Sunday, October 4, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln telegraphed Gen. William S. Rosecrans regarding the vital strategic necessity of holding Chattanooga and East Tennessee, writing, “If we can hold Chattanooga and East Tennessee, I think the rebellion must dwindle and die.”

The CARS Tour made its debut at Newport Speedway, drawing thousands of fans and drivers to the recently renovated racetrack. Learn more in Et Cetera.

In case you missed it on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counted down the seven pets linked to longer lives. One study that followed 3.4 million people over 12 years found that owners of a particular pet were 40% less likely to die during that period, and it’s not the one you’d guess. Some surprising animals made the cut, and the pet that landed at No. 1 isn’t even the most popular choice in American homes. Ayla ran through the full countdown and the research behind each one. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Dr. Steven Gundry, is sharing why he recommends an alternative to bone broth for collagen support and the simple “collagen reset technique” he says can help your body support its own collagen production.

TN Prisons Chief Resigns; Lawmaker Seeks Special Session on Executions

Tennessee’s prisons chief is stepping down after the failed execution of Christa Pike. Gov. Bill Lee said Saturday that Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada will leave this month.

Strada said in a statement that leaving “is in the best interests” of the state while an independent review looks into why Wednesday’s execution failed. The resignation comes a day after Republican State Rep. Scott Cepicky said the General Assembly should return for a special session to rewrite Tennessee’s lethal injection rules.

Pike, sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, survived two doses of the lethal injection drug Wednesday night and left Riverbend Maximum Security Prison by ambulance. The attempt ran more than two hours, and the Department of Correction said it followed every step of its protocol.

Lee halted the state’s remaining execution this year and ordered an outside review, saying Tennesseans expect the work done in a way that is “not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.” Officials called off another execution in May after an hour of failed attempts to place an IV.

Tennessee Awards Excellence in Education Honorees

The Tennessee Department of Education announced its 2026-27 top educator awards Thursday at its annual Excellence in Education celebration in Nashville, also honoring novice teachers and school support staff.

Heather Tinch, principal of Burks Elementary School in Putnam County Schools, was named Principal of the Year. The state credited her with student-centered leadership and her work connecting families and supporting staff.

Dr. Elizabeth Kaylor, elementary supervisor for Bradley County Schools, earned Supervisor of the Year, recognized for designing engaging teacher training that has helped the district reach record results.

As previously reported, Collierville’s Jenna Burke, a STEM teacher from Sycamore Elementary School, was named Teacher of the Year.

Two Road Closures Hit East Tennessee

Current road construction, lane restrictions, and road closures are impacting drivers in Blount County and the Morristown area in Hamblen County. The Cusick Road on-ramp to Pellissippi Parkway northbound in Blount County closed for good Friday afternoon.

Northbound drivers now reach the parkway from the new Amazon Connector Road just northeast of the old ramp, and that pattern is expected to hold until fall 2027 while crews keep building the relocated Alcoa Highway.

In Morristown, the intersection of U.S. 11E and East Morris Boulevard will close at 7 a.m. Monday so crews can grade, move utilities, and pave the East Morris tie-in. Signs will send traffic to Shelby Williams Road until Friday, Oct. 23.

That closure is one slice of a bigger job widening 11E to five lanes between U.S. 25E and Steadman Road. TDOT doesn’t expect that phase to finish until September 2029.

Flying together with our sponsor

Doctor unveils dark bone broth secret (avoid now)

If you think bone broth is a great way to get collagen, think again.

According to a former surgeon, animal bones are known for absorbing heavy metals.

This can potentially lead to brain fog, fatigue, or even muscle weakness.

That’s why he recommends a “collagen reset technique” instead.

To his knowledge, it’s the only technique that can help your body build its own collagen.

Anyone can do it without drinking broths.

See the technique here.

➤ White County: A multi-agency rescue team hiked through mud and rainstorms for six hours to reach a stranded hiker in the Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park. (See Rescue)

➤ Jellico: BradenHealth has broken ground on North Campbell Community Hospital, with construction and hiring underway. The new hospital is expected to create roughly 120 jobs and officials are cautiously targeting a 2027 opening. (See Plans)

➤ Whitehaven: A woman died and a girl was hurt in a multi-vehicle crash Friday night at Shelby Drive and Apple Cove. A second woman was still in critical condition, and police are investigating. (More)

➤ Clarksville: U.S. Marshals arrested DeMarcus Kenneth Johnson-Wright in Clarksville in September on a murder charge out of Pineville, Kentucky, where he was accused of murdering a pregnant woman. Johnson-Wright is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center where he is awaiting extradition to Kentucky. (See Details)

➤ Johnson City: East Tennessee State University cut the ribbon Friday on the Emma Kate Disability Resource Center, a dedicated space with accessible resources for students with disabilities. The center is named for ETSU senior Emma Kate Montag. (See Center)

➤ Lawrence County: Fire officials are asking residents to hold off on outdoor burning as severe drought grips the county. Lawrence County Fire & Rescue has been running fire calls while also staffing the Middle Tennessee District Fair. (More)

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➤ George MacIntyre replaced starting Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon and completed 8 of 10 passes for 86 yards as the No. 17 Vols rallied past Auburn 24-14. DeSean Bishop rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt fell 38-14 at No. 2 Georgia, dropping to 3-2. Backup quarterback Blaze Berlowitz’s 60-yard touchdown pass made the Commodores the first team to score on the Bulldogs in a first quarter this season. (More)

➤ Memphis rolled past Charlotte 59-8 behind a career-high five touchdowns from Marcus Stokes, while Middle Tennessee was shut out 55-0 at Kansas. (See Scores)

➤ The Tennessee Titans will hit the road tomorrow to face the Baltimore Ravens in what will be former Titans running back Derrick Henry’s first game against the franchise with whom he spent eight seasons. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ FREE Full-Size Tube: This “CMO Key” cream is replacing standard joint creams that rely on temporary icy-hot distractions. Most formulas never get past your skin’s natural “Dermal Dam.” Rub On Relief uses CMO to help unlock deeper soothing support instead of another 20-minute menthol trick. Claim your free tube!

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California Surgeon: “Muscle Loss in Seniors is Real, But It Doesn’t Have to Be”

If you think collagen is only for supporting healthier skin, hair, and nails, think again.

Not only does it play a role in holding the teeth in your mouth, keeping your heart walls intact, and reinforcing your gut lining…

It’s also what allows you to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities without getting tired.

But unfortunately, eating more collagen isn’t the answer.

That’s why Dr. Steven Gundry has created what he calls the “collagen reset technique.”

And to his knowledge, it’s the only technique that’s designed to help your body build its own collagen.

See the technique here ==>

➤ The CARS Tour made its first stop at Newport Speedway, drawing thousands of fans and a field that included Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick. Built in 1977, the track was recently renovated and reopened, and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. (Watch Report)

➤ Southwest Airlines has added a nonstop flight from Nashville to Reno-Tahoe, putting the ski slopes and entertainment of Lake Tahoe within a single hop this winter. The airline will fly this route four times a week on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday. (More)

➤ A line dance class in Bolivar is celebrating five years of helping people get active and get to know their neighbors. Organizers say about 450 people have participated in the program over the years. It’s still free to join. (Watch Report)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ “Impossible” Bone Density Improvements Linked to Overlooked Protein. Recent DEXA scans have shown surprising bone density improvements in some women over 60 after adding a specific protein to their diets. Researchers are examining how this protein compound may provide nutritional support that calcium supplements alone cannot, potentially offering a new approach to maintaining stronger bones as you age. Learn More

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.

➤ Senior Trump officials gathered at Camp David as the seven-month Iran war fueled fresh fighting and a major U.S. military buildup. (Hear More)

➤ Amazon’s refund drama landed in shoppers’ inboxes with a proposed $309.5 million settlement and a deadline worth circling. (Listen Now)

➤ A ranking of America’s best fall foliage destinations revealed where travelers headed for autumn’s brightest reds, oranges, and golds. (Podcast Available)