Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1932, Grand Ole Opry member Patsy Cline was born in Virginia. She became a star in Tennessee, pioneering the Nashville Sound and leaving a legacy with hits like Crazy and her heartfelt rendition of Tennessee Waltz.

Today’s issue of The Tennessee Flyover is a shortened holiday edition to allow staff to enjoy Monday’s Labor Day holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return tomorrow.

For the first time in American history, a major political party is holding a full national convention in a midterm year. Two nights, one Dallas arena, and around 20,000 people expected through the doors, but the biggest surprise isn’t who’s speaking; it’s whether the major TV networks will even show up to cover it. On The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counts down the 10 things you need to know about this week’s unprecedented convention, including a viral website stunt that has both parties talking. Tune in here!

Later today, you’ll get an email from our partner Fisher Investments with its latest outlook on what could keep the bull market running.

When it comes to peptides, there are more options than ever, and figuring out what actually makes sense for you can feel like guesswork. Today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, takes a different approach: start with your DNA and use your genetics to help narrow down the options.

Stray Bullet Kills Nashville Frito-Lay Worker

A Frito-Lay employee was killed early Sunday when gunfire outside a South Nashville Sam’s Club pierced the store’s metal wall and struck him as he worked.

Metro police identified the victim as Paris Carlock, 55, of Murfreesboro, who was doing an early-morning inventory in the chip aisle around 4 a.m. when the bullet hit him. Store staff rushed to help before he was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Investigators say the gunfire stemmed from an argument that began inside the nearby Lavo Lounge on Antioch Pike, spilled outside, and continued as multiple vehicles left the area.

Police, who called Carlock an innocent victim, have made no arrests and are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

5-Year-Old Announces Remission at the Opry

A night of country music at the Grand Ole Opry turned emotional when 5-year-old Della Smith of Knoxville stepped onstage and told a packed house she is cancer-free, earning a standing ovation.

Diagnosed with leukemia last December, Della went through months of chemotherapy at Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital before doctors said she’d reached remission in April.

She got her Opry moment through country singer and Knoxville native Emily Ann Roberts, a former The Voice finalist and childhood friend of Della’s father, Tyler.

Della will continue treatment through 2028 to guard against a relapse, but for one unforgettable night, the Opry crowd celebrated a little girl’s hard-won good news. Watch the heart-warming video here.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statins May Be Helping… and Hurting Statins are meant to protect your heart — but they can also block something your body desperately needs. CoQ10 fuels every cell, from your brain to your muscles. As you age, or if you take statins, your CoQ10 levels can plummet up to 40% — leaving you tired, foggy, and drained. Click here to discover the right form of CoQ10 you need to support your today. Learn more

Flying together with our sponsor

Before You Spend Money on Peptides, See What Your DNA Says

Peptides have become one of the biggest topics of conversation in anti-aging, longevity, weight loss, recovery, and muscle growth. But here’s the problem: the same peptide may not work the same way for everyone.

The Pep Report analyzes more than 710,000 genetic markers and compares them against published research to help identify which peptides and nutraceuticals your biology may support.

And because your DNA doesn’t change, you only need to test it once. A simple cheek swab gives you genetic information you can reference as you explore different options, rather than spending money blindly and hoping something works.

The Flyover readers automatically get 10% off, no code needed. See which peptides match your DNA.

➤ Nashville: Folk singer Ray LaMontagne collapsed mid-song during Jolene at the Ryman on Saturday, ending his show early. His team said he was treated for heat-related dehydration and is “doing well.” (More)

➤ Knoxville: American Medical Response fielded about 200 heat-related calls and took 15 people to the hospital during Tennessee football’s sweltering home opener against Furman at Neyland Stadium. (More)

➤ Cleveland: Dozens held a silent protest against Project River, a proposed $11.3 billion energy campus, likely a data center, near the Hiwassee River, citing environmental worries and a lack of transparency. (More)

➤ Also Knoxville: The creator of Big Orange Tux, a beloved Vols-fan mascot character, has released a children’s book through the University of Tennessee Press. (More)

➤ Johnson City: Johnson City Medical Center completed the first phase of a major emergency-department expansion, part of a broader push to modernize and grow capacity at the region’s Level I trauma center. (More)

➤ Memphis: More than 100 players from across the state competed downtown over Labor Day weekend for Tennessee’s chess crown at the 80th Peter P. Lahde Tennessee Open, with a $10,001 prize fund. (More)

Enjoy reading The Tennessee Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

Flying together with our sponsor

One Test. 710,000+ Genetic Markers.

Instead of relying entirely on trial and error, The Pep Report gives you a more personalized place to start. Your DNA sample is collected with a simple at-home cheek swab, then analyzed to provide insights based on your unique genetics.

If you’re already researching peptides, or simply curious about what your genetics may reveal, this could help you ask better questions before deciding what to try.

The Flyover readers get 10% off automatically. Get your pep report here.

Do you prefer board games or card games?

Previous Results:

Where are you spending Labor Day?

In my backyard: 44%
Other (reply to tell us!): 22%
By the pool: 12%
On the lake: 12%
In the mountains: 10%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Republicans are holding the first-ever midterm national convention this week, but major networks may skip it. (Listen Now)

➤ OpenAI’s own chief scientist is sounding the alarm on advanced AI, warning no one is prepared for what comes next. (Hear Why)

➤ How long do you think the average American takes in the shower, and is it too long? (Hear Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Soft, Absorbent Bath Sheets for a Better Post-Shower RoutineA great shower deserves an equally great towel. Cozy Earth’s plush, oversized bath sheets are made to feel exceptionally soft, absorbent, and spa-worthy, turning an everyday routine into a little more comfort. For Labor Day, The Flyover readers can save 30% with code FLYOVER. Shop Cozy Earth bath sheets here.