Thursday, February 12, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1968, more than 1,000 Black Memphis sanitation workers began a strike after two garbage collectors were killed earlier that month. The strike ended on April 16, 1968.

After a Monterey police sergeant took a tumble, a video of the incident racked up more than 28 million Facebook views. See the video and his department's commentary in the story below.

Today's episode of The Flyover Podcast highlights surprising new research suggesting your daily coffee or tea habit could be linked to a lower risk of dementia. Host Ayla Brown unpacks what scientists found, including the ideal number of cups per day and why decaf didn't show the same effect. Listen here.

Are you actually using everything Amazon Prime gives you? We're breaking down 9 perks many members miss. Keep an eye on your inbox later today for an email from our sponsor, Brad's Deals, on Amazon Prime benefits hiding in plain sight.

Today's sponsor, GoldCo, is sharing how an IRS-approved strategy could help you protect your savings from inflation and economic uncertainty.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

TVA Reverses Course on Coal Plants

Tennessee Valley Authority reversed plans to retire its Kingston and Cumberland coal-fired plants, citing surging electricity demand driven by population growth and expanding data centers.

Originally set to retire by 2027 and 2028, the plants will now remain in service alongside new natural gas and battery facilities.

The utility also scrapped previously proposed solar projects.

The move, backed by a Trump-appointed board majority, drew criticism from clean energy advocates, who say TVA is prolonging pollution near already-impacted communities.

Over 56,000 Apply for School Vouchers

More than 56,000 families applied for Tennessee's Education Freedom Scholarships for the 2026–27 school year, marking a sharp increase from last year's total, according to the state Department of Education.

Nearly 38,000 of the applications were from new participants, with about 17,000 requesting income-based priority. The spike comes as Gov. Bill Lee proposes doubling the number of available vouchers to 40,000.

Some critics of the program say that too many scholarships have gone to wealthier suburban areas despite the program's income-based intent.

TN Officer's Fall Becomes Viral Comedy Hit

A video of Monterey Police Sgt. Bennett taking a spill off a porch has racked up more than 28 million views, thanks to the department's tongue-in-cheek labeling of the fall as a "Rapid Tactical Descent."

The Super Bowl weekend mishap left the porch unharmed and the sergeant's pride "under review," according to MPD. Bennett joked about breaking his leg, though he did not. He has since received fan mail, complete with miniature flamingos.

The department's humorous handling of the incident has made the sergeant an unlikely viral star. See the viral video here.

Flying together with our sponsor

Warning: A $38 Trillion Dollar Debt Bomb

Could This Little-Known IRS Loophole Be

The Secret That Helps Preserve Your Savings?

The national debt has exploded to over $38 trillion, and inflation could be quietly eroding your savings.

But here's the good news: Within the IRS code is a unique provision—a loophole—that could help you:

Protect your savings from inflation.
Diversify with a historically stable asset.
Regain confidence in uncertain times.

Request Your FREE IRS Loophole Guide Now!

The debt clock is ticking, and inflation could continue rising. Discover how this IRS-approved strategy could help you prepare.

[Request My Free Kit], Retirement News | Sean Hannity

➤ Murfreesboro: A judge halted review of a landfill expansion that would add 19 million tons of waste, ruling the operator must first seek regional approval after thousands of odor complaints. (More)

➤ Nashville: Nashville Public Library has digitized more than 200 World War II-era love letters between William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean, chronicling their courtship, wartime separation, and 1942 marriage. (More)

➤ Knox County: Powell Elementary parents are pushing back on a rezoning plan that would send some students to nearby schools to ease overcrowding. (More)

➤ Also Knox County: University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd outlined substance abuse, agriculture, and K-12 access as Tennessee's "grand challenges," highlighting opioid recovery gains and farmland loss during his State of the University address. (More)

➤ Bartlett: Local leaders voted unanimously to reopen Quail Ridge Golf Course under new management, with the course expected to return by Labor Day. (More)

➤ Jackson: A new Raising Cane's opened on Tuesday, giving the first 100 customers free meals and announcing partnerships with local churches and no-kill animal shelters. (More)

➤ Multiple Nashville Predators are participating in Olympic hockey, with Juuse Saros and Erik Haula representing Finland, Roman Josi playing for Switzerland, Filip Forsberg competing for Sweden, and Dr. Kevin Morley serving Team USA. (More)

➤ Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh hired his cousin, Ahmed Saleh, as the team's linebackers coach after Ahmed served as an assistant at Wayne State last year. (More)

➤ No. 5 Vanderbilt women's basketball will host No. 4 Texas tonight in a top-five showdown, carrying a three-game winning streak with back-to-back victories over top-25 teams. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ M.D. Says: This Type of Water Could Make You Fat It's one of the easiest things to do...Yet, according to a leading heart doctor, millions of Americans are drinking the WRONG type of water. And what most don't realize is that this simple daily habit could be secretly causing bloating, fatigue, weight gain, and joint discomfort. But here's the good news: Simply adding one thing to your water can help promote hydration, boost your energy levels, and even support fat loss. Click here to see how >>

➤ Forbes named the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, one of America's Best Large Employers for 2026, recognizing its workplace culture and commitment to supporting and empowering employees. (More)

➤ KJ's Closet, a size-inclusive women's boutique offering "boujee on a budget" styles, has opened in Bristol, Tennessee. (See Photos)

➤ Tsunami in Cooper-Young will close on Feb. 21 after nearly three decades, as owner and executive chef Ben Smith cited rising costs and declining business. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your pet starting at just $10/month. Veterinary emergencies can cost up to $10,000. Lemonade Pet Insurance makes protection affordable, with customizable plans starting at just $10/month. Get your free quote today and protect your pet before the next vet bill hits. PROTECT YOUR PET

Flying together with our sponsor

If you have $50,000 or more saved for retirement, it could be at risk! Discover the 2026 IRS Loophole that thousands of Americans are using to protect their retirement savings with gold and silver! 100% Tax & Penalty FREE! Get Your FREE INFO KIT NOW!

[Request My Free Kit], Retirement News | Sean Hannity

➤ Memphis Zoo welcomed August, a 5-foot-6, 130-pound giraffe born Feb. 5, to Niklas and Wendy. The calf is Niklas' 13th offspring. (See August)

➤ Rutherford County first responders competed in Tuesday's Battle of the Badges blood drive, as Blood Assurance seeks donations after an ice storm canceled hundreds of drives. (See Video)

➤ Knoxville officials announced major renovations to the historic World's Fair Park Amphitheatre, including a new LED lighting system and motorized stage curtain. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stop Bad Dog Behavior in Seconds (Without Yelling or Treats) Excessive barking, jumping, or aggression? Barks No More is an ultrasonic training device from an ex-military dog trainer that safely stops bad behavior without shock collars or costly classes. Just press, reward, and see results in days—tested across 24 breeds with a 96% success rate. (LEARN MORE)