Sunday, June 28, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, the Skirmish at Sparta, Tennessee was a brief but notable cavalry encounter during the Civil War. It was part of a broader series of guerrilla actions and outpost engagements in White County as Union and Confederate forces fiercely contested Middle Tennessee.

Patriotism runs high in Tennessee with communities across the state planning Fourth of July celebrations and honoring the 250th anniversary of America. Some have already kicked off celebrations. Learn more in today's Top Stories. Also take our Poll to let us know which region of the state you think has the best Independence Day celebrations.

ICYMI: Did you miss the Yale study that followed more than 11,000 seniors for over a decade? Researchers found that nearly half actually improved with age—not declined—and uncovered four hidden factor that made the difference. Which factors made the biggest difference? Ayla breaks down what they discovered and shares four practical habits you can start today. Listen and find out the hidden factor here!

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Tennessee Sued Over Pharmacy Ownership Ban

Express Scripts and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association have filed lawsuits against Tennessee over its FAIR Rx Act, which bars pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies.

The suits join an earlier CVS challenge, meaning the May law signed by Gov. Bill Lee now faces three legal challenges likely to be consolidated.

Plaintiffs argue the law violates the Constitution's Commerce Clause and is preempted by federal statutes like ERISA, warning it could disrupt mail-order and specialty pharmacy access.

The bipartisan-backed law followed a state audit finding PBMs paid affiliated pharmacies more. Analysts say the case could shape national PBM reform, echoing a similar blocked Arkansas law.

Student Test Scores Rise, But Proficiency Stays Below Half

Tennessee's newly released 2026 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results show statewide student proficiency rebounding to pre-pandemic levels in most subjects, even as fewer than half of students are proficient in any single subject.

A WSMV4 Investigates analysis found more than 50% of third- through eighth-graders missed expectations in every tested subject from 2023 to 2025, with math the weakest area.

District results varied. Franklin Special District topped state averages by double digits, while Hamilton County students improved across English, math, and social studies but trailed the state overall.

State officials credited "sustained momentum" from education investments. Tennessee's proficiency still exceeds national averages, but gaps persist for economically disadvantaged students and other groups.

America 250th Statewide Celebrations

Communities across Tennessee are preparing Fourth of July celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary, with parades, live music, food trucks, fireworks, and drone shows scheduled statewide through mid-July.

In Knoxville, festivities continue a tradition dating to 1793. Nearby, Gatlinburg hosts its nationally recognized Midnight Parade and a Fourth of July drone-and-fireworks finale.

Around Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley, highlights include Pops on the River and a 500-drone show.

In Middle Tennessee, Nashville's "Let Freedom Sing!" features a symphony-synchronized fireworks and drone finale, with celebrations also in Gallatin, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and nearby towns.

West Tennessee communities, from Jackson to Camden, hold parades, festivals, and fireworks throughout the holiday period, with many events extending into mid- and late July.

No doubt, Tennessee has certainly gained a reputation for patriotism and was recently recognized in a report by WorldAtlas for its numerous towns that know how to throw a legendary Fourth of July celebration. See the list of towns here.

Dear Tennessee Flyover Reader,

If you chose not to invest in The Flyover’s fundraising campaign but still want to support us, this one's for you.

The Tennessee Flyover will always be free. Producing it isn't.

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Do you rely on us for news without the spin? Is fact-first journalism worth fighting for?

If your answer is yes, hear me out.

Behind every morning email is a team of real people working to bring you the news clearly and fairly, without an agenda pulling the coverage one way or the other. We don't answer to advertisers or a corporate parent, we answer to you.

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Maybe you're wondering whether $10 really makes a difference. It does. But here's the thing—it makes a huge difference when a thousand of you decide to chip in together.

We've seen it work. When we opened The Flyover up to investment, thousands of readers stepped in—not billionaires, not a corporation with an angle, just people who read this every morning. That's how we stay independent: lots of readers, each doing a little, adding up to something no single backer could buy.

This is a simple, powerful way to support true, independent journalism.

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Donations from readers are an important revenue source for The Tennessee Flyover, and I hope you will help if you can.

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Thanks for reading—every morning, and today.
— Cole

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➤ Nashville: Waymo opened its autonomous ride-hailing service to all users in Nashville, ending its waitlist system after a phased rollout. The company also said it is testing service at Nashville International Airport for a future expansion. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting involving the Knox County Sheriff's Office after deputies fatally shot a man during an encounter. Authorities have released few details as the investigation continues. (More)

➤ Williamson County: The school district will require students to complete a safety training course before riding e-bikes to school beginning this academic year. District officials said the policy aims to improve student safety. (More)

➤ Jackson: Investigators with the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office recovered a stolen 1971 Chevrolet pickup after a monthslong investigation and returned the vehicle to its owner. Authorities said the case remains under investigation and did not announce arrests. (More)

➤ Maryville: Blount County business owners said new restaurants, attractions, and retail growth are creating hundreds of jobs and attracting more visitors to Maryville. Local leaders expect continued economic expansion. (More)

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➤ The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly struggling to find a team willing to trade for two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant, who has fallen out of favor with the team due to off-the-court actions. (More)

➤ Nashville Predators general manager Chris MacFarland spoke glowingly of the team’s two 2026 first-round picks, Wyatt Cullen and Tommy Bleyl, in a post-draft interview. (More)

➤ Four-star safety Marcus Jones announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Friday, choosing the Volunteers over other top schools like Michigan, Ole Miss and North Carolina. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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A Healthier Future Starts With One Decision

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➤ Tanger Outlets Sevierville ranked among the nation's best outlet malls in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The annual rankings recognize destinations based on expert nominations and public voting. (More)

➤ Knoxville police identified one suspect after a French bulldog, valued at nearly $9,000, was stolen from a West Knoxville pet store. Investigators continue searching for the dog and any additional suspects. (Watch Video)

➤ Dollywood was named one of Newsweek's Greatest Workplaces for 2026, recognizing the theme park for its leadership, integrity, compensation, work-life balance, culture, and benefits. The annual rankings evaluate employers across multiple industries. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A cutting-edge cancer procedure promises less scarring and a quicker recovery. (Hear More)

➤ A scorching European heat wave prompted an unusual ban in Paris. (Listen Now)

➤ Your green bananas may have been healthier than you realized. (Podcast Available)