WZTV Top Stories

Oklahoma Deals with Death and Destruction from Tornadoes

Tue, May 21 2013, 01:41 AM CDT

MOORE, Okla. (AP) -- The Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office says the official death toll in the aftermath of a massive tornado that slammed the Oklahoma City area remains at 51 but is expected to rise.
Spokeswoman Amy Elliott told The Associated Press early Tuesday that officials could see as many as 40 more deaths from the Monday's twister.
The tornado tore through parts of suburban Oklahoma City on Monday afternoon, flattening entire neighborhoods with winds up to 200 mph and landing a direct blow on an elementary school in Moore. At least 20 of the confirmed dead are children.
President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma.

Car Takes Out Pole, Knocks Out Power in W. Nashville

Tue, May 21 2013, 01:05 AM CDT

Over 1,200 NES customers in west Nashville lost power after a truck took out a power pole. The accident occurred just before 11 p.m. on Monday at White Bridge Pike at Oakmont Circle. The road is shut down at White Bridge Pk. at Corbett Lane near the overpass as the wreck is cleared and NES makes repairs to restore power. It`s expected to stay closed until about 8 a.m. According to Metro Police, the driver was arrested for DUI of prescription drugs. He fell asleep at the wheel before hitting the pole. The man was uninjured.

MUSIC CITY CENTER SPECIAL Part 4

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:56 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - So now that we have a new convention center, what is the fate of the old convention center downtown? We take a look. Country star Brad Paisley was part of the entertainment for today's grand opening. The musical mistake that even had him laughing.

MUSIC CITY CENTER SPECIAL Part 3

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:52 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - We hear from some downtown businesses excited about the new convention center, and we get your reaction to Nashville's newest addition.

MUSIC CITY CENTER SPECIAL Part 2

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:44 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The size of this project was sure to bring its share of detractors. We find out why some people think the new convention center is anything but music to their ears.

MUSIC CITY CENTER SPECIAL Part 1

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:27 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Music City Center has been years in the making and it's open for business. It's a big event for our city and that's why we have a FOX17 SPECIAL dedicated to it. We talk to people and businesses excited about its arrival and we'll also find out why some aren't so happy it's here. Plus, this convention center features a variety of eco-friendly options. We take you inside and show you how green this building really is. Now that the new convention center is open, we'll find out what will become of the old convention center just a block away. The convention center is the biggest building project in Nashville's history. Organizers say the Music City Center will bring in plenty of tourism and plenty of convention business. In a SPECIAL REPORT, FOX17's Sky Arnold opens the books to see why the coming years will be critical.

3rd Grader Spreads Inappropriate Video on School Bus, Police Say - Eric Alvarez

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:26 PM CDT

A Portland third grader was caught recording inappropriate cell phone video of herself and then showing it to other kids on the school bus Friday.

Legally, the 8-year-old could be charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, but Portland's police chief Richard Smith says the girl isn't likely to be charged.

Smith has seen a rise in sexting cases among area teenagers, but says he never expected to get a report like this from an elementary school.

"Strange, surprising and certainly unexpected for a third grader to do that video on a phone,” Smith said. “It was shocking when we first got the call."

Police notified the Department of Children's Services, which is now helping with the investigation. Police believe only four children, including the girl who made the recording saw the video and say it wasn't posted online.

Even though cases like these are rare for kids of such a young age, parents at the Portland Little League baseball fields, said it’s important to monitor your kids cell phone activity no matter how old they are.

"You've got to set ground rules or things will get out of control,” said Kenneth Stafford, father of three. “Especially the way this world is now.”

Stafford says his kids got phones when they turned 12, and while they can be vital in an emergency, smart phones can also connect kids to strangers on facebook and access and entire world of websites.

"There's stuff on there they should not see,” Stafford said. “That's why you should monitor everything that they do on their cell phones if they do have cell phones."

The police investigation is on-going, pending the results of the DCS inquiry.

Half Billion Dollar Music City Center Lights Up Downtown Nashville - Sky Arnold

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:23 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - After years of construction and $600 million, the new convention center is officially open for business. City leaders including Mayor Karl Dean and members of Metro Council cut the ribbon on the Music City Center Monday morning. The building is opening with 123 meetings already booked, including the American Society of Association Executives next year. Its President was among those welcoming the new convention center. The average convention will bring in 6000 people. That's 3 times larger than the old convention center.

Rowland, Rubio joining Cowell's show

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:13 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) -- Simon Cowell has added former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland and Latin artist Paulina Rubio to the cast of his competition show "The X Factor."
   Rowland and Rubio will be on the show when it starts its third season on Fox this fall. They replace Britney Spears and record producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.
   It's a reunion for Rowland and Cowell, although American audiences might not know that. She served as a judge for a season on the more successful British version of the music show.
   In a news release Monday Rubio told Cowell to "be careful what you wish for." She said she wondered if the notoriously cranky judge would be ready to handle her.

Inappropriate Video Shown on Portland School Bus - Eric Alvarez

Mon, May 20 2013, 09:41 PM CDT

PORTLAND, Tenn. - A Portland 3rd grader is caught taking an inappropriate video of herself on a cell phone and then showing it to other kids. Believe it or not, legally, this girl could be charged with Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography. Portland's Police Chief says the girl isn't likely to be charged, but it's a wake up call for parents all over Middle Tennessee. It was a school bus ride just like any other for a group of elementary school kids Friday in Portland. That is, until the driver noticed shocking behavior coming from a group of 8 year old girls. Portland Police Chief Richard Smith has seen new technology create a rise in sexting cases among area teenagers, but says he never expected to get a report like this from an elementary school. Police notified the Department of Children's Services, which is now helping with the investigation. Police believe only 4 children, including the girl who made the recording, saw the video, and say it wasn't put on the web. Even though cases like these are rare for kids of such a young age, at the Portland Little League baseball fields, parents say it's important to monitor your kids' cell phone activity no matter how old they are. Kenneth Stafford is a father of 3, and says his kids got phones when they turned 12. While they're important for emergencies, smart phones connect you to strangers by Facebook and seemingly unlimited websites. Chief Smith says that kind of vigilance from the bus driver to the school principal, who reported the incident, were key in making sure that video didn't reach more viewers. The police investigation is ongoing, pending the results of the DCS inquiry.

Tall Grass Cut After FOX 17 Gets Involved - Erika Lathon

Mon, May 20 2013, 08:12 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn., -Thomas Moore says for more than a year he complained to the city about tall grass in the empty lot across the street. Last Friday he called FOX 17 News. We asked Metro Codes about the property and contacted the council person for his district. On Monday public works cut the grass on the. Moore is convinced FOX 17 got results when he couldn't. Metro Codes says the property is owned by The RK Company in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. The Department has sent letters to the company citing them for high weeds and vegetation, but so far there has been no response. Officials say its difficult and time consuming to reach out of town property owners and hold them accountable for maintaining their property.

Music City Center Helps SoBro Take Off - John Dunn

Mon, May 20 2013, 07:34 PM CDT

The Music City Center may also be a catalyst for downtown development. The opening of this building is highly anticipated, and it's right in the middle of SoBro, the area South of Broadway. SoBro has long been the forgotten part of downtown, but many believe that is all about to change.

Just two blocks away from the Music City Center, The Southern restaurant is enjoying success in SoBro. Owner Tom Morales has gone from worrying about his off-Broadway location, to accommodating an abundance of diners. He believes SoBro is Nashville's new hot spot.

"I can already see the speculation going on, and the interest back with real estate developers," says The Southern owner Tom Morales.

For years SoBro has been marked by warehouses, and run-down industrial buildings. Now there are hotels rising, new attractions opening, and a Convention Center changing everything.

Real estate executive Tom Frye says property is changing hands and asking prices have more than tripled. Frye says the convention center is a catalyst.

"People who own land down there today are very happy people," says Tom Frye, managing director at CBRE, Inc.

As developers move in, there is already talk about more office towers, condos, and plenty of hotels. Tom Turner with Nashville's Downtown Partnership, says we won't recognize the area 10 years from now.

The owner of The Southern is already looking to open a second restaurant in SoBro. He believes downtown is about to take off.

SoBro faces a few challenges, not the least of which is parking. As more visitors and locals come downtown, they will need to find an affordable place to park.

For news updates follow John Dunn on twitter @WZTVJohnDunn

The Financial Gamble Behind the Music City Center -- Sky Arnold

Mon, May 20 2013, 05:12 PM CDT

In the shadow of the Music City Center is a reminder that progress has a price.

Nashville Autohaus owner Will Fischer had to shut down his shop for two months to make way for the new convention center.

He says the out of pocket costs exceeded $300,000.

"If it didn't work, I felt all the things I have done and all the hardship I have done was wasted," said Fischer.

Fischer's stake in the convention center is personal but if you live in Davidson County your money is on the hook too and here's why.

The Music City Center was designed to be paid off over 30 years with tourism taxes and fees on things like hotels.

If that money isn't enough your money will be used.

Council Member Emily Evans is among those who believe there's a good chance that will happen.

"If you ask people who spend a lot of time on this in our convention business they'll tell you that was always the expectation," said Evans.

Evans says one sign your money may be needed is the hotel right next to the convention center.

Evans points out Nashville is paying for half of it because no one wanted to privately build a hotel for the city.

The Omni hotel isn't cheap either.

Nashville is paying $5.5 million this year and the price continues to rise to $12 million in 2017.

That's in addition to the money that's being spent on the convention center debt and the operating losses to run it.

Add all three numbers together and you have a total estimated cost of $35 million in 2013, growing to $51.6 million in 2017.

The tourism collection numbers have not measured up yet,

They're projected to bring in $35 million this year meaning the rest will have to come out of the Convention Center Reserves that currently contain roughly $ 40 million.

Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling says that's not a concern because there is still two sources of money Nashville isn't collecting yet.

The first comes from the Omni Hotel.

The second is the State's portion of sales taxes from around the convention center Nashville is able to tap into starting this fall.

"I'm comfortable for the foreseeable future that we will have more than adequate revenue to cover all of our obligation," said Riebeling.

For Riebeling to be right and Evans to be wrong Convention and Visitors Bureau President Butch Spyridon will have to sell Nashville like never before.

He says so far the new convention center is exceeding expectations for luring in conventions.

"We just continue to land these groups that never look or outgrew us," said Spyridon.

Spyridon says the new convention center could bring in a million more visitors than the old one but critics like Evans worry about how little some will be paying to use the space.

To compete with other facilities across the country, the Music City Center will sometimes charge very little in rent for some conventions.

Spyridon says the important thing isn't how much rent those conventions are paying but rather how many hotel rooms they rent and how much money they spend in the city.

Mayor Gives State of Metro -- Sky Arnold

Mon, May 20 2013, 04:34 PM CDT

Mayor Karl Dean gave his annual State of Metro Address Monday morning in the new Music City Center.

Dean says the new building is an example of Nashville's growth and success and he says to continue that the city needs to follow this motto.

"Affordability plus quality of life equals success," said Dean.

Dean says the proposed mass transit program known as the Amp is one key to maintaining the quality of life.

The mayor says Nashville can not pave its way out of future traffic problems.

Dean also unveiled the Barnes Fund for Affordable Housing at the address.

It's goal is to create 100 new affordable housing units a year.

"Too many in our city are burdened by housing costs," said Dean.

The Latest: Tornado Hits Oklahoma City Area

Mon, May 20 2013, 04:02 PM CDT

New details in the Oklahoma tornado. The medical examiner now says at least 51 people, including children, were killed in the tornado in Moore Oklahoma. The National Weather Service says the twister had wind speeds up to 200 MPH. The tornado is preliminarily being called an EF-4. A group in Tennessee is raising money to help the victims. Click here to go to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's website. Our sister station in Oklahoma City is covering the storm and it's aftermath. Click here to watch live coverage.

RAW NEWS: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics

Mon, May 20 2013, 03:13 PM CDT

Country Music superstar Brad Paisley took part in the opening of the new Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Only one problem, Paisley forgot the lyrics to one of his own songs. Brad took it in stride and had a good time with it.

SPECIAL REPORT: Teens & Technology

Mon, May 20 2013, 10:32 AM CDT

As smartphone technology improves, it's making life easier. It's changing the world we live in, and the way we relate to each other, but is it becoming too much of a good thing? With many people readily admitting they are addicted to their cellphones, FOX 17 set out to see how it's impacting our future generation-- a day in the life of teenagers and their cell phones. While technology helps make things easier today, will it cost us anything in the future? FOX 17's Meagan O'Halloran asked high school students, their teacher, and an expert counselor to weigh in.

I-65 S. in Robertson County Closed Due to Accident

Mon, May 20 2013, 06:21 AM CDT

STEER CLEAR TRAFFIC ALERT:
A 6 a.m. accident at I-65 S. at mile marker 111 in Robertson County involving an overturned tractor trailer is estimated to be cleared by 8 a.m. Southbound traffic is affected with roadway closed.
No injuries are reported by THP, who is handling.
The tractor trailer is not reportedly hauling anything dangerous.
Oil and diesel spill are leaking from the semi.

UPDATE: Middle Tennessee AMBER ALERT out of Murfreesboro Cancelled

Mon, May 20 2013, 05:48 AM CDT

AMBER ALERT CANCELLED:
The Middle Tennessee AMBER Alert issued for the Murfreesboro Police Department for 8 year-old Gabriel Swaney has been cancelled. Gabriel has been safely recovered by the Smyrna Police Department and his father is in custody. Michael allegedly assaulted his wife with a knife and took the boy overnight, according to police.
Stay tuned to FOX 17 News as more details emerge.

Man, Woman Robbed in Antioch While Exchanging Accident Information

Mon, May 20 2013, 06:11 AM CDT

Crooks took advantage of two people who got into a car accident in Antioch.
A male and female were in a minor fender bender in the parking lot of apartments at the 200 block of of Chimney Top Drive at about 12:30 a.m. Monday. While exchanging information, two juvenile men, age 19-20, armed with a semi automatic handguns robbed them.
The suspects stole keys, wallet, credit cards and cash. Then they stole the female victim's car. Both suspects were wearing bandanas over their faces.
Neither victim was injured.
Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Police at 862-8600.

Music City Center Grand Opening Continues in Grand Style

Mon, May 20 2013, 06:13 AM CDT

The grand opening celebrations for the Music City Center are underway.
Today`s festivities include a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Karl Dean, the State of the Metro Address, a community open house and a concert featuring Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill.
FOX 17 will be LIVE at the Music City Center for "Tennessee Mornings" from 5-9 a.m. Team coverage will continue Monday evening on FOX 17 News at 9 and 10.

Nashville Symphony Debuts Music City Center - Eric Alvarez

Mon, May 20 2013, 12:47 AM CDT

The Music City Center's Grand Ballroom might be shaped like a guitar, but Sunday afternoon, the sound echoing within it was that of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Thousands filled the seats to hear the orchestra play the largest ballroom of its kind in Tennessee. It measures 57,500 square feet and features state-of-the-art acoustics.

"You walk onto that stage, it feels as exciting and energized as any great stage that you can play on," said Kelly Corcoran, associate conductor for the symphony. "It's a beautiful room and it was a great audience today."

Corcoran says she'd been waiting for the new Music City Center to open for years.

"We're thrilled to finally see this building open and to see what it's doing to this community and to this wonderful city," Corcoran said.

AMBER ALERT Issued for 8-year-old Murfreesboro Boy

Mon, May 20 2013, 02:43 AM CDT

AMBER ALERT:
Police are looking for Michael Swaney, 30, of Murfreesboro, who abducted his son Gabriel, 8, after a domestic assault.
Michael is armed with a rife, a handgun and a switchblade knife. He is believed to be in a 1995 Maroon Chevy Impala with the TN tag 494RFP.
Michael is a white male, 5'7", 140#, brown hair and brown eyes. Gabriel is a white male, 4', 100#, blonde hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a navy t-shirt with a cartoon character on the front, navy shorts and sandals..
An aggravated assault warrant is issued for Michael. He reportedly assaulted the child's mother with a knife.
Anyone with information is asked to call1-800-TBI-FIND or the Murfreesboro Police Department at 615-893-1311.

Public Gets First Look Inside New Music City Center - Eric Alvarez

Mon, May 20 2013, 12:29 AM CDT

Approximately 15,000 people got their first look inside the new Music City Center Sunday, with live music performances at almost every turn.

"Lots of music," said Vaughan Charles, Nashville resident. "Lots of variety, every floor, it's pretty nice."

The performances were just stops on a tour that led families up four flights to the main attraction, where the sound of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra filled the 57,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom.

"It's absolutely beautiful," Laura Connor said. "The architecture is amazing."

The guitar-shaped ballroom is the largest of its kind in Tennessee. Barbara McIntosh says the crown jewel of the new facility will help break the Music City mold.

"It's not even like being in Nashville," McIntosh said. "It's just so amazing, it's a beautiful, beautiful piece."

Vintage Baseball Hits Home Run in Nashville - Erika Kurre

Sun, May 19 2013, 06:06 PM CDT

A "throw-back" to America's favorite past time.

Vintage baseball is alive in Nashville, kicking off the local team's home opener that dates back to the 1860's.

Players say it's more than just a glimpse of history-- it's teaching values from the past.

A string band peforms between innings in this first game of the Nashville Maroons season.

Even those here to watch this Sunday morning event are dressed according to the 19th century, down to the containers holding their food.

The crack of the bat can be heard from the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, just blocks away from Sulphur Dell, where baseball in nashville began in the 1870's.

State Representative Steve McDaniel threw out the first pitch in this game with the Franklin Farriers, dressed for the role of a late 1800's politician.

This Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball league was formed in 2010.

The games are played according to 19th century rules and terminology.

What are called umpires today are arbitrators in this game.

Batters are "strikers."

A "striker" takes the "line"-- not the plate.

And there are no balls or strikes at bat.

And both teams cheer for each other.

The matches are free to watch and open to the public.

The next one is Sunday June 2nd in Franklin.

There is a waiting list to join the league and there could be more teams forming.

Go to our website Fox17.Com for a link with more information.

$600M Winning Powerball Numbers

Sat, May 18 2013, 09:39 PM CDT

Tonight's winning Powerball numbers are:
22-10-13-14-52

And the Powerball number is:
11

Antioch's Global Mall Grand Opening - Erika Kurre

Sat, May 18 2013, 08:01 PM CDT

What was once Hickory Hollow Mall has a new name-- and new business.

Today was its grand opening as Global Mall at the Crossings with a celebration for those it serves.

Festival of the Nations Exec. Dir. Jerry Turney says it's a very diverse crowd that's turned out to celebrate.

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   A festival of the nations-- held in the "global" mall-- attracted more than 5-thousand people Saturday.

Dancing performances kicked off the day-long festival which also featured face painting, inflatables for children and arts and crafts booths.

Robert Schienost lives in Antioch.

This is what he hoped for the once-vacant mall.

Mall owners have reportedly signed more than 60-leases for the space.

They're expecting a new store to open each week this summer.

The first floor would be a traditional shopping mall-- this second floor would represent different countries of the world.

Turney says they want to have an Africa section, as well as an Asia, Latin America, Caribbean, Europe and Middle East Section.

It's an idea this diverse Nashville population is excited about.

The celebration continues tomorrow.

All day long, there will be a Latin fest with more than a hundred vendors participating inside.

First Lady Speaks at MLK Graduation - Eric Alvarez

Sat, May 18 2013, 06:10 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Michelle Obama stressed determination, passion and community to the graduating seniors of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet High School, Saturday at Tennessee Sate University.

"I am confident that there is no promise you can't realize and there is no telling how bright your future will be,” Obama said.

MLK's commencement is the only one the first lady plans to attend this year.

She chose the Nashville academic magnet school for its dedication to health sciences and healthy lifestyles and took the opportunity to give the graduates some words of encouragement.

"We love you,” Obama said to the graduates. "Work hard, stay true, God bless."

“I think she's exceptionally wise and I really admire her coming here and I love that she was imparting that to us,” said Lauren Brewer, valedictorian.

Brewer gave her own speech in front of the 3,650 people that were on hand, but says speaking in front of the First Lady made the moment even more special.

“It's like ‘is this really happening’,” Brewer said. “It still hasn't sunk in that yes that just happened so it was great, it was a great time."

Harsh Pandya says meeting the first lady and then celebrating with friends and family made this a day he'll never forget.

“Phenomal,” Pandya said. “That's the only word I can conjure up...phenomenal."

You can see the First Lady's full speech in the Raw News section of this website.

Fatal car wreck in Sumner County

Sat, May 18 2013, 05:42 PM CDT

Sumner County sheriff's department says Hartsville Pike at Barry Lane will be closed for at least four hours in Gallatin.

A multi car accident around 5 today has sent several folks to the hospital and possibly killed others.

Deputies are on the scene along highway 25.

The accident was a head on crash.

More details as we get them.

Troubled Waters in Public Pools Could Make You Sick to Your Stomach

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:25 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A health warning that could have you thinking twice before heading to the pool this summer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that there is human waste in a lot of public pools. According to a recent study, 58% of public pools tested positive for E-Coli bacteria last summer. The Metro Public Health Department is taking steps to make sure local pools are safe for swimmers. The Health Department says simple things like taking bathroom breaks and showering before swimming can prevent E-Coli outbreaks.