Friday, September 19, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1887, Cora “Lovie” Austin, an American jazz and blues pianist, songwriter, and bandleader for The Blues Serenaders, was born in Chattanooga.

Five Tennessee barbecue spots just landed on Southern Living’s list of the South’s best. Check out the full list in Top Stories—did your favorite make the cut? If not, tell us what makes your go-to BBQ joint stand out.

If constant tingling or burning in your feet has been holding you back, you’ll want to see the simple at-home device from today’s sponsor, Vita Feet, that’s helping seniors finally find fast relief without drugs or costly treatments.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

National Guard Deployment Faces Opposition

Several Memphis city council members held a press conference on Thursday to voice their opposition to President Trump’s planned deployment of the National Guard to the city, saying more resources would help instead.

“The solution to crime is opportunities, not occupation,” Councilwoman Jerri Green said.

However, a Republican group is planning a welcome event, encouraging supporters to bring “flags, signs, and Memphis swag to show the country that Shelby County thanks President Trump and Governor Bill Lee for sending the National Guard to Memphis!”

Others concurred, with Gov. Bill Lee saying he was “tired of crime holding the great city of Memphis back” after Trump’s announcement.

Grant Williams Gives $1.5M to UT

Former basketball star Grant Williams is donating $1.5 million to his alma mater, the University of Tennessee.

Williams is gifting $1 million to the athletics department, with $750,000 going to the Men’s Basketball Excellence Fund and $250,000 to the My All Unrestricted Fund for Softball. The other $500,000 will create the Grant Williams Scholarship Endowment within the Haslam College of Business.

“Rocky Top truly is home sweet home to me,” Williams said. “It is a privilege and an honor to be able to give back to the university that did so much for me and helped me become the man I am today.

List: Top 50 BBQ Joints

Southern Living released its list of Top 50 BBQ Joints on Wednesday, and five of them are in Tennessee.

While a South Carolina BBQ spot took the ultimate crown, B.E. Scott’s BBQ in Lexington ranked No. 8 for “preserving the West Tennessee tradition of whole hog cooking.”

A & R Bar-B-Q in Memphis, on Elvis Presley Boulevard, was honored at No. 17, with Southern Living noting, “The city is famous for its barbecue sandwiches, and A&R’s are the best in the class.”

Number 26 was Cozy Corner BBQ in Memphis, while the Peg Leg Porker in Nashville ranked No. 32. Coming in at No. 50 was Charlie Vergos Rendezvous in Memphis, where ribs have been served in the basement dining room since the 1940s.

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee colleges and universities will waive application fees in September, with more than 40 schools, including UT Knoxville, TSU, Rhodes, and Memphis, joining Tennessee College Application and Exploration Month. (See List)

➤ Sumner County: Officials delayed action on a proposed ordinance that would remove distance requirements for liquor stores and lift proximity restrictions near schools and churches. (More)

➤ Trousdale County: The Tennessee Valley Authority imploded a defunct cooling tower in Hartsville on Thursday, with the tower collapsing within 20 seconds. (See Video)

➤ Memphis: An electrical accident sparked a warehouse fire near Memphis International Airport on Wednesday, though no injuries were reported. (See Video)

➤ Knoxville: Gates at Neyland Stadium will now open 2.5 hours before University of Tennessee games, giving fans more time to move through an expanded security perimeter after last Saturday’s crowd congestion. (Details)

➤ Franklin: Williamson County Schools placed a teacher on leave pending an investigation after a “concerning” social media post about Charlie Kirk surfaced, the district said. (More)

➤ Tennessee’s matchup against UGA last weekend was the most-watched 3:30 regular-season college football game since 2006, averaging 12.6 million viewers and peaking at 15.9 million. (More)

➤ Titans quarterback Cam Ward is the only No. 1 overall pick at his position not to throw an interception through his first two career starts. (More)

➤ Proposed renovations at Bridgestone Arena will now cost $750 million, $100 million more than what was previously proposed in the spring. The renovation will reportedly expand seating capacity, add more restrooms, and even open a rooftop bar. (More)

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➤ Volkswagen offered its “last, best” contract to UAW workers in Chattanooga, including an immediate 5% raise and 3%–6% annual increases over four years, leaving union leaders to decide on a vote. (Details)

➤ St. Mary’s Villa Child Development Center at Renewal House, a $4.2 million facility, opened at Renewal House in Nashville, providing affordable childcare for about 80 children amid rising demand. (More)

➤ Jackie’s Dream, the beloved soul food spot, will move into a new 2,000-square-foot location in East Knoxville, opening in early 2026. (More)

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➤ The Knoxville Police Department named its three new mounted patrol horses Ranger, Cormac, and Summit after receiving 4,500 community submissions. (See Horses)

➤ Watertown is planning a new railroad museum and park to showcase the town’s rail history and build on 30 years of Tennessee Central excursion trains. (See Plans)

➤ A McNairy County family will appear on Family Feud on Oct. 6, with one contestant calling the experience unforgettable and even more special because she shared it with her family. (More)

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