Important Service Updates:
In response to Winter Storm Fern and its ongoing impacts to road conditions and communications across the state, Tennessee has opened a dedicated Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) hotline to assist with welfare check requests and reduce call volume being received by county governments and local public safety agencies.
The TBI Hotline, 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), will be operational Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT and is only intended to serve as a centralized, statewide resource for individuals seeking to report concerns that would normally prompt a welfare check. By directing these calls to the state level, local non-emergency public safety and emergency management agencies can focus on critical response and recovery efforts related to the storm.
Members of the public are encouraged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND instead of contacting local non-emergency public safety offices or local emergency management agencies for welfare check requests during this weather event.
Davidson County Exception:
All welfare check requests for individuals located in Davidson County must be submitted through the county’s online hub page and should not be directed to the TBI Hotline. Requests can be made at on Metro Nashville’s webpage.
Callers to the TBI Hotline should be prepared to provide TBI personnel with detailed information, including the individual’s last known whereabouts, to help ensure reports are processed as efficiently as possible.
Due to ongoing winter weather concerns, classes will not meet and university offices will be closed for Tuesday January 27th. University activities and events are canceled.
Justin Potter Library will be open Tuesday January 27 from 11A-4P.
Soldiers and Airmen with the Tennessee National Guard are supporting state, county, and local emergency responders as they assist Tennesseans affected by the inclement winter weather, which includes snow, ice, and freezing rain, that began on January 23.
At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Guardsmen have been activated to support statewide emergency response and recovery. They are assisting stranded motorists, performing health and welfare checks, transporting medical personnel, and other tasks as needed. This is in addition to Guardsmen already supporting emergency response in Memphis.
“Our Soldiers and Airmen are always ready to assist our fellow citizens,” said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “They have been supporting state and local emergency responders since before the storm began. We started preparing earlier this week and are ready to help in any way necessary.”
Beginning January 21, Tennessee Guardsmen readied equipment, vehicles, and armories for possible use. They prepared humvees and other all-purpose vehicles capable of traveling in deep snow and pre-positioned them in locations expected to have the most need and limited access to this equipment. They also readied debris clearing equipment and vehicles should support be needed. Black Hawk helicopters with rescue hoist capabilities are also standing by.
So far, Guardsmen have assisted numerous stranded motorists and transported more than 40 medical and essential personnel to area hospitals.
“We will assist our fellow Tennesseans through these challenging times for as long as we’re needed,” said Ross. “We’re all Tennesseans, and we’re a part of this community. Our Soldiers and Airmen constantly practice responding to situations like this. It’s our honor to serve our fellow neighbors.”
The Tennessee National Guard responds to emergencies at the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
At my local zoo, all the animals must do chores to earn their keep.
The Lion sweeps tonight.
Where do polar bears keep their money?
In a snowbank
A Rutherford County Grand Jury has indicted a Murfreesboro man accused of stealing $199,424.08 from a nonprofit organization where he worked part time.
Velvet Grip-Velvet Chimes
This trailer was stolen from Stephenson Road in Hillsboro during the early morning hours of 1/13/2026.
2. I'm going to have to return the camouflage jacket I bought last week. I just can't see myself wearing it.
3. I spent my entire life savings on pasta. It was worth every penne.
4. Knock knock?
Who is it?
Dishes
Dishes who?
Dishes bad joke.
5. My wife and I promised to never go to bed angry at each other. We've been awake since Thursday.
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a troubling trend involving deep-fake videos that promote a weight loss product. Over the course of two months, BBB Scam Tracker received over 170 reports regarding a product called LipoMax, which is marketed as a form of the popular “pink salt trick” on social media.
How scammers use AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities and doctors to market weight loss products like LipoMax.
Real consumer experiences, including reports of fake endorsements, improper billing, poor product quality, and pressure to buy more supplements.
Steps you can take to protect yourself from weight loss scams, including spotting misleading ads, avoiding subscription traps, and reporting suspicious activity.
Reports describe how fake videos were used to sell the supplement. Consumers reported seeing deep-fake videos of celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, as well as alleged physicians, endorsing the product on social media.
Reports have been received from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
A consumer from Illinois told BBB's Scam Tracker: “I was on Facebook and noticed a video with Oprah Winfrey and a doctor speaking of the "pink salt trick diet". Oprah herself talked about the magnificent results as did others on the video. Oprah also claimed she funded the project to manufacture the LipoMax product (pink salt trick). I figured Oprah-this must be legit. Over $400 after ordering the product I did indeed receive the order... Now I continue to receive emails asking me to sign on with a weight loss coach for more money."
A Florida consumer reported: “I purchased a 6-month supply for $303.95. I thought [the] video was really with Oprah in it about LipoMax. I was also contacted by a ‘coach’ for LipoMax after my order, who tried to sell me $800 in additional supplements.”
A BBB investigation revealed that LipoMax is trademarked by a company registered in Wyoming; however, consumers are directed to send returns to addresses in Lakeland, FL and Largo, FL. Reports also claim improper billing, non-existent customer service, ineffective ingredients and continued pressure to buy additional supplements, by someone claiming to be a LipoMax “coach.”
In response to the BBB, a LipoMax representative stated that the use of AI-generated or “deep-fake” videos is neither authorized nor endorsed by the company, and the videos are not produced by the company.. They also added that due to the independent nature of affiliate marketing, they do not have control over the content affiliates may create. The company stated it is committed to addressing any misuse in order to protect its brand and consumers.
To help avoid weight loss scams, BBB has a list of tips on misleading ads and subscription traps for weight loss. Remember, don't be quick to trust endorsements. Many scammers use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos without their permission in order to gain consumers' trust. Always research the company before doing business.
Report suspicious, confusing, or misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth or report a scam with BBB Scam Tracker.
For more information
Check BBB Scam Tracker to research and report scams. To find BBB Business Profiles of specific businesses, go to BBB.org.
See BBB’s weight loss and GLP-1 scams page for more information.
As colder temperatures settle in and the potential for winter weather hazards increases, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) are encouraging Tennesseans to take simple steps now to stay safe throughout the season.
“Already this year, some communities have experienced winter weather and the challenges it can bring, from slick roads to power outages,” said TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan. “A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your family safe and helping our communities stay resilient.”
Throughout the winter months, TEMA and TDOT work closely with local partners to align resources and response efforts that keep Tennesseans safe and moving. With 231,000 tons of salt and more than 1.3 million gallons of salt brine, TDOT maintenance crews are ready to treat and clear roadways of ice and snow should winter weather impact the state.
“Roads are our number one responsibility, and we prepare for winter weather months in advance,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, P.E. “Our salt bins and our brine are fully stocked, and our employees are ready to mobilize in the event of inclement weather. Clearing our roadways as soon as we can is vital to keeping motorists safe and traffic moving in Tennessee.”
When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways repeatedly. TDOT crews ask that you stay off the road and give them room to work safely.
TDOT’s HELP team closely monitors weather forecasts several days in advance, proactively preparing staff to adjust schedules and ensure coverage—even during overnight hours in the event of prolonged severe weather. To support extended operations, trucks are pre-stocked with essential supplies, enabling crews to respond quickly and maintain readiness throughout challenging conditions.
For winter weather tips, travel information, and a regional breakdown of TDOT winter weather supplies and equipment, visit the TDOT website .
TEMA and TDOT will continue collaborating with the National Weather Service as weather conditions evolve. We encourage all Tennesseans to take steps now to stay prepared before winter weather impacts their community.
At Home and Work
During winter weather, the main concerns at home or in the workplace include the potential loss of heat, power, and communications, as well as limited access to essential supplies if hazardous conditions persist. Make sure you have adequate emergency supplies on hand that meet the needs of your family, coworkers, and others in your daily community. Suggested items to consider:
On The Road
Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and prepared for winter travel. If you must drive in snow or freezing temperatures, reduce your speed and use extra caution. Black ice can be nearly impossible to spot, so when temperatures hover around freezing, drive as though ice is present on the roadway.
On The Farm
Warming Centers
We encourage Tennesseans who need a warm place to stay to access warming centers across the state, all operated by
local officials and community organizations. TEMA maintains a map of these locally managed shelters. For assistance or questions about shelters in your area, please contact your local Emergency Management Agency.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful during a power outage, but they present serious health and safety concerns. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator. Some simple guidelines to follow include:
PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING
IF A PIPE FREEZES
