Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1863, the Battle of Brentwood ended swiftly after Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest cut Union communication lines and forced Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood and roughly 700 Union troops to surrender while guarding a key Nashville supply railroad.

Do you feel like you need a bit of danger in your life? A new bill would make it easier for Tennesseans to own a pet raccoon, but some experts warn that the furry critters make undesirable roommates. See details below.

🌅We've been working on something big, and in one week's time, the first edition of The California Flyover comes out. Do you live in the Golden State, or do you know someone who does? Click here to sign up.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is urging retirees to take a hard look at the warning signs in today’s economy and explore how physical gold could help protect their savings in uncertain times.

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.

CVS Spends Big To Fight PBM Bill

CVS Health has spent about $1.3 million on TV ads in Tennessee opposing a state bill that could force it to choose between operating pharmacies and its pharmacy benefit manager business.

The Republican-backed measure aims to ban companies from owning both, with supporters arguing the current model hurts independent pharmacies and limits competition.

CVS warns that the change could lead to the closure of all 134 of its Tennessee locations, while critics say that claim is misleading and driven by business strategy.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s attorney general has warned CVS to stop sending political text messages to customers about the bill, saying the outreach could violate state law and misuse personal health data.

Library Director Faces Discipline Hearing

Rutherford County library officials will hold a special meeting next Monday to consider disciplinary action against the system’s executive director.

The move follows the director’s refusal to comply with a board order to relocate over 190 LGBTQ-centric children’s books to the adult section.

The board voted 8-3 earlier this month to relocate the titles, with its chairman arguing some materials promote “gender confusion."

The meeting will be held at the county courthouse and is open to the public.

TN Senate Passes Pet Raccoon Bill

A Tennessee bill that would make it easier to own a pet raccoon has passed the state Senate, though it still faces action in the House.

The measure would waive the $31 permit fee but still requires pet raccoons to come from legal sources, be vaccinated, and be approved by wildlife officials.

Supporters say the change is minor, but experts warn raccoons remain wild animals that can carry diseases like rabies and are difficult to care for long-term.

Wildlife advocates stress that while legal ownership may expand, the little creatures are not typical pets and can become dangerous as they mature.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Final, Stern Warning For Retirees

Economists point to the “Expectations Index” as a key signal of America’s financial health. When the Index is below 80, it’s a major warning sign that a recession is near. In January, it fell to 65.

This isn't just a dip, it's a declaration. Our economy relies on a strong job market and confident consumers buying goods. In 2026, America’s working class is cutting non-essential spending.

An HR executive reports: “A worried and distracted workforce, whose concerns have them in 'survival mode.'" This "crisis of confidence" may impact those near retirement the most. It indicates deep, structural stress in the framework that supports your 401(k) s and IRAs.

Most 401(k)s and IRAs are designed for "fair weather." They thrive when the economy is booming. They are not built to withstand the pressure of “a 12-year low in consumer confidence.” Gold is the "foul weather" fund. When expectations drop and paper markets begin to crumble, the rich often turn to physical gold and silver to preserve their wealth.

Download the FREE 2026 Gold Investing Guide, and we’ll give you the step-by-step process that can protect your retirement savings from this crumbling economy.

>>Get Your Free WEALTH PROTECTION GUIDE<<

➤ Statewide: Cade Cothren is appealing his removal from the GOP primary for House District 71, arguing the party failed to justify why he doesn’t meet Republican standards. (More)

➤ Nashville: Bluegrass musician Ronnie Bowman, known for his work with the Lonesome River Band and a respected solo career, has died at age 64 following a motorcycle crash. (More)

➤ Madison: A dog alerted a child to a house fire on Monday, allowing both to escape safely before crews extinguished the blaze, which remains under investigation. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: A new VA cancer clinic opened locally, giving local veterans access to oncology care closer to home and eliminating the need for frequent two-hour trips for treatment. (More)

➤ Hendersonville: The city is exploring a partnership with The Boring Company to bury power lines through a potential tunnel project tied to the broader Music City Loop effort. (More)

➤ Pigeon Forge: Three local police K-9s will receive donated bullet- and stab-resistant vests from a nonprofit, with delivery expected within 10 weeks. (More)

➤ Freshman basketball player Deniya Prawl is entering the transfer portal after one season with the Lady Vols. A former five-star, Prawl averaged just four points per game this season. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt women's basketball will play Notre Dame on Friday for a chance at the Elite Eight. The Fighting Irish are led by all-American Hannah Hidalgo, a Team USA teammate of Vandy star Mikayla Blakes, and feature former Commodore Iyana Moore, who transferred to Notre Dame last summer. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee women’s basketball opened up the WNIT with a 69-50 win over Saint Bonaventure. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ After Harvard's latest brain discovery, you no longer have to lose your memory. We are born with "memory protein."After 50, it decreases, leading to mental decline. The solution is a song that reactivates it – boosting memory, eliminating brain fog, and sharpening thinking.>> 7-minute brain song reactivates your "memory protein."

➤ McKee Foods says it has removed Red Dye No. 3 from Little Debbie snacks made in Collegedale and plans to phase out additional artificial colors by 2027 amid growing consumer demand. (More)

➤ A Mt. Juliet boutique is planning a "fire sale" after a nearby booth fire left its inventory covered in smoke and soot. The owners are cleaning and selling items at or below cost to stay afloat. (More)

➤ Dollywood’s parks and resorts received 11 nominations across 10 categories in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as the park begins its 41st season. Voting is open through April 20. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Did you know some credit cards can help you get out of debt faster? By using a 0% intro APR balance transfer, you can pay down your balance without interest. FinanceBuzz reviewed top options—see which cards could help you avoid interest until 2026 and accelerate your payoff. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

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, holders of physical gold could soon be celebrating.

President Trump’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 the value of physical gold to new heights as government gold skyrockets by 9,000%.

To learn how to protect your savings and potentially benefit from this coming revaluation, claim your FREE 2025 Wealth Protection Guide today.

➤ Ruby-throated hummingbirds are migrating back north and have already been spotted across Tennessee, including Memphis, Chattanooga, and Clarksville, as warmer weather arrives. (See Map)

➤ The 34th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival kicked off yesterday in Nashville, bringing hundreds of songwriters to 10 venues across the city for a five-day celebration of live music. (See Details)

➤ Nearly $1 million in federal funding will help preserve Civil War battlefield land tied to the 1863 Battle of Wauhatchie in Chattanooga. The American Battlefield Trust will acquire the site. (See Site)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ As we age, subtle changes in memory, focus, and balance can start to show up earlier than expected. Researchers are continuing to study what’s behind these shifts and what may actually help support long-term brain health. One recent breakdown highlights a lesser-known factor worth understanding. See what they found and how it may apply to you. Watch Now