Thursday, November 6, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1934, Memphis voters chose to join the Tennessee Valley Authority power distribution system—a move commemorated with a downtown street renamed November 6 Street.

Vanderbilt University will open a New York City satellite campus in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan next fall, offering semester-long programs, housing, and experiential learning. See photos of the classy new campus in the story below.

✈️ What happens when a government shutdown collides with the busiest travel season of the year? On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown explains how the shutdown is putting holiday air travel at risk—and why Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he might “shut the whole airspace down.” Click here to watch The Flyover Podcast.

👶 Heads-up, Flyover readers: Our CEO, Cole, is sending a quick note later today about a few Amazon Prime perks you might be missing—plus how a new baby in the house has him on the lookout for deals. Thanks to our friends at Brad’s Deals.

If you’re ready to finally take control of your weight and your health, today's sponsor, DirectMeds, makes it simple to start—with trusted GLP-1 treatments prescribed online and delivered straight to your door.

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.

TN Lawmakers Tackle State Teacher Crisis

Tennessee lawmakers are tackling the teacher shortage with big ideas and bigger paychecks.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton is proposing a new path that would let teachers start with a two-year associate degree.

The plan seeks to fill K-6 classrooms more affordably—but critics warn it could dilute teaching standards.

Meanwhile, the state’s minimum teacher salary is set to rise to $50,000 by 2026, up from $35,000 in 2019, marking the largest pay bump in Tennessee history.

Helicopter Crash Sparks Fire at McMinn Airport

A small helicopter crashed and caught fire on Tuesday at McMinn County Airport in east Tennessee, according to officials.

The pilot, who was the only person aboard, suffered minor injuries and was treated on scene.

Fire and emergency crews responded quickly to extinguish the flames. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area during the response.

Teen Wins Essay Contest Honoring WWII Vet

A 15-year-old Clarksville student won an essay contest with a tribute to her 100-year-old friend, Col. Joseph Peterburs, a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars..

Olivia Buehler met Peterburs during an educational trip to the National WWII Museum, then penned an award-winning essay about his courage and sacrifice.

Peterburs was so moved, he flew from California to attend the Kiwanis Club event in person.

Out of more than 6,500 submissions, Buehler’s heartfelt words earned top honors—and a surprise message from actor Gary Sinise.

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➤ Statewide: The Tennessee Department of Correction is seeking a $13 million budget increase for CoreCivic despite a federal civil rights investigation and ongoing questions about a recent prison riot. (More)

➤ Also statewide: Tennessee’s online-only energy assistance system crashed on its first day, leaving residents unable to apply for heating help as winter nears. Officials say the site is now stable. (More)

➤ Maryville: Second Harvest of East Tennessee says the state’s $5 million emergency food bank funding is appreciated but insufficient, as demand surges following SNAP benefit cuts. (More)

➤ Nashville: Metro Council approved a 10-year deal with Opry Entertainment Group to operate Ascend Amphitheater, including $12 million in upgrades and $1 million for a 24/7 accessible greenway. (More)

➤ Also, Nashville: Vanderbilt University will open a New York City campus in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood in fall 2026, with its territory spanning a full city block. (See Photos)

➤ Knoxville: Voters overwhelmingly rejected the mayor’s proposed sales tax increase to fund infrastructure and affordable housing, with many citing economic anxiety. (More)

➤ No. 8 Tennessee Lady Vols will host East Tennessee State at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Food City Center after falling 80-77 to No. 9 NC State in a back-and-forth season opener. (More)

➤ The Nashville Predators lost 3-2 to the Minnesota Wild on a controversial overtime goal after the net became dislodged and a Wild player scored from the area where the goalpost had been. (See Goal)

➤ The Lady Vols fell 2-0 against LSU in the second round of the SEC soccer tournament. They’ll now wait five days to see their next opponent during the NCAA tournament selection show on Monday afternoon. (More)

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➤ A proposal to lease Nashville’s publicly owned Centennial Sportsplex ice rink to the Nashville Predators was delayed amid community concerns over reduced access and higher costs. (More)

➤ La Vergne is moving forward with the 77-acre Twinning Station mixed-use project, expected to cost $350-$500 million and add housing, offices, shops, restaurants, entertainment, and millions in tax revenue. (More)

➤ Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta theme park announced a $100 million expansion, including a new lift, an upgraded Treetop Skywalk, reimagined Firefly Village, and a nighttime Firefly Experience. (See Illustrations)

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➤ A Chattanooga mother’s social media post praising a photographer who calmed her overstimulated special needs son during a family photoshoot has gone viral, drawing nearly 9 million views. (See Video)

➤ A Clarksville police officer was honored for exceptional service after responding to a call to help an elderly resident bury his 18-year-old beagle, Lisa, in her favorite spot in the yard. (More)

➤ Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville expanded to 320 acres after acquiring its final in-boundary property, fulfilling a 50-year vision for land conservation and connectivity. (More)

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