Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1962, comedian and actor Henry Cho, known for films like McHale’s Navy and Say It Ain’t So, was born in Knoxville.

A new study shows that Tennessee ranks near the bottom nationally for alcohol spending, with residents shelling out far less per adult than most of the country despite the state’s boozy reputation. See details in the story below.

In today’s Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown takes a closer look at a handful of pivotal Senate races that could shape control of the chamber in 2026, breaking down the candidates and key dynamics to watch. Watch the episode here.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is urging readers to take a hard look at whether their retirement savings are truly prepared for rising healthcare costs, market volatility, and an uncertain economic future.

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.

Government Imposter Scams Top TN in 2025

Tennesseans lost over $12 million in 2025 to scammers posing as government officials, making it the state’s most-reported scam with more than 5,300 cases, according to the FTC.

The schemes often mimic agencies like the IRS or Social Security, using fake texts or calls to demand money or info.

Officials warn scammers now create convincing fake websites and use scare tactics, like false threats of arrest or license suspension.

Experts urge people to watch for poor grammar, aggressive tone, and remember—real government agencies don’t threaten you over text.

Vols, Illini Set for Music City Bowl

Tennessee and Illinois, both 8–4, will square off today in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium.

It’s the first-ever meeting between the two programs, with the Vols facing key absences, including top receiver Chris Brazzell II.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel will turn to young talent to keep his high-scoring offense rolling, while Illinois looks to control the pace with a run-heavy game plan.

Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. in front of a home-state crowd expected to lean orange.

TN Parks Host First Day Hikes NYD

Tennessee State Parks will kick off the new year with First Day Hikes on Thursday, marking the start of the state’s America 250 celebration.

Fifty-nine parks, including favorites like Norris Dam, Frozen Head, and Roan Mountain, will offer guided hikes ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks.

The hikes aim to promote outdoor recreation and set a healthy tone for 2026.

Officials encourage participants to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks.

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Americans Greatly Underestimate Their Retirement Needs

Jamie Dimon warns, “Prepare for all possibilities, especially the worse case scenario.”

JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon sees a future coming that may break the average retiree. Only a few have the means to survive it.

It’s estimated the average couple will face $315,000 in medical bills during retirement. This doesn't include the rising cost of living, housing, or supporting your family.

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These retirement accounts are your weakest link. They’re risky paper promises tied to a volatile stock market and a dollar that has been losing value every year. This is why millions of soon-to-be retirees are dangerously under-prepared and under-funded for retirement.

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➤ Nashville: A federal hearing will determine whether prosecutors are vindictively pursuing human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia after a Tennessee traffic stop. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was reported on Saturday morning, with some residents noting a loud boom and light ground shaking, though no injuries or damage were reported. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: An investigation is underway after an inmate at the county jail was found unresponsive in his cell and later died at a hospital early Friday morning. (More)

➤ Cosby: The fire department responded to a blaze caused by a tree falling on a power line, though the fire was ultimately extinguished by rainfall. (More)

➤ Memphis: Police are searching for a man who allegedly burglarized the same business twice during Christmas week, first on Dec. 25 and again two days later. (More)

➤ Also Memphis: Strong winds caused widespread power outages across the Mid-South Sunday night, leaving over 6,000 Memphis Light, Gas, and Water customers without electricity. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is suing the NCAA over their eligibility rules, claiming that junior college transfers such as himself should be able to play four full years of Division I football—even if they played multiple seasons at the JUCO level. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans would be picking No. 4 in the NFL Draft if the season ended today, behind only the Raiders, Giants, and Jets. (More)

➤ No. 19 Tennessee basketball plays South Carolina State tonight in their final nonconference game of the season. Then this weekend, they open SEC play against Arkansas. (More)

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➤ Direct Meds makes medically supervised weight-loss simple by connecting you with licensed U.S. doctors online who can prescribe real GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide and deliver them to your door, helping reduce appetite and support your weight-management goals without insurance or clinic visits. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Rivergate Mall in Goodlettsville is not closing on Wednesday despite rumors, though many tenants will leave by year’s end as part of a long-term revitalization plan. (See Details)

➤ Station Grill at Georgetown Park in Murfreesboro will permanently close on Thursday after the property’s landlord chose not to renew the restaurant’s lease. (More)

➤ A new study revealed Tennessee ranked fifth-lowest in the nation for alcohol spending in 2024, with residents spending an average of $693.70 per adult on alcoholic beverage purchases. (See Study)

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➤ Relax and ease muscle tension at home or on the go with the Cloud Wave massage pillow, a wireless, portable device that delivers soothing heat and kneading massage wherever you need it, helping relieve stiffness and stress without bulky equipment—perfect for daily comfort and recovery. (LEARN MORE)

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Retirement Uncertainty? This New Plan Could Change Everything.

Inflation is rising, recession is looming, and the stock market bubble looks ready to burst. While dollar-denominated assets like stocks and bonds could plummet, physical gold owners could soon be celebrating.

The President’s proposed “Gold Reset” could mark America’s greatest wealth creation event in nearly a century. This historic move would revalue the nation’s gold reserves overnight, catapulting owners of physical gold to new heights as the value of government gold skyrockets 9,000%.

To learn how to protect your savings and potentially benefit with this coming revaluation, claim your FREE 2025 Wealth Protection Guide today. Don’t wait until the next crash exposes how fragile the system truly is.

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➤ A Chattanooga toddler was officially adopted just in time for Christmas after spending 974 days in foster care, completing a journey nearly three years in the making. (See Video)

➤ Friends, neighbors, and strangers raised over $125,000 to pay off a Clinton family’s entire debt just days before their house was due to be auctioned. (More)

➤ First responders from Nolensville Fire Rescue safely rescued Juju the cat after she spent the night stuck 30 feet up in a tree, climbing beyond her family’s reach. (See Juju)

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➤ Scientists discovered that men with early prostate infection have this ONE thing in common...The tests done on 2,398 men revealed that the urine of those with early prostate problems had the same color. According to 98% of experts, this can put your life at risk. Watch this video, which presents a simple 3-minute ritual that can quickly alleviate any prostate issues.