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 the only marvel lighting up the sky tonight: the Milky Way galaxy’s starry core is on display through August. See details on how to view it in the story below.

Today, Service Plus Home Warranty is sponsoring us and offering a special 4th of July sale to our readers.

Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Teen Pilot Detained Over Antarctic Landing

A journey that began in Memphis has landed 19-year-old American pilot Ethan Guo in hot water with Chilean authorities, who detained him for landing in Antarctica without permission during his attempt to fly solo to all seven continents.

Guo reportedly filed a false flight plan, saying he would fly over Punta Arenas but instead landed at the Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base.

The globe-spanning trip is a fundraiser for cancer research, inspired by his cousin’s advanced diagnosis. Along the way, Guo has built an online following of over one million. Follow him on Instagram.

Firefly Boom Lights Up Tennessee

Tennessee’s mild, rainy spring led to a bumper crop of fireflies this summer, delighting locals across the state.

Experts say while firefly numbers have generally dropped over the past century, ideal weather conditions have sparked a resurgence this year.

Residents are spotting more of the glowing insects than in recent memory, with spots like Nashville’s Shelby Bottoms offering prime viewing.

Check out these incredible photos of the Smokies’ famous synchronous fireflies.

Flying together with our sponsor

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Act now before this limited-time Independence Day offer ends!

➤ Statewide: Newly-released ICE data indicates that 80% of Tennessee detainees this year had prior criminal convictions or pending charges. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: AAA is bringing back its Tow to Go program from Friday to Monday. The service offers free, confidential rides and tows for impaired drivers to help prevent drunk driving crashes. (See Details)

➤ Nashville: Gov. Bill Lee appointed Will Reid, the Department of Transportation’s current chief engineer and deputy commissioner, as the new transportation commissioner effective July 10. (More)

➤ Sumner County: A pilot died Wednesday after a small plane crashed in a field. The tragic flight, which departed from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and was headed to Cleveland, is now under federal investigation. (More)

➤ Knoxville: John Wilkerson, the longtime Voice of Tennessee baseball, will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame’s 2025 class. (More)

➤ Hohenwald: The legislature passed a resolution honoring The Elephant Sanctuary for its 30th anniversary and recognizing it as the largest natural elephant refuge in North America. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Be ready for any power outage with the Grid Doctor 3300 Solar Generator System. This powerful, gas-free generator keeps your essentials running—lights, fridge, medical devices, and more. It’s portable, quiet, and solar-powered for reliable backup anytime. Stay safe and self-reliant no matter what comes your way!

➤ LaFollette-based Pyro Shows, which has run Nashville’s Fourth of July fireworks for over 25 years, now handles about 80% of pyrotechnic events statewide. (More)

➤ Stargazers can catch the Milky Way galaxy’s bright core this Fourth of July, with prime viewing available far from city lights. (See Milky Way)

➤ The Midnight Parade rang in Independence Day at 12:01 a.m. in Gatlinburg, featuring country singer Logan Crosby as Grand Marshal. (See Parade)

➤ Chattanooga ranked No. 2 nationwide for Fourth of July boating destinations. The city was praised for its fireworks over the Tennessee River, pontoon rides, and sunset cruises. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

Celebrate the 4th of July with big savings from ServicePlus Home Warranty!

Get 50% OFF plus 2 FREE months of coverage during this limited-time holiday sale. Protect your home’s appliances and systems from costly repairs and enjoy peace of mind all year long. Act now and take advantage of this Independence Day deal before it’s gone!