Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1864, Union troops commanded by Maj. Gen. John Parke moved toward Dandridge to forage, setting the stage for the Battle of Dandridge days later.

As she nears her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton is bringing star power and heart to a new rendition of a beloved song, with proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research in Nashville. See details in the story below.

Today's sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is highlighting a simple way Amazon Prime shoppers can earn serious cash back and score a valuable Amazon bonus—just for getting approved, with no extra spending required.

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.

THP Debunks Viral Memphis Video Claim

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has released dashcam footage and refuted viral social media claims that a state trooper hit a protester during a recent demonstration in Memphis.

According to THP, video footage shows the man lying in front of a patrol car, but not being struck or injured, as some internet users have claimed.

The person, who was participating in an anti-ICE protest, later stood up and left on his own.

THP emphasized the importance of public safety, stating that while peaceful protest is protected, entering active roadways creates serious risk for all involved.

Gov. Lee Visits Deployed Guard Troops

Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee recently returned from a trip overseas where they visited more than 450 deployed soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard.

The troops are stationed in the Middle East and Europe as part of Operation Spartan Shield, which works to build international partnerships and increase regional security.

During the visit, Governor Lee received operational briefings and praised the troops' commitment, saying, "We owe a debt of gratitude to the Tennesseans who bravely serve our state and nation." See photos of the visits here.

Lawmaker Proposes Fitness Test Return

State Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) is introducing legislation aimed at reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools.

The proposed test would assess students' strength, endurance, and flexibility in a bid to address alarming obesity rates in Tennessee youth. Students who meet the required benchmarks would be eligible for the Presidential Fitness Award.

Cepicky stated, "Let's reward our kids who work hard to get themselves in the best physical shape they can."

The test has undergone multiple iterations in the past, being originally launched in 1956, discontinued in 2013, and revived by executive order in 2025.

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➤ Statewide: FEMA has made nearly $9 million in public assistance grants available for Tennessee communities affected by disasters like Hurricane Helene. The money will fund projects such as road and building repairs. (More)

➤ Kingsport: Crews wrapped up repairs yesterday on a sinkhole that opened Sunday and began reopening lanes after days of disrupted traffic. (More)

➤ Blount County: County commissioners passed a resolution opposing the federal plan to remove Peery's Mill Dam, despite limited authority over the project. Drownings have occurred at the site in the past. (More)

➤ Nashville: A man is facing reckless endangerment charges after police say he threw electric scooters off the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, creating a potential hazard below. (More)

➤ Also Nashville: The city has rolled out a revamped snow removal strategy ahead of winter weather, including more plows, routes, and upgraded technology. (See Details)

➤ Soddy-Daisy: The Blue Hole at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park will be closed this summer due to construction improvements. (More)

➤ Women's Basketball AP Poll: Vanderbilt rose two spots to No. 5 this week, while Tennessee remained steady at No. 20. (See Full Poll)

➤ The Nashville Predators are up six spots in USA Today's NHL Power Rankings. They're 13-7 since the beginning of December, moving from the worst record in the league to a potential playoff contender. (More)

➤ Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com are suing the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council for banning sports event prediction contracts, which the companies insist aren't sports gambling businesses. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Dollar General has expanded its Goodlettsville headquarters with the $8.3 million purchase of a nearby office building to support the company's continued growth. (See Building)

➤ Beloved West Nashville restaurant Dalts is being revived by two brothers who hope to preserve its nostalgic charm with modern updates. The team promises the return of favorites like chocolate malt cake. (More)

➤ Smoky Mountain Logistics will close its Lebanon facility on Feb. 28, letting go of 145 employees in the state's first mass layoff of 2026. (More)

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➤ Dolly Parton will release a new rendition of her song Light of a Clear Blue Morning, featuring Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire, and Queen Latifah. Proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer research. (See Details)

➤ The Nashville Zoo welcomed its first-ever baby aardvark on New Year's Day. The new calf marks a rare and significant birth, as the newborn is only the 34th aardvark at an AZA-accredited zoo in the U.S. (See Aardvark)

➤ Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma is set to perform underground at The Caverns as part of the American Revival: Underground in Grundy County cultural event. (More)

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