Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1898, Tennessee soldiers participated in the Battle of San Juan Hill, with Jonesborough native Alfred Ray planting an American flag at that location during the Spanish-American War.

After 15 to 20 years of talks, the 160-acre Alcoa South Plant site may finally be changing hands as a $20 million deal comes together. The redeveloped site could open the door for new businesses and stores. What new store would you love to see open in your town? Reply to let us know!

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GOP Senators Want Botched Execution Review

Eight Tennessee Republican senators sent Gov. Bill Lee a letter Monday demanding an independent review of the state’s failed lethal injection of Tony Von Carruthers.

During the botched procedure on May 21, medical personnel spent over an hour unable to find usable veins before the execution was called off entirely. Defense attorneys say staff cut into Carruthers’ chest twice and considered using his jugular after failed attempts elsewhere on his body.

A new investigation revealed the state’s 2025 protocol reduced required IV training compared to earlier guidelines and that the contracted physician hadn’t placed a central line since 2013.

The senators, led by Majority Leader Jack Johnson, want a full accounting of how medical staff were selected and credentialed, along with independent testing of the lethal drugs for potency and contamination before any future execution proceeds.

TVA Says the Grid Can Handle the Heat

As triple-digit heat builds across Middle Tennessee ahead of America’s 250th, the Tennessee Valley Authority says its power grid is ready for the surge in air conditioning demand.

TVA projects peak loads of 32,000 to 33,000 megawatts this week, well below the 35,000-plus megawatt peaks seen in the winters of 2024 and 2025.

TVA says crews inspected generators and the broader system this spring to prepare for summer heat like this, and a spokesperson called the grid “stable” heading into the holiday week.

To help manage costs, the utility recommends running major appliances at night, while the U.S. Department of Energy adds that fans should be turned off when leaving a room, since they cool people rather than spaces.

Tennessee Extends Fireworks Season

Tennessee lawmakers extended the state’s fireworks selling season for 2026 and early 2027, a one-year law passed to help residents celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Sales are now permitted June 10-July 10, Sept. 1-10, and Dec. 10-Jan. 3. Retail sales within Tennessee remain limited to June 20-July 5 and Dec. 10-Jan. 2 each year, and the extended selling window will be repealed automatically on Feb. 1, 2027.

State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence urged Tennesseans to follow safety precautions and local ordinances while celebrating, noting firefighters often risk their lives responding to fires sparked by stray fireworks.

Some Tennessee cities, however, still maintain their bans on citizens firing off their own fireworks displays. See a rundown here.

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➤ Knox County: University of Tennessee trustees approved a $1.9 million settlement for a former professor fired over a Facebook post about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. (More)

➤ Henry County: Deputies used a drone to locate a barricaded suspect inside a home on Saturday. They monitored him in real time until he surrendered without anyone entering the residence. (More)

➤ Nashville: Nolensville Pike is getting a major overhaul, adding high-frequency bus lanes, new sidewalks, and pedestrian safety upgrades along the 9-mile corridor. (More)

➤ Sevierville: A man pleaded guilty to stealing two beehives from a senior center in February. He was sentenced to six months’ probation and a restraining order, with the bees already returned. (More)

➤ Spencer: Fall Creek Falls State Park unveiled a new wheelchair-friendly overlook above Cane Creek Cascades, marking the park’s third accessible viewing platform. (More)

➤ Donelson: Thieves broke into McGavock High School’s fieldhouse and stole a $9,000 John Deere Gator used for baseball field maintenance, stalling summer prep work for the school’s team. (More)

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➤ The Nashville Predators acquired forward Nils Höglander from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2029 third-round draft pick. The 25-year-old Swede scored a career-high 24 goals two seasons ago but was limited to five points in 38 games last season due to injury. (More)

➤ Former Memphis basketball coach John Calipari will be inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame in September. He coached the Tigers from 2000 to 2009, winning 214 games and leading the program to the 2008 national championship game. (More)

➤ NBA free agency kicked off last night, meaning a frenzy of signings has already taken place for the Grizzlies and other teams around the league. Contract negotiations and trades will continue throughout today. (See Deals)

➤ Yesterday’s results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB | WNBA

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➤ Tennessee’s employment dropped to its lowest level since late 2024. Economists are pointing to declining labor force participation among workers over 55, even as the state’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.6%. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Stanley Black & Decker is closing its Gallatin facility Aug. 28, laying off 116 workers. It’s the latest in a string of closures that have affected more than 5,000 workers this year. (More)

➤ The 160-acre Alcoa South Plant site is nearing a $20 million sale to Alcoa, Maryville, and Blount County, ending 15-20 years of discussions over the former aluminum smelting facility’s future. (More)

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➤ Knoxville nonprofit Beloved Roots Ranch released a song to fund a planned veterans retreat using equine therapy. Proceeds will support a permanent East Tennessee location. (More)

➤ A snake caused a power outage for more than 7,000 Nashville customers Monday night after interfering with substation equipment. Crews have since fully restored service. (More)

➤ A Powerball ticket sold at a Clarksville Publix is worth $2 million after Saturday’s drawing, while a Knoxville KENO To Go player won $45,000 at Ian’s Market. (More)

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

➤ These six science-backed tricks are supposed to help fussy children finally eat their vegetables. (Hear Details)

➤ The pope is pleading with a breakaway traditionalist group to abandon what he calls a sin of extreme gravity. (Hear Story)

➤ Experts have a clear pick for the best long-term investment, but Americans keep choosing something else entirely. (Listen Now)