Thursday, March 26, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1749, William Blount, the first territorial governor of Tennessee and one of the state’s first U.S. senators, was born in North Carolina.

Today’s edition includes a feel-good story out of Nashville: Titans star Jeffery Simmons surprised a new homeowner at a Habitat for Humanity ribbon-cutting by picking up their mortgage for an entire year. See details in the story below.

Planning a summer getaway just got more complicated. In today’s Flyover Podcast, host Amy Hess shares details from a new report on how changing conditions are rewriting the rules for booking flights. Should you book now or hold off? Tune in to hear what industry insiders are saying. Watch Now!

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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.

Neighborhood Resists Easter Sign Ban

A Smyrna neighborhood is pushing back after an HOA ordered residents to remove Easter signs that had been displayed for years.

Homeowners say the new management company is suddenly enforcing rules that only allow “for sale” signs, calling the change inconsistent with past practices and the treatment of other holiday decorations.

Some residents argue the ban infringes on religious expression and point to other signs allowed in the community, such as gay pride paraphernalia.

The HOA has not responded to questions, and some neighbors say they may move or continue displaying the signs despite the warnings.

Southwest Policy Dispute Cancels Trip

A Nashville woman says a new Southwest Airlines seating policy forced her off a flight and led to her ticket being canceled at the airport counter.

The woman says she was told to buy a second seat due to her size under a policy requiring extra seats for passengers who “encroach” on others, but she couldn’t afford the additional cost at the gate.

After her ticket was canceled, she later bought a $350 Delta flight to catch her cruise.

The passenger, who took to social media to share her experience, says inconsistent enforcement and a lack of clear guidelines have raised concerns about discrimination. Southwest says it has communicated the policy for months and is reviewing the incident.

Reacher Star Wins Real-Life Fight

Reacher actor Alan Ritchson will not face charges after a fight with a neighbor in Brentwood, with police determining he acted in self-defense.

Video from multiple angles, including bodycam footage, shows the altercation began when the neighbor stepped in front of Ritchson’s motorcycle and confronted him over riding in the neighborhood.

The neighbor was hospitalized with a suspected concussion, but later said he did not wish Ritchson harm.

Police considered a reckless endangerment charge, but closed the case with no action after Ritchson declined to pursue charges against the neighbor.

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➤ Statewide: A new poll shows Sen. Marsha Blackburn leading Tennessee’s Republican gubernatorial primary with 58% support, far ahead of her nearest challenger. (See Poll)

➤ Also Statewide: Tennessee Democrats are pushing a temporary gas tax holiday as fuel prices rise, though Republican lawmakers oppose the plan, citing concerns over road funding and limited consumer benefit. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: A reserve deputy is suing Volkswagen for wrongful termination after a secured firearm was found in his vehicle, arguing that company policy conflicts with Tennessee law allowing secured weapons. (More)

➤ Smoky Mountains: A wildfire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has burned nearly 50 acres and is 25% contained, prompting closures, though officials say no structures are currently threatened. (More)

➤ Nashville: Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons surprised a family by paying their mortgage for a year during a Habitat for Humanity event. (More)

➤ Knoxville: A 17-member advisory group convened to guide spending of $10 million in planned upgrades to Chilhowee Park following concerns raised during previous redevelopment efforts. (More)

➤ Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant will miss the remainder of the NBA season with a ligament sprain in his left elbow. He played in only 20 games this season. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt basketball coach Mark Byington was mentioned as a potential dark horse candidate to become the next head coach at North Carolina. (More)

➤ Construction on the Tennessee Titans’ new-and-improved Nissan Stadium is expected to be done in 2027, with the enclosed roof portion on track for completion this fall. (More)

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➤ Morgan Steel will invest $11.7 million to expand operations in Memphis, creating 119 new jobs as the family-owned manufacturer grows its footprint in Shelby County. (More)

➤ Blount Memorial Hospital will lay off 85 workers on May 1, though most are expected to be rehired by a contractor as Prisma Health outsources food, nutrition, and environmental services. (More)

➤ Hamilton Development plans a 152-acre industrial project in Smyrna featuring 1.8 million square feet across 12 buildings, as officials cite strong demand for flexible, shallow-bay space in the Nashville market. (See Mockup)

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Take control of your weight and health with DirectMeds. Their licensed providers prescribe trusted GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide—clinically proven to curb appetite, balance blood sugar, and promote lasting fat loss. Lower your risk of diabetes, boost energy, and feel confident again. Start today with a quick online consultation and 24-hour approval.

➤ An East Nashville gym helps rescue dogs find homes by bringing foster puppies into workouts, where members meet, bond with, and adopt them while exercising. (See Video)

➤ Hyatt Place Jackson opened near downtown, featuring a Ronald McDonald House floor for families with sick children, expanding local lodging options while providing supportive accommodations close to medical care. (See Video)

➤ Comedian and Tennessee native Leanne Morgan, known for covering everyday topics like marriage, aging, and family life, will perform in Knoxville and Nashville this December, with tickets going on sale Friday. (See Details)

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