Friday, March 14, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1933, a tornado struck Nashville, It was from 200 to 400 yards wide and caused $125,000 worth of property damage, and continued for 45 miles before it finally dispersed.

Montgomery County assisted the City of Erin’s Fire Department in rescuing 20 people Wednesday night, providing a 100-foot tower truck when Erin’s 75-foot aerial truck couldn’t reach riders stranded mid-air on a carnival ride. See the details below.

We’re sponsored today by the nonprofit World Concern, offering an opportunity to help children in need in Somalia.

Medical Ethics Bill Sparks Debate

A debate has erupted over a bill that would allow medical professionals to refuse medical care based on the doctor’s personal beliefs, with supporters citing religious freedoms and opponents warning it could harm patients.

Known as the Medical Ethics Defense Act, Senate Bill 955 passed the Tennessee Senate last week 27-3. The bill would protect healthcare providers from legal repercussions for refusing care, except for procedures, treatments, or services governed by federal law.

Rep. Sam McKenzie has maintained that the bill violates the Hippocratic Oath, while bill sponsor Rep. Bryan Terry has claimed it protects medical ethics, a principle upheld in states like Mississippi and Illinois.

The bill is now before the House for consideration.

TSU to Lose $14.4 Million Grant

Tennessee State University officials informed board members this week that the school faces a $14.4 million reduction in grant funding due to spending cuts under the Trump administration.

In February, $45 million in grants to TSU were suspended, but by March 3, about half were restored. The $14.4 million is the remainder of an $18 million grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Acting CFO Jim Grady told the board that the expected cuts would affect student scholarships and could lead to a reduction in university staff.

Gas Station Robbed with Snakes

At least four people robbed a local Denmark gas station, threatening employees with two pythons and stealing about $400 worth of CBD oil. See surveillance photos here.

The employees, brothers working at the store at the time, reported that the robbers waved the snakes around and placed them on the counter, with one brother stating, “The snake is a weapon, you know.”

The Denmark incident mirrored a Memphis robbery last year, where a man with a five-foot snake wrapped around his neck demanded cash from a Shell station clerk.

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia is facing a devastating combination of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks. East Africa has just endured its worst drought in 40 years, leaving tens of millions without access to clean water, wiping out millions of livestock, and destroying crops. With domestic food production crippled, Somalia has relied heavily on imports—90% of its wheat coming from Russia and Ukraine—until those shipments stopped.

Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and cholera is spreading in some regions. The food crisis, compounded by global humanitarian aid being redirected to Europe and the Middle East, has created a perfect storm, leading to a sharp rise in child malnutrition.

Be Doers

We’re asking The Flyover community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs (a peanut paste fortified with nutrients), water, and hygiene products to those with the most need.

Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $750; just give through this link.

➤ Chattanooga: Fire crews battled multiple wildfires Thursday morning, with officials uncertain how the fires in Redbank, Mullins Cove, and Jackson County started. (See Video)

➤ Nashville: A California woman was arrested at Nashville International Airport Wednesday after her drunken behavior caused the plane to return to the gate, where she was taken into custody. (More)

➤ Memphis: Severe weather is expected in Memphis overnight, with officials warning residents of potential damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. (More)

➤ Johnson City: Three Johnson City School superintendent candidates have completed public interviews: Dr. Josh Carter, Dr. Corey Gardenhour, and Dr. Erin Slater. A decision is imminent. (More)

➤ Oneida: Third-grade teacher Stephanie Boshears won the Milken Educator Award, a national award that is one of the highest honors in education. (More)

➤ Pigeon Ford: The Red Cross and Pigeon Forge Fire Department have partnered on a new bilingual program to help rescue crews assist Spanish-speaking families during emergencies. (More)

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➤ Tennessee men’s basketball will face Texas today at 2:30 in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament. This year’s SEC is considered one of the deepest conferences in college basketball history. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies extended their win streak to four games with a 122-115 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Grizzlies standout guard Ja Morant also extended a streak of his own, scoring 20+ points for his ninth consecutive game. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans have brought in former Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler on a one-year $9-million contract. Zeitler comes off of a season where he was a key piece in the Detroit Lions offensive line, which was ranked as one of the NFL’s best. (More)

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➤ Economic growth in Tennessee is projected to slow this year despite the addition of 73,000 new businesses in 2024, representing nearly a 60% increase compared to 2019. (More)

➤ Volkswagen will cut production at its Chattanooga plant from three shifts to two this month, offering employees a voluntary attrition program with severance, retirement options, and education benefits. (More)

➤ Construction on new luxury residences and a hotel in Nashville’s Paseo South Gulch district is set to begin immediately, with 180 guestrooms, suites, and one- to four-bedroom homes available by 2027. (More)

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➤ Car insurance costs will hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to reach a record $2,101 annually in 2025, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. In fact, switching car insurance providers could save drivers over $1,300 a year, according to a 2024 survey.

See if you could save with Money’s best car insurance list.

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia faces a crisis caused by natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and disease. The worst drought in 40 years devastated crops and livestock, while food imports from Russia and Ukraine were halted. Two in five Somali children now suffer from acute malnutrition. Join us in partnering with World Concern to provide emergency nutrition packs and clean water to children. $12 feeds a child for a month.

➤ Emergency crews used a 100-foot tower truck and rescued 20 people stranded 65 feet mid-air after a carnival ride malfunctioned in downtown Erin on Wednesday night. (See Photos)

➤ A new bill awaiting Gov. Bill Lee’s approval would require Tennessee tattoo artists to complete at least one hour of human trafficking training, as tattoos are sometimes used to brand victims. (More)

➤ Beloved former Memphis Grizzlies star Tony Allen will headline Saturday’s Silky Sullivan St. Patrick’s Parade in Memphis, with live bagpipe music and other festivities scheduled throughout the city. (See Events)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience birdwatching like never before with Happy Birdy’s AI-powered smart feeder. Capture stunning 2.5K HD videos, receive instant notifications, and identify over 10,000 bird species directly from your phone. Features include infrared night vision, solar-powered battery, and a 1.5L food capacity. Durable, weatherproof, and squirrel-proof design ensures year-round enjoyment. (Shop Now)