Top 5 Things You Should Know Today (01-07-19)

STUDENTS AND FACULTY SAFE AFTER BOAT CAPSIZES

Two students and two faculty members from Brentwood Academyare safe after their boat capsized in Costa Rica. The students and faculty members were on a fishing excursion with a charter company when unexpected winds picked up and the boat capsized. They floated for a few hours in rough water until a passing fishing boat was able to pick them up and bring them back to shore. School officials say they’re thankful to God for their safety and that they are able to continue on with the trip.


MAN IDENTIFIED IN HERMITAGE CRASH

Metro police have identified the man killed in a crash in Hermitage. Police said 66-year-old Arthur Davis died in the crash. Officials say Davis was driving a 2012 Nissan Murano south on Jacksonian Drive just before 8 a.m. Monday morning. They say for reasons unknown, the SUV traveled off the road and struck a culvert before going airborne and striking a tree. Police said Davis, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. There was no evidence of drug or alcohol involvement at the scene. Officials said the cause of the crash appears to be failure to maintain lane and excessive speed.


US NOT LEAVING IRAQ

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday that the U.S. will not pull its troops out of Iraq, despite reports of a letter from the U.S. military telling officials in Iraq that they were preparing to exit the country. This comes following the drone-strike assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. When asked about the letter, Esper told reporters at the Pentagon, “There’s been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq.” He added, “I don’t know what that letter is…We’re trying to find out where that’s coming from, what that is. But there’s been no decision made to leave Iraq. Period.”


MACY’S IN RIVERGATE CLOSING

Macy’s is planning to close its store in the RiverGate Mall in Goodlettsville. A clearance sale is beginning now and will run for the next 8 to 12 weeks. Non-seasonal employees will be relocated to nearby Macy’s stores or will be eligible for severance and outplacement resources. Sears had earlier closed it’s RiverGate Mall store in early 2019. No reason was immediately given as to why Macy’s is closing their store. Macy’s still has stores open at the Mall at Green Hills in Nashville and at CoolSprings Galleria in Franklin. Those stores are not affected by the announcement.


MISSING BOY FROM COLUMBIA

Columbia police say they’re searching for a missing juvenile. They say 14-year old Izerian Walker is missing. He was last seen in the area of East 9th St. wearing a red hoodie and Blue Jeans. Any person with additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to [email protected]

Blogs

JONATHAN MAJORS SAYS NO OSCAR FOR HIM

JONATHAN MAJORS SAYS NO OSCAR FOR HIM

Jonathan Majors believes the heavy media coverage of his assault case hindered his chances of securing an Oscar nomination for his latest film, “Magazine Dreams.” During a recent chat with “Generation Iron Fitness & Bodybuilding Network” to promote the film, Majors spoke about his fans praising his performance. While he appreciates the support, he shut…

CHRIS BROWN SAYS NO TO RED BANDANAS

CHRIS BROWN SAYS NO TO RED BANDANAS

Chris Brown doesn’t want any negative energy during his upcoming Breezy Bowl XX tour. Brown responded to fans who suggested concertgoers wear red bandanas to the show. The bandanas are usually associated with the Bloods gang, and Brown has been accused of being linked with the group in the past. Brown wrote on Instagram, “I…

SOULJA BOY SAYS HE’S NOT GUILTY

SOULJA BOY SAYS HE’S NOT GUILTY

Soulja Boy is outright dismissing claims of sexual assault. The rapper appeared in court on Tuesday, to address charges from a former assistant who accused him of sexual battery, rape, assault, false imprisonment, emotional distress, unpaid overtime, and a hostile work environment. He said, “that’s a disgusting allegation. It sounds crazy to me. I did…

MARVIN SAPP TRIES TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF

MARVIN SAPP TRIES TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF

Marvin Sapp is once again defending himself against the viral clip of him telling church ushers to shut the doors at a religious conference so that a $40,000 offering could be collected. The event took place last July, but the video from the service went viral last week, sparking controversy and memes. He said, “They’ve…