Monday, March 2, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1930, Knoxville native and two-time Tony Award winner John Cullum, known for classics like Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century, was born.

Tennessee’s zoos are introducing new attractions this year, with exhibits highlighting everything from dinosaurs to stingrays. See details in the stories below.

Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached, from special offers with today's sponsor, FinanceBuzz.

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.

Hospital Renamed after Dolly Parton

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is now officially the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, with Parton announcing the name change in Knoxville.

CEO Matt Schaefer said the rebrand builds on a long-standing partnership and aligns the hospital’s 90-year mission with Parton’s commitment to children, including her Imagination Library.

Hospital leaders stressed that physicians, specialties, and the level of care will remain the same as the facility continues treating nearly 500,000 patients a year.

New signage will roll out in the coming months, and a community celebration is planned for later this year.

UT Chancellor To Meet with Trump

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman is set to meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., as part of a gathering of prominent college athletics figures.

Trump is expected to sit down with names like former Alabama coach Nick Saban, former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, and Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell.

Details of the meeting have not been released, but Trump has previously signaled interest in shaping policy around NIL deals and the transfer portal.

The guest list also includes golfers like Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Priciest Nashville Condo Listed for $33.5M

A 40th-floor penthouse at Four Seasons Nashville has hit the market for $33.5 million, setting a record as Davidson County's highest residential listing and positioning the luxury condo as a potential record-holder for the most expensive sale in city history.

The unit features imported Italian marble, a custom glass fireplace, a 120-inch theater screen, three bedrooms, and a full-length balcony overlooking the Cumberland River and downtown skyline.

The property is also furnished with $5 million in art and furniture, including a $1 million AI-powered, smart home system, and offers full Four Seasons hotel service.

With the median Nashville condo selling for about $375,000, agents say the target buyers are largely out-of-state and international, underscoring the city's push into the ultra-luxury market.

Flying together with our sponsor

If you spend a good amount on Amazon, do not ignore this.

This card could put $100s back every year and gives you the chance to earn cash back on the purchases you already make. You could get approved extremely fast and unlock a massive welcome bonus instantly.

Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached

➤ Statewide: Lt. Gov. Randy McNally announced he will not seek reelection, citing his and his wife's health, ending a 48-year legislative career. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: County commissioners learned Chattanooga approved affordable housing tax agreements that abate county property taxes without notification, prompting officials to seek a resolution restoring oversight authority. (More)

➤ Marion County: A 15.75-pound largemouth bass is under review as a potential new Tennessee state record, surpassing the current mark by about half a pound. (See Bass)

➤ Limestone: Four historical interpreters from David Crockett Birthplace State Park will travel to the Alamo this week to donate a cabin steppingstone during a ceremony marking the battle's 190th anniversary. (More)

➤ Knoxville: Construction is underway on the SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk, a soft-surface multi-use path connecting Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. (More)

➤ Nashville: DinoTrek returns to the zoo through July 26, featuring nearly 50 life-sized dinosaurs, interactive educational displays, and up-close encounters. (More)

➤ Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar appeared at the NFL combine this weekend after the NCAA denied his request for an extra season of eligibility in 2026. (More)

➤ No. 5 Vanderbilt women's basketball defeated No. 24 Alabama 85-60 on Saturday to finish the 2025-2026 season with an undefeated 16-0 at home. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators fell 3-2 in overtime to the Dallas Stars on Saturday. The Predators took a 2-0 lead in the first period but were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stop Bad Dog Behaviors Fast. Tired of barking, jumping, or ignored commands? This simple training method—created by a professional K9 trainer—is helping thousands of dog owners correct bad behaviors fast. Safe, gentle, and effective for all breeds and ages. No shock collars, no yelling—just real, lasting results. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Union leaders allege McKay's is closing its Knoxville store and selling the $4.25 million property to retaliate against its workforce, while the owner insists the decision was long-planned. (More)

➤ Roni's Mac Bar, a Texas-based mac and cheese restaurant that went viral, will open a new franchise at Kern's Food Hall in Knoxville this spring. (More)

➤ Investors bought a longtime Nashville scrapyard for $245 million, launching a multi-year redevelopment near the new Titans stadium as the Metro Council begins rezoning the property. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Mortgage rates are easing, could it be time to refinance? With average rates dipping below 6%, even a small drop may lower your monthly payment, shorten your term, or unlock home equity. Refinancing isn't one-size-fits-all, but comparing offers shows what's possible. Review top-rated lenders and compare today's refinance rates.

Flying together with our sponsor

If you spend a good amount on Amazon, this card could easily put $100s back in your pocket every year.

Even better, you could get approved extremely fast — and if you are, you'll receive an insanely valuable welcome bonus deposited straight into your Amazon account for immediate use. No hoops or extra spending. Get approved, and the bonus is yours. If you shop at Amazon or Whole Foods, this card could help you earn meaningful cash back from purchases you're already making. This offer won't last forever, and for Prime members, it's basically a no-brainer.

Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached

➤ An Austin Peay State University graduate student climbed 19,341-foot-tall Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania over winter break, completing a seven-day trek that gave her a renewed sense of confidence and perspective. (See Video)

➤ Bristol Motor Speedway hosted its first Bristol Brick Convention on Saturday, featuring LEGO artists, interactive activities, “Lego Masters” guests, and elaborate displays that brought fans of all ages together. (More)

➤ Stingrays at Mangrove Cove will debut as a permanent exhibit in 2027, giving guests the chance to touch stingrays and see sharks. (See Rendering)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 1 Easy Trick To Remove Grease (No Scrubbing Needed). Just spray, wait, and wipe away years of baked-on tough stains in minutes! This one easy trick is helping thousands remove baked-on oven grease and kitchen grime — without scrubbing! Just spray it on, wipe it off, and watch years of grease disappear in seconds. No harsh chemicals. No elbow grease. Just fast, satisfying results. (LEARN MORE)