Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-30-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 30, 2026

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

We start with local news…

Ultium Cells to Invest Another $1Billion (CDH)

Ultium Cells, a joint venture of LG Energy Solution and General Motors (GM), announced plans to invest $1 billion in its Spring Hill facility in an effort to retool and diversify its battery cell manufacturing operations.

The announcement was made Sept. 29 by Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWorter.

“When GM and LG Energy Solution announced their joint venture in 2021, we knew it would create new opportunities for more than 1,000 Tennessee families," Lee said.

"I'm grateful for Ultium Cells' continued investment in our state and the confidence they've placed in Tennessee's highly skilled workforce and look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead.”

The investment is expected to revamp the Spring Hill facility to be the first in the world to produce prismatic lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery cells en masse. This technology offers energy density 33% greater than lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery cells, while also at a comparable cost.

“Establishing LMR prismatic cell production at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill is a key step in GM’s strategy to match the right battery technology to customer needs and strengthen our leadership in domestic battery manufacturing and innovation," Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery and sustainability at GM, said.

"High-nickel batteries will continue to give customers the highest range in our portfolio, while adding LMR positions us to leapfrog today’s more affordable chemistries and deliver lower costs with better performance. This flexibility allows us to scale efficiently, reach more customers, and support GM’s long-term EV strategy and profitability journey.”

Facility modifications are expected to begin later this year and are expected to be completed in 2028.

"Today’s announcement builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries and on GM’s long legacy of American ingenuity that’s produced innovations like the small-block V8 engine, OnStar connected vehicle services and hands-free Super Cruise," a company statement reads.

In 2021, GM and LG Energy Solution initially announced their joint venture with Ultium, pledging to create 1,300 jobs with more than $2.3 billion total investment. In 2022, the companies announced an expansion at the facility, which would create 400 new jobs and $275 million further investment.

“This marks Ultium Cells’ second major investment in Spring Hill and reflects the company’s continued growth as a diversified battery cell manufacturer," Ultium Cells president Injae Pahk (Een-jeh Pock) said. "By evolving production to meet changing market demands, Ultium Cells is reinforcing its long-term position as a key employer and technology leader in the U.S. battery cell sector.”

McWorter added the $1 billion investment is another example for Tennessee's progress in becoming a premier automobile manufacturing state.

“Tennessee remains well-positioned in the automotive industry to build upon the decades of success we have experienced," McWorter said. "A further billion-dollar investment from Ultium Cells signals confidence in our efforts to make Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family, and I’m grateful to their leadership for recognizing the opportunity that exists in our state.”

Independents Gain Traction in Governor’s Race (Tennessean)

Tennessee’s governor’s race is typically a contest entirely between Republican and Democratic nominees. But this year, two independent candidates are in the mix, and they’re changing the dynamics of the race. 

David Hatley, a hot tub manufacturer from Johnson City who’s poured $7 million of his own money into his campaign, has caught the attention of Republican nominee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn.

Meanwhile, Columbia businesswoman Lauren Pinkston, a former school teacher and mother of four with a PhD in philosophy, is running to fight what she calls the injustice of having "to be a political extremist in order to be a represented citizen.” 

Both have managed to build statewide campaigns and reach tens of thousands of voters through social media, without the support of traditional party organization.

Bill Lyons, associate director for community outreach at the Institute for American Civics at the University of Tennessee, said Hatley and Pinkston have gained historic traction but likely won’t have a significant impact on the governor’s race. 

“The race would have to be quite close, and the draw toward the independents would have to increase — and oftentimes that doesn’t happen toward the end," Lyons said.

A TargetSmart Communications poll of 600 likely voters showed independent David Hatley with 10% and Pinkston with 2% support. Meanwhile, Blackburn held a single-digit lead with 45% support, and Democratic nominee Jerri Green had 36%.

A poll released earlier this month by the Beacon Center of Tennessee found Blackburn with 46% support and Green with 33%. “An independent candidate” got 8% support, and 14% of voters said they were undecided. The poll did not make a distinction between the independents.

Among voters in their own party in the Beacon poll, Green earned 87% support among Democrats while Blackburn had 79% of support among Republicans. More Republicans than Democrats said they would vote for an independent. Among voters who identified as independents, 33% said they would vote for Green, while 18% said they’d support an independent candidate. 

“There’s no doubt that in terms of the support they’re getting, the resources they’re putting into it, and the attention they’re drawing from other candidates and the public: This is a different election with the impact of these two,” Lyons said. 

According to analysis of Tennessee voter files by the Independent Voter Project, 48% of active Tennessee voters are independent, while 34% are Republican and 18% are Democrat. 

Nationally both parties are soul searching, considering what they want their respective futures to look like. With President Donald Trump in office two more years, Republicans are beginning to consider what’s coming next. Democrats are getting ready to ride a forecast blue wave midterm into the 2028 presidential cycle. In this moment, many voters feel politically homeless. 

"A lot of people are disappointed with the two-party system,” Lyons said. “There’s an increasing segment in the great middle that feels left out these days, particularly in national politics. And I don’t think Tennessee is immune from that.”

Pinkston says the two party system has led to systemic ineffective representation, and her campaign has sought to supersede political tribalism with nuanced policy solutions.

“Without the third option, people stay stuck in the trenches,” Pinkston says. “But I don’t believe that because I refuse to be in this trench or in that trench that I have to be in a ditch somewhere. I really believe that there is a hill in the middle and most of us want to climb it.” 

Mayoral Forum (CDH)

Five candidates eyeing the chance to serve as Columbia's next mayor recently gathered for a special forum to discuss several key topics, including growth, better home pricing and public safety.

The candidates seeking office in the upcoming Nov. 3 General Election include Tommy Johnson, Jai Lipscomb, Stewart Parker, District 2 Maury County Commissioner Eric Previti and Ashley Townsend.

The full panel was streamed live and can be viewed on the Maury Alliance's YouTube page.

Early voting is scheduled to run from Oct. 14-29.

The forum began with each candidate sharing opening statements about what they consider the top issues facing Columbia and Maury County, and what leadership skills they would bring if elected.

All five agreed that the effect of continued growth on the community remains the top issue, though it involves several aspects, such as roads, utilities or providing jobs and housing for an increasing population.

Parker said he believed the key to managing the city's growth starts with establishing good working relationships, especially when it comes to funding needed infrastructure projects.

"The critical issue is molding the growth that is happening," Parker said. "We don't want to stop it, but what we do want to do is mold it to benefit those of us who are here. That goes back to building relationships with our state partners and our federal partners, and having the cities and the county work together to have this infrastructure that is the financial problem that growth creates."

There is also the issue of, while the city navigates its next four years of growth, can it also create sustainability while at the same time maintain Columbia as a prosperous and livable community for its residents?

"I believe existing residents should not continually be left carrying the cost of new development," Lipscomb said. "Growth should pay for growth, and we keep hearing that, but substantial growth also means preserving what makes Columbia special. We don't have to choose between growth and character."

Previti added that sanitation and garbage are other issues tied to growth, as well as providing adequate services for the city's homeless and organizations like Maury County Animal Services.

Previti also said the right solutions cannot be created and enacted by the mayor alone, but as part of a larger team.

"It is negotiating and building teams, being humble enough to know that you don't know everything but being wise enough to put the right people around you so that you can work it out," Previti said.

Johnson cited the need to preserve land and slow development.

"We are growing in a horizontal way, because if we continue to dominate our precious land with one particular entity, things are going to inflate," Johnson said. "So we need to use our land not as economic dollars or cents, but really understand that Columbia is not a business but a place for adults to raise babies who grow into adults who raise babies."

Another topic tied to growth, while also remaining a top priority overall, is the city's ability to provide adequate public safety.

Parker noted that one indicator that Columbia is moving in the right direction with its public safety is that Columbia Fire & Rescue, in addition to maintaining its ISO-1 safety rating, is now operating with a full staff.

"We have done a great job in recent years focusing on making competitive wages, living wages for our city employees and that is something we have got to continue to focus on," Parker said.

Previti said sharing mutual aid agreements with surrounding city and county fire departments has also been one of its strengths.

"If somebody needs backup, somebody shows up to help," Previti said. "We need to keep working on those relationships and keep treating those people as the best people."

Townsend added that, while first responders are vital to maintaining good public safety, it extends beyond that.

"We think about public safety, we think about our public areas," Townsend said. "Do we have the proper railings in place so we don't have accidents causing unnecessary injuries to others? Do we have the right speed limits posted in high trafficked areas? Do we have the proper amount of sidewalks for pedestrian to travel alongside our roadways?"

Lipscomb, founder of All Hands on Deck nonprofit, also addressed the broader idea of public safety, such as focusing on youth programs

"It's not just talking about the services of the roads, but it's also talking about the people and how we can help," Lipscomb said. "We don't have a community center here, nothing for the youth to gauge.

"When I started All Hands on Deck, it was about taking preventative measures, about walking upstream and figuring out why people fell into the stream in the first place so we could help resolve issues before they became an emergency."

The topic of building stronger relationships among Columbia, Maury County and its surrounding communities was another key issue addressed at the panel.

Previti, who has served three times as a Maury County's District 2 Commissioner, said his experience has provided him knowledge of county departments and business already, and that maintaining strong city/county relations is a priority.

"We need to work better together," Previti said. "There had been a falling out and I've seen that things get better, and that there is a long way to go still. But we have to have that communication that just did not happen for a number of years."

Lipscomb added that it is "about bringing the right people to the table to get the job done."

"That's what this is about, about bringing those collaborative efforts," Lipscomb said. "That way, we can see if there are any issues or different things we can bring to this area for grants and things like that, as well as those things we need for our housing market and for our youth."

Townsend stressed the importance of maintaining good state and federal relationships, not just for funding major projects related to growth, but also in cases of emergency.

"Our state officials are very important, and for them to know the needs of our community is very important," Townsend said. "We need those people here, need to have that open door policy with them and a line of communication open just in case we have some kind of natural disaster that occurs and we need federal funding."

Johnson added that remaining accessible will be key to maintaining strong relationships. It is also important to have a strong sense of self-awareness when working with other entities.

"By being accessible, we are going to be aware of the critical issues and be aware of the things we need," Johnson said. "How can we know what we need when we are so engulfed in this speed and this pace of growth and transition that we may not even be able to be aware? In order for me to be an advocate, we have to get a sense of awareness and know what we truly need in Columbia to make us grow and make us grow strong."

Respiratory Student Receives Scholarship (Press Release)

 Morgan Dickey, a Columbia State Community College respiratory care student, was recently named a recipient of the 2026 H. Frederic Helmholz, Jr., MD Scholarship, a national scholarship.

The $2,500 scholarship recognizes academic excellence and achievement among students seeking careers in respiratory care. 

She will be formally recognized during the National Board for Respiratory Care/Lambda Beta Reception on November 15. 

As a 2026 scholarship recipient, Dickey also receives an included registration to attend the American Association for Respiratory Care International Congress in New Orleans. 

Dickey, a Mt. Pleasant resident, is the first Columbia State respiratory care student to receive the award.

“I am incredibly proud of Morgan and all that she has accomplished,” said Pamela Lindemann, Columbia State respiratory care program director. “Receiving this national scholarship is a tremendous honor and reflects the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence she has demonstrated throughout the respiratory care program. To have Morgan become the first student from our program to receive this award makes this recognition even more special. She represents Columbia State and the future of respiratory care exceptionally well.”

The national scholarship is awarded by the Lambda Beta Society and is open to students enrolled in Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care-accredited programs. Recipients are chosen based on the merit of an independent, original narrative review of literature related to the practice of respiratory care. 

This recognition highlights both Dickey’s academic achievement and the national standing of Columbia State’s Respiratory Care program.

“Respiratory Care students at Columbia State receive an excellent education and go straight into the workforce as critical members of the healthcare team,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of the Health Sciences Division and professor of radiologic technology. “Morgan being recognized nationally reaffirms the valuable options conveniently available to future healthcare professionals.”

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Linda Sue Barber Jones, 93, of Lewisburg, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Nancy Clair Hood Gray, 91, a longtime resident of Columbia, died Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.

Graveside services will be conducted Thursday at 2:30 PM at Santa Fe Cemetery with Jimmy Fann officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Charles Edward “Eddie” Vaughn, Jr., 72, passed peacefully Monday, September 28, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and Monday from 1:00 P.M. until the service at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

TVA Gets Permit to Build Small Nuclear Reactor (Press Release)

The Tennessee Valley Authority Tuesday achieved a nationally significant milestone in America’s nuclear energy future with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) issuance of the construction permit for Clinch River Unit 1, a GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX‑300 small modular reactor (SMR), at TVA’s Clinch River Nuclear Site near Oak Ridge, Tenn.

While no construction date has been announced, TVA is now the first U.S. utility permitted to construct the BWRX‑300 SMR. This is only the second advanced reactor construction permit ever issued in the nation. This milestone underscores TVA’s proven track record of nuclear excellence, safe operations, and long‑term energy leadership.

“This construction permit is more than a regulatory achievement – it's foundational for America’s nuclear future,” said Mike Skaggs, TVA Interim President & CEO. “We are proud to be part of this effort to partner with the NRC, GVH and the Administration to explore the opportunities of new nuclear as we continue to serve the Valley region and the nation.”

During the signing ceremony, TVA recognized the NRC’s evaluation process that enabled the permit to be issued ahead of schedule.

“We appreciate the NRC’s leadership, transparency, and commitment to safe, effective nuclear development as TVA advances next‑generation nuclear technologies,” said TVA’s Chief Nuclear Officer Matt Rasmussen. “The NRC’s strong engagement with the industry is essential to support America’s energy leadership and help build the foundation for the nation’s advanced nuclear future.”

The NRC’s action reflects modern regulatory efficiency, streamlined licensing, and enhanced federal‑industry coordination. The Clinch River permit establishes a clear, repeatable licensing pathway for future BWRX-300 SMR applicants – improving predictability, lowering barriers, and accelerating deployment timelines nationwide.

TVA’s Clinch River site is strategically located near the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, placing it at the epicenter of America’s nuclear innovation. Backed by strong community, state, and federal support, Clinch River stands as a model for the nation’s growing nuclear ecosystem and a pathway for future SMR development.

"Tennessee has the legacy and expertise to lead America's nuclear future, and today's milestone brings that vision closer to reality," said Governor Bill Lee. "The Clinch River project represents the next chapter in our state's legacy of innovation, strengthening America's energy security and creating opportunity for generations to come. I'm grateful to TVA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and our federal, state, and industry partners whose leadership made this achievement possible."

“America’s nuclear renaissance runs through Tennessee, and TVA’s Clinch River site is a big reason why,” said U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn. “This permit brings TVA one step closer to building one of the nation’s first small modular reactors that will power Tennessee homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy, and I applaud TVA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for making this moment possible.”

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s effort to open the door for more rapid technology investment in state and regional industry leaders like TVA is the exact approach our country needs to advance abundant, reliable, and affordable energy,” said U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty. “I have every confidence that through this partnership, the addition of the Clinch River unit will further cement Tennessee’s position as the epicenter of nuclear innovation and unleash energy that powers our state and nation.”

"It was a tremendous honor to stand alongside the visionary leadership of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the signing ceremony for the Clinch River Construction Permit. I have worked closely with TVA, our state government, local leaders, and communities to ensure the Tennessee Valley leads the way in groundbreaking nuclear technology and the revival of American industry that comes with it,” said U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann. “TVA is leading the nation in mass nuclear deployment and setting the gold standard for reliable utilities across America. Affordable, clean, and reliable energy powers our economic prosperity and strengthens our national security. It is essential to the American way of life. I will always champion efforts that keep Tennessee and our nation at the forefront of energy innovation and abundance.”

“I am excited to celebrate the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s issuance of a construction permit for TVA’s Clinch River Unit One. TVA cleared a regulatory hurdle that will help future projects move even faster. This is a big win not just for TVA, but for the country, and it’s happening right here in East Tennessee,” said U.S. Representative Tim Burchett. “I am also looking forward to the new jobs that this project will create, and I want to thank President Trump for encouraging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to update their plan of action, which helped streamline this process. Nuclear energy is national security.”

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity; about one‑third the size of traditional nuclear units. Their modular design allows major components to be built in factories and shipped to the site, which reduces construction time, cost, and complexity. SMRs offer passive safety features, smaller land and water requirements, and the ability to be added in phases to meet growing energy demand.

TVA continues negotiations with industry partners to ensure responsible cost sharing and financial accountability throughout design and construction.

“Our priority is ensuring the people of the Valley do not shoulder the costs of first‑of‑a‑kind technology that benefits the nation and world,” Skaggs said. “Strategic partnerships enable shared responsibility, shared value, and shared progress as we deploy advanced nuclear infrastructure to meet our nation’s energy security and AI dominance goals.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Grand Ole Opry will once again partner with Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for the 18th annual Opry Goes Pink on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Megan Moroney will perform during the event and flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night. Opry member Mandy Barnett will also perform, along with Mackenzie Carpenter, Deana Carter and additional guests.

Humana presents the event, supported by Vanderbilt Health and Lane Boots.

Beginning now, $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to support patient care services, education and advocacy for the breast cancer community.

Tickets are available at opry.com.

Conclusion

That’s all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee Today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOM/WKRM radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontporchradiotn.com. It’s always there for you. I’ll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I’m Tom Price. Thanks for listening! Be safe and have a great day!