Sunday, August 2, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1964, search crews discovered the wreckage of country music legend Jim Reeves’ private single-engine airplane following a massive 42-hour search. Reeves and his business partner and pianist Dean Manuel had crashed during a violent thunderstorm outside of Nashville on July 31. Search crews finally discovered the wreckage in a wooded area near Brentwood two days later.

Tired of the robocalls and phone scams that seem to happen all the time nowadays? Tennessee’s Attorney General is pushing for stricter rules to curb illegal robocalls, which cost Americans billions of dollars each year. Learn more in today’s Top Stories.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla tackled the science behind what your dreams are actually made of. Researchers just wrapped one of the largest dream studies ever conducted, and it turns out the coworker from years ago and the worry that spun into a full storyline are not random at all. Ayla broke down the five things the study uncovered, including one detail that has been hiding in people’s dreams for years without them noticing. Tune in here!

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Frozen Berry Recall over E. coli Concerns

Publix has expanded a recall covering all lots of its GreenWise Organic frozen whole blueberries and mixed berries, sold across eight states including Tennessee.

The affected states also include Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The recall announcement was posted July 29, broadening an earlier, more limited action.

The concern traces to a July 3 supplier recall from a Chilean company and follows reported E. coli O145 illnesses. Publix said 12 confirmed cases were reported between May 11 to June 5.

Customers are urged to check their freezers and discard or return affected products for a refund. E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

xAI Plans Fourth Memphis Data Center

xAI’s Elon Musk announced a fourth Memphis-area data center called “Minihard,” while affiliate SpaceXAI said it will remove all temporary gas turbines from its Southaven, Mississippi power site.

The company plans to pull all 69 turbines and replace them with a permanent 1.2-gigawatt plant using 41 turbines, subject to Mississippi environmental regulations. Removal is expected to run through July 2027.

However, documents show the power plant project faces supply chain delays, allowing some turbines to keep operating. State regulators set a December 31, 2026, deactivation deadline for the temporary units.

Environmental groups and area residents remain critical, noting turbines were added throughout the year. Some Whitehaven neighbors said they felt blindsided by the newly revealed data center.

AG Pushes for Tougher Robocall Rules

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has urged the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen rules aimed at curbing illegal robocalls, which officials say cost Americans billions of dollars each year.

Skrmetti joined a bipartisan coalition of 49 other attorneys general in the effort, targeting originating voice service providers, the companies that allow calls onto the U.S. communications network.

The coalition wants those providers to better identify their customers and prevent scammers from exploiting their networks to reach consumers.

Skrmetti said illegal robocalls are more than a nuisance, describing them as a tool criminals use to steal from vulnerable people, and pledged that Tennessee would keep fighting robocall scammers.

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➤ Johnson City: The Quillen College of Medicine welcomed its largest entering class during its annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, marking the start of medical training for new students at East Tennessee State University. (More)

➤ Savannah: The Wise Company closed its doors last week, displacing more than 130 Hardin County employees. The plant manufactured premium seats for boats, golf carts, forklifts, ambulances, and heavy-duty industrial equipment. State and local officials are offering employment assistance and transition resources. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Hattie B’s announced an Aug. 12 grand opening for its first East Tennessee location at The Hub Knoxville development located at 2001 Cumberland Avenue, expanding the popular Nashville-based chain’s footprint and adding another dining option near the UT campus. (More)

➤ Whitehaven: Memphis Police Department officers arrested three alleged gang members during an investigation, seizing firearms, drugs, and cash. Authorities said the arrests followed an operation targeting suspected criminal activity. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: The VA Clinic honored five local military veterans by presenting handmade Quilts of Valor during a recognition ceremony on Wednesday. Volunteers created the quilts to recognize recipients’ military service and sacrifice. (More)

➤ Covington: A nurse and a new father helped rescue a woman trapped inside a burning vehicle after a crash at a gas station. The woman survived, and authorities praised the bystanders’ quick actions. (Watch Report)

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➤ Vanderbilt five-star quarterback commit Jared Curtis was reportedly given a “borderline Bryce Underwood-level” deal to entice him to flip his commitment away from Georgia. Underwood signed a record-breaking NIL deal with Michigan worth over $10 million last offseason. (More)

➤ Tennessee Director of Football Sports Performance recently revealed that 20 Volunteers players have added double-digit pounds of “lean mass” over the offseason. (More)

➤ Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer is considered the favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award by most sportsbooks, in large part because he projects to hold a major role right away. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Golf | Soccer

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➤ Actor Johnny Knoxville returned to his hometown after donating funds to renovate the weight room at South-Doyle High School in Knox County, supporting upgraded equipment and facilities for student-athletes at his alma mater. (Watch Report)

➤ Crockett Days 2026 returns, celebrating the state’s frontier history and Tennessee’s favorite son, Davy Crockett’s 240th birthday. The event will be held at the Doak House Museum in Tusculum on Aug. 8 and 9, featuring historical reenactments, demonstrations, and fun family activities. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Magazine announced the winners of its August 2026 Artist’s Palette youth art contest, recognizing top entries in multiple age groups from electric cooperative service areas across Tennessee. (See Artwork)

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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, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ The U.S. and Israel are reportedly preparing to bombard Iran’s energy infrastructure this weekend, though no final order has been given. (Hear More)

➤ Police arrested a man who stole a running car in Atlanta with a 2-year-old in the back seat while her mother made a delivery. (Listen Now)

➤ Savannah Guthrie on Saturday pleaded again for answers after Arizona officials released the ransom notes sent following her mother’s disappearance six months ago. (Podcast Available)