Monday, September 7, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1863, Union forces began the siege of the strategic Cumberland Gap mountain pass in East Tennessee. The three-day standoff ended with a Confederate surrender and a bloodless Union victory.

Today’s issue of The Tennessee Flyover is a shortened holiday edition to allow the staff to enjoy the Labor Day weekend with friends and family. Our regular edition will return on Wednesday. We hope your holiday is happy and safe!

Today’s sponsor is Curated Gift Guides, rounding up 37 of the most useful and ingenious gadgets of 2026 designed to solve everyday problems and make great gifts.

Grundy County Inmates Riot, Flooding Unit

Several inmates rioted inside the Grundy County Jail’s maximum-security unit in Altamont on Aug. 30, causing extensive damage and significant flooding, the sheriff’s office says.

Seventeen inmates were housed in the pod, with three jail employees present, when the disturbance broke out. Multiple agencies were called in for mutual aid.

A response team found inmates had placed sharp, broken mop handles near the entrance as a dangerous obstacle. Officers regained control without anyone being injured.

The riot damaged phones, cameras, windows, skylights, and the sprinkler system, whose rupture flooded the unit, with repairs estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 and expected to take eight weeks. Those involved face charges including aggravated rioting.

Triple-Digit Heat Grips Tennessee

Nashville hit 101 degrees Saturday, its third straight day of triple-digit highs, as a stubborn late-summer heat wave refuses to loosen its grip on the state.

Doctors have warned that the early-September heat is just as dangerous as the peak of summer, with hundreds seeking emergency care in Shelby County.

Over the weekend, volunteers took to the streets of downtown Memphis, handing out cold water, snow cones, and food to hundreds of people spending long hours outdoors.

Forecasters and officials urge Tennesseans to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, avoid strenuous midday activity, and check on elderly neighbors as the dangerous heat lingers.

Flying together with our sponsor

The 37 Best Gadgets of 2026 You Won’t Find in Stores

The best gadgets aren’t just cool… they solve real everyday problems. From clutter-busting tools to clever tech upgrades, these picks are making waves for their usefulness and ingenuity. We’ve rounded up the most talked-about items that people can’t stop adding to their carts.

Each one combines practical function with a touch of genius, making them perfect for your home, office, or even as gifts. But be warned… demand is skyrocketing, and these top gadgets are already selling out faster than expected.

Learn More

➤ East Tennessee: TWRA set new 2026-27 hunting rules for the popular North Cumberland and Cove Creek areas. Deer taken there now count toward hunters’ statewide Unit 4 limits. (More)

➤ Mt. Juliet: Local police are placing semicolon decals on patrol cars for National Suicide Prevention Month, a symbol of hope dedicated to two officers the department lost. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Yoshi Momoki, who runs an all-Vols bar in Tokyo, was named an honorary Tennessean during a Knoxville visit. He received a proclamation from Gov. Lee and a signed Dolly Parton photo. (See Photos)

➤ Nashville: Lainey Wilson will host the CMA Awards for a third straight year when country music’s biggest night marks its 60th anniversary live from Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 18. Nominees will be announced Thursday. (See Details)

➤ Bristol: The eighth annual PepperFest brought the heat on Saturday, with live music, vendors, and fiery contests, from a hot-wing showdown to an extreme pepper-eating challenge. (More)

➤ Memphis: The zoo welcomed two rare Sumatran tiger cubs and is letting the public vote on names through next Tuesday, including “Boneka,” meaning “Doll,” in honor of Dolly Parton. (More)

Enjoy reading The Tennessee Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

Flying together with our sponsor

Genius Gadgets: The 37 That Actually Earn Their Keep

Smart shoppers know the secret: the best gadgets earn their keep. These 37 picks prove it. They aren’t gimmicks or dust collectors, they’re practical innovations that deliver real value every single day.

Whether you’re organizing your space, upgrading your routine, or getting a head start on gifts, this list highlights what’s genuinely worth buying right now. The catch? These popular items are selling faster than anticipated, so availability won’t last.

Click Here

Where are you spending Labor Day?

Previous Results:

Are you planning to attend a festival this fall?

No: 42%
Not sure yet: 33%
Yes: 25%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ A famous TV crime-show host in Egypt has been sentenced to death by hanging. Prosecutors say her off-camera business was a criminal enterprise. (Hear Charges)

➤ Federal agents demanded a list of everyone near Minneapolis who bought one specific green beanie in the last two years. (Hear Why)

➤ Why do you still remember the most popular kid from high school? Psychologists say those teenage rankings quietly shape our lives for decades. (Hear More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The No. 1 “Heart Strong” Nutrient You May Be Missing. A Duke University doctor says low levels of one overlooked nutrient could affect your heart health—even with normal cholesterol and blood pressure. And it’s not Omega-3s. Dr. Rick Cohen reveals a nutrient, backed by hundreds of studies, plus a simple pre-shower technique to support a stronger heart. Watch Here