Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1916, Lebanon's Cumberland College lost to Georgia Tech 222-0, still the most lopsided score in college football history. Cumberland had already dropped football but had to field a team anyway or risk paying Georgia Tech a $3,000 penalty.

An East Tennessee outlaw who spent nearly five years hiding in a cave is the subject of a new documentary. What's the most interesting local legend from your hometown? Hit reply to tell us their story.

Neck pain is one of the most common aches afflicting people, and in many cases, doctors can't pinpoint a single cause. It could be your posture, your pillow, or something else entirely. But physical therapists say there's a fix that works better than rest or painkillers, and it takes just a few minutes a day. So what's really behind your neck pain, and which five exercises can help you strengthen your way out of it? Amy has the full story on today's episode of The Flyover Podcast. Tune in here!

Today's edition is brought to you by Cacao Bliss. Try their delicious, heart-healthy hot cocoa superfood drink.

Pike Awake and Speaking, Lawyers Say

Christa Pike is awake and speaking nearly a week after surviving Tennessee's attempt to execute her, her attorneys said Tuesday.

"Against all odds, Christa Pike is conscious, speaking, and continues to receive critical medical care," her legal team said, days after saying she was unconscious and on a ventilator.

It's not yet clear whether she suffered lasting harm. Her lawyers believe she's the only person known to have survived a complete execution attempt in the U.S.

Her attorneys are urging Gov. Bill Lee to commute her death sentence for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, and it's unclear whether the state could try to execute her again.

Losing Bidder Sues over I-24 Toll Deal

A losing bidder sued TDOT over the $9.2 billion I-24 Choice Lanes project, accusing the state of refusing to release contract and payment records tied to the winning bidder, DriveTN.

The 50-year deal would add two toll lanes in each direction along about 26 miles of I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro, while existing lanes stay free.

Gov. Bill Lee backed DriveTN's bid because it promised nearly $25 billion in payments to the state over 50 years, far more than competing offers.

The state comptroller's office is also reviewing the procurement after a lawmaker raised concerns about former TDOT officials' ties to the winning group.

Rabies Baits To Drop along TN Borders

The USDA is dropping rabies vaccine baits from low-flying planes and helicopters along Tennessee's borders with North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama.

The fishmeal-coated baits are meant to vaccinate wild raccoons and slow the spread of rabies, and the USDA says 16 states use the vaccine.

Each bait is marked with a toll-free number, 1-877-722-6725, for anyone who finds one or comes into contact with it.

Officials say the baits are safe, but if your pet finds one, don't try to pull it from its mouth, and wash your hands if a packet may have broken open.

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Costa Rica's Blue Zone Breakfast

Most Americans think eating sweets for breakfast is unhealthy…

But according to Stanford researchers, there's one delicious “dessert” food that Costa Ricans in the famous “blue zone” there eat each morning that:

✅ Keeps them lean even into their 70s, 80s, and 90s
✅ Slows blood sugar spikes and maintains healthy insulin sensitivity
✅ Keeps their blood pressure at normal, healthy levels
✅ Keeps their hearts and arteries strong and clean well into old age, with a striking lack of heart disease in their population
✅ Even helps them have seven times more centenarians than Japanese people

So what's the No. 1 dessert food that helps Costa Ricans live healthy, lean, and energetic past 100? (See Report)

P.S. Here's the surprising part. While Costa Ricans are living longer with this morning ritual, Americans trying it are losing seven pounds in a couple of weeks as a side effect.

➤ Knoxville: The TBI has added a local man charged with first-degree murder to its Tennessee Most Wanted list. (More)

➤ Dandridge: Both signs dedicating a French Broad River bridge to President Donald Trump have been removed. TDOT says one was vandalized and both will be replaced. (More)

➤ Memphis: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital received a new intraoperative MRI scanner that will make pediatric brain surgeries more precise. It should be fully operational in 2027. (More)

➤ Nashville: Stratford High's principal responded to allegations of inflated grades, fake classes, and teachers helping students during tests, reaffirming the school's commitment to academic integrity. (More)

➤ Loudon County: A semi overturned and knocked down power lines on Steekee Road, injuring the driver and closing the road for hours. (More)

➤ Statewide: Ten early childhood educators were surprised with awards from Tennesseans for Quality Early Education honoring their work with the state's youngest students. (See Photos)

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➤ Stoney Van Hook III, a longtime Lady Vols fan who founded the Lady Vols Boost Her Club and quietly helped athletes and families in need, died Sunday at 77. (More)

➤ Former Vol Jahmai Mashack made his preseason debut with the Grizzlies, entering his second season after going 59th overall in 2025 and earning a two-way deal as a rookie. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators recalled goaltender Matt Murray from AHL Milwaukee and put Justus Annunen on injured reserve before Tuesday's game in Toronto, the start of a three-game road trip. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NHL | NBA | Soccer

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➤ Could Your Cooking Oil Affect Your Metabolic Health? Not all cooking oils are created equal, especially when supporting healthy blood sugar. If olive oil is already in your pantry, there are three simple rules worth knowing when choosing the right one. Watch this free video to discover the three olive oil rules.

➤ Tennessee's average gas price fell 12 cents in a week to $3.93, dipping below $4 after record highs in September. It's still $1.18 higher than a year ago. (More)

➤ The original Captain D's in Donelson has closed. The chain started there in 1969 as Mr. D's Seafood and Hamburgers, founded by Raymond Danner. (More)

➤ Nashville's Metro Council is set for a final vote on the mayor's small business incentives program, though local owners say they need broader relief from rising costs. (More)

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➤ Get a deeper clean at home with SonoShine. This rechargeable teeth-cleaning device uses high-frequency vibrations and five adjustable settings to target stubborn plaque, tartar, and surface stains between teeth and along the gumline. SonoShine is easy to use, USB rechargeable, and currently available for up to 50% off.

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Memory Loss, Low Libido, Weak Bones

Not magnesium, and not calcium. A new study says memory loss and cognitive decline may be the result of a different mineral deficiency, one that can also cause stubborn weight gain, low energy, mood swings, a low libido, bleeding gums, and weaker bones.

An estimated 90% of adults over 60 may now be at risk. Soils have become depleted, and common medications such as blood pressure drugs, along with microplastics, strip it from the body.

There are seven warning signs that you might be running low. (See Warning Signs)

➤ The USS LST 325, the only operational World War II Landing Ship Tank, wrapped up a stop at Ashland City's River Bluff Park, where visitors could climb aboard. (See Photos)

➤ A Long Hard Streak, a new documentary on PBS, tells the story of FBI Most Wanted fugitive Billy Dean Anderson, who hid nearly five years in an East Tennessee cave making art. (More)

➤ Memphis' historic trolleys are expected to return to service Dec. 15, according to the mayor, after being intermittently out of service. (More)

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➤ The Wrinkle ‘Eraser’ That Has Women Going Makeup Free. Beverly Hills beauty expert Dr. John Layke is sharing a simple, 60-second beauty trick designed to help you look and feel younger. He created a short instructional video explaining exactly how to try the technique yourself at home. Watch Dr. Layke’s presentation here.