The Tennessee Flyover
A federal appeals court with jurisdiction over Tennessee has reinforced protections for unionized workers who raise concerns about possible violations of collective bargaining agreements.                
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Top Stories

Article Icon 1Court Reinforces Union Worker Rights

A federal appeals court with jurisdiction over Tennessee has reinforced protections for unionized workers who raise concerns about possible violations of collective bargaining agreements.

The case involved Israel “Bo” Sword, an Ohio heavy equipment operator who complained that an agreement guaranteeing another employee 40 hours of work each week violated the union contract. Sword was permanently laid off shortly after a union representative discussed the complaint with management.

The National Labor Relations Board found that VNS Federal Services unlawfully retaliated against Sword. In its Sept. 3 decision, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that finding, ruling that a worker’s complaint is protected when it is based on an honest and reasonable interpretation of a union agreement, even if the interpretation is incorrect.

The court enforced an order directing the company to offer Sword reinstatement, compensate him for lost earnings and benefits, remove references to the layoff from his personnel file, and post notices about workers’ rights. The precise remedies will be determined through compliance proceedings. The 6th Circuit includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.

Article Icon 1Arrests Follow Fights at Two West Tennessee Fairs

Authorities made multiple arrests after fights occurred at the Dyer County Fair in Dyersburg and the Delta Fair in Memphis over the weekend.

At the Dyer County Fair, fights Friday and Saturday resulted in multiple arrests. Officials said about half of those arrested were juveniles and that a bystander was injured while officers arrested an armed suspect.

Authorities said an 18-year-old was found with a 9mm pistol fitted with a switch device and a large-capacity magazine. Additional weapons were recovered, and the firearm was referred to federal authorities for review. Charges remain pending.

At the Delta Fair, four teenagers were arrested following fights among groups of unsupervised minors Saturday. Three were charged with simple assault, and one was charged with resisting official detention. Officials temporarily suspended the fair while deputies responded, but it closed at its regularly scheduled time.

Article Icon 1Dollywood Wins Four Golden Ticket Awards

Dollywood won four Golden Ticket Awards Saturday, more than any other theme park honored at Amusement Today’s 2026 awards ceremony in Austin, Texas.

The Pigeon Forge park won Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, Best Family Coaster for Big Bear Mountain, and Most Beautiful Park. This marked Dollywood’s seventh consecutive victory in both the Best Guest Experience and Best Kids’ Area categories. No awards were presented in 2020.

Big Bear Mountain, which opened in 2023, won Best Family Coaster for the fourth consecutive year. Dollywood also placed second for Best Park, behind Germany’s Europa-Park, while its Thunderhead coaster ranked sixth among wooden roller coasters.

The annual awards are determined through an international poll of experienced amusement park fans, industry journalists, and ride manufacturers. More than 500 ballots were distributed for this year’s competition.

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Around Tennessee

Grundy County: One person was killed and four others were injured when a pickup truck left State Route 108 and struck people attending an auction in Gruetli-Laager on Saturday. (More)

Knox County: Rescue crews found a missing kayaker safe and uninjured after his empty kayak was discovered near McBee Ferry Park on the Holston River. (More)

Harriman: The Harriman Community Center asked residents to support a local family whose home and belongings were destroyed in a fire. No injuries were reported. (More)

Nashville: Glencliff residents remain uncertain about how construction of the I-24 Choice Lanes could affect their homes. TDOT said the final design has not been completed, while several property owners and the Noble Place developer are considering legal action. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation warned consumers and retailers that some products marketed as “Cat’s Claw,” a legal South American herbal supplement, may contain MGM-15, a compound derived from kratom. Kratom has been illegal in Tennessee since July 1, and the agency urged buyers and sellers to verify product contents rather than rely solely on package labels. (More)


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Tennessee Carolina Sports
Tennessee starting tight end Ethan Davis will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL during Saturday’s 45-24 victory over Georgia Tech. Davis caught a touchdown pass in each of the Volunteers’ first two games. (More)

Tennessee’s SEC opener against Texas will kick off at noon Eastern on Sept. 26 at Neyland Stadium and air nationally on ABC. It will be the programs’ first meeting on a college campus; their three previous matchups were played in the Cotton Bowl. (More)

➤ The No. 16 Tennessee volleyball team will face Queens today at 5:30 p.m. Eastern in Charlotte, marking the Lady Vols’ first true road match and the first meeting between the programs. Tennessee enters the match 6-1 and leads Division I with an average of 15.14 kills per set. (More)
 
➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer

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➤ Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea:  Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days?  Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

Tennessee Business
Frida’s Mexican Restaurant will close its Collierville location at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, after 10 years in business. Its Memphis location will remain open. (More

The Boyd Foundation and members of the Boyd family donated $4 million to help River & Rail Theatre Company establish a permanent performing arts center in East Knoxville. The venue will expand seating from 140 to 240 and include a rehearsal studio, a lobby, and exterior repairs. (More

A $7 million Nashville roadway project will add safety improvements along Gallatin Pike and Main Street, two corridors included in the city’s High Injury Network. The work will include new and enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian signals, lighting upgrades, and left-turn calming at 17 locations. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and be completed by May 2027. (More)

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Et Cetera

➤ Large, nonnative Joro spiders have been documented across Knoxville, prompting researchers to ask residents to photograph and report sightings so they can track the spiders’ spread and possible effects on native species. The spiders are not considered dangerous to people. (More)

Historical climate patterns and the Farmers’ Almanac offer clues about when Tennessee could receive its first snow, although its exact arrival cannot be predicted. (More)

Tennessee opened applications for a $43 million quantum technology grant program designed to expand the state’s quantum infrastructure. Businesses, universities, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and public utilities may apply through Oct. 23, and recipients must provide a 20% cash match. (More)

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The Flyover Podcast

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

These 10 ways to save money could put thousands back in your pocket. (Hear List)

➤ Owning a car now costs thousands a year beyond the loan payment, and one expense is climbing fastest. (Hear Details)

Celine Dion returned to the stage after years of silence forced by an incurable neurological disorder. (Listen Now)

  

The Poll

Which Dollywood award matters most to you?

  1. Best Guest Experience
  2. Best Kids’ Area
  3. Best Family Coaster
  4. Most Beautiful Park

 

Previous Results:

Would you ride in a fully autonomous Waymo vehicle?

  1. Yes, I’d try it: 22%
  2. Maybe, but I’m cautious: 24%
  3. No, I want a human driver: 48%
  4. I already have: 6%
Tennessee Trivia

What species of bird, featured in the title of a 1960 classic novel, is Tennessee’s state bird?

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