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Article Icon 1GM, LG Expand TN Plant for Cheaper EV Batteries

General Motors and LG Energy Solution are upgrading their Spring Hill battery plant to produce lower-cost electric vehicle cells.

The plant will begin producing cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, avoiding high-cost minerals like cobalt and nickel used in earlier designs.

The project builds on a $2.3 billion investment from 2021 and complements GM’s goal of expanding its EV lineup and supporting future demand.

The transition will begin later this year, with commercial output expected by late 2027.

Article Icon 1Green Backs Van Epps for TN-7 Seat

U.S. Rep. Mark Green has endorsed Army veteran Matt Van Epps in the race to replace him in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

Green, who resigned July 4, praised Van Epps as a “relentless fighter” and “principled conservative,” pointing to their shared special operations background as the reason for his support.

Van Epps is a West Point graduate with nine combat tours. Most recently, he led Tennessee’s Department of General Services.

The endorsement gives Van Epps a boost in what’s expected to be a competitive GOP primary.

Article Icon 1Brown Recluse Spider Surge Hits Homes

Brown recluse spider infestations are surging across Middle Tennessee amid unseasonably hot and wet weather.

Pest control experts say the venomous spiders move indoors to escape the elements, favoring dark, cluttered areas like garages and basements. 

Exterminators are deploying traps and chemical treatments while urging homeowners to replace cardboard storage boxes with plastic bins to reduce hiding spots.

Though the spiders don’t go looking for a fight, they can bite if disturbed, which can lead to severe pain, swelling, and in rare cases, tissue damage.

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Around Tennessee

Statewide: Tennessee law enforcement is joining four other Southern states in Operation Southern Slow Down, cracking down on speeding after a surge in fatal crashes. (More)

➤ Cheatham County: Country singer John Rich says he discussed TVA’s proposed methane plant with President Trump. Rich teased a “massive announcement” regarding the project’s future in the rural community. (More)

➤ Nashville: Metro Police released a public dashboard mapping where firearms are stolen to encourage residents to use better gun security. Gun thefts from vehicles are up 18% this year. (See Dashboard)

➤ Statewide: The 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards honored the Grand Ole Opry with a rare Lifetime Achievement Award. Artists also received accolades for leadership and folklife heritage. (See Winners)

➤ Johnson City: Caregivers across eight Northeast Tennessee counties now have free access to Trualta, an e-learning platform helping families manage chronic conditions and reduce burnout. (More)

➤ Nolensville: Tennessee Nature Academy breaks ground July 30 on a new 23-acre campus to allow the nature-focused public charter school to serve more grades. (See Video)
Tennessee Carolina Sports

➤ Nashville SC’s new Locals Only initiative is offering free soccer tickets to fans who have never been to one of their games before. You can register for tickets at the following link. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies restructured guard Cam Spencer’s contract, extending it from a two-year deal worth $4.5 million to a four-year deal worth $10.5 million. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia admitted at SEC media day that the team’s 7-6 record last year “wasn’t good enough,” and said that his intention in 2025 is “to win a national championship.” (More)

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Tennessee Business

➤ Five Points Pizza has opened a walk-up slice window in Nashville’s Gulch, offering New York-style cheese, pepperoni, and rotating veggie slices daily. (See Video)

➤ La Vergne officials approved the $300 million Twinning Station development, which includes plans for apartments, a grocery store, and $153 million in tax revenue over 20 years. (More)

➤ Ruby Falls has begun construction on a 14,500-square-foot sustainable headquarters at Lookout Mountain. The building, set for completion by August 2026, will use locally-sourced cypress timber. (See Mockup)

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➤ This heart doctor won’t touch olive oil until he does this one trick. For years, you’ve been told that olive oil contains one of the healthiest fats for your body…And that’s true—but only if you’re using the right kind. Here’s the catch: it has nothing to do with whether it’s organic, cold-pressed, or imported… It all comes down to one overlooked compound. Now, one heart surgeon reveals a simple trick to identify the best kind. See all the details in this brief presentation.

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Et Cetera

➤ United Airlines added direct flights at Knoxville’s McGhee-Tyson Airport for Tennessee football fans. Round-trip options include Birmingham for the Oct. 18 game and Oklahoma City for the Nov. 1 home game. (See Ticket Details)

➤ 1980s women’s high school basketball rivals have united under their old Fisk University coach to win silver at the Tennessee Senior Olympics. Now the group is training for a run at gold in the 2027 National Senior Games. (See Video)

➤ The Tennessee Book and Ephemera Fair will bring rare books, historic documents, and collectible prints to The Factory at Franklin from July 25–27. (More)

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The Poll

What would you do if a brown recluse spider invaded your house?

  1. Evict him (with a shoe)
  2. It’s his house now
  3. Set traps and pray
  4. Other (let us know!)

 

Previous Results:

Which Zoo Knoxville furry friend’s name is your favorite?

  1. Copper: 21%
  2. Poppy: 20%
  3. Chester: 20%
  4. I don’t like any of them: 20%
  5. Ember: 19%
North Carolina Trivia

How did Pigeon Forge get its name?

Show me the answer

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