Three candidates are vying to replace Larry Waters as Sevier County voters prepare to end a 48-year mayoral era.

Six duck hunters are challenging Sweetwater’s firearm-discharge ordinance in a case that could reshape hunting rules across Tennessee.

An outside audit found multiple credit cards tied to a former Blount County fire chief and gaps in paperwork; commissioners have ordered re‑audits and tightened rules.

Alcoa’s school board approved a first reading of 34 policy changes touching sports, K‑5 instruction and public‑comment rules. The package now heads to a required second vote.

Early voting in Anderson County runs July 17–Aug. 1 for the Aug. 6 state primary and county general election. Hours, sites and the local races to watch are outlined here.

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.

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.

A Knoxville veteran rated 100% disabled was told he owed $42,000 by the VA; after paperwork and a dispute the agency restored his benefits.

HB2428, now Public Chapter 1104, raises penalties for assaulting Tennessee first responders to Class E felonies with higher fines and mandatory jail time effective July 1.

Tennessee has turned its emergency management agency into a cabinet-level department — the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority — effective July 1, 2026. Officials say the restructure aims to speed coordination and support for local disaster response.

UT System President Randy Boyd outlined 90‑credit, three‑year bachelor’s degrees as targeted, workforce‑focused pathways. The approach would be piloted under the UT strategic plan with accreditor review required.

Knox County commissioners shifted $4 million from the school allocation into raises for county employees, a move that school leaders say will force budget trade‑offs. The vote was part of June budget actions.

Anderson County commissioners voted to pause new data‑center projects for two years while officials study zoning, utilities and local concerns.