Thursday, April 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1952, which was celebrated as Patriots’ Day in New England, Bill Belichick was born in Nashville. The day marked a fitting start for a Tennessean who would build a dynasty as NFL head coach of the New England Patriots.

Today’s edition features some heartwarming good deeds across Tennessee, from inmates stepping in to rescue a trapped maintenance worker to a brave student making a lifesaving donation to a stranger. See all the details in the stories below.

Later today, watch for a message from our partner, EnergyX, on how new technology is transforming lithium extraction and why investors are paying close attention right now.

Today’s partner is Bluebirds Landing Marina and RV Park, a peaceful lakeside escape that’s perfect for a quick weekend reset or a longer stay. If you’re looking to unplug, spend time on the water or at your own private cabin, and enjoy a slower pace with family or friends, this is one spot worth checking out.

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.

Inmates Help Save Worker From Pond

Monroe County officials credited two inmates and a bystander with freeing a maintenance worker who was trapped underwater by an overturned mower.

The inmates helped get the worker to shore at Kefauver Park, where bystanders performed CPR after finding him without a pulse.

The worker regained consciousness before EMS arrived and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said, crediting the quick response for saving his life.

Officials praised the group’s actions, noting the inmates stayed on scene and returned to work after the rescue.

Warm Week Gives Way To Cold Snap

A stretch of warm, breezy weather with highs in the mid-80s is expected to continue through the end of the workweek. Only slight chances for showers are expected late today into Friday.

Forecasters say a cold front will move in over the weekend, bringing scattered showers and storms Saturday before temperatures begin to drop.

By Sunday, cooler air will settle in, with highs falling into the upper 60s and low 70s, followed by an even sharper chill early next week.

Lows near record territory are possible Monday morning, with some areas potentially seeing frost after days of unseasonably warm conditions.

Student Donation Saves Stranger’s Life

A 21-year-old East Tennessee State University student helped save a man with leukemia after being identified as a stem cell donor match years after joining a registry.

Connor Manning underwent a four-hour donation process, allowing doctors to collect life-saving stem cells used in cancer treatment.

He does not know the identity of the recipient due to privacy laws, but said the experience reinforced the impact of donating. “Understanding that you can be the cure to someone’s terminal diseases, it really is a special feeling, and it brings so much fulfillment,” Manning said.

Doctors say millions are registered donors, though more are needed, especially among minority groups where match rates remain significantly lower.

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Whether you’re craving a relaxing lakeside cabin or a quiet year-round RV site with full hookups, Bluebirds Landing and RV Park offers the perfect mix of adventure and peace. Host an event on the over-the-water pavilion, launch your boat with ease, take a swim from the beach, or just sit back and enjoy the fresh air and wildlife. It’s an easy, laid-back getaway that delivers exactly what a lake weekend should feel like.

➤ Statewide: Tennessee added 37 gravel cycling routes across 50 counties through its Bike Tennessee program, boosting rural tourism and expanding outdoor trail access statewide. (See Details)

➤ Williamson County: Officials are weighing the potential sale of its $500 million publicly-owned hospital, despite some commissioners saying the process lacks transparency. (More)

➤ Robertson County: A Tennessee school data breach exposed sensitive records as investigators linked the hack to a teen suspect, underscoring the FBI’s warning that youths are increasingly driving cybercrime. (More)

➤ Nashville: The city will launch 24 designated downtown rideshare pickup and drop-off zones in May, aiming to ease congestion and improve traffic flow during busy weekend nights. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: The metro area grew more than twice as fast as the national average from 2020 to 2025, adding over 31,000 residents mostly from domestic migration. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A $12 million purchase of a downtown office building will spur a $40 million redevelopment into 48 luxury condos, with completion expected by fall 2027. (More)

➤ Tennessee Tech graduate Brooke Mayo was selected as a referee for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, one of 11 officials chosen. Mayo, who played soccer for the Golden Eagles from 2007 to 2010, officiated the Women’s World Cup Final in 2023. (More)

➤ The Predators wrap up their season tonight when they host the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena. They were eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week, so they’re playing for pride. (More)

➤ Nashville SC beat Club América 1-0 thanks to a goal by Hany Mukhtar in the 50th minute. They’ll now advance to the club’s first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. (See Highlight)

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➤ Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly closed all locations, leaving hundreds of vendors, including those in Murfreesboro, scrambling to recover inventory and recoup unpaid wages after little notice. (More)

➤ Dozens of Amazon delivery drivers in Lebanon say a contractor shut down operations without notice, leaving them without pay for recent work. (More)

➤ Mr. T’s Pizza and Ice Cream will open a new Ooltewah location on April 23, offering free pizza and prizes, followed by charity donations on Friday and free ice cream on Saturday. (More)

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Escape to Bluebirds Landing and RV Park, your go-to lakeside getaway on Watts Bar Lake. With fully equipped cabins, long-term RV sites, boat slips, a private launch, swimming cove, and plenty of space to relax, it’s built for both adventure and downtime.

Guests consistently rave about the experience:

“Hidden gem, very close to the water, great customer service.” “I had my son’s beautiful wedding here. It was wonderful.” “Staying here feels like home away from home.” “They make us feel like family.”

Whether you’re fishing at sunrise, spending the day on the water, or unwinding by the cabin, this is where great weekends happen.

Plan your lakeside escape today and see why so many guests keep coming back.

➤ A Sevierville teacher won a $27,500 classroom makeover after students delivered a Dolly Parton-themed performance that captured top honors in a regional competition. (See Video)

➤ Nashville’s St. Jude Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series returns on April 25, with races winding through downtown, drawing crowds for a weekend that supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (See Details)

➤ Tex, a beloved Aldabra tortoise believed to be over 160 years old and Zoo Knoxville’s oldest resident, died after decades of connecting visitors to conservation efforts. (See Tex)

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