Saturday, July 11, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1795, the Town of Maryville was officially established. It was named in honor of Mary Grainger Blount, the wife of territorial Gov. William Blount. Because of this founding date, the city is actually older than the state of Tennessee itself, which was officially admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796.

If you enjoy a good Double Double or Animal Style fries, you may be happy to learn that In-N-Out Burger just opened its fifth Tennessee location. Learn more about the newest location in Around Tennessee.

Slowing how fast you age sounds like it should take a punishing diet or a shelf of supplements. New research out of Japan says otherwise. Scientists found that one small daily habit, paired with another, slowed the body's biological aging about as much as cutting your calorie intake by a quarter. In today's Flyover Podcast, Amy shares exactly what the study found, why it surprised the researchers, and what those two simple habits are. Tune in here to learn more.

Car insurance has quietly become one of those monthly bills that keeps creeping higher. Today's sponsor, Insurify, makes it easy to see if you're paying more than you need to. In just a few minutes, you can compare quotes from multiple insurers in one place and potentially save money without changing your coverage.

State Immigration Law Challenged

The ACLU and National Immigration Law Center have asked a federal judge to reopen a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new Tennessee law making illegal immigration a state crime.

U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson dismissed the class action last month, ruling the two plaintiffs lacked standing and calling the case "attorney-driven." Lawyers now say new filings show both face genuine arrest risk.

The law, effective July 1, creates a Class A misdemeanor for remaining in Tennessee more than 90 days after a final deportation order, punishable by up to a year in jail.

Attorneys argue the statute unconstitutionally usurps federal immigration powers. Richardson has ordered them to explain their delay and why they did not simply file anew.

22 Charged in Putnam County Drug Sweep

Twenty-two people face felony drug charges and 16 were arrested Thursday in "Operation Protecting Putnam County," a sweep targeting methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution.

The operation followed months of undercover narcotics investigations by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Army National Guard Counter Drugs Division, and Tennessee Department of Correction Warrants Division, culminating in a grand jury indictment on July 6 and a mass arrest sweep on July 9, 2026.

Deputies seized narcotics and firearms while serving arrest warrants. Four of those indicted were already incarcerated, and two additional people were found with unrelated active warrants.

Sheriff Eddie Farris said the county will continue working with state and federal partners to prosecute drug dealing. Most defendants have court dates set for Sept. 10.

Explosive Device Found in Sevierville Car

Two people were taken into custody on Thursday after Sevierville police found an active explosive device and an AR-15-style rifle in a vehicle on Old Knoxville Highway.

Officers responding around 3:20 p.m. to reports of two unconscious people in a parked car discovered what appeared to be a pipe bomb during a welfare check. The road was closed and nearby businesses evacuated until about 6 p.m. A hazardous devices unit confirmed the device was active, moved it, and rendered it inactive.

The Sevierville Police Department identified the two people arrested as 38-year-old Mark A. Stell and 40-year-old Rosa M. Lockard of Kentucky. Stell is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a weapon while under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lockard was charged with simple drug possession, criminal impersonation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and carrying a weapon while under the influence.

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➤ Anderson County: Three people died after a head-on crash on Briceville Highway when a northbound car crossed the center line, struck an SUV, and caught fire. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. (More)

➤ Greeneville: The City Council voted to seek a Tennessee grant of up to $525,000 to help fund school resource officers, with no local funding match required if awarded. The grant would support school security through the Greeneville Police Department. (More)

➤ Madison: In-N-Out Burger opened its fifth Tennessee restaurant on Friday. Officials expected heavy traffic and urged customers to follow designated traffic plans. (More)

➤ Memphis: More than 2,000 Memphis Light, Gas and Water customers lost power in the Uptown and Downtown areas on Friday. Utility crews worked to restore service, and officials had not identified the cause of the outages. (More)

➤ Gallatin: City officials approved the annexation of about 125 acres near Meta’s data center campus, adding the property to city limits without announcing a planned use, though some officials speculated about potential expansion. (More)

➤ Clarksville: A man was hit by a vehicle on Friday morning on Tiny Town Rd. and has since died. An investigation by the police department’s fatal crash team revealed that an elderly male with “diminished mental capacity” was walking in the left turn lane during heavy rainfall. (More)

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➤ The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame inducts its 2026 class today at the Omni Nashville Downtown. The group includes former Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, MLB pitcher David Price, former Vols tight end Jason Witten, and more. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt men's basketball will face Virginia in a first-of-its-kind outdoor exhibition doubleheader at Credit One Stadium in Charleston on Sept. 27. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators Foundation awarded a $6,000 grant to Austin Peay men's basketball to launch Beyond the Court, a summer mentorship and life skills program for young men in the Clarksville area. (More)

➤ Tennessee football unveiled their new Adidas Dark Mode all-black alternate uniforms this week, completing a four-day rollout of new looks after the program's switch from Nike. (More)

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➤ A charity golf tournament is planned for Oct. 10 at the Links at Pine Hill Golf Course in Memphis and will raise prostate cancer awareness while honoring late Tennessee Rep. G.A. Hardaway who died in April after battling the disease. The event also aims to encourage early screening and support community health outreach. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was pleased to report there were no boating-related fatalities over the 2026 Independence Day holiday enforcement period. Operation Dry Water is a period of increased enforcement and education about the dangers of impaired boating around July 4th, one of the busiest times for boating activity in the year. (More)

➤ Dozens of dogs were transferred to Middle Tennessee shelters after an Arkansas animal shelter became overwhelmed, prompting a coordinated rescue effort. Animal welfare groups said the move will increase adoption opportunities. (More)

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➤ Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea: Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days? Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

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:

➤ Researchers found that these daily habits can slow the body's aging rate about as much as cutting your calorie intake by a quarter. (Hear More)

➤ Tyler Robinson declined to take the stand at the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case, and the next move rests with the judge. (Listen Now)

➤ China has announced plans for a space-and-ground network to spot dangerous asteroids before they reach Earth. (Podcast Available)