Friday, October 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1863, the War Department created a new Union command covering the West and put Ulysses S. Grant in charge, sending him to rescue the army trapped in Chattanooga. Within weeks, Grant opened a supply line and broke the siege with victories at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.

An East Tennessee planetarium is about to fill its dome with lasers set to Halloween hits and classic rock. Get the details in Et Cetera. What’s the one album you could listen to on repeat forever? Hit reply and tell us.

Peptides are getting a lot of attention these days, but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. A few of us here at The Flyover recently tried today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, and were impressed by how simple the process was and how interesting it is to learn more about your own genetics.

Suspicious Package Targets TN Elections

A suspicious package intended for Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service before it arrived, making Tennessee the latest state targeted ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.

State Elections Coordinator Mark Goins said the package was caught in transit and never opened in Tennessee.

Election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma were evacuated after workers opened packages containing white powder, though tests in Louisiana found no evidence of harmful substances.

The FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating the mailings, which have also targeted offices in Ohio, Maryland, Mississippi, and South Dakota.

Pearson Sues Memphis over Council Ban

Democrat State Rep. Justin J. Pearson filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Memphis, arguing the City Council violated the First Amendment by banning him and six others from two council meetings.

The suit claims the council’s public comment policies unconstitutionally restrict free speech.

Pearson drew national attention in 2023 when the state House expelled him over a gun-control protest on the chamber floor, before the Memphis City Council quickly reappointed him.

It’s not the first clash over public comment in Memphis, where residents have previously protested proposals to limit speaking time at council meetings.

Music Tourism Bill Becomes Law

President Trump signed the American Music Tourism Act, a bipartisan bill led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Colorado Democrat John Hickenlooper.

The law directs the Commerce Department’s travel office to promote music festivals, venues, and landmarks to domestic and international visitors, and writes a definition of music tourism into federal law.

Supporters say it could boost visitor spending at Tennessee spots like Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood, and Bristol’s Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Music tourism is projected to bring in more than $11.3 billion nationwide by 2032, and the department must report on its progress within a year.

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Thinking About Peptides? Your DNA Might Be a Good Place to Start.

From longevity and weight management to muscle growth and recovery, peptides are one of the hottest topics in health and wellness. But with so many options out there, figuring out what might make sense for your body can feel like a guessing game.

That’s why we were excited to try The Pep Report.

A few members of The Flyover team have tested it ourselves, and the process couldn’t have been easier. Just a simple at-home cheek swab, and you’re on your way to learning more about your unique genetics.

The Pep Report analyzes over 710,000 genetic markers, comparing them against published research to provide personalized insights into peptides and nutraceuticals.

It’s not a crystal ball, but having more information about your own biology is a pretty great place to start.

Flyover readers get 10% off automatically, no code needed. Discover what your DNA says here.

➤ Statewide: Two Tennessee horses, one in Knox County and one in Washington County, tested positive for West Nile virus, which has no cure but can be prevented with vaccination. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A car crashed into a pillar at a University of Tennessee sorority house Wednesday night. Police called the crash likely accidental; no one was hurt, and no charges were filed. (More)

➤ Nashville: Nashville International Airport was named the nation’s second-best large airport for the third straight year, a month after its board voted to rename it for Dolly Parton. (More)

➤ Clarksville: The Clarksville Montgomery County Community Health Foundation donated about 230 acres of hills, forests, lakes, and river frontage for a new county park. (More)

➤ Murfreesboro: Deputy Matthew Arrington was honored for saving a Siegel High School student in September who was choking on a sandwich. (More)

➤ Johnson City: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland won’t return to the Appalachian Fairgrounds this year, though its light shows will continue at other locations. (More)

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➤ George MacIntyre will start again when No. 14 Tennessee hosts Alabama Saturday, a week after leading the Vols to a 24-17 win at Arkansas in his first start. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators sent goaltender Matt Murray back to AHL Milwaukee and activated Justus Annunen from injured reserve, ending Murray’s call-up after his first NHL start in nearly three years. (More)

➤ The winless Titans visit the 2-3 Colts on Sunday, chasing Robert Saleh’s first win in Tennessee and the franchise’s 500th all-time victory. (See Preview)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NFL | NCAAF | NHL | NBA | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Peptides are the newest breakthrough in anti-aging, longevity, weight loss, and muscle growth. But not every peptide works the same way for every person. Your DNA never changes, so you only have to test it once. The Pep Report analyzes more than 710,000 genetic markers against published research to show which peptides your biology actually supports—before you spend a dollar guessing. Flyover readers get 10% off automatically, no code needed. See Which Peptides Match Your DNA

➤ Anderson County loggers say diesel near $6 a gallon now eats up more than 70% of their costs, with the state’s dyed-diesel exemption offering modest relief through October. (More)

➤ TVA is using a LiDAR-equipped airplane that surveys more than 3 acres a second, spotting transmission line problems in minutes instead of months. (More)

➤ HICO America’s Memphis plant, the only U.S. facility building 765-kilovolt transformers for data centers, marked 25 years with a visit from the Energy Department. (More)

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➤ Money Feeling Tight? These Tips Could Help! The Penny Hoarder shares practical ways to stretch your budget, reduce debt, lower everyday expenses, and earn extra cash. From comparing insurance rates to finding savings opportunities and side hustles, these simple strategies could make a difference. Discover ways to save today!

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One Simple Test. 710,000+ Genetic Markers.

What if you could learn more about your genetics before spending money on peptides and supplements?

That’s the idea behind The Pep Report, and after trying it ourselves, we’re impressed.

With one simple at-home cheek swab, The Pep Report analyzes over 710,000 genetic markers to provide personalized insights into peptides and nutraceuticals based on published research.

The best part? You only need to test your DNA once. It’s fascinating information to have as you explore your health and wellness options.

Flyover readers automatically save 10%, no code needed. Get your personalized Pep Report here.

➤ A TWRA survey in Fentress County found two federally endangered species, the Indiana bat and gray bat, among 316 bats representing nine of Tennessee’s 16 species. (More)

➤ A pup known as “Dogtor Walsh” has reported for duty on the University of Tennessee’s campus. (Meet Him)

➤ Bays Mountain Park’s planetarium brings back laser shows Oct. 22, including a new Halloween Fright Light show plus programs set to Rush’s 2112 and Metallica. (More)

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➤ The market’s next big opportunity could be hiding in plain sight. InvestorPlace’s experts are sharing their latest research to help investors identify promising trends, stocks, and strategies before they become mainstream. Discover what they’re watching now and get the insights you need to make more informed investment decisions.

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

➤ France has begun deploying military assets to protect Saudi oil facilities as Houthi attacks escalate around a vital Red Sea export route. (Full Story)

➤ Amazon has launched two always-listening AI devices that turn conversations into to-dos, reviving privacy questions around the tech giant. (See Product)

➤ One common instinct makes stubborn knots in necklaces, cords, and holiday lights even worse. (Hear Story)