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Article Icon 1Dangerous Heat, Storms Grip the State

Much of Tennessee is sweltering under a Heat Advisory this week, with “feels like” temps topping 108 degrees in some areas.

The heat is expected to persist through the weekend, with Nashville already logging 15 straight days over 90 degrees.

Friday and Saturday bring the best chances for widespread rain in East Tennessee, potentially fueled by tropical moisture from the Gulf. 

Article Icon 1Slot-Style Machines Ruled Illegal in Shelby Co.

A three-judge panel has ruled that gaming machines found in Shelby County gas stations and convenience stores are illegal under Tennessee law.

The machines, which resemble slot machines, have been linked to increased crime and were previously targeted in large-scale police seizures.

District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the court rejected arguments that the devices are legal games of skill, affirming that any wager dependent on chance qualifies as gambling. 

With the ruling now settled, Mulroy warned store owners: remove the machines or face prosecution and seizure.

Article Icon 1Zoo Knoxville Unveils Nighttime Smokies Show

Zoo Knoxville announced on Wednesday that it will debut a new nighttime attraction this November, featuring music and visual displays inspired by the Smoky Mountains’ changing seasons.

Officials collaborated with regional artists to create sensory-rich scenes, blending music and natural sounds that reflect Appalachian culture, from thunderstorms to tranquil forest moments.

The show will run nightly through the winter season. See video of the new attraction here.

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Meet the Genius Who Invented Plastic That Dissolves in Water

The world produces 450 million metric tons of plastic waste each year.

Microplastics are seeping into our oceans and food. They even show up in our bodies. So you can imagine how revolutionary a new kind of plastic that completely dissolves in water would be.

Thatʼs exactly what Timeplast has created. The company patented a water-soluble, time-programmable plastic that vanishes without harming the environment—and they’re taking investors for a limited time.

Here’s why you don’t want to miss this opportunity:

  • Revolutionary plastic that vanishes completely—no microplastics, no landfill waste.

  • 6,000% sales growth in the company’s first month on the market.

  • $1.3 trillion market opportunity across packaging, 3D printing, and more.

Major players are already partnering with Timeplast for their patented technology.

Now you can invest in Timeplast as they scale in a $1.3 trillion plastic market.

Become a Timeplast shareholder here.

Around Tennessee

➤ Statewide: Tennessee Highway Patrol is ramping up interstate patrols, adding both marked and unmarked units, after a series of road rage incidents. (More)

➤ Memphis: Gov. Bill Lee is set to choose from three finalists to fill a vacancy on the 30th Judicial District Circuit Court. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Metro Council advanced a two-year pilot proposal with Vanderbilt University to develop an AI-powered warning system for water pressure and flow anomalies. (More)

➤ Sullivan County: Construction has begun on a $106 million jail that will hold up to 1,100 inmates, ease overcrowding, and give staff more space and resources. (More)

➤ Grainger County: Farmers say a new 17% duty on Mexican tomato imports could raise prices and boost demand for locally grown produce. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A Knoxville woman was honored with a bench recognizing her 46 years of nonprofit service feeding thousands through the West Knox FISH Pantry. (See Video)

Tennessee Carolina Sports

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➤ The Memphis Tigers’ softball and basketball teams both received penalties from the NCAA after an investigation revealed two softball players were paid by an advisor to help a basketball player cheat in school. (More)

➤ Tennessee basketball announced it’ll host Duke in Knoxville for a top-25 exhibition matchup this fall. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a contract with center Jock Landale, presumably capping out their 15-man roster for the 2025-26 season. (More)

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Tennessee Business

➤ Memphis Light, Gas, and Water will become the first municipal utility in the U.S. to deploy a standalone 5G network in a partnership with Nokia. (More)

➤ Metropolis Technologies, the nation’s largest parking operator headquartered in Nashville, is expanding AI-powered parking despite mounting lawsuits and complaints. (More)

➤ Health inspectors handed out 53 perfect scores to Tennessee Valley restaurants and facilities this week. No failing scores were reported. (More)

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“Big Plastic” Hates Them

Whether it’s water bottles or shrink wrap, traditional plastic suppliers should be worried.

That’s because Timeplast invented a new type of plastic that can dissolve in water, completely eliminating plastic waste. Even more impressively, their plastic can be programmed to dissolve at a precise time, whether it’s in 60 seconds or 60 years.

In a global plastic market worth over $1.3 trillion, Timeplast’s breakthrough is a game changer.

Even better? You can own a stake in the company as it expands globally. Learn more about the opportunity to invest in Timeplast stock here.

This is a paid advertisement for Timeplast’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.timeplast.com.
Et Cetera

➤ A sign at Knoxville’s Forks of the River Wildlife Area expresses gratitude to a man named Zach, who stopped in June and helped a stranger having a heart attack. (See Sign)

➤ “Girls’ Night” in Downtown Sevierville takes place on Saturday, featuring boutique vendors, food trucks, cocktails, interactive demos, and a movie under the stars. (More)

➤ McDonald’s iconic fried apple pie, first introduced in 1968, has been credited to East Tennessee’s Cochran family. The longtime franchisees developed the original recipe at home and pitched it directly to founder Ray Kroc. (See History)

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The Poll

What’s your go-to McDonald’s sweet treat?

  1. Fried apple pie
  2. Milkshake
  3. McFlurry
  4. Vanilla cone
  5. I don’t visit McDonald’s

 

Previous Results:

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

  1. Homemade fireworks: 21%
  2. Other (tell us what!): 21%
  3. Reenactment cannon: 20%
  4. Space aliens: 19%
  5. Appalachian Bigfoot: 19%
North Carolina Trivia

Which bottled beverage had its first franchised plant built in Chattanooga?

Show me the answer

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