The Wake Up Morning Report: Tennessee

Tap the banner above and subscribe to get this news delivered to your device every morning.

Share with at least 5 people. Don't just enjoy reading the news by yourself, share it with family, friends, classmates and co-workers by posting to your social media or by copying this story's link and sending it to others.

TOP STORY: TENNESSEE COURT ORDERS EVIDENCE PRESERVED AFTER FAILED EXECUTION

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Davidson County judge ordered the Tennessee Department of Correction on Wednesday to preserve evidence from the failed September 30 execution of Christa Gail Pike.

Pike survived the state's lethal-injection attempt and remains hospitalized. Her attorneys reported Wednesday that she had regained consciousness but continued experiencing serious medical complications.

Governor Bill Lee has suspended Tennessee executions for the remainder of 2026 and ordered an independent investigation. Republican legislative leaders are considering alternative execution methods, while Democratic leaders have called for stronger legislative oversight. No legislation changing execution methods has been enacted.

NEWS ACROSS TENNESSEE

Nashville — Federal judge dismisses data-center lawsuit. A federal judge dismissed a developer's lawsuit challenging Metro Nashville's actions surrounding a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. The developer may submit an amended complaint, meaning the legal dispute could continue.

Memphis — School takeover and data-center debate. A federal judge has indicated Tennessee's proposed takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools could proceed once the state-appointed oversight board confirms it is prepared to govern. Separately, Memphis City Council postponed a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers until October 20 following a contentious public meeting.

Knoxville — Homicide investigation. Knoxville police reported that Corey Huff, 41, was wanted on a first-degree murder charge following an October 4 fatal stabbing at a North Broadway convenience store. Police said Huff fled into a wooded area of Anderson County after a pursuit. His custody status has not been independently reconfirmed for this morning. The charge remains an allegation. Knoxville's Planning Commission also has a public meeting scheduled for today.

Chattanooga — Mental-health hospital plans remain unsettled. Tennessee's decision to abandon a proposed Birmingham Highway site for the replacement Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute continues to generate questions. State Sen. Bo Watson said community feedback contributed to the decision. Officials have not publicly established a new replacement location.

Clarksville — Murder trial and community events. Testimony continues in the Montgomery County double-murder trial of Matthew David Konen, who has pleaded not guilty in the deaths of his wife and father-in-law. Meanwhile, Montgomery County's free BBQ Fest Across the River is scheduled for October 9–10 at RichEllen Park, featuring barbecue competitions, music and family activities.

Murfreesboro — Public safety and transportation. Police reported recovering a stolen pickup truck following an automatic license-plate-reader alert, resulting in two arrests. The proposed $9.2 billion Interstate 24 Choice Lanes project connecting Rutherford and Davidson counties is also facing litigation.

TENNESSEE COLLEGE NEWS & SPORTS

Austin Peay State University announced a new workforce-training course in automotive collision estimating, scheduled to begin October 20 at its Fort Campbell center. In Knoxville, South College recently hosted approximately 120 high school students from Knox and Blount counties for technical training programs.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL RESULTS

Games played Saturday, October 3

Tennessee team	Opponent	Final
Tennessee	Auburn	Tennessee 24–14
Vanderbilt	Georgia	Georgia 38–14
Memphis	Charlotte	Memphis 59–8
Tennessee State	Western Illinois	Western Illinois 28–21
Middle Tennessee	Kansas	Kansas 55–0
Austin Peay	New Haven	Austin Peay 42–17

Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop recorded a career-high 220 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Auburn.

Vanderbilt receiver Junior Sherrill collected 107 receiving yards and a touchdown against Georgia.

Tennessee State quarterback Daylin Lee threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Western Illinois

TENNESSEE WEATHER

Thursday, October 8, 2026

The National Weather Service forecasts a sunny Thursday across the six major Tennessee markets.

City	Conditions	High	Tonight's low	Rain chance
Nashville	Sunny	86°F	57°F	Not stated
Memphis	Sunny	89°F	64°F	Not stated
Knoxville	Sunny	83°F	57°F	Not stated
Chattanooga	Sunny	88°F	59°F	Not stated
Clarksville	Sunny	85°F	54°F	Not stated
Murfreesboro	Sunny	87°F	56°F	Not stated

Memphis air-quality alert: The Shelby County Health Department has issued a Code Orange ozone forecast for Thursday, affecting Shelby County, Tennessee, and neighboring Crittenden and DeSoto counties. Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, active adults and people with respiratory conditions.

Weekend rain and wind: The National Weather Service forecasts that remnants of Hurricane Isaias will affect Tennessee this weekend. Middle Tennessee could receive 1–3 inches of rain, with wind gusts potentially reaching 40 mph. The Memphis forecast office also expects periods of heavy rainfall and gusty winds Saturday.

Want to see more Hattiesburg News Now? Tap Here. Questions about this story or more about Hattiesburg News?  Tap Here.

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