Friday, July 4, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1793, Knoxville hosted its first Fourth of July celebration on record, just 17 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed and before Tennessee even became a state. We hope you’re having a restful Fourth of July as we celebrate our nation’s founding. Fireworks won’t be […]

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1982, DeFord Bailey, who some consider to be the first African-American country music star, died in his daughter’s Nashville home at the age of 82. “Sherbert,” a Gentoo Penguin chick, made his debut at the Tennessee Aquarium just in time to celebrate the 4th of July—though his […]

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1898, Tennessee soldiers participated in the battle of San Juan Hill, with Jonesborough native Alfred Ray planting the first American flag at that location during the Spanish-American War. Dolly Parton fans will be pleased to read that the Backwoods Barbie will receive an honorary Academy Award […]

The Tennessee Flyover A federal lawsuit filed Friday seeks to block Tennessee’s new human smuggling law, which criminalizes “harboring” illegal immigrants.                  ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌ […]

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1863, the Battle at Liberty Gap took place in Bedford and Rutherford Counties, ending in the retreat of the Confederate army and the Union army claiming Middle Tennessee. As a blistering heat wave grips the state this week, Nashville is opening public cooling centers to help […]

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1812, President James Madison officially signed the declaration that began the War of 1812—the conflict that famously gave Tennessee its nickname, the Volunteer State, after so many Tennesseans signed up to fight. Today’s edition highlights the continuation of a family athletic legacy, as JP Peace, grandson […]

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1861, delegates from every East Tennessee county except Rhea convened for four days in an attempt to keep their region in the Union after the state had seceded. Today’s edition includes a local love story for the ages. Tusculum University alum David Nyholm established a scholarship […]

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1792, Knox and Jefferson counties were officially founded when Territorial Governor William Blount dictated to his secretary their new geographic boundaries. In a real-life Home Alone moment, a brave Gallatin child foiled a would-be burglar, leading to authorities arresting the suspect within an hour. See details below. […]

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1977, James Earl Ray, convicted assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., escaped from the Brushy Mountain State Prison in Petros, alongside five other inmates. Today’s edition includes the wildest Facebook Marketplace purchase ever made: a 230-year-old log home, which is being disassembled and will be rebuilt in […]

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Good Morning! On this day in 1861, then-U.S. Senator Andrew Johnson delivered a speech in Scott County urging residents to vote against seceding from the Union. Four days later, the county voted against separation by the largest percentage margin in Tennessee. Spotted any zoo animals roaming your neighborhood lately? You’re not crazy—an […]