Tennessee summers are hotter than ever: Summers are now up to 3°F warmer than in 1970, every county saw an increase and ZIP codes like Morristown’s 37813 rank among the nation’s most vulnerable to extreme heat — find out which communities face the biggest risks.
Hidden Tennessee state park: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park rivals Great Smoky Mountains with stunning sandstone arches, bioluminescent glowworm caves and pristine dark skies — find out.
Tax-free weekend returns: The State of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday runs July 25th–27th, offering nearly 10% off qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers — find out how to save.
Nashville’s growth paradox: Despite booming tourism, job gains, and new developments, downtown still wrestles with thousands of unrented apartments, soaring office vacancies, and a theme-park atmosphere — find out what this means for the city’s future.
Your unclaimed money awaits: The Tennessee Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division will be at the Murfreesboro Berry Festival on July 19 to help Middle Tennesseans search more than $193.3 million in unclaimed funds for Rutherford County and the surrounding eight counties — see if you have cash to claim.
License penalties for teen bullies: Tennessee’s new law, in effect since July 1, lets juvenile courts suspend or deny driving privileges for up to a year over bullying or cyberbullying, with restricted permits for school or church possible — find out what this means.
Nation’s new rural suicide belt: Researchers identified a “belt” of elevated suicide rates stretching from West Virginia through Tennessee to Nevada, where rural communities see about 19–20 deaths per 100,000 compared to 13–14 in cities — find out what’s driving the surge.
Tennessee’s ultimate musical blender: The Tennessee State Museum’s “The Tennessee Playlist” exhibit traces music from Cherokee and Choctaw traditions through shape-note singing, SESAC and BMI publishing, Memphis rap and Mariachi influences, complete with a Native American rattle and 60-song Spotify playlist — check out the playlist.
Tennessee’s time zone split: Tennessee once ran entirely on Central Time until Eastern cities petitioned in 1947 and a 1949 ICC decision moved Chattanooga, Knoxville and over 30 communities into Eastern Time, drawing the boundary along county lines — find out how it happened.
Charming town between Nashville and Chattanooga: McMinnville dazzles with cascading waterfalls, thrilling cave tours, and a storybook Main Street full of boutiques and bistros — learn what makes this hidden gem Tennessee’s next must-visit destination.
Other Tennessee headlines this week
- 113 dogs rescued from Tennessee puppy mill
- New grants safeguard Tennessee farms from redevelopment
- Brothers secure family farm under new law
- Thousands of willow flies swarm in Tennessee
- 36.1% Tennessee homeowners face hidden equity tax
- Funding freeze hits Middle Tennessee school districts
