TN Lawmaker Pushes for New Drone Laws

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn is urging the Department of Defense (DOD) to enhance the protection of U.S. airspace following recent drone sightings in the Eastern United States.

In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Blackburn expressed concerns about the reported drone activity over the past few weeks, including in Middle Tennessee.

She requested detailed information on the DOD’s assessments of these sightings, the counter-unmanned aircraft systems currently in use to address such threats, and the department’s coordination efforts.

Blackburn’s appeal highlights the need for robust measures to ensure airspace security amid growing concerns over unauthorized drone activity.

UT Students Make Civil War Discovery on Campus

Students and professors at the University of Tennessee recently unearthed remnants of a Civil War trench during an excavation on campus in Knoxville.

As part of the university’s construction of a new dorm near Circle Park, the anthropology department conducted a dig that revealed Civil War-era artifacts, including bullets known as minié balls, glass, ceramics, and more.

Professors believe the trench was likely dug by Union soldiers shortly before the 1863 Battle of Fort Sanders.

The excavation took place at the site of a former campus parking lot, surprising archaeology students with the discovery of such significant history just beneath their feet. Watch a video report here.

Rescued Dog Finds New Home At Unicoi Dispatch Office

Stella, a dog rescued after Hurricane Helene, has found her forever home at the Unicoi County 911 Dispatch Office, where she brings comfort to the team during high-stress situations. 

Shortly after being adopted, the dispatchers discovered Stella was pregnant, and on Black Friday, she gave birth to seven healthy puppies.

Within an hour of us getting her on Oct. 16, we knew she was staying. We had just fallen in love with her,” Alora Wyatt, the 911 Dispatch Director, said.

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➤ Nashville: The city council approved Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $527 million capital spending plan on Tuesday night. The plan prioritizes investments in public schools, parks, transportation, and infrastructure. (More)

➤ Cocke County: Cherokee Health Systems sent a mobile clinic to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene to help with health services regardless of a person’s ability to pay for services. (More)

➤ Memphis: A stolen ambulance hit a police car early Wednesday morning after a chase in the South Memphis area. (Watch Video)

➤ Chattanooga: The has officially submitted its final application to become North America’s first National Park City, following a resolution to pursue the recognition earlier this year. (More)

➤ Columbia: The Mersen Manufacturing plant announced it will furlough 80% of its workers just days before Christmas, following a permanent layoff of 25% of its workforce earlier this week. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A grand jury indicted 19-year-old Orenthro Hylton on charges of recklessly threatening an act of mass violence at Austin-East Magnet High School following an incident in October. (More)               

➤ Nashville’s Blades Brown will skip college and start playing professionally full-time in 2025, starting with the American Express Golf Tournament at La Quinta Country Club in January. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies head to Golden State to face the Warriors after a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. (More)

➤ Titans coach Brian Callahan is expected to bench quarterback Will Levis and instead start Mason Rudolph on Sunday as the team heads to Indianapolis to play the Colts. (More)

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➤ NOVONIX announced Tuesday that it will expand manufacturing operations in Chattanooga, bringing 500 new jobs to Hamilton County in an investment of approximately $1 billion. The business operates in the lithium-ion battery market. (See Pictures)

➤ Impact Plastics responded to a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit it is facing in Unicoi County this week. (More)

➤ Knoxville’s Old City may soon be getting a new parking garage and 55-unit apartment complex on E. Jackson Ave as the area continues to redevelop. (See Pictures)

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➤ University of Tennessee political science professor Jordan Carr Peterson appeared in an episode of Jeopardy! on Tuesday. (More)

➤ World War II veteran and Tennessee resident Jimmy Wren celebrated his 101st birthday in Orlinda this week, reflecting on over a century of life experiences. (Watch Video)

➤ Did you know there is a Naughty Cat Café in Chattanooga where you can grab a latte with a cat? Check out the video for a preview. (Watch Video)

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Would you rather travel for the holidays or stay at home? 

1. Travel
2. Stay at home

Tuesday’s Results:

Have you ever visited the Tennessee Aquarium?

1. Yes: 37%
2. No: 63%                

What well-known coffee brand was named after a Nashville hotel?

Show me the answer