Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1999, singer Anita Carter died at 66 in Goodlettsville. The youngest of the Carter sisters, she was the first to record Ring of Fire, written by her sister June, before it became a hit for June’s husband, Johnny Cash.

Middle Tennessee is bucking the declining national birth rate with one Nashville hospital delivering a record 7,008 babies this year. How many kids do you have? Hit reply and let us know if your family helped fuel Tennessee’s baby boom.

Do you know which of your daily habits actually controls your dreams? That coworker from years ago who suddenly showed up in your dream last night, or that random worry that turned into a whole storyline while you slept. Well, scientists just finished one of the largest dream studies ever, and it turns out none of that is random. In today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, Ayla shares the five things this study uncovered about what your dreams are really made of, including one thing that’s been hiding in people’s dreams for years without them realizing it. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is helping pet owners prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses with affordable coverage options that can provide reimbursement for covered accidents, illnesses, and more.

Cracker Barrel CEO Steps Down

Cracker Barrel, which is headquartered in Lebanon, announced Monday that CEO Julie Masino will step down effective Aug. 10. She is set to be replaced by David Deno, former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, the parent of Outback Steakhouse.

Masino, who joined in 2023 from Taco Bell’s international division, oversaw a 2025 logo redesign that removed the Uncle Herschel figure leaning against a barrel, sparking backlash that briefly erased roughly $100 million in market value before the company reversed course.

She also led a $700 million overhaul across 660-plus restaurants, including a revamped menu, though sales have continued to slump despite recent quarters topping Wall Street expectations.

Cracker Barrel stock is down about 20% from a year ago but up roughly 89% since January. Masino will remain in an advisory role through Oct. 9 to support the transition.

TN Named as Nuclear Campus Finalist

The U.S. Department of Energy named Tennessee one of five finalists to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, with the state proposing Oak Ridge as the site. The campus would support every stage of nuclear power production, from fuel fabrication and enrichment to reprocessing and disposal.

Twenty-six states applied. Tennessee joins Utah, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as finalists, each signing a memorandum of understanding with Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Governor Bill Lee invoked Tennessee’s Manhattan Project legacy, and if the state pursues hosting, leaders would sign a formal agreement later.

The DOE projects the campuses could create nearly 25,000 jobs, draw up to $50 billion in investment, and generate up to $10 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Tebow Visits Kingsport to Talk Trafficking

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow was the keynote speaker at Kingsport’s Rotary Human Trafficking Awareness, Education and Prevention Summit, urging attendees to step in and use their skills to help combat trafficking.

According to the TBI’s 2024 human trafficking report, upper East Tennessee recorded the second-most tips of any region in the state. Rotary organizers stressed that trafficking is often hidden and happening in local communities, sometimes even inside victims’ own homes.

Speakers said children are frequently exploited through online platforms, with an assistant district attorney noting that one in four children has talked online with someone they don’t know.

Officials encouraged parents to discuss online safety with their kids and to report suspected trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline or its Tennessee counterpart.

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➤ Middle Tennessee: The region is seeing a baby boom against the national decline, with Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown delivering a record 7,008 babies this fiscal year. (More)

➤ Antioch: A 15-year-old boy died Monday in an accidental tree fall while hiking at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan. Police say another camper touched a leaning tree despite a counselor’s warning, causing it to fall. (More)

➤ Shelby County: The county is borrowing $125 million to cover payroll for its 4,600 employees, marking its second such loan in seven months. (More)

➤ Memphis: A new study ranked the city last among large U.S. cities for safety, citing the worst crime and auto-death rates on the list. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Fire tore through the cafeteria at Overcoming Believers Church on Monday, causing severe damage but no injuries. The pastor vows the church won’t relocate. (More)

➤ Johnson City: Commissioners are weighing a local property tax relief program aimed at elderly, disabled, and fixed-income homeowners, plus disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. (More)

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➤ Nashville SC leads all MLS clubs with three fan-voted All-Stars in tonight’s MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte, where stateside stars will face off against Mexican league players. (How to Watch)

➤ Vanderbilt hired Travis Jewett as its new director of player strategy and personnel, a general manager-style role aimed at modernizing the baseball program. Jewett returns to Nashville after serving as the Commodores’ hitting coach from 2013 to 2016 under Tim Corbin. (More)

➤ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gave back his $3.9 million buyout with the Grizzlies, the same amount he’ll earn on a new one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Tennis | WNBA

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➤ Knox County commissioners advanced the Homes Not Hedge Funds ordinance 9-2 on first reading, which would bar investment groups from buying more than 100 single-family homes to rent out. (More)

➤ A leaked memo suggests Nike may close two Memphis warehouses as it shifts operations toward a new Atlanta center. Nike has received nearly $58 million in Shelby County tax breaks for employing 1,900 workers. (More)

➤ Developers asked Chattanooga’s housing board to approve revenue bonds for affordable housing projects as advocates warn it takes 3.4 minimum-wage jobs to afford a one-bedroom locally. (More)

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Unexpected vet bills can be costly, but pet insurance may be more affordable than you think. Spot Pet Insurance offers plans starting around $9/month for cats and $15/month for dogs, with up to 90% cash back on covered vet bills.

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➤ A Chattanooga 10-year-old undergoing chemotherapy for Burkitt lymphoma encouraged the public to give blood at a drive held in his honor yesterday. (See Video)

➤ Dustin Lynch, a country star and Grand Ole Opry member, will headline a free concert at Tennessee Tech’s fourth annual College Town Kickoff on Aug. 22. (See Details)

➤ Reacher star Alan Ritchson spoke publicly for the first time about a March altercation with a Brentwood neighbor, saying he acted to protect his kids while riding his motorcycle. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Your dreams follow hidden rules, and scientists just uncovered what actually controls them every night. (Hear Details)

➤ Air Force One has scrapped its decades-old look for new colors. (Hear Episode)

➤ Birds are struggling to stay hydrated in extreme heat, and you can help by adding this one common freezer staple to your feeder. (Listen Now)