Fatal Flash Flooding Strikes Cocke County

Flash flooding killed a 64-year-old woman and triggered widespread rescues across Cocke County on Thursday, May 28.

The surging water turned small creeks into fast-moving currents near Parrottsville, destroying dozens of vehicles and trapping residents throughout the area.

The water in Parrottsville rose quickly throughout the morning, leaving roads underwater and homes surrounded by flooding.

“We knew we had been getting heavy rain all week, but this is the last thing we expected,” said Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Caleb Henry. Some residents said the damage is reminiscent of or even worse than Hurricane Helene and first responders described the scene as a nightmare.

For those impacted by the flooding, the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency has established an Emergency Operations Center for those in need of shelter, which can be reached by calling (423) 540-5551. The EMA is also encouraging the public to find shelter from family members or friends if possible.

Tennessee Bans THCA Sales July 1

Tennessee has finalized rules banning the sale of THCA hemp products, with the prohibition taking effect July 1.

THCA is a hemp-derived compound that converts to THC—the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana—when heated. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission will assume full regulatory control of hemp and begin enforcing the ban passed by state lawmakers in 2025.

Smoke shops, dispensaries, and hemp retailers across Tennessee will need to pull THCA products from shelves. The ban had already been delayed six months, giving the industry extra time to prepare for the transition.

Power Lines Going Underground After Ice Storm

Nashville Electric Service (NES) is moving power lines underground in four neighborhoods after a historic 2026 ice storm in January left residents without power for up to two weeks.

The NES board approved $9 million for the pilot program, with projects running July 2026 through June 2027. Target streets include Martingale Drive in Old Hickory, Pippin Drive in Cane Ridge, and streets near Thompson Lane.

NES had signed a $3 million study contract in April to pinpoint pilot locations, which were confirmed this week. The remaining sites are still in the design phase ahead of summer construction.

➤ Statewide: Attorneys are calling on Gov. Bill Lee to suspend all Tennessee executions following last week’s botched procedure. Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada faces new scrutiny after reports linking him to similar problems in Arizona. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: The Volkswagen plant celebrated its 15th anniversary and one-millionth Atlas this spring. The facility now accounts for 30% of Volkswagen’s U.S. sales—one of Tennessee’s signature economic wins. (More)

➤ Nashville: Trinity Flats, a new East Nashville development, opened this week targeting teachers, first responders, and hospital workers who’ve been priced out of one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Knoxville City Council approved a ban on indoor smoking at age-restricted bars and venues this week, drawing mixed reactions from owners. The ordinance takes effect this summer. (More)

➤ Sumner County: A White House High School band director was arrested Wednesday and charged with statutory rape following a Sumner County Sheriff’s Office investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. (More)

➤ Columbia: Firefighters battled an early-morning blaze at Columbia Farm Supply on Friday, forcing police to shut down Bear Creek Pike for hours as crews worked to contain the fire. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation allowing deadly force to protect property, plus a separate bill targeting drink spiking. Both new laws take effect July 1. (More)

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➤ NASCAR’s Nashville weekend continues tonight with the SI Resorts 250 and wraps up tomorrow night with the Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400 on Prime Video. (How to Watch)

➤ The Tennessee Titans announced they’re inducting the late Dave McGinnis into the franchise’s Ring of Honor this fall. McGinnis spent eight seasons on the coaching staff before becoming a color analyst on Titans Radio, a role he held until his death in April. (More)

➤ Tennessee softball takes on Texas Tech today in the Women’s College World Series after upsetting the defending champion Texas Longhorns 6-3 on Thursday. (See Schedule)

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

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China’s 60% Grip on Lithium Is Breaking

A domestic lithium producer backed by General Motors just announced plans for its second U.S. facility. This Utah project will sit atop approximately 2.4 million tons of lithium. Now, investors can claim an early-stage stake. 

Here’s the bigger picture.

China controls 60% of the world’s lithium. But as demand for high-tech innovations like AI and EVs continues to grow, America needs its own reliable supply fast. The window to profit from what comes next is open.

America holds the world’s 5th-largest lithium reserves, and they’ve barely been touched. EnergyX is changing that with patented technology that recovers up to 3X more lithium than conventional methods.

In a world reliant on lithium for batteries, electric vehicles, and grid storage, a domestic lithium supply is critical. Invest in EnergyX today.

➤ McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga is far over capacity with over 600 animals, and has waived adoption fees—volunteers and foster families are urgently needed. (More)

➤ Actor Kirk Cameron says Nashville’s faith-centered community and good values are why he left California, citing progressive politics and the high cost of living as the push factors. (More)

➤ Zoo Knoxville is offering a new Wild Access Tour—a behind-the-scenes look at how animal keepers care for residents, with limited spots available for the up-close experience. (More)

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Are you in favor of the statewide ban on THCA sales?

1. Yes
2. No
3. No opinion

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you prefer driving to the beach or staying close and visiting the mountains?

1. Mountains: 33%
2. Both: 30%
3. Beach: 23%
4. Neither: 14%

How many fatal duels did Andrew Jackson fight in?

Show me the answer