Friday, June 6, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, the First Battle of Memphis was fought over the course of two hours, ending with the Union army claiming control of the city and opening up the Mississippi River for transportation.

Looking for some weekend entertainment? The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna this Saturday and Sunday, showcasing their signature aerial stunts alongside other acts. See more details below.

If you’re feeling drained, talking to someone could really help. Today’s sponsor, BetterHelp, offers online therapy that makes it easy to get support.

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.

Report: Rural Doctors Disappearing

Rural Tennessee lost 362 independent doctors and 344 medical practices from 2019 to 2024, largely due to hospital system consolidations, according to a new report.

Many physicians either left rural practice or became employees of corporate health systems like Ballad Health, which now dominates northeast Tennessee’s hospital market.

The report warns that a lack of independent healthcare practitioners can reduce access, raise costs, and erode care quality in rural regions. See the full report here.

Helene Relief Money Still Unclaimed

Only a quarter of the $5.68 million in Helene disaster relief funds earmarked for Tennessee homeowners has been claimed despite more than 3,000 postcards being sent out.

The cards, sent by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, offer 100% reimbursement for 2024 property taxes plus a 30% bonus, but many recipients feared they were scams. In Carter County, just 29% of eligible residents have applied.

Officials are urging folks to take advantage before the June 30 deadline, with applications available online or at local assessor offices. Find the application here.

Blue Angels Headline Smyrna Air Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the Great Tennessee Air Show at Smyrna Airport this weekend, bringing high-speed aerial stunts and precision flying to Middle Tennessee.

Gates open at 8 a.m. each day, with a packed lineup of aviators performing through the afternoon. Despite a weather alert for Saturday, organizers say the show will go on rain or shine.

The event is cashless and offers free and ADA-accessible parking. You can purchase tickets online here.

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Take the First Step Back to Balance

➤ Statewide: The Tennessee Valley recorded its third-wettest May on record last month, with 8.1 inches of rainfall—188% above average—helping eliminate lingering drought conditions across the region. (More)

➤ Carter County: Residents are questioning the school district’s priorities after accepting $1.5 million in bids for turf fields at Happy Valley and Cloudland High Schools, while Hampton High remains closed from Helene’s damage. (More)

➤ Memphis: One hundred twenty West Tennessee inmates earned associate degrees, trade certificates, and high school diplomas through a rehabilitation and job training program aimed at reducing recidivism and boosting employment. (More)

➤ Nashville: Sen. Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill that would criminalize maliciously publishing federal agents’ personal information following backlash over Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell posting ICE interaction records online. (More)

➤ Johnson City: A new ranking lists Johnson City as the No. 1 city Americans want to move to in 2025, citing its affordability, university-town charm, and outdoor appeal in the Appalachian foothills. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The National Weather Service confirmed that East Tennessee has already recorded 27 tornado warnings in 2025—nearly 50% more than in all of 2024—marking a sharp uptick in severe weather alerts just halfway through the year. (More)

➤ Tennessee pitcher Liam Doyle is now one of three finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, which honors the best player in college baseball. Doyle struck out 158 batters this season, a program record. (More)

➤ Tennessee State scored a big commitment from former Boston College quarterback Jack Brandon on Wednesday, continuing head coach Reggie Barlowe’s roster revamp. (More)

➤ Two youth shooting sports events are scheduled in Giles County over the next few weeks–one focusing on firearm safety, and the other is a target shooting competition for middle to high schoolers. (More)

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➤ Knox County topped $1 billion in residential construction for the second year in a row, with over half of the area’s $1.7 billion in total development tied to housing as builders race to meet surging demand. (More)

➤ A $13.2 million Huntsville event center is under construction, converting a 20,000-square-foot warehouse into a riverfront venue with space for concerts, weddings, dining, and boat access. (More)

➤ Spirit Airlines has begun nonstop service from Chattanooga Airport to Newark, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, marking the airport’s first new carrier since 2016 and boosting travel options with up to four weekly flights. (More)

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➤ Four Tennessee Tech students won $10,000 to develop Your Tour, an AI-powered app that highlights hidden gems like local eateries and scenic spots, with plans to personalize routes and boost rural tourism. (More)

➤ Franklin’s new 14-acre Bicentennial Park, on the former Georgia Boot Factory site, will celebrate its grand opening on June 18 with a pavilion, historic plaza, picnic areas, and a performance stage. (See Photos)

➤ A DeSoto County woman spotted a black bear lounging in her backyard Tuesday, calmly feasting on pears all day—the third consecutive day the animal had been sighted in the area. (See Pear Bear)

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