Monday, June 1, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1796, Tennessee was admitted to the Union as the 16th state, making today the Volunteer State's 230th birthday. Happy statehood day, Tennessee!

Sixty-four endangered hellbender salamanders have been released into East Tennessee streams in an ongoing effort to restore the species. See photos in the story below.

Flyover Updates officially launches today! Each weekday afternoon, we're bringing the nation's biggest developing stories straight to your phone via text message. It's designed to be brief and easy to read, giving you news that breaks after your morning edition lands. If you’d like to stay informed between editions of The Flyover, sign up today.

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East TN Road Washes Out Again

A section of State Route 116 in Anderson County washed away Saturday after overnight storms moved through East Tennessee, marking the third time in 18 months that heavy rains have destroyed the same stretch of road.

A Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson announced the closure and said crews began repairs immediately, with reopening dependent on weather conditions.

The repeated failures have frustrated local officials who rely on the Petros-area route.

Broader East Tennessee flooding prompted safety warnings from emergency groups this weekend.

South Memphis Fails EPA Air Standards

Residents of South Memphis neighborhoods are regularly exposed to air pollution exceeding EPA public health standards, according to a community monitoring report.

The project, run by Memphis Community Against Pollution, placed sensors across the area and found particulate matter spikes above federal thresholds, levels linked to respiratory disease, heart problems, and premature death.

South Memphis sits near industrial corridors and major freight routes. Advocates say residents bear a disproportionate pollution burden compared to other parts of the city.

A permanent monitoring station by the Shelby County Health Department is expected to go online by June 30.

List: Tennessee's Friendliest Small Towns

A new list names eight Tennessee small towns as the state's friendliest, spotlighting communities known for walkable historic downtowns, local festivals, and the kind of warm welcome that keeps visitors coming back.

Bell Buckle made the list for its quirky RC Cola-MoonPie Festival, while Rogersville blends Tennessee history with landmarks like Hale Springs Inn and its annual Heritage Days celebration.

Dandridge and Tellico Plains showcase the state's scenic side, offering access to Douglas Lake, the Cherohala Skyway, and mountain festivals rooted in local traditions.

The list arrives just as summer road trip season begins, giving Tennesseans a ready-made itinerary of towns worth a slow weekend.

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee has been named among the priciest states for electric vehicle ownership in a new analysis. (More)

➤ Memphis: Two people face charges after investigators say they filed a fraudulent deed to transfer a family home to themselves. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: The zoo released 64 endangered eastern hellbender salamanders into Cherokee National Forest streams in an attempt to restore them across regional waterways. (More)

➤ Also Chattanooga: 183 workers are losing their jobs after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers terminated Shimmick Construction’s contract on the long-delayed Chickamauga Lock project. (More)

➤ Nashville: Ground was broken on Eastpoint Flats, the first 100% affordable development in the city's rapidly developing district near the new Titans stadium. (More)

➤ Kingsport: The second annual Pickle Fest returned to Gypsy Circus Cider Company this weekend, celebrating all things pickled with tastings and games. (More)

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➤Tennessee softball will face No. 2 Texas in the Women’s College World Series semifinals today at noon ET. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt football landed a commitment from three-star Florida receiver Davion Crumitie over the weekend, choosing the Commodores over Virginia Tech, Auburn, Kansas State, and Syracuse. (More)

➤ Tennessee men’s golf sits at 14th place through 36 holes at the NCAA championships after shooting 3 over as a team through two days of the tournament. (More)

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➤ A historic Tennessee pharmacy is keeping the soda fountain tradition alive, serving made-to-order milkshakes, egg creams, and lunch counter favorites. (See Details)

➤ CMA Fest kicks off Thursday in Nashville with nightly stadium shows at Nissan Stadium. The festival typically generates hundreds of millions for local businesses. (More)

➤ Joe's Records opened its third location, and first in Memphis, at Wolfchase Galleria on Friday, bringing vinyl culture to the city's northeastern suburban mall. (More)

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➤ Tennessee’s peach season is well underway, and a favorable growing season predicts that fresh fruit will fill farmers markets and roadside stands this summer. (More)

➤ Chattanooga hosted its first-ever Renaissance Faire on Saturday, drawing crowds in elaborate costumes for jousting, period music, and artisan vendors. (More)

➤Big Machine Records is launching a CMA Fest pop-up featuring The Band Perry, giving fans an interactive music industry experience in downtown Nashville. (More)

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