Sunday, August 30, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1919, Ellen Muriel Deason, known as country music star Kitty Wells, was born in Nashville. She became the first female country star to top the U.S. country charts with her hit It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.

Appalachian Bear Rescue has taken in another bear cub and although officials suspect the cub was struck by a vehicle, they are hopeful Poplar Bear’s condition will continue improving. See photos of the cub and learn more in Et Cetera.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Amy counted down the 10 habits that actually predict how long you'll live. When researchers tracked tens of thousands of people for decades, the habits that mattered most weren't the ones anyone expected. Amy broke down each one and revealed the number one predictor science keeps landing on. So before you overhaul your grocery list or your gym routine, find out which habits actually move the needle. And if you're already a creature of habit, see how many of yours made the list. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor is RevelationMedia. Whether you’ve studied the Book of Revelation for years or are simply interested in the history behind one of the Bible’s most fascinating books, their acclaimed documentary brings the ancient world of Revelation to life, and they’re making it available to watch for free.

Airport Moves Toward Renaming for Dolly Parton

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport officials announced plans Friday to rename BNA in honor of Dolly Parton.

Lee said he believes naming the airport in her honor would be a fitting way to welcome travelers to Nashville where her music has a strong legacy. “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer spirit with her.”

Lee said he discussed the idea with Parton's team, which was open to continuing the conversation. Airport CEO Doug Kreulen also backed the proposal, describing the airport as Music City's front door.

The effort follows a petition drawing over 150,000 signatures and a banner-towing plane over downtown Nashville. State Rep. Todd Warner says he will introduce renaming legislation.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell praised the idea while urging alignment with Parton's family and foundation. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will consider the proposal Sept. 17.

Intense Heat Returns to Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee forecasters warn a heat wave will grip the region into September, with heat index values around 105 degrees expected through much of next week.

A weak cold front brought briefly lower humidity Friday, with highs near 90 and pleasant conditions for high school football games across the area.

Humidity climbs again Sunday as highs reach the mid-90s. Meteorologists say feels-like temperatures will hit the 100s all week, peaking Tuesday through Thursday.

Rain chances remain very low throughout the stretch, prompting reminders to water lawns, limit outdoor time, and stay hydrated. Above-average heat could linger into the following weekend.

Unemployment Falls in Nearly Every County

Unemployment rates dropped in 93 of Tennessee's 95 counties in July, according to new state data. Obion County's rate held steady, while Weakley County was the only one to rise.

Eighty-nine counties posted rates below 5%. Cheatham, Sevier, Williamson, and Dickson counties tied for the state's lowest at 2.8%, each improving from June.

Perry County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 5.8%, though it still declined from the prior month. Hancock followed at 5.7%, with Weakley at 5.3% after a four-tenths increase.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development also highlighted hiring incentives for employers, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Statewide August figures are due Sept. 17.

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See the Real Places Behind the Book of Revelation

The seven churches described in Revelation were real communities in real places, and many of their ruins can still be visited today.The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire takes viewers to the island of Patmos and to three of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, exploring the history, archaeology, and biblical events associated with these ancient sites.

Rather than simply reading about these places, you’ll see the landscapes, ruins, and historical context that shaped the world in which Revelation was written.

RevelationMedia is currently making this critically acclaimed documentary available to watch for free.

Watch The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire Free Here →

➤ Greeneville: Harvest Family Restaurant won Tri-Cities Best Pancakes after 12 years serving the community, with owner Bobby Lunsford citing his grandfather as inspiration for opening the restaurant and entering food service. (More)

➤ Nashville: KIPP Nashville charter school removed more than 20 LGBTQ-related books from its curriculum after a teacher sought a religious accommodation, prompting debate over school policies and parental rights. (Learn More)

➤ Johnson City: The city welcomed 19 new businesses and saw four existing businesses expand between 2025 and 2026, signaling continued growth in downtown commercial activity and investment. (See Details)

➤ Chattanooga: Vanderbilt University and utility company EPB have partnered to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation offering research opportunities and graduate education in quantum-related fields. (More)

➤ Vonore: Tellico Area Services System broke ground on a $27 million water treatment facility after receiving a $5 million federal grant to increase treatment capacity and reliability. (More)

➤ Knoxville: The city will host “A Parade for Our Queen” on Sept. 4 in downtown honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, with organizers encouraging participants to wear colorful attire, display signs, and share artwork. (See Details)

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➤ Baylor School freshman quarterback Marshall Manning—son of Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning—will be out for multiple weeks due to a foot injury. Though Manning is not the team’s starting quarterback, he was expected to get reps in every game before the injury. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans played their final preseason game of the season yesterday against the Chicago Bears. Today, they will be tasked with trimming their roster down to 53 players before 6 p.m. ET, the NFL’s roster cutdown deadline. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators have added former Los Angeles Kings executive Hayden Speak to the team’s front office in a prominent research and development role. (More)

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➤ People are calling THIS the easiest fat-loss hack they've ever tried… What if adding 1 simple ingredient could help melt belly fat… Thousands are trying it and seeing shocking results within just days… (More)

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Explore the History Behind Revelation

From Patmos to the ancient churches of Asia Minor, Times of Fire offers a fascinating look at the people, places, and events behind one of the Bible’s most discussed books.

If biblical history, archaeology, or the Book of Revelation interests you, this is worth a watch. RevelationMedia is offering the documentary for free at the link below.

Watch the Free Documentary →

➤ Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of around 20 national parks in the country that doesn’t charge an entry fee. However, in 2023, the park launched its “Park it Forward” program requiring visitors to pay for parking with revenue going toward rangers, search-and-rescue operations, trail maintenance, and facility repairs. (More)

➤ Five-time national banjo champion from East Tennessee, Gary Davis, shares what it was like working alongside Dolly Parton as her former band leader and co-producer, reflecting on the country star’s work ethic, genuine personality, and her emphasis on family values. (Watch Report)

➤ Appalachian Bear Rescue is treating a bear cub suspected of being struck by a vehicle in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Officials stated that bear cubs are incredibly resilient and believe that this one has a good chance for survival. (See Bear Cub)

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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.

➤ Forecasters can’t agree whether fall will bring sweaters, storms, or lingering summer heat. (Hear More)

➤ Thieves pulled off a massive beer run involving 1,600 cases. (Listen Now)

➤ A veteran’s final words captured a life filled with family, laughter, and adventure. (Podcast Available)