Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1792, Knox and Jefferson counties were officially founded when Territorial Governor William Blount dictated to his secretary their new geographic boundaries.

In a real-life Home Alone moment, a brave Gallatin child foiled a would-be burglar, leading to authorities arresting the suspect within an hour. See details below.

We’re sponsored today by GoldCo. Get your free 2025 retirement savings protection kit from them today.

Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Rep. Green to Step Down from House Seat

U.S. Rep. Mark Green will resign from Congress after the next House vote on “Big Beautiful Bill,” citing a private-sector job offer he called “too exciting to pass up.”

Green, a Republican and chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, had floated retirement before but has now changed course.

Green is a former Army medic, first elected in 2018, who represents a typically red district stretching through Middle and West Tennessee.

His departure, expected soon, triggers a special election per Tennessee law, with a new representative likely seated before fall.

Country Singer Involved in Fatal Crash

Country singer Conner Smith, 24, struck and killed a pedestrian Sunday evening in Nashville, according to police.

Dorothy Dobbins, 77, was crossing 3rd Avenue North in a marked crosswalk when she was hit by Smith’s pickup truck.

Authorities say the cause preliminarily appears to be Smith’s failure to yield. No signs of impairment were reported, and no charges have been filed yet.

The crash occurred as Smith, who was nominated for ACM New Male Artist of the Year and was set to tour with Luke Bryan, wrapped up appearances tied to the CMA Fest.

Invasive Beetle Threatens TN Ash Trees

The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from Asia, is killing ash trees across East Tennessee, forestry officials said this week. See the bug here.

First detected in Knox County in 2010, the pest has spread rapidly and is now well established in the region, destroying large swaths of ash populations.

The beetles bore into trees, cutting off nutrients and typically killing them within a few years.

Local environmental groups and the Tennessee Division of Forestry are urging property owners to monitor trees and consider treatment or removal options. See best practices here.

Flying together with our sponsor

The Treasury Fired a Warning Shot

If you’re retired or plan to retire, circle August 1st on your calendar with a fat red marker.

This is when the trouble begins. As soon as August 1, 2025, we may watch the destruction of retired America:

Delayed Social Security checks
Pension checks frozen or reduced
Diversified retirement accounts dropping 50%

This is serious, and you WILL be affected, one way or another.

This isn’t about the president.

This is about economic sabotage.

That’s why thousands of Americans like you are fighting for everything they worked for. But they’re not doing it alone. Many of them are applying for an IRS-sanctioned provision to help protect and preserve their retirement from a fiscal crisis like this.

This provision was greenlit decades ago, used as a “what if” protection plan by Americans with $50-100k or more in savings. And it served them well, through the Financial Crises of 2000, 2008, and 2020. But it’s not a matter of “what if” anymore — it’s a matter of WHEN. And right now, you can get a no-cost guide that walks you through exactly how this helps protect your savings. If you’re looking for a sign, then this is it. Don’t wait. Click below.

GET YOUR 2025 RETIREMENT PROTECTION KIT NOW

➤ Statewide: Tennessee ranked 37th for child well-being, according to a new national report, which noted improvements in academic proficiency but a 14-year low in key health measures. (See Report)

➤ Hamilton County: State officials have stopped considering an Eastdale site for a new mental health facility after Rep. Yusuf Hakeem stirred community concerns about the impact on local properties. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: Weekend storms caused ongoing damage to local trees and property. Dispatchers reported being overwhelmed by calls from residents about downed trees and power lines. (See Photos)

➤ Grundy County: The school board received widespread pushback from teachers and community activists after a 5-4 vote rejected state-funded $2,300 bonuses for teachers, with board members declining to explain the decision. (More)

➤ Johnson City: State lawmakers are pressing northeast hospital system Ballad Health to follow through on hosting a planned hearing, which is intended to provide a platform for public concerns but has been continually postponed. (More)

➤ Gallatin: A local child is being praised for thwarting a home burglary after running to safety and providing police with a detailed description of the suspect, leading to the perpetrator being arrested within an hour. (More)

➤ Multiple members of the Memphis Grizzlies are boxing this offseason to help with their conditioning. (More)

➤ Tennessee football just hired former Vol Marion Hobby as a defensive analyst. The former All-SEC defender has bounced around the coaching circuit for decades, contributing to winning at both the college and NFL levels. (More)

➤ Memphis Tigers athletic director Ed Scott didn’t rule out joining the revamped Pac-12 in the future, despite turning down an offer from the conference less than a year ago. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | WNBA | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stay safe with the HALO Siren—an easy-to-carry personal alarm that emits a powerful, ear-piercing sound to scare off threats and alert help instantly. Perfect for walks, jogs, or late nights out. Protect yourself and your loved ones with one quick pull. Get yours while supplies last!

➤ Tennessee boasts the third-lowest gas prices in the country, according to a new report, with the state’s average price sitting at $2.70 while the national average remains at $3.12. (More)

➤ Kentucky’s Planters Bank is offering Clarksville businesses a chance to compete in its SEED Grant Competition to win an $18,000 prize package, including cash, an advertising fund, and marketing consultations. (See Details)

➤ Nineteen new businesses joined downtown Johnson City in the last year as a result of the city’s three-to-five-year plan prioritizing business activation and development. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Say goodbye to pesky bugs with Zappify! This powerful, rechargeable mosquito zapper attracts and eliminates insects fast—no sprays, fumes, or mess. Perfect for patios, camping, or indoors. Enjoy a bite-free summer with Zappify’s safe, chemical-free protection. Grab yours now and reclaim your space from bugs!

Flying together with our sponsor

August 1: Will the Checks Stop?

August  2025—possibly as soon as the 1st—we may be facing:

Delayed Social Security checks
Pension checks frozen or reduced
Diversified retirement accounts dropping 50%

All because of the wild incompetence of the government swamp creatures who dropped us into this godforsaken mess.

So what can you do to stop it?

Thousands of Americans are using a little-known IRS-approved loophole to help protect their retirement. Get the guide now, before another “crisis” puts you against the wall.

GET YOUR 2025 RETIREMENT PROTECTION GUIDE NOW

➤ Thor and Rusty, two new K-9 recruits, have joined the Memphis police force, with department officials announcing Monday that the fearless pups had completed their explosive detection training. (See Pups)

➤ The first-ever River City Fair will take place at Tennessee Riverpark from June 19 to 29, including can’t-miss attractions like rides, classic fair food, and weekend fireworks displays. (See Details)

➤ A Soddy-Daisy mother formed a tight bond with a Florida mom after their unborn children both underwent risky in-utero surgeries to address spina bifida, with both mothers now raising thriving babies. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Bring the big screen anywhere with Projector Go! This compact, portable projector delivers stunning HD visuals perfect for movies, gaming, and more—indoors or outdoors. Easy to set up and travel-friendly, it’s your ticket to entertainment on the go. Order now and elevate your viewing experience anywhere!