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🌱 How new fusion rules could transform Oak Ridge’s Bull Run site

Oak Ridge, Tennessee Patch AM: a 5 min read

Hello Oak Ridge! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new fusion rules could transform Oak Ridge’s Bull Run site
  • Why Oak Ridge star Malik Howard chose to stay home with the Vols
  • How ORNL’s new operations chief could shape the lab’s growing campus

Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Clouds and breaks of sun, temps: high: 90, low: 69.
  • Sunday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Tennessee becomes ‘first state' to implement nuclear fusion regulations (exchangemonitor.com) — Tennessee has rolled out the nation’s first state-level regulations for nuclear fusion, clearing the way for Type One Energy and TVA to pursue a 400‑megawatt Infinity Two fusion plant in Oak Ridge near the former Bull Run site. Applications will run through the state’s radiological health division, with construction potentially starting in 2028, positioning Oak Ridge at the center of a new fusion energy industry.
   

2. Extremely Heup-ed: Tennessee Commit Explains Josh Heupel's Reaction To Big Announcement (rockytopinsider.com) — Oak Ridge tight end Malik Howard, a standout at Oak Ridge High School, has committed to play football for the Tennessee Volunteers, choosing to stay close to home rather than visit Notre Dame or Oregon. The four-star recruit detailed how he privately told Coach Josh Heupel before a public reveal, and his rising profile puts Oak Ridge football firmly in the statewide spotlight.
   

3. Serafin named director of Facilities and Operations Directorate.at ORNL (oakridger.com) — Oak Ridge National Laboratory has promoted longtime facilities leader Jim Serafin Jr. to direct its critical Facilities and Operations Directorate, which keeps the sprawling campus running safely and efficiently. His new role includes overseeing hundreds of staff, major modernization projects, and infrastructure investments that support ORNL’s growing research mission just outside Oak Ridge, an important economic and employment hub for local residents.
   

4. The Ultimate Guide to Oak Ridge Networking Events (livability.com) — If you’re trying to build connections in Oak Ridge, there’s a full calendar of networking options, from monthly Chamber roundtables and Coffee & Commerce to relaxed Business After Hours gatherings. Local leaders also highlight ORNL’s Small Business Fridays, a big annual regional conference, and East Tennessee Economic Council meetings that keep professionals plugged into opportunities across Oak Ridge and surrounding communities.
   

📸 Around Oak Ridge

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • No goldfish for breakfast today - too many places for the goldfish to escape, but the owl still tries.
    AS IF she could catch one with her foot :) I'd been hearing crows harassing her for the last hour or so and finally she evaded them and made it down… (Nextdoor Highland View)
  • Our great friend John Hurst will be taking a break here.
    He isn't running away he just isn't taking the stress. He said him and his dad will be fine if they don't go anywhere but I know they both deserve to… (Nextdoor Willow Brook)
  • Magnum Venus Products, Inc. posted a job opening for Quality Inspector in Oak Ridge. Apply here.
  • Krystal posted a job opening for Crew Member in Oak Ridge. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oak Ridge here.

Ok Oak Ridge! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Oak Ridge

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Oak Ridge

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.