The Wake Up Morning Report: Tennessee

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (THN News) - Tennessee is scheduled to execute Christa Gail Pike, 50, today at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer in Knoxville. The execution would be Tennessee's first execution of a woman in more than 200 years.

Bill Lee declined to intervene, and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an effort to stop the execution. Supporters of clemency have cited Pike's age—18 at the time of the crime—along with mental-health and abuse-history arguments. Slemmer's mother supports the execution. This remains a developing story this morning.

Major statewide development — Tennessee nuclear project makes U.S. history

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted Tennessee Valley Authority a construction permit for a 300-megawatt small modular nuclear reactor at the Clinch River site in Roane County. Reuters reports it is the nation's first construction permit for a commercial small modular reactor. TVA will still need an operating license before the reactor can be fueled and operated.

Nashville

Metro Nashville Police continue warning residents about firearms being stolen from vehicles. Police reported 484 guns stolen from vehicles during 2026, representing 68% of the 710 firearms reported stolen countywide at the time of the department's update.

The Pike execution at Riverbend will make Nashville the center of significant statewide and national attention today. Law enforcement and media activity around the prison should be expected.

Memphis

Memphis police continue investigating several recent serious cases. Among the significant confirmed cases is the Brookline Road homicide investigation in which Darren Cranford, 60, was arrested and accused of first-degree murder following the death of his roommate. Charges are allegations; guilt has not been established.

The broader crime picture has improved compared with previous years: Memphis Police reported significant declines across major crime categories during 2025, although violent-crime investigations continue to generate major daily public-safety coverage.

Knoxville

Knoxville is directly connected to today's biggest statewide story: the 1995 murder for which Pike was convicted occurred in Knoxville.

City government is also continuing public input sessions for the What's Next Knoxville comprehensive-plan update, a long-range planning effort intended to guide future development and city policy.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga residents have a relatively quiet major-news morning based on verified city and law-enforcement sources reviewed before publication.

One upcoming community event to watch is Chattanooga's fall events calendar, while University of Tennessee at Chattanooga athletics continues an impressive football stretch.

Clarksville

Clarksville and Austin Peay State University have a significant sports story: Austin Peay defeated UT Martin 35-12 Saturday at Fortera Stadium. The Governors scored 28 unanswered second-half points and extended their program-record home winning streak to nine games. Quarterback Chris Parson passed for 254 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 82 yards and two scores.

Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro remains a market to watch following recent violent-crime investigations. Hattiesburg News should continue treating arrests as allegations and distinguish arrests from convictions in publication.

TENNESSEE WEATHER

The overall pattern is dry and increasingly warm today. NWS Morristown says dry conditions continue through Thursday in East Tennessee before rain chances increase Friday and especially over the weekend. NWS Memphis says today will close out a record-warm September with afternoon temperatures in the lower 90s across parts of the Mid-South.

Nashville: Mostly sunny. High 91°, tonight 68°. The NWS Middle Tennessee office reported no watches, warnings or advisories early this morning.

Memphis: Mostly sunny. High 93°, tonight 72°. NWS digital guidance shows a 0% precipitation probability today.

Knoxville: Mostly sunny. High about 86°, tonight about 57°. Precipitation: 0%. A Special Weather Statement is displayed by NWS Morristown this morning.

Chattanooga: Partly sunny early, becoming sunny and hot. High about 90°, tonight about 63°. Precipitation: 0%. A Special Weather Statement is displayed by NWS Morristown.

Murfreesboro: Sunny. High 93°, tonight 65°. No Middle Tennessee watches, warnings or advisories were posted by NWS early this morning.

Clarksville: The current NWS Middle Tennessee zone forecast supports mostly sunny conditions, with a 20% shower chance developing after midnight.

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This news story was covered by Hattiesburg News Staff. Thank you for visiting The Hattiesburg News.