Sen. Mike Lee introduced a bill to deputize vetted "digital privateers" to disrupt foreign cybercriminals and seize assets, reviving a centuries‑old authority and sparking legal debate.

Knox County narcotics investigators found roughly 732 grams of suspected meth hidden in a dishwasher during a mid‑week search; two children were inside and two people were arrested.

Tennessee’s three-day sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 2: clothes and school supplies under $100 and computers under $1,500 are tax-free.

A Knoxville man was arrested after prosecutors say he posted repeated social‑media videos threatening President Trump and local law‑enforcement leaders, the DOJ says.

Waldens Creek VFD warns saturated soils and incoming storms could spark rapid flash flooding across the Smokies this week.

Patchy fog this morning, then thunderstorms and heavy downpours likely this afternoon. Heat index near 100; localized flooding possible.

Oak Ridge Electric identified the cause of a large east-side outage; crews are repairing lines near Illinois Avenue and Scarboro Road. Some traffic signals are out.

A false 911 call sparked a multi‑agency police response in downtown Sweetwater; officers say the report was a swatting hoax and the investigation is ongoing.

A serious crash closed East Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville Thursday morning, with investigators processing the scene between Hodges Lane and Tuckaleechee Trail.

Knoxville City Council approved a one‑year emergency moratorium on large data centers while planners draft zoning and utility guardrails. The pause follows similar moves across the region.

Metro Nashville police are searching for the driver who fled after a 48‑year‑old woman was killed on McGavock Pike on July 10. Investigators suspect a 2011–2014 GMC Sierra 2500 and are seeking tips.

MEDIC says East Tennessee blood shelves are stable even as the Red Cross declared a national emergency; local centers still urge donors to give to keep supplies ready.

Knoxville hits the low 90s Thursday with a heat index near 102°F. Isolated storms tonight; a wetter, potentially flood‑prone pattern moves in Friday–Sunday.