Evacuations Ordered As Wildfires Spread

Several wildfires broke out across East Tennessee on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders in Cumberland, Monroe, and Sevier counties. All evacuation notices were later lifted by Wednesday.

Dry conditions and low humidity increased fire danger, leading to Red Flag Warnings across the region. Knoxville-based Tennessee National Guardsmen were deployed to assist firefighting efforts.

Evacuation orders were lifted in Monroe County as crews gained control over several brush fires that burned more than 200 acres since Tuesday. Firefighters, aided by local agencies and rain, continue working to fully contain the flames.

In Sevier County, all evacuation orders—including for Pittman Center and Webb Mountain—were lifted Wednesday morning, according to the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency. Cumberland County evacuations were lifted Tuesday night.

DOGE Cuts to Shut Down TN Offices

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is terminating real estate contracts for at least five federal offices in Memphis, Collierville, and Oxford, Mississippi, saving $1.2 million, according to its website. 

Among the terminated contracts is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) office in Memphis, which is expected to save $701,149.

The cuts also include the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service office in Collierville, projected to save $137,149. Additionally, the lease for IRS facilities in Chattanooga is listed among the current reductions.

In the Nashville area, one FDA office is affected, contributing to reported savings of $777,105. This is part of a broader effort to close 30 FDA leases, totaling $30 million in savings.

Spirit Airlines to Come to Chattanooga

Spirit Airlines will launch its first-ever service at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) this June, beginning with three Florida destinations.

Beginning June 4 and June 5, running through Aug. 12, Spirit will operate nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Orlando using its 176-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. 

The Scenic City will become Spirit’s third destination in Tennessee, joining Nashville and Memphis.

In celebration of the new Tennessee market, Spirit is offering travelers one-way flights between the new locations for an introductory fare starting at $50. 

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➤ Southeast Tennessee: Strong storms left thousands of people without power early Wednesday morning, with Hamilton and Bradley counties experiencing the highest number of outages. (More)

➤ Blountville: Abigail Bowen is set to perform on the latest season of American Idol on Sunday. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: Mayor Tim Kelly won another term, and two city council races will continue with a runoff election following Tuesday’s city election results. (More)

➤ Spring Hill: Haley Ferguson, a senior at Middle Tennessee State University, was included among the “Everyday Americans” invited to attend President Trump’s speech to a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday night. (More)

➤ Nashville: The police announced arrests in unrelated school threats to area schools on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The Amateur Athletic Union Girls Basketball World Championships will return this year from June 26 to 29 as part of a multi-year partnership through 2029. (More) 

➤ The University of Tennessee baseball team tied an NCAA record with three grand slams in one game, including two in one inning, in a 22-9 win against Radford on Tuesday. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Lady Vols’ Talaysia Cooper earned her first All-SEC honors by being selected for the conference’s All-SEC Second Team and the SEC-All Defensive Team. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. is considered week-to-week in his return to the team as he deals with a grade 2 ankle sprain. (More)

 ➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | Soccer

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➤ Wilson County commissioners have approved a plan to build an “aging-in-place” community with up to 435 homes on land once owned by Reba McEntire and now being developed by the entertainer’s son. (More)

➤ Business leaders across Tennessee are expressing concerns over potential price increases due to the Trump administration’s new tariffs, which could impact car parts, gas, and alcohol. (More)

➤ The new Roux’s Creole Café held its grand opening in historic Gallatin on Tuesday, offering authentic Cajun food starting on the day known as Fat Tuesday. (More)

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➤ A mother and daughter are coaching against one another in girls high school basketball as the Lenoir City Lady Panthers and Soddy Daisy Lady Trojans face each other for a spot in the regional championship. (Watch Video)

➤ Jiu-jitsu teachers helped detain a purse snatcher who picked the wrong place to attempt a robbery outside of a local dojo in Chattanooga. (More)

➤ The Great Tennessee Air Show returns to Middle Tennessee with a lineup of “world-class” performers this summer featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as headliners. (Watch Video)

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