Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1863, Union gunboats attacked Confederate forces in Linden, ferrying cavalry across the Tennessee River to stage a successful surprise attack.

Middle Tennessee is finally getting its first taste of Wawa. The cult-favorite convenience store chain announced its first Tennessee location will open in Clarksville in June. See details below.

Republicans and Democrats are in an all-out war over control of the House of Representatives, and the battle may already be over before a single vote is cast in November. Whoever wins this fight controls everything from your tax bill to war powers to whether President Trump gets impeached. One party has the upper hand, and the other is scrambling. Tune in to The Flyover Podcast as Ayla Brown breaks down the three biggest impacts of this redistricting fight. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, InvestorPlace, is sharing new research on emerging AI, robotics, and technology companies that analysts believe could represent some of the market’s next major investment opportunities.

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.

DHS Probing School Threat Hoaxes

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the state’s Office of Homeland Security are investigating a wave of threats reported yesterday targeting schools statewide.

Franklin High School and Page High School in Williamson County were both placed on lockdown after receiving threatening calls. Homeland Security and local police later determined there was no active threat, and restrictions were lifted.

Jackson Central-Merry High School in West Tennessee also went into lockdown after a 911 caller reported a bomb threat and possible violence, but officers found nothing suspicious there either.

Officials said the threats are believed to be hoaxes, but law enforcement agencies are still responding and checking campuses out of caution.

Waymo Ticket Law Clears Tennessee

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill allowing police to issue traffic citations to autonomous vehicles like Waymo, even when no human driver is behind the wheel.

Under the new law, departments can mail violations directly to the registered owner of a self-driving vehicle within 20 business days of an incident.

The measure comes just weeks after Waymo launched in Nashville, where some driverless cars have already drawn attention for awkward traffic moments, including confusion at train crossings that blocked lanes.

Waymo supported the legislation and tied it to Nashville’s Vision Zero traffic safety goals.

Beekeeper Principal Rescues Recess

A beekeeper who also serves as an assistant principal at Westview Elementary in Chattanooga safely removed a swarm of bees from the school playground yesterday.

Wearing protective gear, the assistant principal safely gathered the swarm into a box without incident.

The assistant principal also provided the bees with a sustainable new home, relocating them off campus to her own home hive setup.

School leaders said the quick action protected students while also avoiding harm to the bees, and the playground later reopened. Learn more about the bees of Tennessee here.

Flying together with our sponsor

Elon’s New Currency (BUY NOW)

It’s bigger than SpaceX… xAI… or anything Tesla is working on. And it could trigger a $480 trillion disruption, thanks to a massive rollout already underway across America. Because Elon’s new move targets the biggest market of them all… He’s now launching a CURRENCY system. Here’s exactly what to buy to profit.

This ad is sent on behalf of InvestorPlace Media at 1125 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

➤ Statewide: Tennessee attorneys are asking a court to throw out the NAACP’s challenge to the state’s newly redrawn congressional map, arguing lawmakers and Gov. Bill Lee are legally immune. (More)

➤ Brownsville: A high school student was killed, and four others were wounded, after gunfire erupted during a pre-prom park gathering. (More)

➤ Knox County: A bald eagle that escaped Dollywood after storm damage destroyed part of its aviary was spotted off Tazewell Pike. The American Eagle Foundation continues searching for another injured eagle. (More)

➤ Nashville: Forecasters say that, after a cooler-than-normal start to May, the region could already see its first 90-degree temperatures of the year by mid-month. (More)

➤ Also Nashville: A fire broke out early yesterday at La Danse Nightclub just days after the club abruptly shut down due to a deadly nearby shooting. (More)

➤ Clarksville: First responders rescued a 12-year-old boy who drifted downriver on a raft after disappearing for nearly an hour. They eventually located him unharmed near Billy Dunlop Park. (More)

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

➤ Tennessee rowing upset No. 1 Texas by four points to win the SEC Championship this weekend, the program’s first SEC rowing title. (More)

➤ Tennessee had two teams make the NCAA softball tournament: the Volunteers received the No. 7 national seed and will host the Knoxville Regional, while Belmont landed in the Tuscaloosa Regional. (More)

➤ Recent reports suggest the Memphis Grizzlies could look to trade down from the No. 3 pick as part of a deal that sends out Ja Morant. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Sleep more comfortably with KneNest, the ergonomic knee pillow designed to support proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your hips, knees, and lower back. Perfect for side sleepers, its contoured memory foam design helps improve nighttime comfort, ease joint strain, and promote more restful, pain-free sleep night after night. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Country singer Kane Brown will open his new four-story Nashville bar, restaurant, and live music venue, Kane Brown’s on Broadway, on Friday, May 22. (More)

➤ Wawa announced its first Tennessee store will open on June 18 in Clarksville. The convenience chain is planning dozens of other locations across the region. (More)

➤ The Brand House Collective, formerly Kirkland’s Home, will permanently close its Brentwood office, cutting 88 jobs as parent company Bed Bath & Beyond restructures. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Relax and recharge with Moonbird, the handheld breathing coach designed to help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote calmer breathing naturally. Using gentle motion guidance and app-connected exercises, Moonbird helps users slow their breathing, unwind after busy days, and create healthier relaxation habits anytime, whether at home, work, or before sleep.

Flying together with our sponsor

15X Bigger Than SpaceX: Elon’s New Launch

While the rest of the market goes crazy for “the mother of all IPOs,” a new Elon Musk innovation is quietly being rolled out nationwide. It’s been 27 years in the making, and it could have a radical impact on how millions of people manage their money… and even collect Social Security. Here’s everything you need to know.

This ad is sent on behalf of InvestorPlace Media at 1125 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

➤ A tiny art gallery inspired by Little Free Libraries has opened on Vanderbilt’s campus, giving students and visitors a chance to leave, take, and interact with small pieces of art. (See Gallery)

➤ The Sevier County Humane Society has built a huge online following by posting playful, themed photos of adoptable pets, which is helping animals find homes faster. (See Photos)

➤ A Covington woman hit a $4 million jackpot after buying a Tennessee Lottery scratch-off ticket at a local Exxon station. She tells officials she plans to use the money “wisely.” (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 100% Clean, Long-Lasting Hydration. Formulated with premium, all-natural and organic ingredients, Instant Hydration replenishes you faster and longer than water alone. (LEARN MORE)