Friday, June 20, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1924, legendary musician Chet Atkins, known as “the Country Gentleman” and famous for hits like Yakety Axe and Mister Sandman, was born in Luttrell.

This fall, consider visiting Brownsville to see the debut of a 7-foot bronze statue of Tina Turner, located near her former high school, to inspire future generations of stars. See more in the story below.

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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.

Flooding Shuts Down I-40 Near State Line

A sudden rockslide and flooding shut down I-40 near the Tennessee–North Carolina state line Wednesday, but Cocke County officials say no one was hurt.

Emergency crews, including water rescue teams, fire departments, and even SWAT rescued a family of six and responded to stranded motorists.

TDOT says it could take at least two weeks to repair the area, which had recently reopened after damage from Hurricane Helene, though officials say this incident is less severe. See photos of the damage here.

TN May Ease Removal of Disruptive Students

Tennessee’s Board of Education is weighing a rule change allowing schools to temporarily move students with disabilities from classrooms before completing a behavioral assessment.

The shift aims to address dangerous disruptions more swiftly but has raised concerns among disability advocates, who stress such moves should remain rare and involve families.

The current rule requires a formal assessment before placing students in more restrictive settings, but officials say clarification is needed due to growing behavioral challenges in schools.

The change would also address the ongoing issue of teachers informally removing students with disabilities from the classroom after disturbances.

Bible-Themed VR Ride Opens in Pigeon Forge

A new virtual reality attraction called Truth Traveler opened this week in Pigeon Forge, created by the team behind Kentucky’s Ark Encounter.

The immersive ride features biblical scenes and a planetarium experience, aiming to draw faith-based visitors and VR thrill-seekers alike.

Local officials say it’s a unique addition to the area’s tourism-heavy economy, which welcomes over 8 million visitors annually.

Organizers hope the high-tech experience will appeal even to nonreligious guests, thanks to its interactive and motion-based ride format.

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➤ Statewide: Thirty-three new state troopers graduated Wednesday after 17 weeks of training, bringing a combined 86 years of prior military service to the force. (See Graduation)

➤ Shelby County: Mayor Lee Harris ended most solitary confinement at the county penal farm, making it the South’s first government to adopt U.N. Mandela Rules, capping isolation at 15 days. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The Pat Summitt Foundation pledged $1.25 million to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, expanding support for over 5,600 Alzheimer’s patients and continuing the late coach’s legacy as a dementia advocate. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: Residents raised concerns Thursday that Plan Hamilton won’t address overcrowded schools or strained infrastructure despite the mayor’s claim that schools are currently under capacity. (More)

➤ Maryville: The local housing development corporation was awarded $563,826 to build 11 affordable housing units for elderly and disabled residents, supported through the state’s housing trust fund. (More)

➤ Carter County: Flaming Aces, the first legally licensed distillery in the area in over 120 years, opens in July, offering handcrafted spirits alongside a Prohibition-style tasting room and the use of custom copper stills for smoother, cleaner spirits. (See Photos)

➤ Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey was charged with reckless driving on Wednesday after driving over 100 mph in a 55-mph speed limit zone. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators reacquired Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils, shipping out Jeremy Hansel and a fourth-round pick in return. Haula played for the Preds during the 2020-21 season. (More)

➤ A FIFA Club World Cup matchup between LA FC and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie is happening today at GEODIS Park in Nashville. Ticket prices start at just $20. (Get Tickets)

➤ ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith sparked controversy this week when he suggested that NBA players avoid playing for the Memphis Grizzlies because of the city’s crime. (More)

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➤ Gap Inc. is investing $58 million in automation at its Gallatin distribution center—its largest globally—creating 100 new jobs in its push to revitalize the company’s brands. (More)

➤ The historic Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville is undergoing a $19 million expansion to connect the theater to the adjacent 612 Building, adding bathrooms, bars, rehearsal space, and educational facilities. (See Construction)

➤ Tennessee’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.5% in May—below the national 4.2%—with year-over-year job growth led by hospitality, government, and health services. (More)

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➤ A 7-foot bronze statue of Tina Turner, partially funded by Ford Motor Company, will debut in Brownsville near her former high school during Tina Turner Heritage Days in September. (More)

➤ Carbliss, a fast-growing Wisconsin-based, veteran- and woman-owned cocktail brand, has expanded into Tennessee with its zero-carb, zero-sugar, 100-calorie canned cocktails. (More)

➤ AARP awarded Community Challenge grants to six Tennessee communities for projects improving accessibility, walkability, and housing, including ADA park upgrades and home safety retrofits for older adults. (More)

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