Healthy Aging in Appalachia: ETSU will host “The State of Aging in East Tennessee: Older but Better” on Sept. 16, bringing together regional experts and community partners to tackle aging challenges beyond clinics, with support from the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability and Alzheimer’s Tennessee. Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy awarded Zone 5 Technologies a contract to build its Rusty Dagger low-cost cruise missile for the CHAOS program, aiming to field modular, surface-launched strike options for the U.S. and allies. Nuclear Power (Small Reactors): Radiant secured long-term TRISO fuel supply for its 1-megawatt Kaleidos microreactor through early 2030s deployments, reducing a key bottleneck for advanced nuclear rollout. Energy & AI Data Centers: TVA approved its 2026 Integrated Resource Plan, with critics warning it favors gas buildouts to meet growing AI data center electricity demand. Privacy & Surveillance: Memphis residents are raising concerns about Flock Safety cameras, which use automatic license plate readers across the city. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: Cleveland State and TCAT Athens launched the Accelerate Program, letting eligible TCAT grads earn 30 hours of credit toward an associate degree. Health Care Investment: UTHSC received major funding to expand medical training and capacity in West Tennessee, targeting doctor shortages in rural areas. Invasive Species Watch: Joro spiders are being spotted again in Tennessee and nearby states, and UT researchers are mapping their spread.