Tennessee

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has endorsed a bipartisan proposal to rename Nashville International Airport after country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, with a petition surpassing 136,000 signatures. The proposed name includes "Dolly Parton International Airport" or "Nashville International Airport – Dolly Parton Field." The move honors Parton’s cultural impact and charitable work, including her Imagination Library and COVID-19 vaccine research donations. However, LGBTQ advocates criticize the contradiction between honoring Parton, a vocal LGBTQ supporter, and Lee’s anti-LGBTQ legislation record. The renaming requires approval from the Tennessee General Assembly and the Nashville Airport Authority.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 29, 08:00 PM UTC

On August 6, 2026, Tennessee Republican Representative Andy Ogles lost his primary to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, despite an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Governor Bill Lee and other state GOP figures backed Hatcher, highlighting intra-party conflict. Ogles faced scandals including résumé embellishment, an ethics investigation, and inflammatory remarks. Redistricting added many new voters to the 5th District, contributing to his defeat. Hatcher will face Democrat Chaz Molder in the general election.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 7, 02:43 PM UTC

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has demanded that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk provide records and a tour of the company's xAI data centers and power plants in Memphis, Tennessee. In a letter dated July 29, 2026, Pallone accused SpaceXAI of creating 'a massive health risk' by using natural gas-burning turbines without pollution controls or permits, leading to concerns about rising electricity prices, grid strain, and pollution. The facilities, known as Colossus and Colossus 2, house Nvidia processors and are central to SpaceX's AI ambitions. Pallone's demand comes amid rising public opposition to AI data centers, with a Gallup poll showing 70% of Americans oppose local construction. The Trump administration has intervened to help xAI fight a related environmental lawsuit filed by the NAACP.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 12:11 AM UTC

The U.S. Department of Energy has chosen Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential hosts for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, an initiative to store and reprocess spent nuclear fuel, support advanced reactor deployment, and expand domestic manufacturing. The project aims to attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs. The campuses would cover the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including enrichment, reprocessing, and final waste disposition, and may also host data centers. The selection addresses the long-standing U.S. problem of nuclear waste storage, as the country currently lacks a permanent disposal facility and stores over 95,000 metric tons of spent fuel across 79 sites. The initiative aligns with the Trump administration's goal to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy capacity to 400 GW by 2050.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:00 PM UTC

The Trump administration has initiated a new effort to address the long-standing issue of nuclear waste storage in the United States. The Department of Energy announced on Tuesday that it signed memorandums of agreement with five states—Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho—to explore the possibility of hosting nuclear waste storage facilities. This move marks a significant step in the administration's earlier indication this year to tackle the nuclear waste problem, which has been a major hurdle for the nuclear power industry. The agreements allow for preliminary discussions and feasibility studies, though no final decisions on storage locations have been made. The initiative aims to find alternative storage solutions as the nation's nuclear waste continues to accumulate at existing reactor sites.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:21 PM UTC

During a court proceeding in Tennessee, the state's legal team presented evidence that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, knowingly ignored its own internal research regarding the harmful and addictive effects of its platform on teenagers. Internal documents revealed that Meta product managers were aware of the need to warn the public about Instagram's addictive features but chose not to do so. This case is part of a broader legal challenge, as nearly every state in the US has filed claims against Meta over the alleged negative impact of its platforms on children and adolescents. The allegations center on the company's failure to act on its own findings to protect young users.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:35 PM UTC

During a legal proceeding in Tennessee, the state's attorneys presented evidence to a jury that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, ignored its own internal research regarding the harmful effects of its platform on teenagers. Internal documents revealed that Meta product managers were aware of the need to warn the public about Instagram's addictive features but chose not to do so. This case is part of a broader wave of litigation, with nearly every U.S. state filing claims against Meta over the alleged negative impact of its platforms on children's mental health and well-being.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:35 PM UTC

Wilson Perry Kirby, a 76-year-old farmer from Coopertown, Tennessee, received an erroneous $20,000 tax refund from the IRS in May 2022. He immediately tried to return the money with his accountant's help, but the IRS has since charged him over $2,500 in interest and threatened to seize his property. Despite contacting the president, governor, mayor, and Senator Marsha Blackburn's office, Kirby has received no resolution. The IRS refuses to discuss the case due to privacy laws but agreed to contact Kirby directly after a reporter's inquiry. Kirby, who never spent the refund, has been reduced to tears and is now working with a Nashville tax attorney. The article also provides guidance on what to do if you receive an erroneous tax refund.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:30 PM UTC

Wilson Perry Kirby, a 76-year-old farmer from Coopertown, Tennessee, received an erroneous $20,000 tax refund from the IRS on May 10, 2022. He immediately attempted to return the money with the help of his accountant, but the IRS has since charged him interest on the amount and threatened to seize his property if he does not pay over $2,500 in interest. Despite contacting the president, governor, mayor, and Senator Marsha Blackburn's office, Kirby has been unable to resolve the issue. The IRS cited privacy laws in declining to discuss the case but agreed to contact Kirby directly. A Nashville tax attorney has been brought in to explore legal options. The article also provides guidance on what to do if one receives an erroneous refund.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:30 PM UTC

Liverpool begin their 2026 pre-season with a friendly match against fellow Premier League side Sunderland, played at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee on July 25. Kick-off is at 11pm UK time. UK viewers can watch exclusively on LFCTV, with pre-match coverage starting at 10:30pm BST, and stream via LFCTV GO. US viewers can watch on ESPN+ and official Liverpool channels. Team news includes potential debut for Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet, while Hugo Ekitike is ruled out injured. Sunderland are without Brian Brobbey, Granit Xhaka, and Simon Adingra due to World Cup commitments, and Jocelin Ta Bi due to a rejected visa application.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 06:00 PM UTC

German auto giant Volkswagen reported weaker-than-expected second-quarter profit of 3.5 billion euros, down nearly 10% year-on-year and missing analyst expectations of 4.3 billion euros. The company revised its 2026 sales revenue forecast to a range of -3% to 0% from the previous 0% to 3%, citing the discontinuation of its top electric vehicle (ID.4) in the U.S. and negative mix effects. The results follow news that Volkswagen is considering cutting up to 100,000 jobs, double previous estimates, to counter a profit slump driven by billions in tariff costs and competition from Chinese car brands. CEO Oliver Blume stated in a memo that group costs are 20% higher than comparable businesses. The company also faces uncertainty over four German factories previously threatened with closure. Shares fell 3.3% in premarket trading and are down nearly 30% year-to-date.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:05 AM UTC

A three-judge federal panel in Tennessee has declined to block the state's new congressional map, which divides the majority-Black 9th District in Memphis. The ruling, issued on Thursday, rejected a request for a preliminary injunction that would have halted the map ahead of Tennessee's August primary elections. The plaintiffs had argued that the map dilutes Black voting power in violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. The panel's decision allows the map to remain in effect for the upcoming primaries, though the underlying legal challenge continues. The case is part of a broader national debate over redistricting and racial gerrymandering following the 2020 census.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:27 AM UTC

ZenaTech, Inc., an AI drone company, announced on July 23, 2026, the completion of its 26th Drone as a Service acquisition by purchasing BA Land Professionals LLC, a surveying firm based in Dayton, Ohio. The acquisition gives ZenaTech its first Ohio location and expands its U.S. network to 12 states. BA Land Professionals is licensed in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina, serving construction, energy, industrial, and government clients with land surveying, drone mapping, and LiDAR services. ZenaTech plans to introduce additional drone-based services such as construction monitoring, utility inspections, and precision agriculture in the region. The deal also brings an established customer base and a management team with 40 years of combined surveying experience. CEO Shaun Passley highlighted the strategic leverage of entering four states at once. ZenaTech shares closed at $1.51 on the day of the announcement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:01 AM UTC

Beehive Industries, a Denver-based aerospace manufacturer, is rapidly scaling production of its 3D-printed jet engines for drones and uncrewed defense systems. Since April 2026, the company has secured a $29.7 million U.S. Air Force contract, committed over $50 million to 30 new metal additive manufacturing systems from EOS, acquired two Ohio machine shops, and announced a $70 million expansion in Southwest Ohio expected to create over 200 jobs. The focus is the Frenzy 8 engine (200-pound-force thrust), designed for swarm drones and expendable aircraft, which has passed ground and high-altitude testing. A smaller Frenzy 6 engine is also in development. Beehive aims to produce 8,000 engines per year, leveraging a vertically integrated model that combines 3D printing, machining, and serial production to reduce costs and accelerate delivery for 'affordable mass' defense capabilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:58 AM UTC

The upcoming U.S. midterm elections will feature 26 ballot initiatives on taxation across 13 states, giving voters a direct say in tax policy. While California's proposed 'billionaire tax' (Prop. 40) has drawn the most attention, the majority of measures focus on rolling back property taxes, which affect homeowners' most valuable asset. States including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming have proposals to curb property tax expenditures through increased exemptions, new senior citizen exemptions, or outright prohibitions on state property taxes. Local officials, such as Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, warn that these cuts could severely reduce municipal budgets, leading to cuts in roads, libraries, parks, and public safety. The article highlights the tension between lowering personal tax burdens and maintaining local government revenue, framing the votes as a test of voter sentiment on government spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:15 PM UTC

Four U.S. states—California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey—are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties from Meta, alleging Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict young users and that the company misled the public about platform safety. The figure nearly equals Meta’s market cap. A trial is set for August 2026 in Oakland, with 29 states also pursuing federal claims. Meta denies wrongdoing, calling the demand unprecedented and unsupported. The case is part of broader litigation, including a recent $375 million verdict against Meta in New Mexico.

12 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:36 PM UTC

ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS) reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, with net income of $85.8 million ($1.57 per diluted share), up from $1.12 a year earlier. Adjusted EPS rose 30% year-over-year. Loan growth accelerated sharply, with annualized growth above 15% and ending loans increasing $533 million from the prior quarter to $14.48 billion. The loan pipeline reached a record level, and growth was broad-based across all 13 regions, led by Florida and Tennessee. Net interest margin expanded to 3.63%, and credit quality improved with nonperforming assets declining. Management noted that margin expansion may slow later in the year. Return on average assets improved to 1.91%, and return on average common equity was 17.71%. CEO Tom Broughton characterized loan demand as an 'A' but declined to forecast continued mid-teens growth due to uncertainties around payoffs, interest rates, and geopolitical events.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:03 PM UTC

A news analysis from Reason.com examines the debate over voter ID requirements, focusing on President Trump's push for the SAVE America Act, which would mandate photo ID for federal elections. The article notes that while Trump claims voter ID is needed to prevent widespread noncitizen voting (a claim unsupported by evidence), Democratic critics argue such laws disproportionately disenfranchise minority, elderly, and low-income voters. However, research, including a 2014 Government Accountability Office report, shows mixed results: some studies found no statistically significant effect on turnout, others found decreases, and one found an increase. The GAO's own analysis of Kansas and Tennessee found turnout declined more in those states compared to others without ID laws. The article concludes that both partisan expectations about the electoral impact of voter ID laws are not strongly supported by evidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:25 PM UTC

This article from Reason.com analyzes the debate over voter ID requirements, focusing on President Trump's push for the SAVE America Act and its photo ID mandate for federal elections. It argues that both Trump's claims of widespread noncitizen voting and Democrats' fears of systematic voter suppression are not strongly supported by evidence. The article cites a 2014 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that reviewed studies on voter ID laws, finding mixed results: some studies showed no significant effect on turnout, while others showed decreases or increases. It notes that 36 states currently require voter ID, with variations in strictness and exceptions. The piece concludes that partisan expectations about the electoral impact of such laws are not borne out by research, suggesting the debate is more ideological than evidence-based.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:25 PM UTC

After his daughter Hannah died in a 2016 crash involving a defective guardrail, Steve Eimers discovered that dangerous guardrails are widespread across the U.S. He filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against manufacturer Lindsay Corporation, settled in 2022, then shut down his business to focus full-time on guardrail safety. Eimers has driven 40,000 miles through 25 states inspecting guardrails, documenting flaws on his YouTube channel @TheGuardrailGuy (250,000 subscribers). He identifies backward bolts, missing bolts, and improper installations, and maintains a detailed archive of crashes, including a 'master impalement log.' His activism prompted Florida to reinspect all guardrails after he provided a list of 70 dangerous installations. A guardrail industry executive called him 'the Erin Brockovich of the guardrail industry.' Eimers estimates about 1,000 preventable guardrail deaths occur annually in the U.S. and that tens of thousands of miles of dangerous guardrails remain on roads.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:00 AM UTC

Clover Health, a Medicare Advantage insurer and physician enablement company, disclosed a data breach in a securities filing on Friday. On July 4, 2026, the company discovered that a hacker had compromised the accounts of three employees through social engineering, potentially accessing members' personally identifiable information and protected health information. The affected employees worked on scheduling member visits and broker relationships, but did not have access to corporate financial or claims systems. Clover has contained the breach, notified law enforcement, and is investigating the scope of data accessed. The company, which has nearly 156,000 members across five states, does not expect the breach to materially impact its operations or finances. The incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity challenges in healthcare, following major breaches like the 2024 Change Healthcare attack that affected over 190 million people and cost UnitedHealth $3.1 billion in recovery expenses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:20 AM UTC

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) added seven Democrat-held House seats to its 2026 target list on July 20, 2026, bringing the total to 36 districts. All new targets are in states that redrew congressional maps over the past year to favor Republicans, following a Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act. The targeted seats include Alabama's 2nd (Rep. Shomari Figures), Florida's 14th (Rep. Kathy Castor) and 22nd (open), Louisiana's 6th (Rep. Cleo Fields), Missouri's 5th (Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II), Ohio's 1st (Rep. Greg Landsman), and Tennessee's 9th (open). Republicans could gain over a dozen seats under new lines in states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Democrats countered that the GOP's gerrymandering created opportunities for Democratic pickups elsewhere, such as California and Utah. The NRCC chairman framed the effort as holding vulnerable Democrats accountable for a 'radical socialist agenda.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 AM UTC

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) added seven Democrat-held House seats to its 2026 target list, bringing the total to 36 districts. All new targets are in states that redrew congressional maps to favor Republicans, following a Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act. The targeted seats include Alabama's 2nd District (Rep. Shomari Figures), Florida's 14th (Rep. Kathy Castor) and 22nd (open), Louisiana's 6th (Rep. Cleo Fields), Missouri's 5th (Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II), Ohio's 1st (Rep. Greg Landsman), and Tennessee's 9th (open). Republicans aim to expand their House majority in the midterm elections, while Democrats may gain seats in California and Utah under new maps. Primaries are scheduled in several states, with Louisiana holding all-party primaries in November.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 AM UTC

A group of major music publishers, including Universal Music Group and Sony Music, have agreed to end a legal dispute with Elon Musk's X Corp over the use of their music on the X social-media platform, according to federal court filings. The parties asked a Tennessee federal court to dismiss the labels' 2023 lawsuit accusing X of infringing hundreds of copyrights by allowing users to post songs without a license, and a Texas federal court to dismiss X's countersuit alleging antitrust violations. The dismissals are with prejudice, meaning the claims cannot be refiled. The original lawsuit sought over $250 million in damages for alleged infringement of nearly 1,700 copyrights. In 2024, a judge dismissed much of the lawsuit but allowed a contributory infringement claim to proceed. X had countersued in January 2025, accusing the publishers of refusing to negotiate individual licensing deals. Spokespeople did not immediately comment on whether the dispute was settled.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:14 PM UTC

Chinese organized crime groups are earning up to $1 billion annually through tap-to-pay fraud schemes targeting retailers and banks, according to U.S. law enforcement. Instead of physically stealing merchandise, fraudsters use stolen credit card information to purchase gift cards at self-checkout kiosks, often coached in real-time by Southeast Asian scam compounds via wireless headphones. CNBC examined nearly a dozen cases across the U.S., including incidents at Lowe's and TJX Companies. The digital theft method is considered low-risk compared to traditional retail theft, as it is less visible and can be executed remotely. Homeland Security Investigations and local police note the complexity of these cases, which often fall below federal crime thresholds, making prosecution difficult. The schemes exploit retailers' weaker security compared to banks, with stolen gift cards resold or used to buy high-value goods for shipment to China.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:12 PM UTC

In late April 2026, the Jackson–Madison County School System Board in Tennessee approved a charter for Union Academy, a faith-based Christian college preparatory school. This decision could become a landmark Supreme Court case on religion and public education, as religious charter schools are currently prohibited nationwide. The charter was solicited by the local superintendent from Union University, a private Christian college, and approved by the elected school board. The school's application explicitly states it will be Christ-centered, with religious values at the core of its program, and seeks waivers from state laws prohibiting religious exercise in publicly supported schools. No legal challenge has been filed yet, but advocacy groups are expected to intervene. An earlier Oklahoma challenge reached the Supreme Court but resulted in a 4-4 tie, leaving the ban intact.

1 reports · 1 sources

Elon Musk's xAI (now SpaceXAI) Colossus 2 data center, located near the Tennessee-Mississippi border, has installed 59 temporary natural gas turbines without required permits, according to a Reuters investigation. The turbines are releasing thousands of tons of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde annually, far exceeding Clean Air Act thresholds. The pollution disproportionately affects predominantly black communities in DeSoto County, Mississippi, and Shelby County, Tennessee, which already suffer from elevated lung disease rates. The NAACP has filed a lawsuit alleging the unpermitted operations caused an 111% increase in nitrogen oxide, 83% increase in PM2.5, and 88% increase in formaldehyde emissions. xAI claims the turbines are exempt as temporary installations, but the EPA recently removed such exceptions. The company has offered Starlink discounts to nearby residents, which critics call a PR stunt.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ravenwood High School's girls lacrosse team secured its first TSSAA Class AA state championship with a dominant 19-4 victory over Bearden on May 15, 2026, in Brentwood, Tennessee. This win marks the program's fourth overall state title and sets a new TSSAA record for the largest margin of victory in a championship game, surpassing the previous record held by Harpeth Hall. The Raptors, finishing the season with a 16-5 record, demonstrated a strong team-first mentality under coach Bill Dryer, who highlighted the balanced scoring contributions from multiple players rather than reliance on individual stars. Junior Olivia Sacco led the offense with five goals, while senior Addi Barlow added four. The team built momentum by defeating rivals Franklin and previous champion Brentwood earlier in the playoffs. With only two seniors graduating, the program aims to establish itself as a perennial contender in future seasons. The victory concludes a three-year wait for the top spot for Ravenwood, emphasizing collective effort and internal focus over opposition strength.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ravenwood High School's girls lacrosse team secured its first Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Class AA state championship with a dominant 19-4 victory over Bearden High School on May 15, 2026. Playing on home turf in Brentwood, the Raptors established a new TSSAA record for the largest margin of victory in a state title game, surpassing the previous record held by Harpeth Hall. This win marks the program's fourth overall state title, including three from the Tennessee Girls Lacrosse Association (TGLA) era prior to official TSSAA sanctioning. Head coach Bill Dryer attributed the success to a cohesive team-first mentality, highlighting that six different players scored over 30 goals during the season rather than relying on individual dominance. Junior Olivia Sacco led the scoring in the final match with five goals, while senior Addi Barlow contributed four. The team demonstrated strong confidence throughout the playoffs, defeating rivals Franklin and previous champion Brentwood. With only two seniors graduating, Ravenwood aims to remain a competitive force in future state championships.

1 reports · 1 sources

The University of Tennessee Lady Vols softball team won the 2026 NCAA Knoxville Regional, defeating Northern Kentucky and Virginia to advance to the Super Regionals. After a narrow 3-1 opening victory over Northern Kentucky on May 15, Tennessee faced Virginia twice. They first defeated the Cavaliers 7-5 on May 16, then secured the regional title with a 5-1 win on May 17 at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Strong pitching from Erin Nuwer, Sage Mardjetko, and Karlyn Pickens, combined with key offensive plays, propelled the No. 7 national seed to their fourth consecutive Super Regional appearance against Georgia.

7 reports · 1 sources · Updated May 17, 08:55 PM UTC