Oct. 14: Tennessee Valley Authority Powers Up; Nashville Broadcast Personality Jimmy Carter Dies

GRID GROWTH: The Tennessee Valley Authority plans to add about 2.5 gigawatts in electrical capacity, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Energy. The department announced Wednesday that it will grant TVA $250 million toward a $581 million plan for 84 different projects to improve grid capacity and ease consumer energy costs. The new grid capacity should combat power outages and includes improvements to about 125 miles of existing transmission lines across Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina. “America’s electric grid cannot become a roadblock to economic growth,” Katie Jereza, assistant secretary for the Office of Energy said in a release. “By bringing TVA and local utilities together, we’re helping reduce costly outages and deliver more power where it’s needed. That means fewer disruptions for families, more opportunities for businesses, and a stronger foundation for American jobs.” — Sarah Grace Taylor 

JIMMY CARTER (1952-2026): Jimmy Carter, an award-winning reporter and producer who worked for local and national television and radio outlets in Nashville and elsewhere, died Tuesday, two days shy of his 74th birthday. His career spanned more than 50 years and included stints with WSMV-TV (Ch. 4) and The Nashville Network. “A well-respected and well-loved figure in Nashville media for decades, Jimmy was a trusted source, a gifted broadcaster, and a friend to countless artists, listeners, and colleagues,” WSM Radio said in announcing the news. “Jimmy Carter’s contributions to WSM, country music, and the Nashville media community will not be forgotten.” Carter’s work was recognized with an array of honors, including the duPont-Columbia and Edward R. Murrow awards. Born in Montgomery, Ala., he attended Auburn University, in part, because the school was preparing to launch a campus radio station. One of his early jobs was behind the scenes at ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” where he worked with the likes of Howard Cosell. On camera, his first celebrity interview was with Bob Hope, and he twice met Elvis Presley. — David Boclair

RAISING FUNDS: On Oct. 24, Napier will host its annual fall festival, where residents can connect with neighbors and local organizations and get resources, including legal support and health and dental checkups. Neighbors can also participate in games, painting and other fun activities. Community leaders are seeking donations to help fund the event and support the neighborhood’s needs. Last year, leftover funds went to residents who suddenly lost SNAP benefits. The GoFundMe is 91 percent of the way to its $1,100 goal. To support the festival, click here. — Eden Turner

FLU SHOTS: The Metro Health Department will provide free flu shots next Tuesday (Oct. 20), from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Lentz Public Health Center and noon-6 p.m. at the Goodlettsville Branch of the Nashville Public Library. No appointment or health insurance is required. The department recommends the shots for people six months and older. “Right now, flu activity is fairly low in our community, but it is only a matter of time before it starts circulating again,” Dr. Sanmi Areola, Director of Health at the Metro Public Health Department, said in a release. “Getting your flu shot now, before the flu is widely circulating, is a great way to help protect yourself and your family.” The department offers the shots as part of its annual Fight Flu Day. In 2025, MPHD administered 621 flu shots across three locations on Fight Flu Day. — David Boclair

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