Tennessee

Heights Finance Holdings suffered a data breach when an unauthorized party accessed a third-party cloud platform containing highly sensitive personal and financial data. Potentially exposed records include Social Security numbers, bank account details, names, and addresses for customers of Heights Finance and those connected to former CURO Management brands. The company reported 734,828 affected people to Texas regulators.

The Justice Department aims to reinstate criminal smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia following a previous dismissal by a federal judge in Tennessee. Simultaneously, Abrego Garcia is facing separate legal action in Maryland federal court regarding potential deportation to Liberia.

Tennessee reported a $1.2 billion surplus for fiscal year 2025-26, which officials stated was partly driven by inflation and higher corporate tax collections. This surplus revenue will factor into the state's future budget planning. Separately, Tennessee is scheduled to elect a new governor in November.

In 2022, a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper pulled Abrego Garcia over while there were nine passengers in the vehicle, resulting only in a warning for him. Following this incident, Abrego Garcia was later indicted for human smuggling.

A woman from Tennessee is facing animal cruelty charges in Georgia. The charges stem from the discovery of 18 neglected dogs at a rescue facility.

A new report found that 12 small, rural Tennessee hospitals are at “immediate risk” of closure, potentially worsening the state's existing high rate of hospital closures. The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform identified private insurers paying less than the actual cost of services as a primary driver of these losses.

The National Weather Service predicts a dangerous heat wave for West Tennessee through August 20th, with Memphis expecting high heat indices at or above 107 degrees through Thursday. Climate Central's analysis indicates that human-caused climate change increases the likelihood of extreme overnight temperatures across the contiguous United States. Furthermore, an experimental model suggests that nearly 50,000 Tennessee households may lack access to air conditioning.

A Louisiana man, Tyronne Brazille, is accused of killing his wife, Lanessa Bradford, after she was reportedly planning to leave him. Authorities allege he propped her body in his car and drove through multiple states before being pulled over by police in Memphis, Tennessee.

Violent crime rates are falling in major US cities this year compared to 2025, continuing a steady decline since 2022. This report notes that these declining rates follow a period where the COVID-19 pandemic caused a record-breaking spike in homicides.

Attorneys representing Darrell Hines filed a new legal challenge regarding the methods by which the state plans to physically restrain him. This action occurred hours before his scheduled execution.

Tennessee taxpayers are projected to pay about $1,961 each to fund mass deportation policies associated with the Trump administration, according to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute. This estimate shows Tennessee's residents would contribute nearly $4.5 billion of a total cost estimated at $268.9 billion through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. In response, the Department of Homeland Security stated that illegal immigration costs taxpayers over $150 billion each year.

Three inmates are scheduled for execution using lethal injection on the same day in Tennessee, Alabama, and Oklahoma.

Three men are scheduled for lethal injection in Tennessee, Alabama, and Oklahoma. The charges include killing a motel maid, the murder of a 5-year-old girl, and another homicide case. The article also discusses previous attempts at execution in Tennessee that were halted due to problems with IV lines.

Anthony Darrell Hines is set for lethal injection execution by the Tennessee Department of Correction on Thursday morning, a sentence Governor Bill Lee confirmed he would not prevent. Hines' legal team requested an intervention in federal courts citing severe medical conditions, including paralysis and muscle wasting, which raise concerns about administering the procedure. The execution follows a previously botched attempt involving Tony Carruthers.

The NashVillager Podcast examines how guardsmen from Tennessee managed to make Nazi leaders fearful during World War II. Specifically, it recounts that a unit of the Tennessee National Guard defeated Hitler’s prized soldiers and defenses multiple times.

Tennessee leadership is urging parents to use ‘Baby in the Back’ car tags as a reminder of children in the backseat, particularly during hot weather. Free tags can be found at the Secretary of State’s Office or William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower in downtown Nashville. Additionally, the Department of Safety distributes these reminders at various centers and headquarters across the state.

Tennessee is set to execute death row inmate Anthony Darrell Hines on Thursday morning. This planned execution comes less than three months after the state's last failed attempt at an execution. Furthermore, attorneys have raised concerns regarding both his health and the execution team.

Congressman Tim Burchett proposed legislation in the U.S. House to prohibit federal agencies from using automated license plate readers (LPRs), a stance echoed by opponent Michaela Barnett. Growing public anger and local community opposition have stalled plans for citywide LPR deployment in Nashville, despite arguments from the Metro Nashville Police Department about safety benefits.

Former staff and youth reported that Wayne Halfway House failed to report suspected abuse at Tennessee juvenile prisons to state officials. Revelations include surveillance footage showing teens violently restraining a teenager in a detention center, an act violating policy. Despite internal complaints from employees like Tonya Webb, facility personnel reportedly denied knowledge of the incident, and the Department of Children's Services confirmed no incident report was received.

The Islamic Center of Nashville increased its security measures after a box truck displaying anti-Muslim messages, including "deport all Muslims," was spotted outside the mosque. The incident prompted concerns from community leaders about rising Islamophobic rhetoric across Tennessee and led to the center allocating additional funds for safety enhancements.

A 3-year-old boy died Tuesday afternoon after being found unresponsive in a hot van parked on his family’s property in Pegram, Cheatham County. The child had been reported missing from home when the adults taking a nap couldn't locate him. Detectives are investigating how he got into the vehicle and for how long.

The NashVillager Podcast examines whether Tennessee is a legal battleground for efforts to end anti-pollution lawsuits. The discussion covers how conservation groups typically sue for better enforcement of federal environmental laws, noting two Tennessee cases that are at the vanguard of this practice change. The segment also includes local news updates for August 11, 2026, and reports on black lung rates rising again.

The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated $975 million after nobody won the grand prize in Monday's drawing. While no one matched all five white balls and the red Powerball, some players still won sizable prizes, including a $2 million win in Tennessee. For the next drawing on Wednesday, matching all numbers allows for a choice between an annuitized prize of $929 million or a lump sum payment of $402.4 million.

The next Powerball drawing on Wednesday is estimated at $975 million after nobody matched all five white balls and the red Powerball in Monday's drawing. A player who wins the jackpot can choose between receiving the prize as an annuity or a one-time lump-sum cash payment. The largest Powerball jackpot to date is $2.04 billion.

Tennessee death row inmate Darrell Hines has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review his claim of cruel and unusual punishment before his execution on Thursday. He contends that he may suffer severe pain because an under-skilled physician could be in charge of administering lethal drugs. His attorneys are challenging a decision by the Tennessee Supreme Court that denied a request for a special master to determine potential Eighth Amendment violations.

The FBI arrested a Flint-area man, Zachary Kenneth Crutchfield, who is accused of attempting to arrange travel to meet minors for illegal sexual activity. Charges include attempted coercion, enticement, and sexual exploitation of children. Authorities conducted an undercover investigation that led to the recovery of evidence from Crutchfield’s phone, including an airline reservation matching planned travel.

The TBI has issued a Tennessee Silver Alert for a missing man. The alert concerns a missing individual named Lionell who is from Memphis.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the gubernatorial primary election with about 43 percent of the vote, beating opponents including John Rose and Monty Fritts. Her campaign focused heavily on repeating anecdotes warning against communism and promoting conservative principles in Tennessee, leading some observers to credit her victory to name recognition rather than deep policy proposals. Furthermore, she was observed campaigning at a barbecue joint in Blountville.

A man was charged in Tennessee after 246 plants believed to be marijuana were discovered during a search warrant executed by a Narcotics Team. The arrest involved Gary Crain, who faced multiple charges including possession of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a dwelling for drug purposes.

A man named Gary Crain was arrested in Tennessee after authorities executed a search warrant and found 246 plants believed to be marijuana. The Narcotics Team also discovered UV lights and paraphernalia linked to the cultivation of marijuana at the home. He was charged with multiple drug offenses, including possession of Schedule II and Schedule III substances.

A 34-year-old woman was shot and killed, and four others were injured following a shooting at a trunk party in Northeast Memphis late Saturday night. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Brookins Street. MPD confirmed the death and stated that three suspects have been identified while the investigation into the violence continues.

Mayor Glenn Jacobs called for a nationwide pause on Flock surveillance cameras, arguing that the technology raises constitutional and privacy concerns requiring updated regulatory frameworks. He noted that this advanced technology goes beyond conventional license plate readers, and law enforcement tools must conform to the Constitution. The debate is occurring across states, including West Virginia, where lawmakers are questioning if such systems violate citizens' Fourth Amendment right to privacy.

Steven Hale, Steve Cavendish, and Sarah Grace Taylor discussed Tennessee's primary election results, covering topics such as Marsha Blackburn’s victory and Andy Ogles’ upset defeat. The discussion also included details from Sarah Grace regarding her time with the Blackburn campaign.

A firefighter suffered a leg injury on Friday while responding to a house fire on Steve Drive in Maury County, Tennessee. The Maury County Fire Department reported that crews arrived at the home, which was about 40% involved, and began working to extinguish it. No one was found inside the home during the incident.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning regarding a child abduction scam involving men who call parents from private numbers. These scammers reportedly know personal information and threaten children unless the parent meets them at Walmart in Cookeville or nearby areas. JCSD urged residents not to meet these callers, emphasizing that this is part of a scam.

Voter turnout surged in Tennessee after a Black-majority district was erased. High Democratic turnout for House primaries was observed in Shelby County, which includes Memphis, indicating that redistricting may be energizing Black Southern voters.

Charlie Hatcher won the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Andy Ogles by roughly six percentage points. The victory was credited to his focus on rural counties added to the newly drawn district and holding competitive margins in Nashville suburbs. Next, Hatcher will face Democrat candidate Chaz Molder in November.

Congressman John Rose concluded his campaign for Tennessee governor, congratulating Marsha Blackburn on her primary victory while urging Republicans to unite behind her ahead of the general election. Speaking in Cookeville, Rose reflected on the support received from people and communities across Tennessee during the race.

Tennessee voters retained seven higher court judges facing a retention vote in appellate courts. Furthermore, several local candidates claimed seats after winning their Democratic primaries and running unopposed in the general election for various judicial and school board positions.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder is the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s new 5th Congressional District seat. This district spans 17 counties, including Memphis, and he will face Republican candidate Charlie Hatcher in November’s general election.