Top Stories

Article Icon 1TVA Drops Methane Plant Plans in Cheatham

The Tennessee Valley Authority has scrapped its plan to build a 900-megawatt methane power plant in Cheatham County after two years of strong local opposition.

The proposal, which included 14 turbines and battery storage near homes, schools, and farmland, drew fire over environmental and safety concerns.

County leaders credit grassroots pressure—and a high-profile assist from country music star John Rich, who rallied support and even reached out to President Trump.

TVA says it’s now considering alternate sites in Middle Tennessee.

Article Icon 1Xylazine Overdose Drop in East TN

Overdose deaths linked to xylazine—a powerful animal sedative known as “tranq”—have dropped sharply in East Tennessee this year, according to Knox County officials.

The drug, often mixed with fentanyl or meth, was linked to 94 deaths in 2024 but only 13 so far in 2025. Unlike opioids, xylazine doesn’t respond to naloxone, making it especially dangerous in overdose cases.

The FDA’s crackdown on illegal imports may be a factor in the decline.

Article Icon 1TN Shelter Dog Lands Role in Superman

A Middle Tennessee shelter dog named Sparrow made her Hollywood debut in James Gunn’s new Superman movie, appearing in a rescue scene with the Man of Steel.

Sparrow was originally taken in by Maury County Animal Services, then placed with a rescue through CASA Transport, where a talent scout discovered her.

While Sparrow had just a brief cameo, local officials say her story highlights the potential of rescue animals.

The film’s superdog Krypto, meanwhile, was entirely CGI, modeled after Gunn’s own rescue pup, which led to a 500% surge in shelter dog adoptions.

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Around Tennessee

➤ Statewide: Lawmakers may consider real estate fraud protections after a state study found rising cases, including 185 stolen homes and a surge in identity fraud tied to loans and leases. (See Details)

➤  Also statewide: A new report ranked Tennessee last for quality of life, citing high violent crime rates and limited worker protections. (More)

➤ Knoxville: University of Tennessee graduate Tramell Tillman received his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Apple TV+’s Severance. (More)

➤ Blount County: A loud boom heard Tuesday across multiple East Tennessee counties remains unexplained. Officials confirmed it wasn’t related to power infrastructure, blasting, or reported injuries. (More)

➤ Williamson County: Some residents are again urging officials to remove the Confederate flag from the county seal, which is currently protected under the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act. (More)

➤ Carter County: Demolition is underway on the Carter County Higher Education Center, a $40 million campus set to open in 2026 with new academic, tech, and shop buildings. (More)

Tennessee Carolina Sports

The Memphis Tigers just added Kristan Kelly as the school’s new director of basketball operations. Kelly previously served as the Tigers’ compliance director from 2013 to 2021. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, the Tigers are expected to lose assistant basketball coach Nolan Smith to Tennessee State, where he’s in serious discussions to become the team’s new head coach. (More)

➤ The state has fined five offshore books a total of $250,000 for operating an illegal sports gambling business in Tennessee. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Soccer | WNBA

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Tennessee Business

➤ Global insurance broker NFP acquired Levine Group, a longtime Brentwood-based financial services firm offering investment and insurance solutions since 1963. (More)

➤ Alden North Knoxville has opened as one of East Tennessee’s first build-to-rent home communities, offering over 100 single-family-style rental homes with private yards and amenities. (More)

➤ University of Tennessee graduates are criticizing experience requirements for entry-level jobs, despite career readiness programs, as new degree holders face a 6% national unemployment rate. (More)

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Et Cetera

➤ The Tennessee Aquarium introduced two summer attractions: a new red-collared brown lemur named Kintana and an upgraded Giant Pacific Octopus enclosure offering clearer views of its color-changing abilities. (See Additions)

➤ Greg LeMond, a Tennessee resident and three-time Tour de France champion, received the Congressional Gold Medal for his groundbreaking contributions to cycling and public health. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation is hosting its 2025 Wildlife Conservation Raffle through September 14, offering 10 prize packages—including a $50,000 Ford voucher. (See Details)

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The Poll

What do you think really caused the big “boom” heard in East Tennessee?

  1. Space aliens
  2. Homemade fireworks
  3. Appalachian Bigfoot
  4. Reenactment cannon
  5. Other (tell us what!)

 

Previous Results:

What would you do if a brown recluse spider invaded your house?

  1. Evict him (with a shoe): 31%
  2. Set traps and pray: 24%
  3. Other (let us know!): 23%
  4. It’s his house now: 22%
North Carolina Trivia

What short-lived “state” did settlers create from 1784 to 1787 in the region that is now Tennessee?

Show me the answer

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