Appalachian Trail Recovery: A 5.5-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail reopened at Iron Mountain Gap on the NC–TN border after Helene debris removal, a boost for hikers and the local outdoor economy. Local Government Pay & Budget: Blount County commissioners advanced a 10% pay raise request to the Budget Committee while sending school-system pay details elsewhere, and approved an emergency HVAC expense for the Records area. TSSAA Transfer Rule Fallout: Mt. Juliet Christian’s football season hinges on a TSSAA Board of Control ruling over a co-op arrangement with Nashville’s RePublic after the transfer rule left MJCA’s roster depleted. Public Voting Help: The League of Women Voters of Northeast Tennessee will host a free “Informed Ballot” workshop for voters ahead of November. Health Department Ribbon-Cutting: Greene County’s new Health Department building opens to the public with a ribbon-cutting and tours. Memphis Sports & Culture: Memphis Depay says Corinthians didn’t honor an agreement as the club declines to extend his contract; separately, Memphis mourns “Prince Mongo,” a longtime local character, who died at 89. Outdoor Access for Mobility: TVA funding helped bring a trackchair-style all-terrain vehicle to Lake Guntersville State Park to expand access for visitors with mobility challenges. Heat Tragedy: A 3-year-old boy reported missing in Pegram was found dead in a broken-down van on the property, with extreme heat cited as a factor.