this movie may have seemed so much like a theatrical release that it didn’t even cross the minds of Emmy voters for this category. 

Long Story Short fell short for outstanding animated program

The three leads of

Netflix

Some of the best cartoons of all time have effortlessly scored Emmy nominations in the outstanding animated program category, including “The Simpsons,” “BoJack Horseman,” and “Scavengers Reign,” as well as some less-than-stellar productions like “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.” This year’s eclectic nominees for outstanding animated program were certainly a fascinating collection, with everything from surprise nominee “Smiling Friends” to “Star Wars: Visions” representing various genres and animation styles. The category has come a long way from the days of acclaimed “Simpsons” episodes sharing space with “Garfield” TV specials and programs based on the California Raisins.

Unfortunately, one major, acclaimed 2025 animated program got left out in the cold. Despite series creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s prior show, “BoJack Horseman,” getting nominated twice in this category, “Long Story Short” was snubbed for an outstanding animated program nod. This is despite the show garnering praise for its wit and audacious storytelling, including touching a subject no other cartoon (except “South Park”) dared to. Unfortunately, all the 2026 Emmy nominees for outstanding animated program were shows with multiple seasons under their respective belts. 

A newcomer like “Long Story Short,” despite getting some of Netflix’s best reviews for 2025 (for animated or live-action programming), couldn’t hope to compete with these heavyweights. Hopefully subsequent “Long Story Short” seasons will land some Emmy nods and maybe even the win that eluded “BoJack Horseman” in this category.

Wonder Man’s Ben Kingsley got no love

Trevor Slattery in his Mandarin get-up in

Marvel Television

“Wonder Man” was not only Marvel’s least traditional show, but featured a beautiful bromance anchored by great performances from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley. Reprising his Marvel Cinematic Universe role of Trevor Slattery, first established in “Iron Man 3,” Kingsley wasn’t just funny (though his killer line deliveries cannot be under-praised) but also provided engaging moments of warmth and tremendously compelling chemistry with Abdul-Mateen II. The latter actually scored a welcome and richly deserved Emmy nomination for his “Wonder Man” performance in the outstanding lead actor in a comedy series category.

Unfortunately, Kingsley got no such Emmy nomination in the outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series category. What’s bizarre about this development is that (in addition to other awards feats like winning an Oscar) Kingsley’s already been nominated for four prior Emmy awards. This ceremony is clearly both aware of him and open to acknowledging his work. As late as 2016, Kingsley’s TV work was being recognized at ceremonies like the Screen Actors Guild Awards (for the miniseries “Tut”). 

His outstanding “Wonder Man” performance not getting similar recognition at the Emmys is dumbfounding. Perhaps the competition  in the outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series category was just too stiff this year. Whatever the reason, Kingsley’s incredible presence in “Wonder Man” was more than worthy of some Emmy consideration.

Star-Studded Lineup: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS Headline World Cup Final Halftime Show

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Star-Studded Lineup: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS Headline World Cup Final Halftime Show

NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Bieber is set to infuse his signature style into the World Cup’s highly anticipated halftime show. This event, comparable in grandeur to the Super Bowl’s halftime spectacle, will also feature prominent performers such as Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, as announced by FIFA on Wednesday.

The lineup of performers doesn’t end there. Nigerian afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, celebrated Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the enchanting PS22 Chorus, an elementary school choir from Staten Island, New York, will also grace the stage, with the latter group sharing the spotlight with Coldplay.

The much-anticipated 11-minute musical performance is being orchestrated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and is slated to occur during the World Cup final near New York on July 19. Beyond entertainment, the event is aligned with a noble cause, as it aims to bolster the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This initiative is ambitiously working towards raising $100 million to enable children’s education and soccer opportunities worldwide.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Bieber remarked, “The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”

Among all the performances, Burna Boy’s participation holds particular significance. He is a vital contributor to this year’s official World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” which is led by Shakira. Merging the vibrant sounds of afrobeats and Latin rhythms, this pop anthem presents a global, multilingual appeal. In one of the verses, Shakira energetically acknowledges some of the world’s renowned soccer teams: “Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia,” she chants enthusiastically, followed by “Mexico, Japan, Korea, Netherlands.”

“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together,” Burna Boy said in a statement. “To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.”

And while the Super Bowl is famed for its halftime show, such performances are not commonplace in soccer, with events like the Champions League final featuring a pre-match concert.

This year’s World Cup halftime performance will also feature some characters from “Sesame Street,” as well as Muppets like Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Kingsport Hosts 21st Annual Legislative BBQ: Highlights from Wednesday’s Event

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Kingsport Hosts 21st Annual Legislative BBQ: Highlights from Wednesday’s Event

In Kingsport, Tennessee, residents had the chance to receive a firsthand update on this year’s legislative session during a special event on Wednesday evening. Prominent lawmakers gathered to share insights and engage with the community in a casual setting.

The 21st annual Legislative BBQ kicked off at 5:30 p.m. at Cleeks Farm, creating a welcoming environment for people across the Tri-Cities area to connect with their elected representatives amidst the laid-back ambiance of a cookout.

Among the speakers were influential figures including State Senator Bobby Harshbarger, State Representatives John Crawford, Timothy Hill, and Bud Hulsey, as well as Comptroller Jason Mumpower. Members of the Tennessee Chamber were also present, contributing to the dialogue and discussion.

“This event mirrors the experience of a favorite summer barbecue with friends,” noted Nicole Austin, Chief Public Affairs Officer at the Kingsport Chamber. “Over the decades, it has become a cherished community tradition.”

Harshbarger spoke with News Channel 11 about some of his plans moving into next year’s session.

He said this past session was busy and he’s going to take time to put together his agenda.

“In all full transparency, I really don’t have any agenda items, per se,” Harshbarger said. “For me personally, you know, I did take a pretty heavy lift this last session dealing with insurance companies, vertical integration. So this year, I might try to look at something a little bit, take a little bit less bite out of the apple.”

Harshbarger added that the upcoming session will include a lot of change.

“In the Senate, we will have new leadership. So we’ll have a new lieutenant governor that could equal new chairmen, that could equal new committees. So it will be exciting. And on top of that, we’ll have a new governor, whoever that might be. So there’ll be a lot of change, new commissioners, new department heads. So time will tell the closer we get to the second week in January,” Harshbarger told News Channel 11.

Harshbarger added that there two things he is looking to accomplish this session.

“One thing that I’ve been personally looking at is regional airport development, specifically with our smaller airport, such as Tri-Cities, Chattanooga, Jackson Airport. So that’s something I want to try my best to increase traffic so we increase tourism. We increase economic development that way,” Harshbarger told News Channel 11.

The 115th General Assembly convenes on Jan. 12.

Todd Meade and Tyler Hughes of the Empty Bottle String Band were entertainment for the event.

Over 30 Injured as Maryland Transit Bus Collides with Building Near Baltimore

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Over 30 Injured as Maryland Transit Bus Collides with Building Near Baltimore

A public bus accident near Baltimore, Maryland left over 30 individuals injured on Wednesday. Emergency responders extricated one critically injured person, who was then taken to a nearby hospital, according to local authorities.

Local news outlet Fox 45 News reported that first responders were deployed to the scene following a crash involving a Maryland Transit Administration bus on Reisterstown Road in Pikesville.

Officials from Baltimore County stated that “numerous civilian vehicles” were part of the collision, with at least one vehicle overturning during the incident.

Scene of a bus crash

A bus collision just outside Baltimore on Wednesday resulted in about 30 injuries and involved several civilian cars, one of which ended up on its roof, according to authorities. (Baltimore County Fire Department)

Responders had to rescue two individuals who were trapped, one inside the bus and another in a car, as reported by officials.

A building engineer was en route to the crash, the Baltimore County Fire Department said.

A second mass casualty incident alarm was issued shortly after the crash, officials said.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he was monitoring the situation.

“Dawn and I are keeping everyone impacted in our hearts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for our first responders who acted with speed and skill to ensure the safety of our neighbors,” he wrote on X. “We’ve been in close coordination with local officials to provide any support needed on the ground.”

The Maryland State Highway Administration said roads near the crash were closed as crews responded. Drivers were urged to use alternate routes.

Score Free Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries: Your Guide to Cow Appreciation Day Deals

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Score Free Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries: Your Guide to Cow Appreciation Day Deals

This week, Chick-fil-A is offering customers a chance to enjoy free waffle fries as part of its annual Cow Appreciation Day festivities.

The popular fast-food restaurant is providing Chick-fil-A One members with a complimentary medium-sized order of waffle fries between July 7 and July 13, while supplies are available.

To take advantage of this offer, customers need to engage in the limited-time “Spot the Cows” digital game on the Chick-fil-A mobile app.

The Chick-fil-A sign, featuring the company's distinct red lettering with a chicken head forming the "C," is prominently displayed on the cream-colored facade of a restaurant building.

Chick-fil-A is giving Chick-fil-A One members a free medium order of waffle fries from July 7 through July 13. michael – stock.adobe.com

Participants are challenged to find cows, who have shed their costumes, in different scenes before time runs out, according to the fast-food chain.

Once the task is completed, the reward will be placed in the app’s “Rewards” tab and can be redeemed either through a mobile order or by scanning a QR code at participating locations.

The promotion comes ahead of Cow Appreciation Day on July 14, an annual event the chain has used for years to offer special promotions for customers.

The free offer is available only once to members of Chick-fil-A One, the company’s free loyalty program. Members earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for rewards, with additional perks available at higher membership levels.

Chick-fil-A is also offering a free entrée to customers who dress up like a cow on July 14.

Chick-fil-A waffle fries in a carton.

Chick-fil-A One members can claim free waffle fries by playing the “Spot the Cows” game in the app. primestockphotograpy – stock.adobe.com

The free fries promotion comes as Chick-fil-A continues to roll out its limited-time summer menu.

The chain announced last month that it was bringing back several seasonal favorites, including the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, a lineup of Pineapple Dragonfruit drinks and peach-flavored desserts. The items are available now.

The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich features a spicy chicken filet topped with pimento cheese, honey and pickled jalapeños.

The Pineapple Dragonfruit lineup includes lemonade, Frosted Lemonade, Sunjoy iced tea and a Pineapple Dragonfruit Sprite drink.

The peach offerings include the returning Peach Milkshake and Peach Frosted Lemonade.

Last week, a dad of three went viral for sharing a budget-friendly ordering strategy that kept his family’s Chick-fil-A meal under $45.

Shocking Twist: Big Tigger’s Wife Alicia Brown Arrested Amid Child Custody Battle – Father Speaks Out

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Shocking Twist: Big Tigger’s Wife Alicia Brown Arrested Amid Child Custody Battle – Father Speaks Out

Alicia Denise Brown, the spouse of well-known media personality Big Tigger, finds herself in significant legal peril following her arrest in Georgia. She is wanted on kidnapping-related warrants connected to a child custody issue in Maryland.

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were alerted to be on the lookout for Brown’s vehicle Monday night as it traversed Interstate 85. With the help of the Georgia State Patrol, authorities stopped the vehicle near Exit 177 and apprehended Brown.

According to law enforcement, Brown was taken into custody without resistance. Fortunately, two children who were with her in the vehicle were unharmed and safely recovered.

Brown is sought by the Baltimore County Police Department due to kidnapping warrants related to her daughter’s disappearance in 2019. Additionally, she faces a severe charge of interfering with child custody in Fulton County. Maryland officials have stated their plans to extradite her.

After her arrest, Big Tigger made an appearance on an Atlanta radio show, revealing that he had been informed by a detective of her detention.

Although investigators have not announced that Ailea has been found, Williams said he believes his daughter is alive.

“She’s definitely alive. I can confirm that,” he said. “I’ve always known that.”

Williams admitted the arrest has brought mixed emotions because the person now in custody is still Ailea’s mother.

“I hate it had to be who they have in custody because that’s still her mom,” he said. “All of this was for nothing. All of this was for absolutely nothing.”

The father also thanked everyone who has supported the search for Ailea over the past seven years by sharing her story and helping keep her case in the public eye.

He ended the interview with an emotional message directed to his daughter.

“I still miss you. I can’t wait to see you,” Williams said. “I’m waiting, and I’ll be here, and I’m willing to go at whatever pace you want to go. I miss my daughter.”

Brown’s arrest comes just weeks after she and her husband, Atlanta radio personality Big Tigger, made headlines over their own custody dispute involving the son they share together. The radio host recently spoke publicly about missing his son amid the family’s ongoing legal battle.

Authorities have not released additional information about Ailea whereabouts, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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