Friday, May 23, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 2022, the Ocoee Whitewater Center in the Cherokee National Forest was closed after being destroyed in a fire. The historic center was built in 1996 to host events for the Atlanta Summer Olympics.

Craving an easy dinner without sacrificing the comfort of home? Dolly Parton has launched a new line of single-serve frozen dinners that she says will “make your taste buds sing!” See more details in the story below.

Did you know that the team that makes The Tennessee Flyover also produces a national publication called The Flyover? Click here to subscribe and stay up to date with the latest national headlines—without the bias of legacy media outlets.

We’re sponsored today by ServicePlus Home Warranty services, offering a special Memorial Day sale you won’t want to miss.

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.

TN Bans Glock Switch Devices

Gov. Bill Lee signed a bipartisan bill Wednesday banning Glock switches—aftermarket devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.

The law makes Tennessee the 27th state to outlaw the devices, which are already illegal under federal law but have increasingly appeared in violent crimes.

Gun safety advocates hailed the decision as a sensible measure to reduce gun violence in Tennessee, which ranks 11th in the nation for gun deaths and eighth for gun homicides.

Overdoses Rising in Rural Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Health is warning about a spike in drug overdoses across the state’s southeastern rural counties, particularly as the weather warms up.

Officials say May and June often bring increased mental health issues and drug use.

Naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is being distributed at pop-up events like one recently held in Dunlap.

While overdose deaths are down overall, the department says the opioid epidemic is far from over and urges anyone suspecting an overdose to administer Narcan immediately.

Dolly Dishes Up Frozen Southern Meals

Dolly Parton is heading to the freezer aisle with a new line of single-serve, Southern-style frozen meals, now available at select Walmart, Target, and Publix stores in Knoxville.

Priced around $4 each, the dishes include classics like chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits, and country fried steak.

The move adds to Parton’s growing business empire, which already includes a theme park and fashion line.

In true Dolly fashion, she promoted the meals by saying they’ll “make your taste buds sing.” See the full line of meals here.

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee added pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer to the Barry Brady Act, granting expanded state coverage to firefighters starting July 1 after a Hendersonville firefighter died of pancreatic cancer. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Tennessee Titans Foundation gifted Antioch High School new football helmets valued at about $9,013 and an additional $10,000 for school projects, aiding recovery from January’s deadly campus shooting. (More)

➤ Memphis: The city council is considering public restrooms and downtown beautification projects to revitalize Beale Street, aiming to boost tourism, support local culture, and address homelessness as part of broader economic growth plans. (More)

➤ Clarksville: County schools will implement a full-day cellphone blackout starting this fall, banning student use during school hours to reduce distractions and misuse, with stricter penalties for violations. (More)

➤ Putnam County: A 62-year-old inmate who escaped custody Wednesday turned herself back in hours later after getting a ride to a local church, where staff encouraged her to return. (See Photo)

➤ Chattanooga: Frazier Avenue businesses impacted by the Walnut Street Bridge renovations—which have cut off key foot traffic—may be eligible for $1,000 relief grants to help offset the economic impact, city officials said. (More)

➤ UT-Knoxville athletic director Danny White was named Athletic Director of the Year by Sports Business Journal. Under White’s leadership, the school brought in a record $234 million in operating revenue in 2024. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans and rookie quarterback Cam Ward agreed to a contract Wednesday, with the No. 1 overall draft pick signing a fully guaranteed four-year, $48.7 million deal that includes a $32.1 million signing bonus. (More)

➤ Tennessee softball opens super regional play tonight against Nebraska, with the winner of the series advancing to the Women’s College World Series to face Alabama or Oklahoma. (More)

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➤ Allegiant Airlines will launch two new nonstop routes from McGhee Tyson Airport—Memphis on September 4 and Key West on October 3—expanding East Tennessee’s travel options. (More)

➤ Five-time world champion pitmaster Myron Mixon, dubbed the “winningest man in barbecue,” is opening a new restaurant in Gatlinburg, promising a top-tier barbecue experience featuring award-winning smoked meats. (More)

➤ Cuts N’ Blessings Barbershop owner Anthony McLemore was honored for decades of service to the Franklin community, including free back-to-school haircuts and in-home visits for clients in need. (See Photos)

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➤ Dollywood and Splash Country are offering $5 tickets to Sevier County residents and workers in early June, along with a School’s Out! deal for kids who present a report card through June 8 at Splash Country. (See Details)

➤ In other theme park news, The Island in Pigeon Forge launched Jurassic Adventure, featuring 22 animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and a T. rex photo op, running through November 2. (See Photos)

➤ A Tennessee-themed bar in Tokyo, founded by UT grad Yoshitoshi Momoki, attracts hundreds of American visitors with Rocky Top spirit and Vols memorabilia—all in a cozy space that seats just four. (See Bar)

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