Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1935, the location for the Tennessee Valley Authority's Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga was authorized. More than 900 families were relocated during the massive construction project.

To close out the year, we're featuring a collection of the state's top bear moments of 2024 in our Et Cetera section below, including a bear at a winery and another visiting a candy store.

Did you know that the team that makes The Tennessee Flyover also produces a national publication called The Flyover? Click here to subscribe and stay up to date with the latest national headlines—without the bias of legacy media outlets.

Today's sponsor is the Voice of the Martyrs, who are helping provide aid to Christians in hostile territories.

TN Lawmakers React to Death of Jimmy Carter

Tennessee lawmakers are sharing their condolences after former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100.

"President Carter's work to serve extended far beyond his presidency, including projects with Habitat for Humanity in TN. He & Rosalynn put their faith into action & were an inspiration to many. Maria Lee & I are lifting the Carter family up in prayer during this time of immense loss," Gov. Bill Lee shared on Facebook.

"After his service as 39th President, Jimmy Carter spent his time helping others. He partnered with Habitat for Humanity for decades, even volunteering to build homes in Nashville at age 95," Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn wrote.

"Jimmy Carter believed that God put him on earth for a purpose and he spent a century living out that mission. Both in and out of public office he did his best to help others. We should be grateful for what he accomplished and the example he set," former Sen. Lamar Alexander wrote.

Carter's state funeral will be held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9.

Man Arrested Over Death Threats to Judge

A convicted felon was arrested Sunday morning in Old Hickory after authorities identified him as the owner of a social media account that allegedly sent death threats to retired Davidson County Judge Stanley Kweller.

Detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division began investigating the threats in May. The messages were reportedly linked to a January custody decision in which Michael Wortham lost his parental rights. Judge Kweller retired shortly after presiding over that case.

Detectives located the 31-year-old sleeping in his vehicle near his last known address in Davidson County on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Wortham was taken into custody and booked on outstanding warrants for aggravated stalking and retaliation for past actions.

Nashville's Big Bash Countdown Begins

The countdown is on for Nashville's Big Bash, the city's iconic New Year's Eve celebration.

Last year, this legendary event drew a record-breaking crowd of 215,000 people, according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, which organizes the festivities.

NewsChannel 5 personalities Nikki-Dee Ray and Ben Hill return to host this year's Big Bash special, leading up to the highly anticipated Music City note drop at midnight.

Headliners include Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and Jelly Roll. Additional performers include Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, and Zach Top. Watch it live starting at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

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Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world's most hostile and restricted nations.

His mission? To meet the courageous men and women who have faced persecution for their unwavering faith in Christ. Todd has traveled far and wide to hear their powerful stories firsthand and to bring their voices to the world, sharing their extraordinary testimonies of faith and resilience.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ Monroe County: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said agents are investigating the shooting of an officer who was serving a warrant. (More)

➤ Cocke County: Debris and heavy equipment were swept away by flooding along the Pigeon River over the weekend following heavy rain. (More)

➤ Rhea County: A $3.4 million project will provide housing for veterans who are disabled and on low fixed incomes, as well as their families, with 12 new units. (More)

➤ Carter County: Two out of three temporary bridges constructed after Hurricane Helene damage withstood heavy rains and flooding over the weekend. (More)

➤ Nashville: The Tennessean editors named Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell as its 2024 Person of the Year. (More)

➤ Memphis: Memphis Light, Gas, and Water customers will face a 4% rate increase starting in two days, part of MLGW’s plan to update aging infrastructure, bringing the total increase to 8% over the past two years. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Vols women's basketball team ended its non-conference portion of the season undefeated, 12-0, after defeating Winthrop at home on Sunday. (More)

➤ The University of Tennessee men's basketball team also remained unbeaten, holding onto its No. 1 ranking to conclude 2024. (More)

➤ The timeline for Memphis Grizzlies' star Ja Morant's return is unknown after he missed Sunday's game due to an AC sprain in his right shoulder, the team announced. (More)

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➤ Several new businesses are set to open in Middle Tennessee in 2025, including the Nashville Yards music venue and two In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Franklin. (More)

➤ The Aldi grocery store franchise announced plans for 17 new stores in nine states, including new locations in Tennessee. (More)

➤ A new Trader Joe's grocery store location is coming to Murfreesboro next year as part of a 12-store expansion by the franchise in 2025. (More)

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Flying together with our sponsor

Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world's most hostile and restricted nations.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ Which state sent the most new people to Tennessee in 2023? An American Community Survey reveals the full list, with California and Florida ranking first and second. (See List)

➤ According to a report, Tennessee is one of the top 10 states that has been hit hardest by the “cost of living crisis.” (See List)

➤ A collection of the top Tennessee bear moments of 2024 was recently released, featuring five of the most viral videos from the year. (Watch Bears)

➤ Did you miss our tip jar yesterday? Your donations sustain our work, and we wouldn't exist without you. Would you consider making a year-end gift to help us make 2025 even better? Thank you for being part of our journey!

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