Friday, August 1, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1946, an armed uprising known as the Battle of Athens took place, in which local residents stormed the county jail to reclaim ballot boxes amid an election controversy.

Have you been waiting for the right moment to make your TV debut? Producers of the ABC drama 9-1-1: Nashville are seeking over 2,000 volunteers to film a large concert scene on Aug. 7 in downtown Nashville. See details in Top Stories below.

Remember to listen to our daily Flyover Podcast. In addition to stories from the national newsletter, it features exclusive podcast-only content you won't find anywhere else. You can listen or watch on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts while you go about your morning.

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Oak Ridge Eyed for Artificial Intelligence Hub

The Trump administration is considering Oak Ridge as one of four sites for a new artificial intelligence (AI) data center and power project.

The Department of Energy plans to partner with the private sector, potentially selecting final sites by year's end.

Oak Ridge leaders reportedly support the initiative, saying the town can handle the challenge, while some critics say the region's environment is already overburdened by AI infrastructure.

Tennessee Valley Authority-backed small modular reactors could power the facility if approved.

Rumors Swirling of a Hegseth TN Governor Run

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly explored a possible run for Tennessee governor in 2026, according to sources who say he asked about eligibility rules in recent weeks.

The Pentagon denied the report, calling it "made up," with spokesperson Sean Parnell blasting NBC for "fake news."

Hegseth, a Trump ally and Fox News alum, moved to Tennessee in 2022, making him eligible by residency requirements.

While insiders say the idea was seriously discussed, there's no confirmation of plans to resign or launch a campaign.

'9-1-1: Nashville' Recruiting 2,000 Extras

Producers of the new ABC drama 9-1-1: Nashville are calling for over 2,000 volunteer extras to film a concert scene on Aug. 7 in Downtown Nashville.

The scene filmin, expected to last about four hours, will feature a surprise live performance by a major country star.

The show is filming through early 2026 and is projected to pump $50 million into Tennessee's economy, creating more than 600 jobs. See the casting call here.

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➤ Statewide: Law school applications in Tennessee are up nearly 22% over last year—outpacing the national rise—as more people turn to legal education amid job market shifts and student loan struggles. (More)

➤ Nashville: A gas leak downtown led to a partial evacuation Wednesday afternoon, with fire crews clearing the area while repairs were underway. No injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Anderson County: County Commissioner Anthony Allen is facing backlash over a Facebook post deemed misogynistic, though no formal disciplinary action has been proposed. (See Post)

➤ Clarksville: Dr. Daniel Frederick of Austin Peay State University is volunteering to help Tennessee law enforcement solve decades-old cold cases using ground-penetrating radar. (See Photo)

➤ Knoxville: Renewal by Andersen donated water, snacks, cooling towels, and hydration packs to local firefighters through its "Hydration Heroes" campaign, providing much-needed heat wave relief. (More)

➤ Gatlinburg: Park rangers in the Smokies will step up traffic enforcement throughout August, targeting speeding and reckless driving after over 150 crashes so far this year. (More)

➤ Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello will join MLB Network tonight to cover the Reds-Braves matchup at Bristol Motor Speedway. (More)

➤ Memphis' AutoZone Park will get a $55 million renovation over the next three years, all but guaranteeing the Memphis Redbirds will remain in town. (More)

➤ Memphis Tigers running back Sutton Smith was just cleared for full football activities at training camp, signaling a full recovery from his season-ending knee injury last season. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Vanderbilt University is in talks to establish a new campus in Downtown San Francisco, aiming to expand its national presence and tap into the Bay Area's tech ecosystem. (More)

➤ Washington County approved a $21.7 million tax increment financing plan for a $428 million Burlington Mill redevelopment with high-rise apartments, retail space, and public parkland. (More)

➤ USA Today ranked three Tennessee bars as among the best in the nation: Nashville's Robert's Western World, Knoxville's Brother Wolf, and Memphis' Fat Charlie's Speakeasy. (See List)

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➤ Zoo Knoxville announced that 27-year-old Kumi the gorilla is pregnant and due later this year, with staff monitoring her health through ultrasounds and adjusted nutrition. (See Ultrasound)

➤ IndyCar driver Colton Herta visited Nashville on Thursday to unveil the custom Gibson guitar trophy for the 2025 Music City Grand Prix, set for Labor Day weekend. (See Video)

➤ Gatlinburg Sky Park has opened a multi-million dollar expansion featuring scenic hiking trails, a new mountaintop dining area, and the Smoky Mountain Smash restaurant. (More)

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