Friday, May 16, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1868, President Andrew Johnson, formerly Governor of Tennessee, was acquitted during his impeachment trial after the Senate majority voting to convict him fell short by one vote.

Today’s edition includes the first-ever answer to the question on every Vols fan’s mind: Who is the student behind the Smokey costume? See the story below to watch Smokey’s true identity be unmasked.

Today’s sponsor is Oradentum, offering health advice to promote dental health.

Have you listened to our national The Flyover Podcast yet? New episodes drop daily. It’s your daily companion for the top national headlines shaping the country. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Memphis Schools Sue Over Data Breach

Memphis-Shelby County Schools filed a federal lawsuit against PowerSchool, alleging negligence and breach of contract tied to a December 2024 data breach that exposed sensitive student and staff information.

The district, Tennessee’s largest with 110,000 students, has spent $21 million over 12 years on PowerSchool’s services and now seeks compensation for breach-related damages.

The lawsuit claims PowerSchool failed to use multifactor authentication and gave “false hope” with its early responses, underplaying the breach’s severity.

Exposed data includes Social Security numbers, medical records, academic information, and even school bus stop locations, prompting fears the info is being sold on the dark web.

Development Shrinks Farmland

Tennessee has lost more than 200 acres of farmland daily since 2017, driven by rapid development and population growth, according to a University of Tennessee study.

In response, the state is investing $2 million in a new planning agency through UT’s Institute of Public Service to help manage land use.

While East Tennessee has seen notable shifts, the brunt of the loss is hitting Middle Tennessee, researchers say.

The concern isn’t just about open space—leaders like Knox County Commissioner Adam Thompson warn it could impact food prices, community stability, and the future of rural living.

Smokey’s True Identity Revealed

For the first time, the University of Tennessee has revealed the student behind its beloved mascot Smokey: Connor Solsbee, a biomedical engineering senior from Etowah.

Solsbee has served as the costumed bluetick coonhound for the past three and a half years, rallying crowds from Neyland Stadium to Omaha. See the video of his dramatic reveal here.

Solsbee is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma at 16 and says that battle shaped his drive to serve others and pursue a career in health care. After graduating, he’ll join Epic, a health tech firm based in Wisconsin.

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People With Bad Teeth Make This CRUCIAL Brushing Mistake

A startling new discovery is shaking up everything we thought we knew about dental care…

According to scientists at Kyoto University, every time you brush your teeth…

You may be pushing a toxic bacterial glaze called Dental Rust even deeper into your enamel cracks and gum line…

Which, no matter what toothpaste you use, it corrodes your teeth from the inside, weakens your gums, and can even lead to life-threatening infections in the bloodstream!

So instead of helping your smile, you unknowingly destroy your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, all this can be easily avoided, thanks to a brand new “30-second Himalayan dental ritual” that literally melts Dental Rust in seconds and fixes teeth problems once and for all!

Watch the video here and protect your smile today!

➤ Statewide: A pending partnership between the Department of Corrections and ICE would allow the department to screen inmates for immigration status and begin deportation proceedings if approved. (More)

➤ Also statewide: Only one-third of eligible Tennesseans have applied for Hurricane Helene tax relief as state officials urge homeowners and business owners to submit applications by the June 30 deadline. (See Details)

➤ Chattanooga: A boat caught fire Wednesday near Chickamauga Marina, prompting a swift response from officials, with no injuries reported after the sole occupant jumped into the river and was rescued. (See Photo)

➤ Soddy-Daisy: A state resolution honored Ivy Academy students for designing solar-powered backpacks, a project attempting to provide portable, renewable energy for charging devices. (More)

➤ Nashville: Cedrick Wilson, a beloved Nashville Rescue Mission employee, was honored for his courage after surviving a Tuesday shooting while on duty, with staff and community members praising his resilience as he recovers. (See Video)

➤ Clarksville: The county approved a $350,000 health grant to build a new one-mile stretch of the Lock B Greenway, part of a long-term plan to connect local trails and promote healthier living. (See Photos)

➤ The Tennessee Titans will open the NFL season on September 7 in Denver against the Broncos, with their home opener set for September 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. (Full Schedule)

➤ Tennessee softball’s Karlyn Pickens was named a finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. (More)

➤ No. 18-ranked Vanderbilt golf finished in second place in the Amherst Regional on Wednesday, while Tennessee finished in third. Both teams will compete in the NCAA Golf Championship in Carlsbad, California, later this month. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | Soccer | PGA

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➤ Using Ibuprofen? This “Antarctic Discovery” is rewriting pain science. While you rely on medications that merely mask pain, this Antarctic “super nutrient” activates a cellular pathway that extinguishes inflammation at its source. The solution to your inflammation might have been swimming in the ocean all along. (Learn More)

➤ Hyosung HICO, a South Korea-based power transformer manufacturer, announced a $51 million expansion of its Memphis facility, adding 123 jobs to support its U.S. growth strategy. (More)

➤ A new state law protects small businesses from questionable Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforcement after an establishment was wrongly cited and faced $37,000 in legal fees. (More)

➤ CoreCivic, which operates four private prisons in Tennessee, reported $488 million in revenue, surpassing its $477 million forecast, and expects record growth from new ICE contracts amid rising deportations. (More)

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➤ Car insurance costs to hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to hit $2,101 in 2025, overpaying isn’t an option. Switching providers could save you $1,300 yearly–don’t leave it on the table. View Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save. SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

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New Research: Common Brushing Habit Could Be Damaging Your Teeth

A recent study from Kyoto University has revealed a surprising threat to your oral health: a toxic biofilm known as “Dental Rust.”

This bacteria hides deep in the gum line and enamel cracks, and routine brushing may actually push it in further, accelerating tooth decay and gum damage.

Left untreated, it may lead to serious infections.

The good news? A simple, science-backed 30-second Himalayan method is showing powerful results in neutralizing this threat.

Click here to watch the short video and learn how to protect your oral health.

➤ Tennessee’s oldest resident and the nation’s second oldest, Mary Harris, celebrated her 114th birthday Tuesday, crediting her longevity to a life filled with art, family, and a stress-free outlook. (See Photo)

➤ ICC Con, Nashville’s annual science fiction convention, returns this weekend, offering fans a chance to meet special guests, shop for collectibles, and enjoy family-friendly activities. (See Details)

➤ Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee opened a Milk Drop Depot at Tennova’s NICU, allowing local, pre-screened donors to contribute breast milk for medically fragile infants. (More)

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