Saturday, August 15, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1958, the funeral of Elvis Presley’s beloved mother, Gladys Presley, was held at the Memphis Funeral Home. Presley’s fans sent him more than 100,000 cards and letters, around 500 telegrams, and more than 200 floral arrangements to express their sympathy for his loss.

It’s scorching this weekend with a heat advisory in effect for most of Middle Tennessee through Sunday evening. Meteorologists say that the heat index could climb between 105 and 109 degrees. Do you know what the highest temperature ever recorded in Tennessee was? Test your knowledge in today’s Trivia and stay cool out there!

Have you cracked your knuckles today? Most chronic knuckle crackers have been told that the habit would come back to haunt them in the form of arthritis. That old warning has echoed across dinner tables for generations, and it turns out science has been putting it to the test the entire time. One doctor was so determined to settle the argument that he cracked the knuckles on just one hand, every single day, for fifty years, then compared the results. What he found earned him a prize and might change how you feel about that satisfying little pop. Today on The Flyover Podcast, Amy cracks the case on one of America's most nagging health questions. Tune in here!

Today's sponsor is Medical Guardian, helping older adults stay independent while giving their families greater peace of mind. As a Flyover reader, you'll receive a special offer: use promo code FLYOVER to get FREE equipment on all of Medical Guardian's top-selling products. Learn more below.

Leaders Weigh Special Session over Tax Laws

Tennessee legislative leaders are weighing a special session to rewrite Tennessee's property appraisal laws after Nashville's Lower Broadway bar owners warned that rising tax bills could force closures.

Country musician John Rich told Fox News Digital that a 2025 countywide reappraisal, followed by a rate set 26% above the revenue-neutral level, had become a "death nail" for venues.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally said the matter could be handled in regular session, and any special session would require Gov. Bill Lee or a legislative majority.

Analysts note constitutional obstacles: taxation must be equal and uniform, and the state comptroller found no anomalies in Nashville's appraisal system.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell has said downtown valuations reflect market value.

Campbell County under Water Contact Advisory

The Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission issued a water contact advisory on Thursday, warning customers in Campbell County that tap water may be contaminated with fuel.

Officials said construction at a gas station near the Cave Springs treatment plant may be the cause and urged residents to avoid drinking, cooking, bathing, or handwashing.

Caryville Elementary, Jacksboro Elementary, and Jacksboro Middle School closed Friday, as did the county courthouse, health department, and clerk's offices in LaFollette and Jacksboro.

The utility is flushing the system while awaiting sampling results, and asked anyone smelling gasoline to call. LaFollette Utilities said its customers are unaffected.

National Blood Supply Shortage Affects TN Hospitals

The American Red Cross has declared a nationwide blood supply crisis for only the second time ever, prompting some hospitals to rearrange patient schedules and reserve supplies for emergencies and critical care.

Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals in Middle Tennessee are among those affected, saying they have had to reschedule some elective surgeries as supplies tighten.

Blood Assurance, founded and headquartered in Chattanooga, collects and distributes blood in several Southern states. The organization’s local recipients include Vanderbilt Health and TriStar Health as well as some of Saint Thomas Ascension’s facilities. Those wanting to donate through Blood Assurance can find blood drives and donation center information at bloodassurance.org/where-can-i-donate-blood.

The Red Cross points to record high temperatures, low air quality levels, and illnesses such as the cyclospora outbreak for decreased donation numbers this summer.

Amid the shortage, Lifeline Blood Services in West Tennessee is holding a football-themed "Be the MVP" drive in several communities through the end of the month, offering donors shirts, service vouchers, and entry into a truck giveaway.

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➤ Kingsport: Eastman Chemical Company says a small acetic acid leak at its Kingsport facility Wednesday had no impact on the community or environment after the company isolated the leak. (More)

➤ Memphis: A former hotel is being converted into 110 permanent homes for veterans. Funded by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the new Memphis Veterans Village officially opened on Friday and will provide veterans with housing and supportive services. (See Details)

➤ Lookout Mountain: Rock City officials are conducting environmental assessments for a proposed Lookout Mountain gondola, while residents raise concerns. Engineers will study waterways, wildlife, and cultural resources. (More)

➤ Statewide: Eight new state troopers have joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol after completing training. The graduates will begin assignments across Tennessee, strengthening patrol coverage statewide. (More)

➤ Knoxville: MUSE Knoxville is planning a new interactive aviation exhibit highlighting local flight history, aircraft, and aviation technology. The exhibit is part of a larger effort to introduce Blount County students to different career opportunities in East Tennessee’s aviation industry. (More)

➤ Clarksville: Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital earned American Heart Association recognition for stroke and diabetes care, highlighting its adherence to national treatment and quality standards. (More)

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➤ Tennessee sports bettors wagered $413 million in July, up nearly 39% from the same month last year. The state collected $7.6 million in taxes from the handle. (More)

➤ Nashville SC hosts Inter Miami tonight in a top-of-the-table MLS clash, holding a two-point lead over the defending league champions. Nashville hasn’t lost a game at home so far this season. (More)

➤ Memphis football agreed to a home-and-home series with Toledo for 2027 and 2028, marking the first two matchups ever between the two programs. (More)

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➤ A Lebanon family had an unexpected encounter when a 5-foot-long snake began slithering across their moving car’s hood while traveling toward Mt. Juliet. (Watch Video)

➤ Ty Gibbs will drive an M&M’s-themed No. 54 car at Bristol Motor Speedway next month to honor late NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, continuing his legacy at the track. (See Car)

➤ The 2026 Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival is underway this weekend in Townsend, bringing balloon pilots and spectators together for flights, entertainment, and family activities to help fund the community’s volunteer fire department, schools, and local projects. (Watch Report)

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➤ Elevated blood pressure can be influenced by constricted blood vessels and excess fluid in the bloodstream, making the heart work harder. Surprisingly, one common everyday food may contribute to both issues—and it might not be the food you expect. Knowing what to watch for could make a difference.

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ One doctor cracked only the knuckles on his left hand for 50 years to settle the infamous medical argument. (Hear More)

➤ American shoppers cut back sharply in July, raising fresh doubts about the strength of the economy. (Listen Now)

➤ Police have recovered more than $10 million in masterworks stripped from an Italian museum in a three-minute heist. (Podcast Available)