Three things for October 15
1. First day of early voting in Tennessee sees record turnout
On Wednesday, Tennessee polls opened for the first day of early voting for the 2020 election.
Other than the Presidential election and local government elections, Tennessee voters will also choose a new senator this year, as current Republican Senator Lamar Alexander will not be seeking a fourth term.
Wednesday saw lengthy lines outside polling locations throughout the state. Countywide, the turnout in Bradley County totaled 1,267 voters within the first five hours of early voting on Wednesday, according to Administrator of Elections Fran Green.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett expects early voting in the state to result in a record-breaking turnout.
“I expect a new record to be set. I think there's a lot of enthusiasm on both sides,” Hargett said.
Early voting in Tennessee is set to end on Oct. 29, five days before Election Day on Nov. 3.
2. 2020 Billboard Music Awards airs without live audience
The 2020 Billboard Music Awards aired last night, marking the 30th anniversary of the program. Singer Kelly Clarkson hosted the program, which was sponsored by TikTok and Xfinity.
Clarkson joked that she had to be her own “hypewoman” given the fact there was no live audience in attendance.
Artist Post Malone received the most nominations, totaling 16. Malone received nine awards by the end of the night, including the award for Top Artist.
Other notable awards were given to Billie Eilish and Little Nas X for Top Billboard 2020 Album and Top 100 Song, respectively.
A complete list of last night’s nominees and winners can be found on Billboard’s website.
3. Fairville Mayor resigns following shoplifting arrest
John Blade, Mayor of Fairville, Tennessee, resigned yesterday following his arrest on charges of shoplifting.
According to the loss prevention officer involved in the arrest, Blade shoplifted $281.59 in merchandise — including 44 household goods and three pairs of tweezers — from a Target in Spring Hill, Tennessee on Sept. 19.
Blade turned himself in to the Maury County Sheriff’s office last week following the issuing of a warrant for his arrest.
Blade has since been succeeded by Vice Mayor Debby Rainey, who will finish Blade’s term as Fairview’s mayor until the next mayoral election in 2022.
