Monday, July 6, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2020, Charlie Daniels, the Mount Juliet-based fiddler and Southern rock pioneer best known for The Devil Went Down to Georgia, died in Hermitage at 83.

Today’s issue of The Tennessee Flyover is a shortened holiday edition to allow staff to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend with friends and family. Our regular edition will return tomorrow. We hope everyone is having a safe and happy weekend!

Today’s sponsor, Fisher Investments, is helping you plan your ideal retirement with a free guide that aligns your goals, timeline, and investment strategy for lasting financial confidence.

Blackburn Joins New Senate Task Force

Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn is one of nine Republican senators launching a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force aimed at probing fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs.

The group says the push is meant to build on the Trump administration's efforts to root out what they call billions in stolen taxpayer dollars.

Blackburn and her colleagues, including Sens. Eric Schmitt, Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt, and Ron Johnson, say the task force will identify vulnerabilities in existing federal systems and push for stronger government accountability. Democrats have not yet responded to the task force announcement.

"It is outrageous how long Democrats have looked the other way while fraudsters steal from hardworking American taxpayers," Blackburn said. "It's time for oversight and accountability."

Guard Soldiers Shoot Armed Man in Memphis

Tennessee National Guard soldiers fatally shot a man in downtown Memphis early Sunday after he turned toward them with a handgun during a foot chase near AutoZone Park.

The confrontation began when officers responding to a shots-fired call spotted the man carrying a weapon and attempted to pursue him. Two National Guard medical specialists provided first aid at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead.

Guard soldiers involved are part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, a deployment that has stationed National Guard troops alongside city police in high-crime areas.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene hours later and has taken over the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

Navy Dad Surprises Family for Fourth

A U.S. Navy sailor surprised his wife and two children at the Memphis Zoo on Friday, the day before his daughter's fifth birthday, after a long deployment.

Personnel Specialist First Class Adam Popke contacted the zoo ahead of time and asked for help planning the homecoming.

The reunion, captured on video by zoo staff, shows Popke surprising his family by walking around the corner during a special elephant encounter they had no idea would become something much more memorable.

"As we celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Adam and all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country," the Memphis Zoo said in a statement. "Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment do not go unnoticed."

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➤ Clarksville: The TBI is investigating an in-custody death days after a police K-9 bit a man for nearly 60 seconds during his arrest. An officer was placed on administrative leave. (More)

➤ Jackson: Jackson-Madison County General Hospital earned the American Heart Association's top stroke care recognition, the Gold Plus achievement. (More)

➤ Carroll County: A confirmed black bear sighting nearby on the Fourth of July offers a sign that the recovering black bear population is expanding beyond East Tennessee. (More)

➤ Tipton County: A deputy's post about teens mowing lawns all summer with a dying weed eater went viral locally. The community responded with a full equipment haul, including a donated riding mower. (See Photos)

➤ Norris: The Museum of Appalachia celebrated America's 250th with its annual anvil shoot, a pioneer tradition dating back to Appalachian frontier life. (See Video)

➤ Nashville: TriStar Centennial Children's Hospital welcomed a handful of Fourth of July babies, dressing the newborns in patriotic onesies to mark the special occasion. (See Photos)

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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 banned Chinese underground church's founder is suddenly free and on American soil, thanks in part to President Trump. (Hear Story)

➤ Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul, struck a parked car in California wine country and drove away, and now the 86-year-old could be facing charges. (Listen Now)

➤ A lavish party for a baby's very first tooth has the internet asking whether modern parents have finally gone too far. (Podcast Available)