Thursday, May 21, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1935, Johnny “Drum” Majors, Tennessee’s star single-wing tailback from 1954-56 who earned SEC Player of the Year honors, unanimous All-American status, and Heisman runner-up honors in 1956 while leading the Vols to a 10-1 record and Sugar Bowl berth, was born in Lynchburg.

An Arrington couple turned rush hour traffic into a rodeo after pulling over and wrangling two horses that had broken loose. Find out what they used for a makeshift harness in the story below.

Still trying to figure out what to get Dad this year? We pulled together some of our favorite Father’s Day gift ideas to help make it easy. From practical everyday upgrades to fun finds he’ll actually use, these are gifts built for dads of all kinds. Check out the full Father’s Day Gift Guide here.

Could a single phone call or email wipe out a lifetime of savings in your family? The FBI says these three scams are responsible for billions in losses, and they're hitting older Americans harder than ever, with average victims losing $83,000. On The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown unpacks how each scam works, why they're so effective, and what families can do right now to protect the people they love. Tune in here!

Today’s edition is brought to you by BIOptimizers, makers of Magnesium Breakthrough, the best-selling magnesium complex with all seven forms your body actually needs. For Memorial Day, BIOptimizers is offering 25% off sitewide through May 27.

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.

Nateland Theme Park Takes Shape

Comedian Nate Bargatze’s proposed Nateland theme park is coming into focus with new renderings showing a $350 million attraction planned for the Nashville area.

Storyland Studios, the California firm designing the park, says a site in Metro Nashville has been selected but not publicly revealed. The sprawling park would feature roller coasters, stunt shows, and live entertainment.

Some planned attractions are inspired by Bargatze’s life, including a Tennessee-themed section with a 1990s-style mall and a ride called Donkey Dive. Another area would recreate a New York-style streetscape with performers and a faux Times Square.

Bargatze has said the idea was partly inspired by memories of Opryland USA, the beloved Nashville theme park that closed in 1997.

AI Speech Draws Boos At MTSU

Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta got an icy reception from some Middle Tennessee State University graduates after warning that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the entertainment business.

During a Murfreesboro commencement speech, the music executive, best known for launching Taylor Swift’s early career, was booed after saying, “AI is rewriting production as we sit here.”

Borchetta brushed off the reaction, telling students they could “hear me now or pay me later,” and arguing AI should be treated as a tool, not a threat.

The speech landed in front of students from MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment, which bears Borchetta’s name.

Tennesseans Host Celebrations in Hospitals

Two Tennessee families turned hospital hallways into places of celebration this week, proving life’s biggest moments don’t always wait for perfect timing.

In Nashville, a bride named Caroline moved her wedding to TriStar Horizon Medical Center so her hospitalized grandmother could attend and even sign the marriage certificate herself. See the sweet wedding photos here.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Ohio, a University of Tennessee senior named Payton celebrated graduation from her hospital room after a crash last month left her unable to walk at commencement.

Family members, nurses, and her fiancé surprised her with a cap-and-gown ceremony while she continues rehab. See the emotional video here.

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➤ Washington County: A school board member faces an assault charge after allegedly touching a student board member and calling her “hot” during an April meeting, sparking public backlash and censure. (More)

➤ Clarksville: Firefighters warned residents to properly soak and dispose of fireworks after discarded fireworks sparked a trash fire at a transfer facility and caused burning debris to explode. (More)

➤ Hendersonville: Authorities are searching for two men accused of operating a drug lab hidden inside a warehouse, where investigators discovered what one agent described as a “full-blown laboratory.” (More)

➤ Rutherford County: Animal Rescue Corps says it rescued 133 neglected Chihuahuas from a severely overcrowded home. (See Dogs)

➤ Nashville: The 2030 Super Bowl is expected to deliver a major economic boost to the city, with tourism leaders projecting hundreds of millions in spending and thousands of jobs. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: The city plans to donate the former Airport Inn for a new family homeless shelter called Provident Place, a project expected to more than double local crisis bed capacity. (More)

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➤ Two teenagers broke into the Nashville Sounds clubhouse over the weekend, stole 13 players’ gloves, then sold the gear to a Brentwood resale shop that later recognized the items from police social media posts. (More)

➤ The Memphis Hound Dogs—the city’s new arena football franchise—unveiled their inaugural 15-man roster featuring six former Memphis Tigers and nine local high school products. Their first game is May 30 against the Nebraska Siege. (More)

➤ No. 7 Tennessee hosts No. 10 Georgia tonight in Game 1 of the NCAA Softball Super Regional in Knoxville. The best-of-three series winner advances to the Women's College World Series. (More)

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➤ Chattanooga utility workers say they’ve gone a year without a new contract and are pressing American Water for better pay, sick leave, and benefits as negotiations continue. (More)

➤ The Ripken Experience baseball complex has generated more than $320 million in economic impact for Pigeon Forge over the past decade, attracting young players and their families from around the world. (More)

➤ Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store in Jackson earned another USA TODAY nomination for the nation’s best buffet restaurant, marking the restaurant’s third straight year on the national list. (More)

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BIOptimizers Memorial Day Sale Is Live

BIOptimizers’ Memorial Day Sale is live: 25% off sitewide through May 27.

Start with their best-selling Magnesium Breakthrough, a full-spectrum magnesium complex with all seven forms your body actually needs.

It’s designed to support better sleep, calmer evenings, stress support, and relaxation, without the cheap single-form approach.

You can also save on MassZymes, Berberine Breakthrough, P3-OM, and more.

Plus, orders of $150+ can get $35 in free gifts.

👉 Shop before the Memorial Day Sale ends May 27

➤ A Maryville teacher is the only Tennessean named a finalist for National History Day’s Teacher of the Year award, earning national recognition for helping students dive deeper into history. (More)

➤ An Arrington couple rescued two loose horses running through rush-hour traffic after a former horse trainer calmly corralled the animals using a garden hose as a makeshift harness. (More)

➤ Kissel Entertainment will bring The Great Big Fair to Jackson from May 20-24, featuring discounted ride armbands, themed promotions, and a $20-per-day VIP experience. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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