Thursday, April 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1998, James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin who killed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died in Nashville at the age of 70.

Have you ever seen the famed synchronous fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park? If not, maybe it’s your time to shine, and the lottery for viewing tickets opens tomorrow. See details below.

The cost of living varies wildly across the United States, and for retirees, choosing the wrong state can cost up to six figures a year. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown shares new data that ranks the cost of living in every U.S. state, what groceries, housing, and healthcare actually cost depending on where you live. Plus, which states give retirees the most financial breathing room? Where does your state land, and what does it mean for your retirement? Tune in here!

Later today, watch for a note from our partner, Incogni, on how to get your personal data off the internet, plus a special discount code for our readers.

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

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.

Legislature Advances Honorifics Bill

Tennessee lawmakers approved a bill Tuesday shielding students from discipline if they refuse to use a teacher’s preferred honorific that conflicts with the teacher’s biological sex.

The measure, already passed by the Senate, also applies to state employees and contractors and now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.

Sponsor Rep. Aron Maberry said the bill responds to parent concerns and aims to prevent confusion among students.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue it promotes disrespect for people who self-identify as transgender.

Midstate Braces For Storm Threats

Middle Tennessee will soon face two rounds of potentially severe weather, with the first arriving tomorrow night and a stronger system expected on Monday.

Forecasters say Friday’s storms carry a low risk, mainly bringing gusty winds and heavy rain, with no major tornado or hail threat.

Monday’s system could pack more punch, with isolated tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds possible late afternoon into the evening.

Officials urge residents to stay weather-aware as conditions may shift in the coming days.

Rescue Dog Found After 9-Day Search

A three-legged rescue dog named Nakoa was found safe after spending nine days lost in wooded areas near the Georgia border.

The shepherd mix was located using a thermal imaging drone operated by the same specialist who helped capture a runaway zebra in Rutherford County last year.

Searchers tracked camera sightings before a drone operator pinpointed the dog, though it took several more days to safely recover him.

Nakoa has since been reunited with his rescuers and placed in his permanent home.

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➤ Statewide: Several Tennessee lakes, including Reelfoot and Dale Hollow, are being flagged as among the most snake-populated due to abundant prey and shoreline habitat. (See Details)

➤ Knoxville: A North Carolina police K-9 became the first airlifted to Tennessee for emergency treatment after accidental ozone exposure caused severe respiratory distress. (More)

➤ Murfreesboro: A controlled natural gas release in Maury County caused a “rotten egg” odor in Rutherford County, but police said the mercaptan smell was harmless and posed no safety threat. (More)

➤ Oak Ridge: Kairos Power began building its 50-megawatt Hermes 2 reactor, a demonstration project expected to deliver carbon-free energy to the TVA grid and support Google’s operations. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: Officials launched a new program offering up to $21,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers as city housing costs rise. (More)

➤ Anderson County: A $1 million investment will soon transform aging tennis courts into a sports complex featuring areas for activities like pickleball and basketball. (More)

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➤ The Tennessee Titans pick No. 4 in tonight’s NFL Draft, where they’re rumored to be eyeing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. (More)

➤ The Tennessee women’s golf team won its first SEC championship in program history, beating Auburn 3-2 in the match play final. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt men’s basketball landed Auburn transfer Sebastian Williams-Adams, a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in his freshman season. (More)

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➤ Adient will close its Athens car seat manufacturing plant on June 30, eliminating 210 jobs, as state workforce officials coordinate support services for affected employees following the WARN notice. (More)

➤ Lion’s Share, a new fine-dining restaurant, has opened in Nashville’s Sylvan Park, taking over the former McCabe’s Pub space after its 2024 closure. (More)

➤ Memphis’ Oak Court Mall has officially closed after nearly four decades. Demolition is underway on the once-busy shopping center that struggled to retain customers in recent years. (More)

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FIND AFFORDABLE CARE

➤ The Little Ponderosa Zoo took in a rare white peacock after an East Tennessee man found the bird in his backyard and said it refused to leave. (See Peacock)

➤ Great Smoky Mountains National Park will open a lottery tomorrow for limited viewing access to its annual synchronous firefly event, set for May 20-27 near Elkmont. (See Details)

➤ The World’s Biggest Fish Fry carnival opened on Monday in Henry County, offering $25 unlimited-ride armbands, discounted tickets for students, expanded attractions, and security from local law enforcement throughout the week. (More)

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