State News
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Van Buren & White Region
Kimray Breaks Ground on 100K Sq Ft Expansion in Cleveland, TN
Energy equipment leader Kimray is pouring investment into Cleveland, Tennessee, with a massive 100,000-square-foot manufacturing expansion to fuel surging demand for its valve technology. The project signals Cleveland's rise as a manufacturing powerhouse in Southeast Tennessee, joining a wave of industrial growth. Local leaders hail it as a boon for jobs and the regional economy.
Tennessee Unemployment Dips to 3.5%, Beats U.S. Average in Early 2026
Tennessee kicked off 2026 with a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5%, outpacing the national figure of 4.3%. The Volunteer State added 7,200 nonfarm jobs in January, fueled by health care and professional services. Counties like Williamson hit a stellar 2.7%, signaling robust local economies.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ford's $5.6B Stanton Plant Pivots to Gas Trucks, Delays EV Production
Ford Motor Company has shifted production plans at its massive Blue Oval City complex in Haywood County, abandoning its original electric vehicle timeline to build gas-powered trucks starting in 2029. The $5.6 billion facility, Tennessee's largest industrial investment, will still create 6,000 jobs but reflects broader uncertainty in the EV market.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Nashville Predators Ink Captain Josi to 8-Year Megadeal Through 2030
The Nashville Predators have secured franchise cornerstone and captain Roman Josi with an eight-year contract extension averaging over $11 million annually, locking him in through 2030. This blockbuster move amid a team rebuild signals long-term commitment to the Swiss-born defenseman's elite play. Tennessee hockey fans rejoice as their star stays put in Music City.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Grizzlies Axe Jenkins in Memphis with Playoffs Looming
In a stunning move, the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the regular season, parting ways with the six-year veteran amid a playoff push. The decision, which also ousted assistants Patrick St. Andrews and Noah LaRoche, has rocked Tennessee's NBA faithful as the team prepares to host the Lakers. Grizzlies execs cite factors beyond wins and losses in the shakeup.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Vanderbilt Crushes Tennessee 10-0, Reaches SEC Baseball Final
Nashville's Vanderbilt Commodores dominated rival Tennessee 10-0 in the SEC Tournament semifinals, advancing to the championship game in Hoover, Alabama. The shutout victory sends the No. 9/9 Commodores into a title clash with Ole Miss, chasing their third SEC crown since 2019. Tennessee's Hoover run ends despite four semifinal appearances in five years.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
UT System Freezes In-State Tuition at Key Campuses Amid Family Pressures
In a win for Tennessee families facing inflation woes, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees has frozen undergraduate tuition rates for in-state students at the flagship Knoxville campus. While some health science programs eye modest hikes, the move shields most Vols from rising costs. Leaders cite economic relief as families across the state tighten belts.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Tennessee Kids Hit Hard by Off-Season RSV Surge
Hospitals across Tennessee are swamped with children battling respiratory syncytial virus months ahead of its typical winter peak. Pediatricians report up to 10 daily admissions in West Tennessee alone, mirroring winter levels. Health officials urge vaccinations amid the alarming spike.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Nashville Cops Bust Massive Meth-Fentanyl Ring from California
Metro Nashville Police and the TBI dismantled the city's largest methamphetamine trafficking operation, seizing over 800 pounds of meth and 24 pounds of fentanyl from a California-to-Tennessee pipeline. Thirteen suspects face indictments after a probe sparked by suspicious FedEx parcels. The bust prevented a flood of deadly drugs into Middle Tennessee streets.
Saturday, May 2, 2026