News

Here's a look at the top stories to start your Friday, January 31

Nashville skyline
Add News Channel 5 as a Google Preferred Source

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Looking to start off your day catching up on headlines? Here's a look at the top stories from overnight.

School vouchers pass both the Tennessee House, Senate after special session

The Tennessee House voted to provide school vouchers to families in all 95 counties in the state.

The vote was 54-44, with some Republicans breaking from the supermajority on this issue.

'We can't let them down': Federal funding freeze puts refugees at risk in Nashville

Thousands of recently arrived refugees are set to lose support for the basic necessities after the Trump administration suspended federal funding. Now, a local group is wondering how they will continue supporting the families under their care in Nashville.

For decades, a federal program has helped newly arrived refugees in the United States — until now.

Tennessee Summitt: We talked to those interested in bringing a WNBA team to Nashville

Could Nashville soon become a four-sport Major League sports city? That’s the hope of Predators Chairman and former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, his wife Crissy and a star-packed ownership group that wants to bring a WNBA team to town.

You can find these stories and more on our homepage!

Carrie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png

Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

Eugene: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/7b/09/9eaf788d46f580c4234978610d60/screenshot-2026-04-29-at-12-11-52-pm.png

Lelan: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/af/54/833bf879454097a398bd44f723de/lelan-recommends.png

Nikki-Dee: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/e1/b4/685a931d4182b82d9322d496fa15/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-01-18-pm.png

Henry: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/f7/31/2e3894bf45d9a1668f1ccc56b9f6/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-01-00-pm.png

Katie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/77/55/afe9375249a4b9e058e4b2c3d2ea/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-00-46-pm.png

Brittany: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/67/90/788e5c364f00baabf9c5edae87e2/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-00-06-pm.png

Jennifer: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/e4/1e/9771c0824888a0fd87b2a1030979/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-02-19-pm.png

20-year-old seriously injured after stopping to help driver on I-24

Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!

- Carrie Sharp