Thursday, April 2, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2006, a major tornado outbreak killed 26 people across West Tennessee and nearby states and caused millions of dollars in property damage.

New candy data shows that Tennessee shoppers load up on favorite treats like jelly beans and M&Ms ahead of the Easter holiday. See more details on seasonal shopping trends statewide below.

These retirement changes could affect more than you realize, from hidden savings opportunities to rising health care costs and shifting tax breaks. In today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Amy Hess breaks down the changes that could have the biggest impact on how far your money really goes. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Frontieras, is tackling AI’s massive energy demand with innovative technology that transforms coal into clean fuels, hydrogen, and more—offering investors a chance to get in before their next growth phase.

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.

Judge Tosses Gatlinburg Fire Suits

A federal judge has dismissed 11 lawsuits blaming the U.S. government for the deadly 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire, ruling National Park Service officials were protected in how they handled warnings.

The decision, issued Tuesday, found park staff followed required procedures and made judgment calls covered under federal law, despite acknowledged shortcomings.

Plaintiffs, including victims and insurance companies, sought damages from a fire that killed 14 people, injured nearly 200, and caused about $2 billion in destruction.

The ruling closes a multiyear legal battle over one of Tennessee’s worst natural disasters.

Car Fire Snarls I-40 Traffic

A car caught fire early Wednesday on I-40 in Nashville, sending flames at least 10 feet into the air, forcing drivers to swerve around the burning vehicle.

The blaze was reported around 6:50 a.m. in the westbound lanes near the Fesslers Lane exit, with heavy smoke spreading across both sides of the highway.

Fire crews arrived within minutes and worked to extinguish the flames, but traffic delays followed during the morning commute.

Information about the condition of the driver has not been immediately released.

Data: Tennessee’s Easter Candy Trends

Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs topped Tennessee Easter candy sales for a fourth straight year in 2025, as shoppers leaned heavily into traditional holiday favorites.

Jelly bean sales surged more than 800% nationwide as Tennessee ranked 17th in consumption, while Easter décor and basket items jumped, and state shoppers bought slightly fewer chocolate bunnies than average.

Despite the popularity of jelly beans, additional data revealed that Tennessee is the only state where M&Ms are the most commonly searched candy in the state around Easter.

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee has designated April as Native Plant Month to highlight a horticulture industry that supports over 13,000 jobs and $965 million in economic impact. (More)

➤ Carroll County: Investigators are examining whether a medical issue caused a deadly school bus crash that killed two students. The driver’s family says she may have suffered a stroke before impact. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Army has lifted the suspension of helicopter pilots who hovered near Kid Rock’s home during a training flight, ending a brief review into the unusual maneuver. (More)

➤ Also Nashville: The city just logged its second-warmest March on record, with temperatures nearly 9 degrees above average and eight days hitting the 80s. (More)

➤ Gatlinburg: A fire early Wednesday damaged a decades-old hotel, forcing guests to relocate but causing no injuries as crews contained the blaze. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Officials will review a proposal to convert the historic Kerbela Shriners Temple into a 55-plus housing complex, as rising costs and declining membership strain the organization’s ability to maintain the building. (More)

➤ Freshman pitcher Connor Hamilton struck out 11 as Vanderbilt beat Belmont 11-3, extending the Commodores’ winning streak to five games. (More)

➤ Asheville City SC fell 3-2 in a penalty shootout to One Knoxville SC on Tuesday, ending its U.S. Open Cup run in the third round. (More)

➤ Memphis and Virginia Commonwealth will play a home-and-home series starting Nov. 7, 2026, at FedExForum, renewing a rivalry the Tigers lead 6-3 all-time. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt men’s basketball hired Ohio State associate head coach Joel Justus to join Mark Byington’s staff, adding a key recruiter and offensive mind as the program continues to build. (More)

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➤ Nursing home company American Health Companies, LLC, agreed to pay more than $2 million to settle allegations it billed federal and state programs for substandard care. (More)

➤ Maryville leaders are considering a new surgery center and medical office on a former golf course as Prisma Health seeks to expand care in the area. (More)

➤ A new Edward Jones office opened in Henderson with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering financial planning and retirement services to residents across the surrounding region. (See Video)

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➤ Money feeling tight? Rising prices make it harder to know what to cut. Discover 19 simple ways to save—starting with just one or two can make a real difference. From everyday expenses to overlooked costs, these practical tips can help you reduce spending and breathe a little easier.

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➤ TriStar Health secured a $40,000 grant to support Nashville’s Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging and resources for cancer patients traveling for treatment. (More)

➤ Rebecca Seaver, Dolly Parton’s niece, will lead the new Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, drawing on years of archival work and a lifelong connection to the singer’s legacy. (More)

➤ Scenes from Amazon Prime’s new crime drama Scarpetta were filmed on Chattanooga’s Market Street Bridge, giving local landmarks a starring role in the newly released series. (See Photos)

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What’s your favorite Easter candy?

Previous Results:

What’s your favorite music genre?

Classical: 35%
Rock: 32%
Pop: 13%
Jazz: 10%
Other (reply to tell us!): 10%

Tennessee is one of only 12 states that officially recognize which spring holiday?

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Thursday, April 2, 2026

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Judge Tosses Gatlinburg Fire Suits

Car Fire Snarls I-40 Traffic

Data: Tennessee’s Easter Candy Trends

One Email. All The Tennessee News.

Get Informed About The Volunteer State In 5 Minutes.

One Email. All The Tennessee News.

Get Informed About The Volunteer State In 5 Minutes.