Friday, May 1, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1945, singer-songwriter Rita Coolidge was born in Lafayette. Coolidge is said to have been robbed of songwriting credits on multiple hits throughout her career, including for The Carpenters and Derek and the Dominos.

TripAdvisor has named a notable Tennessee tourist attraction as the second top attraction in its Best of the Best Things to Do list. Find out which Volunteer State spot was recognized in the story below.

Big news! We’re excited to announce that beginning tomorrow, The Tennessee Flyover will be expanding to a seven-day-a-week schedule, adding Saturday and Sunday editions every weekend going forward. Let us know what you think about the new weekend editions by replying to this email.

One year ago, we hit “record” on something new, and it’s grown into something incredible. Today, The Flyover Podcast reaches more than 1.4 million listeners each month, delivering clear, direct, and unbiased coverage of the stories that matter most. What started as a simple idea is now part of daily routines across the country, and we couldn’t have done it without you. As we head into year two, we’re excited to bring you new content, new formats, and new ways to stay informed. We’re just getting started. Tune in to today’s Podcast Extra stories, featuring a new form of “genetic cholesterol” that could become the next big breakthrough in preventing heart attacks. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor is TerraCycle US, a company tackling one of the biggest gaps in modern waste: what to do with the items most recycling systems ignore. From everyday packaging to hard-to-recycle products, they’re building solutions where others haven’t, and turning that challenge into a fast-growing, profitable business.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Tennessee GOP Considers 9-0 Map

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is urging Tennessee lawmakers to redraw congressional districts to eliminate the state’s lone Democrat seat, citing a new Supreme Court ruling easing limits on using race in mapmaking.

The proposal targets Memphis-based District 9, long maintained as a black-majority district under prior Voting Rights Act interpretations.

Tennessee’s current map favors Republicans 8-1. Any rapid redraw before this year’s elections would likely face legal challenges and logistical hurdles.

Democrats say the move could dilute minority representation, while Blackburn says she’ll push for changes if elected governor.

THP To Begin Using Breathalyzers

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says it will begin equipping troopers with portable breathalyzers to better assess drivers during roadside stops after more than 2,500 sober DUI arrests since 2017.

The move will allow officers to quickly determine whether alcohol is involved, as current reliance on lab blood tests can take weeks and leaves officers making judgment calls in real time.

Officials say the devices won’t prove impairment in court but can help rule alcohol in or out, especially in cases involving medical issues like diabetes.

Critics note troopers will still have to rely heavily on discretion when drugs or health emergencies are suspected.

Sun Studio Ranks No. 2 Top U.S. Attraction

TripAdvisor has named Memphis’ Sun Studio the No. 2 attraction in the U.S., trailing only the Empire State Building in this year’s rankings.

The historic recording site, where music icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis cut early hits, earned the honor based on consistently strong visitor reviews over the past year.

Fewer than 1% of TripAdvisor’s 8 million listings make the Best of the Best cut. See the full list here.

Graceland, another celebrated Memphis destination, also landed on the list, coming in at No. 24.

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➤ Knox County: Local Republicans are calling for criminal charges against a Democrat commissioner who voted in a Republican primary, though Tennessee’s open primary system makes enforcement difficult. (More)

➤ Beersheba Springs: A group of college students carried an injured hiker to safety at Savage Gulf State Park, reaching the trailhead before nightfall after a coordinated rescue effort. (More)

➤ Nashville: Officials unveiled a new aviation facility at John C. Tune Airport, housing helicopters in a larger space to improve emergency response and reduce noise complaints. (More)

➤ Sevier County: Three bald eagles remain missing near Dollywood after storm damage to an aviary allowed them to escape, as the American Eagle Foundation continues its search. (More)

➤ Cheatham County: An air ambulance helicopter with visible rotor damage was found in the parking lot of a Cheatham County elementary school Thursday morning before crews removed it. (See Helicopter)

➤ Chattanooga: The Signal music venue will open a third event space called The Commons this summer, expanding into a former convention center to host flexible, multi-room events. (More)

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➤ Former Tennessee basketball player Grant Williams proposed to former Vols softball star Kiki Milloy this week. Both were decorated athletes during their time in Knoxville. (More)

➤ Texas A&M transfer Josh Holloway committed to play basketball for his hometown Memphis Tigers this week. He’s the fifth Memphis-area player on next season’s roster. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt women’s basketball signed Vee Atamah out of the transfer portal, the reigning Southland Conference Player of the Year. She averaged 19 points and nearly 7 rebounds with Northwestern State last season. (More)

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➤ University of Tennessee officials say construction will begin this summer on a $280 million entertainment district near Neyland Stadium, including shops and a hotel. (More)

➤ Tanger Outlets in Sevierville will host a grand reopening May 8-9 after a yearlong renovation, unveiling updated designs, new amenities, and a weekend of events. (More)

➤ Over 100 displaced vendors from the shuttered Painted Tree boutiques will host a free “Rooted in Community” market at the Factory at Franklin on May 4-5 to reconnect with customers. (More)

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➤ Nashville Zoo welcomed two rescued Mexican spider monkeys, Mistletoe and Julia, after authorities saved them from the illegal pet trade, where trafficked infants often face malnutrition, injury, and isolation. (See Mistletoe and Julia)

➤ University of Tennessee students will gain hands-on experience in national parks through a new partnership with the National Park Service, offering internships, research roles, and volunteer opportunities across three East Tennessee sites. (More)

➤ Former Survivor contestants gathered in Kingsport for a Season 50 watch party, raising money for a local nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. (More)

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