Sunday, August 9, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1920 Tennessee’s General Assembly officially convened a special session to consider the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This session directly set the stage for Tennessee to become the 36th and deciding state to grant American women the right to vote.

Our Poll question yesterday asked, "Are you ready for autumn?" More than half of respondents said yes. It's that time of year when some of us are anticipating fall foliage changes. See what a state climatologist has to say about when we can expect to see the leaves begin to change in Around Tennessee.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Amy uncovered 5 Amazon Prime benefits hiding in plain sight. Many people pay $139 a year primarily for shipping, but the membership also includes perks involving photo storage, gas, food delivery, books, and prescriptions. One could save the average driver nearly $70 a year, while another may even beat your insurance copay. Amy explained how to activate all 5, so before you place your next order, find out what you may already be paying for but never using. Tune in here!

There are a lot of electrolyte drinks out there, but LMNT continues to be one we recommend checking out. It delivers the electrolytes your body needs without the sugar found in many sports drinks, and their new lemonade flavors are perfect for hot summer days. Plus, when you order through this offer, you'll receive a free LMNT Sample Pack with your purchase.

30 Missing Shelby County Children Found

A 6-day, multi-agency operation located 30 missing children from Shelby County between July 29 and Aug. 3, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced.

The children, ages 10 to 17, had been listed as missing, delinquent, or runaways. Teams checked 109 addresses, finding two children in Georgia and one in Mississippi.

The effort involved TBI's Missing Persons Clearinghouse, the U.S. Marshals Service, Memphis Safe Task Force, Memphis Police, and the Department of Children's Services. U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller credited swift interagency collaboration for the recoveries.

TBI Director David Rausch said hundreds of children go missing statewide each month. “From runaways that may leave their home out of desperation or despair, to those entangled in a custody battle, every single one of them deserves a fighting chance, and that's why they also deserve our best work to help them,” said Rausch.

Wildlife Agency Pushes for License Fee Increases

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is seeking public comment on a second attempt to raise hunting and fishing license fees, which could take effect next July.

TWRA withdrew a similar increase in June 2025 after legislative pushback, when lawmakers verbally committed to pursuing alternative funding sources.

That dedicated funding effort ultimately failed in budget negotiations, leaving the agency an $18 million shortfall despite a one-time $10 million allocation.

If passed, most hunting and fishing licenses will increase by an average of 27%. For instance, a basic resident combination hunting and fishing license would go from the current $33 up to $42. The public has until Tuesday, Aug. 11 to offer written comments on the measure. You can send an e-mail twra.rulescomments@tn.gov with “License Rule” in the subject line.

UT Opens $160M Torchbearer Hall

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has completed its newest residence hall as enrollment surges at the state's flagship campus. The $160 million Torchbearer Hall sits at Lake Loudon and Volunteer Boulevard.

The nine-story building, located next to Circle Park, houses 1,028 students and offers two- and four-person suites.

Modern amenities include study rooms, a community kitchen, on-site post office, laundry facilities, outdoor green space, and a new satellite location of the UT Creamery. See photos here.

Officials say the project is part of a long-term strategy to manage enrollment growth and meet student demand for on-campus housing. Move-in runs Aug. 9 through 14.

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➤ Townsend: Appalachian Bear Rescue is caring for four orphaned cubs after a vehicle hit and killed their mother in Washington County, officials said. The cubs are a little over 6 months old, all appear to be healthy, and remain under rehabilitation. (Watch Report)

➤ Gallatin: Police arrested several people and seized 10 gambling machines and thousands of dollars following a 4-month illegal gambling investigation. Those arrested are facing charges that could carry a sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine if they’re found guilty. (More)

➤ McMinn: McMinn County Schools partnered with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital to provide students telehealth visits for common illnesses, with testing available at school clinics when needed. (More)

➤ Cordova: Parents are seeking crossing guards near Cordova High School after a vehicle struck a 15-year-old student on Thursday afternoon, raising concerns about pedestrian safety around the school campus. (More)

➤ Chattanooga: Flash flooding destroyed Scenic City Golf Carts’ inventory on Friday, leaving the business owner facing major losses and uncertainty about rebuilding after severe weather damaged the property. (More)

➤ Johnson City: Tennessee State Climatologist Andrew Joyner says weather conditions in the Tri-Cities could determine the timing and vibrancy of early fall foliage across the region, with temperatures and rainfall influencing when leaves change and how colorful they become. (More)

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➤ The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a four-year, $100 million contract extension with star offensive guard Peter Skoronski, making him the highest-paid player at his position in the league. (More)

➤ Marshall Manning, son of Tennessee football legend Peyton Manning, made his high school football debut for Baylor School in a scrimmage against Buford on Friday night. (More)

➤ Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke—who passed away in May of this year—died from the effects of cocaine and heroin, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office announced recently. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Golf | Soccer | Little League Softball World Series

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➤ If you’re sitting on untapped home equity, Money.com says you may be able to turn it into cash for renovations, debt consolidation, or major expenses without touching your savings. Their latest guide compares top home equity loan and HELOC lenders, breaks down current rates, and explains how homeowners can access funds with predictable monthly payments. LEARN MORE

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A Summer Favorite

Few things hit the spot on a hot afternoon like a cold glass of lemonade. LMNT has taken that classic flavor and turned it into a refreshing electrolyte drink that helps replenish what you lose through sweat without loading you up with sugar.

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➤ The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will introduce three new degree programs this fall, including the state's first civic and constitutional thought and online retail management degrees, targeting workforce needs and emerging industries. (More)

➤ Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music fans will want to mark their calendars for the Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg from Aug. 21-23, featuring multiple stages, artist experiences, and events at the convention center. (See Lineup)

➤ Elvis Week 2026 began yesterday in Memphis, launching a weeklong Graceland celebration featuring concerts, panels, a new exhibit, tribute contest, and Candlelight Vigil for fans worldwide. (Watch Report)

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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. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ The Postal Service's massive quarterly losses places thousands of post offices at risk. (Hear More)

➤ A new generation of companies view space junk as a potential gold mine. (Listen Now)

➤ Fleetwood Mac's most famous feud finally came to an unexpected end. (Podcast Available)