Friday, April 3, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1928, Earl Lloyd, the first black basketball player to compete in the NBA, was born in Virginia. Later in life, Lloyd took up residence in the Volunteer State, remaining in Crossville until his 2015 death.

Today’s edition includes updates from the Tennessee Titans, from a potential Super Bowl 2030 bid to signing a former Vols quarterback. See details in the stories below.

Today’s sponsor, Fisher Investments, is offering a free guide to help you build a smarter retirement plan that accounts for inflation, rising costs, and long-term financial security.

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Korea Zinc Takes Over TN Mines

South Korea’s Korea Zinc has completed its acquisition of Nyrstar’s Tennessee mining and smelting assets and is launching a $7.4 billion expansion anchored in Clarksville.

The deal closed on Wednesday, transferring all employees and facilities, including the Clarksville smelter, while keeping the existing workforce in place.

The company plans to build and upgrade a large-scale processing complex by 2029 to produce critical minerals tied to national security and semiconductor supply chains.

The move follows prior safety scrutiny under Nyrstar but signals long-term investment that could boost U.S. mineral production and jobs.

Portal to Track Driverless Car Issues

Nashville officials have launched a new reporting portal as self-driving cars from Waymo roll out across the city, bringing both innovation and headaches.

Since March, first responders have handled at least 30 incidents, including a vehicle driving into a construction site and reports of traffic disruptions. Authorities also logged over 20 complaints last month, ranging from blocking roads to ignoring signals.

Officials say the technology is still new territory, but they’re working to adapt while keeping roads safe. Find the complaint portal here.

Tennessee Scientist Joins Moon Mission

A Tennessee Tech University researcher will help NASA guide astronauts on which moon rocks to collect, how much to gather, and which samples to return to Earth on future Artemis missions.

Jeannette Luna, an interim assistant dean and geologist, has been selected for the Artemis Lunar Surface Science Team and will work with astronauts on Artemis IV, expected around 2028.

Her role includes guiding sample selection and collection during lunar exploration.

Luna says the opportunity is a milestone for both her and her students as the U.S. returns to the moon for the first time in decades.

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee lottery revenue fell about 18%, or nearly $90 million, last fiscal year, raising concerns about future funding for scholarships, including HOPE and Tennessee Promise. (More)

➤ Nashville: Local leaders and Titans officials are pushing to host the Super Bowl by 2030, banking on the new Nissan Stadium set to open in 2027 to make the city a viable candidate. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: A student discharged pepper spray in an Ivy Academy middle school bathroom on April Fools’ Day, prompting early dismissal as officials called it an isolated prank with no reported injuries. (More)

➤ Franklin: Bystanders and first responders received lifesaving awards after reviving a man who suffered cardiac arrest at The Factory in December, using CPR and an AED before emergency crews arrived. (More)

➤ Dickson: Two hunting dogs were found safe after getting trapped in an underground drainage system while chasing a raccoon, with crews and owners using GPS tracking to locate them. (See Video)

➤ Germantown: The Tennessee Titans opened a new fan experience and sales center called Titans House, offering seat selection and perks ahead of Nissan Stadium’s debut. (More)

➤ Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested on Wednesday in Arkansas on drug charges, including trafficking and possession, after deputies say he fled in a vehicle and committed traffic violations. (More)

➤ Belmont basketball’s Tyler Lundblade committed to Tennessee after winning the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year this season. He made 112 three-pointers at a 40.9% clip for the Bruins. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans signed former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker to compete for a backup job behind Cam Ward. Hooker has appeared in just three NFL games since being drafted in 2023. (More)

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➤ A New Detox Tea Is Generating Buzz... See Why. What if your daily tea could do more than just warm you up? The Akemi Detox Tea is getting attention for its simple approach to supporting digestion, reducing bloating, and helping people feel lighter throughout the day. See what the buzz is about.

➤ East Tennessee has grown into a major manufacturing hub as Denso and SL Tennessee employ thousands producing critical vehicle components, including EV parts, for major automakers nationwide. (More)

➤ A study warns Chattanooga is falling behind in sports tourism due to a lack of indoor facilities and tournament-ready fields, costing the region major events and visitor revenue. (More)

➤ A new ownership group plans to reopen Cherokee Steakhouse in Lebanon this year, reviving the longtime name and creating about 50 to 70 jobs. (More)

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It’s essential to ensure your financial strategy can support the future you imagine. A major challenge many investors face is underestimating how long their retirement will actually last. At the same time, inflation can reduce the value of your money over time, making it harder to cover expenses like healthcare, which often rises faster than other costs.

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➤ A Green Beret donated a kidney to a fellow Green Beret he had never met, honoring a lifelong brotherhood that ultimately saved John David Miller’s life after years of illness. (See Green Beret)

➤ A full pink moon rose over Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, appearing larger near the horizon as a visual illusion made the moon seem bigger beside trees, buildings, and mountains. (More)

➤ Zoo Knoxville announced the birth of a male African lion cub in February. Zookeepers have stepped in to help ensure the cub’s survival after early feeding challenges. (See Cub)

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➤ A recent report warns that men in certain U.S. areas may be at higher risk of urinary issues linked to toxic mineral buildup, including enlarged or inflamed prostate. Thousands have already reported severe symptoms. New data suggests a geographic link—check the map now to see if your area could be affected.