Lee Calls Special Session on Redistricting

Gov. Bill Lee officially called the Tennessee General Assembly into special session for May 5 to redraw the state’s congressional map, targeting Memphis’ 9th District—the state’s only Democratic-held seat.

The call follows a Supreme Court decision narrowing the Voting Rights Act and opening the door to new maps in minority-majority districts. Lawmakers are aiming for a 9-0 Republican delegation by splitting Memphis—and possibly Nashville—into multiple GOP-leaning districts.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn pushed for the session to “cement (Trump’s) agenda,” and the White House backed the effort, while House Democratic Leader Karen Camper criticized the special session, saying they should be reserved for “the real and urgent needs of Tennesseans.”

Republicans could achieve 9-0 but would shrink margins in nearly every other district, according to an analysis of 2024 presidential results. Lee said districts must “accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters.”

Electric Bike Maker Lands in Algood

LEV Manufacturing, a light electric vehicle assembly company, will open its first Tennessee facility in Algood, creating 288 jobs through a $7 million investment in Putnam County.

The 100,000-square-foot production facility at 2415 Burton Branch Road will serve as the company’s primary U.S. assembly, logistics, and fulfillment center.

Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) said the investment would “accelerate Putnam County’s economic growth.”

LEV Manufacturing is part of Life EV Group, which owns the Rad Power Bikes, Serial 1 Cycle, and Life EV brands. The Algood plant will be the company’s primary U.S. assembly facility, anchoring its domestic operations in Middle Tennessee.

Ryman Takes the Ascend Stage

Opry Entertainment Group opened Nashville’s Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater for the 2026 concert season earlier this week, putting one of downtown’s largest outdoor stages under the same roof as the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.

Ryman Hospitality—parent company of Opry Entertainment Group—won approval for the 10-year contract from Metro Council last fall after beating out Live Nation and AEG. The deal officially transferred management Jan. 1, ending Live Nation’s decade-long run at the Metro-owned venue.

As part of the transition, Ryman invested $11 million in facility upgrades and an additional $1 million for an elevated bridge extending the riverfront greenway through the venue’s public park area, keeping the path accessible to cyclists and pedestrians even during shows.

The 2026 season shows have been announced through Oct. 11 and includes performances from Hilary Duff, Train, and Bob Dylan.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Knoxville: Emerald Youth Foundation is buying private property in the Five Points neighborhood as the foundation for a $30 million sports, wellness, and community complex, after plans to build on Chilhowee Park fell through. (More)

➤ East Ridge: A Goodwill employee found a grenade while sorting donations and drove it to a fire station to report it, prompting a bomb squad call. (More)

➤ Lebanon: Residents are pushing back after two Wilson County bridges were closed for structural issues, raising concerns about longer emergency response times and detours. (More)

➤ Gallatin: Highpoint Health is seeking state approval for a $60 million expansion that would convert its Sumner County emergency room into a full-service hospital, saying patient transfers cost time and money. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A University of Tennessee freshman is suing Quantum Communications for allegedly using a TikTok video she posted at her high school graduation party to advertise a dating app without her consent. (More)

➤ Dickson: The Humane Society of Dickson County is in the middle of rescuing more than 100 cats and kittens discovered on a single property. (More)

➤ The Nashville SC fell 1-0 to Tigres UANL last Tuesday in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, then played at Philadelphia on Saturday in MLS. The decisive second leg is Tuesday in Mexico. (More)

➤ Tennessee baseball dropped its SEC series opener at Kentucky on Friday, falling 9-2 as the Wildcats controlled the game from the start. Game 2 in Lexington was Saturday afternoon. (More)

➤ Former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was officially named head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, more than a year after Memphis fired him in late March 2025 with nine games left in the season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf | Derby

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tired of scrubbing your toilet? Splash Foam Cleaner is the fast, hands-free way to keep your toilet fresh and spotless. Clean toilet rings, stains, and more without forceful scrubbing. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. No scrubbing. No mess. It removes stains, eliminates odors, and leaves your bathroom smelling clean. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Wake up without aches with the knēNest Knee Pillow—designed for side sleepers seeking better alignment and deeper sleep. Its unique cradle design supports your knees, hips, and spine while reducing pressure and discomfort. Stay cool, sleep comfortably, and feel the difference in just one night. Experience smarter, more restful sleep tonight.  (LEARN MORE)

➤ Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville opened a new model train exhibition this weekend featuring detailed miniatures of America’s landmarks, including the Ryman Auditorium. (See Video)

➤ A kitten is safe after Chattanooga firefighters rescued it from a storm drain on Rossville Boulevard. (See Photo)

➤ Hawkers Asian Street Food in East Nashville is set to reopen this month after a months-long closure following a grease fire. (See Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Blast away plaque, tartar, and stubborn stains with the power of DentaBlast. Its ultrasonic cleaning action leaves your teeth looking brighter and feeling smoother in just minutes a day. Gentle yet effective, it’s the easy way to wake up with a more confident smile.  (LEARN MORE)

What’s your favorite Memphis music legacy?

1. Blues on Beale Street
2. Sun Studio and rock and roll
3. Stax Records and soul
4. Modern hip-hop scene

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite thing about Tennessee in spring?

1. Wildflowers and Hiking: 33%
2. Outdoor Festivals: 25%
3. Warm Weather Sports: 23%
4. Chattanooga: 19%

What Tennessee city became the first major Southern city to fully desegregate its downtown lunch counters in May 1960, following a disciplined nonviolent sit-in campaign?

See the answer