Lee Weighing National Guard Deployment in Memphis

Gov. Bill Lee said Wednesday that “nothing is off the table” regarding the possible deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis to address crime.

The comments followed Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s support for federal intervention in “blue cities like Memphis.”

Memphis police report 145 murders so far this year, down from 175 at the same point in 2024, with Mayor Paul Young saying he hopes declining numbers will prevent a deployment.

Rep. Andy Ogles called Wednesday for the National Guard to be deployed in both Memphis and Nashville, accusing Mayor Freddie O’Connell of letting international gangs operate in the city.

Dry Weather Fueling Middle TN Brush Fires

Abnormally dry conditions have sparked several brush fires across Middle Tennessee, officials said this week.

In Mt. Juliet, a large burn pile got out of control, while a DeKalb County fire scorched 25–30 acres of corn and threatened nearby homes.

Fire marshals warn residents to keep burn piles small, at least 50 feet from structures, and avoid burning on windy days.

Though no burn bans are in place, officials recommend waiting for steady rainfall before attempting any outdoor fires.

Nate Bargatze Brings Tour Home to Tennessee

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee ranked second nationwide for ICE arrests from local jails following increased cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. (More)

➤ Cocke County: Officials are revising the Hazard Mitigation Plan in response to Hurricane Helene, including adding backup power to critical facilities to strengthen emergency preparedness. (More)

➤ Knoxville: University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd completed his 55th marathon in Sydney, marking his final continent in a 22-year quest to run a marathon on all seven continents. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: Maj. John “Lucky” Luckadoo, Chattanooga native and last surviving pilot of World War II’s famed Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group, died Monday in Dallas at 102. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Ryman Auditorium’s Sidewalk Sessions concert series returns Sept. 8–Oct. 30, offering free outdoor performances on PNC Plaza featuring rising artists, drinks, shopping, and live music. (More)

➤ Ooltewah: A study ranked Ooltewah (pronounced OO-da-wah) as the most difficult Tennessee town name to pronounce. Tennessee itself ranked among the top five hardest state names to spell. (More)

➤ Week Two of college football kicks off tomorrow with a few good games, including an out-of-conference matchup between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech. You can see game times for all teams at the following link. (See Full Schedule)

➤ UT-Chattanooga is playing volleyball in McKenzie Arena for the first time ever this weekend as they host the Chattanooga Classic tournament. The event is free for all fans to attend. (More)

➤ 5-star basketball recruit Christian Collins scheduled an official visit to Tennessee for this fall. The No. 1 power forward in the 2026 recruiting class, Collins is also considering schools like Baylor, UCLA, and Houston. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Golf | U.S. Open 

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➤ This Weird Trick Gets Rid of Bad Breath. Bad breath isn’t just embarrassing—it’s stubborn. But this weird, dentist-approved trick is helping thousands eliminate bad breath fast, without mouthwash, gum, or brushing nonstop. It targets the real cause most people overlook, delivering fresh breath that actually lasts. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Stretch Zone and Manduu are among the growing unconventional fitness businesses providing Middle Tennessee residents with alternative, innovative ways to stay fit and active. (More)

➤ Hermès opened its first Nashville boutique, bringing the Parisian brand’s luxury handbags, home goods, and fashion to the Music City. (More)

➤ Nineteen-year-old entrepreneur Andy Bunch opened his second business, The Bean House coffee shop in Bean Station, adding to Aunt B’s Ice Cream, which he began co-running at 13. (More)

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➤ The Kingsport Aquatic Center kicked off its annual Drool Party on Wednesday, transforming its outdoor water park into a playground for dogs. (More)

➤ The Nashville Zoo welcomed a rare brother-sister pair of 14-week-old aardwolf pups, now among only a few in U.S. zoos, with public viewing beginning Sept. 5. (See Pups)

➤ The Napoleon Dynamite cast will reunite at Knoxville’s Civic Auditorium on Sept. 18 for a 20th-anniversary screening, followed by a live Q&A. (More)

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Will you attend one of Nate Bargatze’s Tennessee tour stops?

1. Yes
2. I’m thinking about it
3. No

Previous Results:

What’s the farthest you’d run for fun?

1. I wouldn’t: 38%
2. 5k: 17%
3. Half marathon: 16%
4. Full marathon: 15%
5. Other (let us know!): 14%

What Tennessee city has its own font, called “Chatype”?

Show me the answer