Tennessee’s Democratic delegates are first to support Harris for president Delegates were already scheduled for a call Sunday afternoon when President Biden announced he would withdraw from the race
BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
Tennessee’s Democratic Party delegates were already scheduled for a call Sunday afternoon when President Joe Biden announced he would withdraw from the election and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.
On that call later in the day, the state’s delegation for the 2024 Democratic National Convention voted to support Harris for the presidency. Several reports indicate that Tennessee’s delegates are the first state representation to do so.
Tennessee Democratic Party chair Hendrell Remus said in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s time for us to unite and win this election – for nearly 4 years, VP Harris has been in the trenches with @JoeBiden fighting for us, Tennessee is with you!”
Hundreds of Nashvillians gathered at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Sunday afternoon for the “Nashville Together” rally, pushing back against a recent string of neo-Nazi actions that have targeted Middle Tennessee with antisemitic, antiimmigrant and anti-LGBTQ messages.
Numerous local and state elected officials and community leaders attended and spoke
at the gathering, while Gov. Bill Lee issued a statement in a pre-recorded message.
“I’ve had to work to keep calm, to control my outrage, and frankly, what has helped me cope is that people of goodwill are speaking up and making clear that this hatred, this poisonous ideology, is unacceptable,” Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville CEO Daniel Horowitz said to roars of applause from the
diverse crowd of attendees.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell spoke to the Metro Nashville Police Department’s ongoing monitoring of the group’s activities and ensuring public safety.
“As someone who stands here before you because some of my ancestors escaped the Holocaust, and sadly, not all of them, I defiantly tell you, shocked that
The Democratic National Convention, where delegates will now pick the Democratic nominee for the presidential election, will take place in Chicago from Aug. 19 through 22.
Several political leaders in Tennessee are delegates, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Metro Nashville School Board member Freda Player.
“My focus will always be on what’s best for Nashville,” says O’Connell
Nashvillians stand against hate
I even have to, that Nashville stands strong against Nazis,” O’Connell said, describing the group’s arrival in Music City as “clown cars and a circus of fear and hatred.”
On July 14, one member of the group, 29-year-old Ryan Scott McCann of Ontario, Canada, was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct after he was recorded fighting with a Nashvillian on Broadway, during which McCann struck the local man with a flagpole.
McCann remains jailed and is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday.
Days later, the remainder of the group
demonstrated inside of the Metro Nashville City Council chambers where they disrupted a meeting and claimed responsibility for racist flyers dropped off in neighborhoods across Nashville.
“Those who have used the powers of the First Amendment for the powers of hatred and fear are not entitled to tolerance and acceptance, and we will continue our efforts to ensure that they confront ongoing difficulty when they try,” O’Connell said on Sunday.
“Do not let them steal our glory as Music City, our partnerships in the effort to be a welcoming and friendly city, our fellowship in a city of many faiths, many nations and many creeds, and don’t let them steal the incredible work that we are doing together.”
“This neo-Nazi nonsense is not ok; it’s not welcome anywhere in Tennessee, as far as I’m concerned,” District 26 Metro Councilmember and Fifth Congressional District candidate Courtney Johnston told The News. “We came together and proved that we are better than that, Tennessee is better than that.”
Another elected official in attendance, state House Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville), is actively working to combat the rise of hate groups in Middle Tennessee with a free virtual program “Countering White Nationalism 101” set for Thursday evening.
“I’m excited to see so many diverse folks here, and I think it’s going to take all of us in Nashville to stand united against what’s happening,” Behn told The News
“I want people to know that what happened this week is not an aberration; they are going to continue to double down, and we have to stand united and build our bigger, better we.”
Tennessee’s delegates
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
in a statement. “We’ve been working closely with federal partners since taking office, and the Biden administration has been a great friend to Nashville. I’m grateful for President Biden’s leadership. Now, in this critical election where democracy is on the ballot, I look forward to supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.”
House Minority Leader Karen Camper (D-Memphis), Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis), state Rep.
Vincent Dixie (D-Nashville) and state Rep. Harold Love (D-Nashville) will also leaders serve as delegates.
Leader Camper sent out a statement Sunday afternoon thanking President Biden and adding her support for Harris’ nomination.
“Her commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear,” she said.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Councilmember At-Large Zulfat Suara condemns neo-Nazis at Metro Council Meeting, July 16, 2024.
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville CEO Rabbi Dan Horwitz speaks against hate groups and recent acts of discrimination during Metro Council meeting, July 16, 2024
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Vice President Kamala Harris PHOTO: RICHARD CHO, U.S. NAVY
Neo-Nazis disrupt Metro Council meeting
Councilmember Suara orders chamber gallery cleared after disruptions by a dozen loosely organized white supremacists
BY ELI MOTYCKA
Metro police cleared the public gallery 10 minutes into the announcement period at last week’s Metro Council meeting following an order by Councilmember At-Large Zulfat Suara, who was presiding over the chamber. For about 30 minutes preceding the order, a dozen individuals in matching T-shirts had gradually escalated antisemitic, homophobic and racist diatribes directed toward bystanders and news media. Online antisemitic provocateur Jon Minadeo II led the group and briefly signed up for public comment at the meeting before crossing out his name.
The News sister publication the Nashville Scene spoke with several members of the group, who identified themselves and fellow members as residents of Florida, Colorado and Canada. They told the Scene that Nashville was part of a multi-city tour meant to generate media attention and promote antisemitism. The small group communicates remotely and chose to come to Nashville because of the city’s significance as a liberal bastion within a state dominated by conservative politics. On Sunday, one member — Ryan Scott McCann of Ontario,
Canada — was charged with felony assault following a physical altercation on Broadway. The group briefly gathered around 3:30 p.m. at West End Synagogue before entering the Metro Council chamber around 5:30 p.m.
Several, including Minadeo, claimed spots under pseudonyms on the public comment sign-up sheet. Councilmember Jeff Preptit had recently introduced a bill to prohibit Metro Nashville Police Department employees from “unlawful association with criminal hate groups and paramilitary gangs,” though Nazi members say this was a coincidence and that they had planned to share conspiracy theories during the public comment period.
Suara began the announcements portion of Tuesday’s meeting with a direct address regarding the group. At that time, members repeatedly displayed antisemitic gestures and verbally harassed members of the media, individuals in the chamber and councilmembers directly. Several had signed up for public comment under antisemitic pseudonyms.
“Please do not engage this group,” Suara said in an opening statement. “They want attention. You don’t have to give it to them. But I do want you to know that this council and Nashville government condemns all forms of hate. When you come for one of us, you come for all of us, and we continue to stand together as Nashvillians.”
Shortly after, Minadeo began yelling slurs over councilmembers in the gallery. The chamber had an increased law enforcement presence, with officers from MNPD and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.
“When these become direct threats to a person, that’s when we legally intervene,” one MNPD officer told the Scene
Suara gave an order to clear the gallery about 10 minutes into the announcement period. Around that time, several councilmembers, including Preptit and Joy Styles, prevented District 30’s Sandra Sepulveda from physically entering the gallery following a verbal outburst at the Nazi group from Sepulveda.
“We’re not doing this today,” Styles said, comforting Sepulveda. “We don’t have to do this today.”
Other councilmembers were visibly distraught. Several congregated at the back of the council floor to witness the chamber being cleared.
The Nazi group continued verbally harassing and provoking bystanders, including news media and counterprotestors, on the steps of the Metro Courthouse for about 20 minutes before driving off in a white van. Metro law director Wally Dietz and Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s chief of staff, Marjorie Pomeroy-Wallace, watched the scrum from a distance with MNPD officers. Dietz told the Scene that the city can clear the gallery when individuals disrupt government business, but that outside the chamber, speech is protected as a First Amendment right.
“This is quite literally the public square,” Dietz told the Scene. “They can talk and say what they want, as long as they don’t threaten violence. But they disrupted the council meeting and will not come back in there.”
A few yards away, a handful of counterprotestors faced down the Nazis, many of whom were filming or streaming on their phones. Minadeo and others regularly livestream their public provocation to fundraise.
“We need Nazis out of Tennessee,” one counter-protestor, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Scene. “They have no reason to be here, locals don’t want them here — Nazis, f-ck off. Spread love, support your community, protect your neighbors and keep everyone safe. If enough people are loved and supported in our community, the haters and extremists won’t come here because they’ll know they aren’t welcome.”
The Anti-Defamation League recommends these guidelines for responding to extremist disruptions at public meetings. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
Neo-Nazis salute while harassing Nashvillians Reyn Haun and Nicki Pope at Metro Council Meeting, July 16, 2024.
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
A neo-Nazi being escorted out of city hall, July 16, 2024
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Local leaders financially backing Johnston against Ogles in House race
Gloria Johnson out-raising fellow Democrats for Marsha Blackburn’s Senate seat
BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
Campaign financial disclosures for the federal elections have been released and the money is rolling in for Tennessee’s candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles and his primary challenger, Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston, have spent nearly the same amount this quarter as voters take to the primary ballots. Johnston is out-raising Ogles by almost triple in contributions: $721,000 to $263,000. Tennessee Republican heavyweights such as Bill Haslam, Bob Corker and Bill Frist have thrown their financial support behind Johnston.
In addition, local leaders from Nashville and Williamson County financially supporting Johnston’s campaign — from Mike Cortese and Kevin Crumbo to Ken Moore and Rogers Anderson. Plus, at least 18 CEOs — like Matthew Scoggins, Jr. of Farm Bureau, Hal Lawton of Tractor Supply, Phil Mazucca of Williamson Health, Chip Crunk of RJ Young, Tim Downey of Southern Land Company, Richard Isaacson of ServPro, Mark Fioravanti of Ryman Hospitality Properties and Colin Reed of Ryman Hospitality — are backing Johnston. She also had no political
action committee donations while Ogles had $43,000 from PACs.
In the race for U.S. Senate, Democrat Gloria Johnson is raising far more than her fellow party opponents. Johnson has received $1.2 million in contributions for this period, for a total of nearly $4.9 million to date. Marquita Bradshaw, another Democrat in the race, had not filed an updated disclosure as of 4:30 p.m. on July 16 — after the Monday deadline. Even though Bradshaw has not submitted her disclosure, Johnson had already been outearning her in the first quarter. If Johnson earns the nomination, the Knoxville Democrat will ultimately face incumbent Republican Marsha Blackburn, who received $787,800 in contributions this period and has totaled $6.9 million to date. Blackburn disclosed nearly $1.9 million in receipts, which include transfers from authorized committees in addition to contributions. She has $9.2 million on hand at this point, while Johnson has $2 million.
MNPD identify 1998 ‘Leo Jane Doe’ as murder victim Diane Minor
Metro Nashville Police have identified a woman who was killed in 1998, and they are seeking the public’s help in finding out more about her death.
54-year-old Diane Minor’s body was found in the Cumberland River near Cleeces Ferry on March 18, 1998, with two gunshot wounds to her head.
Minor, who was last known to have been a manager at the Second Story Café in the early ‘90s, has been known for the last 26 years as “Leo Jane Doe” due to a necklace she was wearing with a Leo zodiac symbol. A missing person report was never filed for Minor.
MNPD cold case homicide detectives continue to investigate Minor’s killing, and they are asking anyone with information about Minor or her killing to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
Advancing Parkinson’s Care: How Gocovri Can Help Dr. Laxman Bhagwan Bahroo, DO Department of Neurology, Georgetown University
Parkinson’s Disease Research Update Thomas Davis, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Focused Ultrasound coming to Vanderbilt Travis J. Hassell,
Refining Your Diet To Improve Medication Effectiveness Faye Elahi, MS, MA: Special Parkinson’s Disease Nutritionist Glutenfreenutritionforlife.com
the
or
Diane Minor PHOTO: MNPD
Davidson County Ballot Guide Here’s what Nashville voters will find on the Aug. 1 ballot for federal and state primaries and local general elections
BY NASHVILLE BANNER STAFF
This story is a partnership between the Nashville Banner and The News. The Nashville Banner is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization focused on civic news. Visit nashvillebanner.com for more information.
FEDERAL
U.S. SENATE
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Marquita Bradshaw Age: 50
Professional experience: Environmental justice chair, Sierra Club, Tennessee Campaign website: marquitabradshaw.com
Education: Bachelor’s in journalism and communication from the University of Memphis Political experience: Democratic nominee, U.S. Senate, 2020
Name: Lola Denise Brown
Age: 67
Professional experience: Not available Campaign website: LolaDenise Brown for United States Senator on Facebook
Education: Bachelor’s in behavioral science from American Baptist College Political experience: First-time candidate
Name: Gloria Johnson Age: 62
Professional experience: Teacher, consultant Campaign website: votegloriajohnson.com
Education: Bachelor’s in special education and teaching from the University of Tennessee Political experience: Representative, Tennessee House of Representatives, 2012-2014 and 2018-present
Name: Civil Miller-Watkins
Age: 58
Professional experience: Middle school math teacher Campaign website: civilforsenate.com
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology and social work, master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, Martin Political experience: Former Fayette County School Board member, secretary of the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: Marsha Blackburn Age: 72
Professional experience: Politician Campaign website: marshablackburn.com
Education: Bachelor’s in home economics from Mississippi State University Political experience: Incumbent (since 2019), U.S. House of Representatives (2003-2018), Tennessee state Senate (1998-2003)
Name: Tres Wittum Age: 37
Professional experience: Analyst for the Tennessee state Senate Campaign website: treswittum.com
Education: Bachelor’s in media and communications from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Political experience: Campaign chief for Tennessee state Sen. Bo Watson, Davidson County Chairman
INDEPENDENTS
Name: William Tharon Chandler Age: 56
Professional experience: Farmer Campaign website: N/A
Education: Bachelor’s in German and economics from Memphis State University Political experience: Perennial candidate
Name: Pamela Moses Age: 46
Professional experience: Not available Campaign website: pamelamosesforsenate.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee Political experience: Candidate for mayor of Memphis
Name: Hastina Robinson Age: 53
Professional experience: Emergency medical technician
Campaign website: vote4hastina.com
Education: Not available
Political experience: Former candidate for state Senate
5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Maryam Abolfazli Age: 45
Occupation: Former executive director of Rise and Shine Tennessee
Campaign website: maryamforcongress.com
Education: Bachelor’s in international relations from Oglethorpe University, master’s in public affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Political experience: Chair, Metro Human Relations Commission
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: Andy Ogles Age: 53
Occupation: Former Maury County mayor and executive with Americans for Prosperity and the Laffer Center Campaign website: andyogles.com
Education: B.S. in Liberal Studies from Middle Tennessee State UniversityPolitical experience: Former Maury County mayor
Name: Courtney Johnston Age: 45
Occupation: Real estate agent, Synergy Realty Campaign website: johnstonforcongress.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance from Louisiana State University
Political experience: District 26 Metro councilmember
Occupation: Pastor and career coach Campaign website: fairclothforcongress.com
Education: Master’s in counseling from Trevecca University
Political experience: Ran for this seat in 2022
Name: Cyril Focht Age: 29
Occupation: Instructor at Tennessee Tech Campaign website: vote4focht.us
Education: Master’s in computational media, University of California, Santa Cruz; bachelor’s from Tennessee Tech
Political experience: Activism
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: John Rose Age: 59
Occupation: Incumbent District 6 Representative, founder of Transcender Corp., farmer Campaign website: johnrose.com
Education: Master of science in agricultural economics from Purdue University, law degree from Vanderbilt University
Political experience: Served as the state agriculture commissioner
7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Megan Barry Age: 60
Professional experience: Corporate consultant Campaign website: meganbarryforcongress.com
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education from Baker University, MBA from Vanderbilt University
Political experience: Mayor of Nashville (2015-2018), Metro councilmember (2007-2015)
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: Mark Green Age: 59
Professional experience: Founder and CEO of Align MD Campaign website: markgreentn.com
Education: Bachelor’s in business management from the United States Military Academy, master’s from the University of Southern California and medical degree from Wright State University
Political experience: Incumbent (since 2019), District 22 Tennessee state Senate (2013-2018)
Voting stickers PHOTO: ELIZABETH JONES
STATE SENATE
DISTRICT 20
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Heidi Campbell Age: 55
Occupation: District 20 Tennessee state senator, music business executive Campaign website: voteheidicampbell.com
Education: Bachelor’s from Sarah Lawrence College, MBA from Vanderbilt University Political experience: Former vice mayor and mayor of Oak Hill
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: Wyatt Rampy Age: 56
Occupation: President of Poplar Realty Co. Campaign website: wyattrampy.com
Education: Lipscomb University Political experience: Ran for state House in 2022
Education: Bachelor’s in marketing from Belmont University Political experience: District 10 Metrocouncilmember
DISTRICT 51
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Aftyn Behn Age: 33
Occupation: Former campaign director for national political group Rural Organizing Campaign website: aftynbehn.com
Education: Master’s in social work, University of Texas
Political experience: House District 51 representative, longtime community organizer
DISTRICT 52
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Justin Jones Age: 28
Occupation: Independent activist (prior to taking office) Campaign website: justinjonestn.com
Education: Bachelor’s in political science from Fisk University, Master of Divinity in theological studies from Vanderbilt University (tentative) Political experience: House District 52 representative
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: Laura Nelson Age: 54
Occupation: Not available
Campaign website: lauranelsontn52.com
Education: Not available
Political experience: Former vice chair of the Davidson County Republican Party
DISTRICT 53
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Jason Powell Age: 46
Occupation: Director of business development, Freeman Webb
Campaign website: powellfortennessee.com
Education: Bachelor’s from the University of Colorado, MBA from the University of Memphis, MPA from Tennessee State University Political experience: District 53 representative
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name: Yog Nepal Age: Not available
Occupation: Owner, Titans Home Care Campaign website: x.com/yog_nepal
Education: Master’s from Ashworth College Political experience: Not available
DISTRICT 54
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Vincent Dixie Age: 50
Occupation: Small business owner, A Way Out Bonding and Bail U Out Bonding Campaign website: dixie4tn.com
Education: Bachelor’s in accounting, MBA from Tennessee State University Political experience: District 54 representative
Education: Bachelor’s from Columbia University, JD from the University of Memphis Political experience: District 55 representative
DISTRICT 56
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Bob Freeman Age: 49
Occupation: President of Freeman Webb Company
Campaign website: votebobfreeman.com
Education: Bachelor’s from MTSU, master’s in sustainability from Lipscomb University Political experience: District 56 representative, chairman of the board at Tennessee Environmental Council
Name: Nick Forster-Benson Age: 21
Occupation: Student at Vanderbilt University Campaign website: nick4nashville.com
Education: Studying economics and quantitative social science at Vanderbilt University
Political experience: Intern, Illinois 10th Congressional District Democrats; research assistant, Vanderbilt ROCCA lab; leader at Vandy Votes
DISTRICT 58
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Harold Love Jr. Age: 51
Occupation:
Pastor of Lee Chapel AME Church Campaign website: haroldlovejr.com
Education: Bachelor’s from Tennessee State University; master’s in theological studies from Vanderbilt University; Ph.D. in public policy from Tennessee State University
Political experience: District 58 representative; assistant minority leader, state House of Representatives; president-elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators
DISTRICT 59
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Caleb Hemmer Age: 42
Occupation: Health care executive Campaign website: calebhemmer.com
Education: Bachelor’s from University of Tennessee, MBA from Tennessee Tech University
Political experience: District 59 representative
DISTRICT 60
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Tyler Brasher Age: 34
Occupation: Director at Gibbins Advisors Campaign website: tylerfortn.com
Education: Bachelor’s from University of Tennessee, Martin
Political experience: Member of Metro Nashville’s Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee, member of Metro Nashville’s Health and Educational Facilities Board, Hermitage Community Advisory Board
Occupation: Family law mediator, Thompson Burton Campaign website: stephanie4judge.com
Education: Bachelor’s from Trevecca College, JD from University of Tennessee Political experience: Special master, 4th Circuit Court (appointed)
PROPERTY ASSESSOR
Name: Vivian Wilhoite Age: 61
Campaign website: Not available
Education:
Bachelor’s from Tennessee State University Political experience: Metro Council, 20032011; candidate for mayor in 2023
METRO NASHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD DISTRICT 1
Name: Demytris Savage-Short Age: 46
Occupation: LPN at Vanderbilt Medical Center Campaign website: demytrisforschoolboard.com
Education: Degree from Tennessee College of Applied Technology Political experience: Advocated for opt-out forms to be made available for students during COVID
Name: Robert Taylor Age: 46
Occupation: Instructor and program coordinator at Meharry Medical College Campaign website: taylorforschools.com
Education: Bachelor’s from Fisk University, master’s from Bowie State Political experience: Ran for same seat four years ago
Democrat Taylor and Republican Savage-Short vie for MNPS’ only contested seat
school board race
BY KELSEY BEYELER
Five Metro Nashville Public Schools board district seats are on Davidson County’s Aug. 1 ballot — but only one race will leave voters with a decision to make. Seats in districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are all up for election this year, but only District 1, in the northwest quadrant of the county, has a contested race. Though school board elections historically have not been partisan, a 2021 law changed that for Nashville. That means now, in the general election, any district without a Republican candidate has only an unopposed Democratic candidate. A few candidates already serving on the school board will remain in their roles after the election. Democratic incumbents Freda Player (District 7) and Abigail Tylor (District 9) ran uncontested and will each begin another four-year term. Uniquely, District 5 candidate TK Fayne was temporarily appointed to the school board by the Metro Council in March after former representative Christianne Buggs resigned to take on the role of CEO at education nonprofit PENCIL. Fayne is uncontested so will presumably continue serving. Former Metro Councilmember Zach Young is running
for the District 3 seat currently held by outgoing representative Emily Masters, who announced she would not seek reelection. Young has no challengers.
That leaves the race for District 1 between Republican Demytris Savage-Short and Democrat Robert Taylor, who are vying for a seat held by Sharon Gentry since 2008.
Taylor is an educator at Meharry Medical College who has also worked as a family involvement specialist for Whites Creek Cluster schools and who founded the nonprofit New Life Center, among other roles. Taylor unsuccessfully ran for this seat in 2020, but he previously served on the board of charter school Smithson Craighead Academy. Taylor has several children who have attended traditional public, magnet and private schools. He says the range of experience broadens his ideas about different strategies, which he would channel into his input on district-level policies. He told the Scene in February he thinks Nashville has enough charter schools, and recently told the Nashville Banner he supports vouchers for students not already attending private schools who need more options, but not for
students already attending them. Taylor says he’d like to implement a policy inspired by charter schools: a family-engagement policy that would encourage parents to become more involved. He emphasizes a desire to involve the community in schools more deeply, and says becoming a school board member will allow him to continue work he’s been doing on a larger scale.
Republican candidate and pediatric nurse Savage-Short is focusing her campaign on parental rights and a renewed emphasis on traditional academic subjects over social and emotional learning. Her son attends a community-based training program run by a district school that specifically supports students with disabilities. She shares on her website that, because she has experience advocating for her son, she will be able to do so for other students. Savage-Short homeschools another child, who she says she pulled from the public education system because of “indoctrination.”
“Kids need to go back to a classical education instead of being made into social justice warriors, instead of being taught social emotional learning,” Savage-Short
11 more local students named 2024 National Merit Scholarship winners
STAFF REPORTS
Last week, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the final batch of this year’s college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners, and 11 of the honorees came from Williamson County and Davidson County schools.
The 800 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. These Merit Scholar designees join more than 2,900 other college-sponsored award recipients who were announced in June.
College-sponsored awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.
These winners were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
2024 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
John S. Beck Ravenwood
Natalie C. DiMaria Harpeth Hall
Camden J. Walke Ravenwood
William Bruce Hard Montgomery Bell Academy
Rishika Chall Brentwood
Coleman A. Clemmons Franklin
Natalie F. Mallal University School of Nashville
Jackson S. McDonald Franklin
Saisarath Ravilla Ravenwood
Cyril W. Turner Montgomery Bell Academy
Vasilios J. Ekimogloy Franklin
tells the Scene
Other topics she’s campaigning on include enhancing school safety, preserving Judeo-Christian values and preventing age-inappropriate content. If elected, she wants to make the MNPS opt-out forms and parental rights information more accessible to parents. While she didn’t support Gov. Bill Lee’s universal school voucher program because of how it would have affected homeschooling and private schools, she says she supports parents’ right to school choice, the current Education Savings Account program and charter schools. Both candidates express desire to support teachers and address school finances. According to campaign financial disclosures, Savage-Short raised $2,537.53 in the second quarter of this year, while Taylor raised $8,685. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
CHELON HASTY SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER
ELIZABETH JONES CORPORATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR TODD PATTON CFO
MIKE SMITH PRESIDENT AND CEO
BILL FREEMAN OWNER
Nashville eliminated as a Sundance 2027 host candidate
Officials with annual Utah film festival announce Atlanta, Cincinnati, Louisville among list of finalists
STAFF REPORTS
Sundance Film Festival officials have named the finalists to host the 2027 event
LETTER TO EDITOR
One of our most important freedoms that we have in the United States, is freedom of speech. Add to that freedom, to gather peacefully in our public places. We all have to honor this, even if we do not agree or like what others have to say or what they do. As long as individuals or groups have the
PUPPET PRESIDENT
Man, are you daft? The puppeteers as you refer to them, are not pulling any strings, and they are NOT the power of our government as you indicate. Do you not know that currently the Trumpublicans control the Senate and the House, and have taken over the Supreme Court. Those people are the puppets of the Cheeto Jesus. There was a bipartisan deal made to aid the control of the border, but your Orange MAGA blimp told them not to pass it so it would be an issue with the upcoming election.. Now who’s running the government? I would strongly suggest you get your head out of your ass, turn off Fox News and get your facts straight. I would much prefer to have Obama, Harris and Polosi pulling the strings than to deal with a 34 inditement felon, with a cabinet of people that are likewise felons running the country. It’s time to clear your brainwashed mind.
SPEED BUMPS
Some company sold Green Hills quite a bill of goods with the speed bumps that are EVERYWHERE! I understand the need to slow traffic down in some areas - so what about speed “humps”?
They will slow cars down, but not ruin your shocks and alignment like the carjarring speed bumps on Overhill, Hill Center shopping area and the YMCA parking lot.
— with previous candidate Nashville being eliminated from contention.
According to multiple sources, the cities vying for the annual event are as follows (listed alphabetically): Atlanta; Boulder, Colo.; Cincinnati; Louisville; Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah (a joint bid); and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Founded in 1978, the festival is held every January in Park City, in Salt Lake City and at the Sundance Resort (a ski resort located near Provo, Utah). Sundance provides a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers.
The Nashville Banner reports the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. oversaw the local bid, with a committee including actresses Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Belcourt Theatre Executive Director Stephanie Silverman told the Banner in June that they supported the bid, with both citing the theater’s history of having worked with Sundance on various initiatives.
Officials with the festival announced earlier this year that a move was being considered, with logistic and capacity
OPINION
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
permits to speak and gather from the city, LET THEM.
You don’t have to watch or listen. It infringes not on your rights nor should you let it disturb you.
Let them have their freedom, and you mind yours.
Why do you think these groups march and
rally in public? To be seen and to rouse the ire and hate in you, which is what they stand for. Personally I think there is a political motive/ financing behind them. Never the less, if you don’t like what they say DON’T LISTEN OR LOOK. If you do, you will be giving them just what they want. Don’t show up to their rally’s or marches if it is not what you agree
TICKED OFF!
But if the idea is to make the cars come to a complete stop (which lots of cars do so as not to ruin their vehicle) wouldn’t be easier to put stop signs in? (There is one place in the Hill Center shopping area that has both a stop sign as well as a speed bump!) Overkill??????
STOKING VIOLENCE
When a madman hammered nearly to death the husband of then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Donald Trump jeered and mocked. One of Trump’s sons and other close Trump supporters avidly promoted false claims that Paul Pelosi had somehow brought the onslaught upon himself through a sexual misadventure!
After authorities apprehended a rightwing-extremist plot to abduct Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Trump belittled the threat at a rally. He disparaged Whitmer as a political enemy. His supporters chanted “Lock her up.” Trump laughed and replied, “Lock them all up.”
So last week, a card-carrying Republican wounds Trump – the man who told his mob to “fight like hell” to disrupt the procedures on January 6 – and the Republicans are all upset because now their man has been attacked. No Democrat lawmaker is laughing; Biden is not jeering or mocking. But no less than two Republican lawmakers immediately claimed that Biden had ordered the hit.
All of a sudden, the Republicans claim that there should not be violence in American politics. It’s about time. Maybe now they’ll start believing in the rule of the law, of the value of honesty and telling the truth, and not taking away people’s right to vote or their freedoms. Isn’t it ironic that the gunman and Trump, at their opposite ends of a bullet’s trajectory, are nonetheless joined together as common enemies of law and democracy.
“Imagine there’s no countries, It isn’t hard to do; Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too.” John Lennon
COMMENTS FOR TICKED OFF
Nashville is worried about whether we will have another Swan Ball. While we wring our hands over it’s future, others amongst us are joining the Nazis, Proud Boys and other MAGA extremist groups.
Hatred can be traced back 120 years to the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. The Protocols were first written as a satire against the reign of Napoleon. The Russians used it in their revolution and we all know what Hilter turned it into.
The Protocols as first published in Russia in 1903 were popularized here in America by our own Henry Ford. The Protocols and Project 2025 both outline plans for economic, political, and social control over people. Trump is a firm
concerns about Park City driving that effort.
The Banner reports Colorado has pledged $1.5 million on behalf of Boulder’s bid. Atlanta is offering up to $2 million, along with various concessions.
Specifics related to Nashville’s incentives bid are unclear.
The festival will remain in Utah through 2026 — and may or may not be held elsewhere in 2027.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
with. As long as they are peaceful and stay within civic law, who cares. This is across the board no matter what group or persons it is. We live in a country of diversity, accept it. Don’t try to change another’s view and mind your own. This is what keeps the peace and makes this country what it is.
Monica Armstrong
believer in Project 2025.
So while Nashville worries about which ball to attend or what country club to belong to, we have MAGA Republicans and a former president wanting to dictate our future. Looking back over the vicissitudes of our country’s story suggests that massive and sweeping change will come. It will come swiftly. Whether or not it is healing and inclusive change depends on us!
TENNESSEE OFFICIALS
Tennessee officials respond to tRump shooting with outrage, speculation. July 18, 2024 just one of the Tennessean officials, House Majority Leader William Lamberth posted.
“There is no way some idiot liberal with a gun will stop [Trump]. Our prayers are with you Mr President”
Of course our prayers should be with anyone who is shot because of their beliefs. we are supposed to be a civil nation. Mr. Lamberth must have a short memory because it was posted in many news papers and on television that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks was a registered republican. So Mr. Lamberth who is the real idiot here?
The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.
Council resolution on Trump assassination attempt highlights political division
Vanderbilt dean, political scientist John Geer talks to the Post about extremism, recent political event
BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
In the wake of the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, Councilmember Courtney Johnston brought a late-filed resolution to Tuesday’s Metro Council meeting about political violence that centered on the shooting while a group of Neo-Nazis disrupted part of that same meeting.
Since it was late filed, the council had to agree to suspend the rules for it to be considered during the meeting.
Councilmembers Terry Vo and Ginny Welsch objected.
Vo told the Post she objected to the suspension of the rules because she believed giving the resolution time to go through the normal committee process provided an opportunity to address violence and hateful political rhetoric as a whole. She said she wanted to stand with members of the Asian-American community in the wake of misinformation that has been particularly harmful to them.
Welsch said she did not support the suspension of the rules because she thought the resolution was too specific to the shooting rather than the general political violence the nation is seeing.
After the objections, Johnston then left the meeting, visibly frustrated. Moments later, she shared a social media post calling the councilmembers “extremists” for their decision. Johnston said in a Facebook comment that she plans to timely file the resolution again before the next council meeting.
Welsch told the Post there is nothing extreme about a councilmember objecting to the suspension of the rules and added that it was simply excessive for Johnston
to make that kind of statement. Welsch believed Johnston, who is running for a congressional seat, was looking for a moment for her campaign since she left right after the proposal to suspend the rules failed.
The controversy over the resolution, which focused on the political violence that left one man dead, injured two others and injured Trump, highlights the division in American politics today, many contend.
The Post discussed the history of assassination attempts, political division and extremism with Vanderbilt University’s John Geer, dean of the College of Arts and Science and a professor of political science, public policy and education. Geer is also the co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
On the divisiveness of American politics –
According to the unity measure that Vanderbilt produces, we’re more divided now than we were in 1968 [with the end of the Civil Rights Movement]. The polarization is more stark so that you’ve got all [the current tensions] going on plus a candidate in Donald Trump, who has intentionally stoked the fires in a lot of different ways and played very hard to his base. … [The shooting] comes on the heels of, obviously, a debate performance by President Biden that drew notable concern — and understandable concern. Now, you have this assassination attempt on Saturday, and you have the Republican Convention starting and the VP announcement for Donald Trump. There’s just a ton of news out there. Both sides have different conceptions of unity, but both sides
are going to try to talk about unity. But, the Republicans are going to have a hard time pulling that off because they’re about to go into a four-day, basically, infomercial attacking Joe Biden, and that’s what they should do. This is not a criticism; it’s an observation. So, you have something that they’re going to try to claim is above politics and then engage in the basis of politics, which is what conventions are about. The layers of complication here are substantial.
Given that the shooting did not hurt Trump in any substantial way, thankfully, what is [the public] reaction going to be? Are they going to actually say, this act of violence against Donald Trump is a product of the Democrats and their rhetoric? Or are they going to say that it’s actually a consequence of what Trump has done to politics, and therefore this is one of the outcomes of all that? That’s going to be a product of the conversations that unfold both with the Republican Convention and the Democrats’ response. And also, there’s just unfolding conversation. The narrative of [a few] days ago was about Biden’s performance in the debates. No one’s talking about that now. And so, how does that affect maybe even Biden’s decision about staying on the ticket or not? We don’t know about that and we’ll see Trump’s pick [JD Vance] as his VP and what that says.
On how political violence could affect the vote –
This is part of the issue: What is this assassination attempt? How does it play out and affect the narrative? Because if it gets Americans worried about violence, it’s not clear that this is a frame that helps the Republicans. Because on Jan. 6 — you can claim there wasn’t violence — but people died and people were threatened, whether it be Vice President [Mike] Pence or Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi … Does this, in fact, remind people of Jan. 6, as opposed to that these people weren’t insurrectionists and criminals they’re, in fact, patriots. You know, it may remind people of that. There’s such a rush to judgment here. You have the conviction of Donald Trump as a felon, moves the polls a point or two. Joe Biden has a terrible debate performance, raising concerns about his age, moves the polls a point or two. What will happen with the assassination attempt and you have the Republican Convention. Maybe it moves the polls a point or two. We’re not talking about big shifts. When Ronald Reagan suffered the assassination attempt in April of 1981, his approval ratings, which is not the same as voting,
bumped up 20 points. You’re not going to see a 20 point bump in Trump’s approval rating or vote. That’s not going to happen. We don’t have that kind of flex in politics. But, we’ll see how it plays out.
On misinformation and lying –There’s always been conspiracy theories in American politics. But right now, one of the biggest problems this country faces isn’t polarization though that’s a problem. The bigger problem is that we’ve become untethered evidence. In the course of the debate between Biden and Trump, where Biden fared so poorly, Trump told countless falsehoods, lies. He made stuff up. I mean, it was pretty amazing. That’s not what American or any democracy should be about. We have a body of evidence. We have to decide and that’s how you hold people accountable, whether the economy is doing well or not, or whether immigration is doing well or not, whether the foreign affairs are going well. Those are all things that people have to decide and they’re based on a set of evidence. But if you all of a sudden make things up … we’re in a dangerous era where we’re not being constrained by evidence. Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter went to battle in 1980 and they dealt with the realities of the evidence and it was very much stacked against Carter. Reagan made the most of it and was elected. And four years later, Reagan had another set of evidence that showed things were better, and he was able to talk about that to great effect, swamping Walter Mondale in the 1984 election. That’s what democracies are about. It’s about accountability and accountability requires evidence. Donald Trump does not feel so constrained and that’s a problem for small ‘d’ democracy.
On the history of attacks on candidates and presidents –
What’s going on is certainly unprecedented. There has been turmoil in other elections. Obviously, 1968 Bobby Kennedy was assassinated, not just shot at, but killed. Martin Luther King, who wasn’t officially part of the campaign, but [his death] certainly was an issue in the campaign. So ‘68 is a particularly dark moment for that kind of thing. … I can’t think of anybody since the start of the Republic, so to speak, where they’ve been shot during the actual campaign. … Teddy Roosevelt was, I believe, maybe shot in 1912 when he was running the Bull Moose Party. But I’d have to check on that. But otherwise, it’s just very infrequent. We
John Geer
PHOTO: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
know that there have been presidential assassinations and assassination attempts, whether it be Reagan or Gerald Ford on the attempt front, obviously John F. Kennedy, Lincoln, etc. There have been that but they’ve been sitting presidents. That’s the other dynamic here. That’s different is that this is a candidate for office, not somebody who’s in the office and that needs to be kept in mind. … I should mention George Wallace. Wallace was shot as a candidate, not a nominee, but he was running for the ‘72 Democratic nomination.
There has been violence in American politics, without a doubt. We’ve referenced 1968 or ‘72 so it’s not unprecedented in that regard. But what’s going on right now, we
don’t have any modern precedent for it. We also keep in mind, historically, there’s only been one election in all of American history where you’ve had an incumbent president running against a former president. That was in 1892. So, it’s been a very, very long time.
On the effect of local, state and federal elections –
Certainly the stakes are higher on the presidency, and you do have the Secret Service that are there to protect. Most of the local candidates, I would understand why they might be concerned because there’s a lot of unhappy people right now. They could do something violent but they’re going to go after the bigger fish. If you’re Sen.
[Marsha] Blackburn or Gloria Johnson, you don’t want to do something that’s risky but I think that they should feel safe. But the fact that the question is being asked, which is a totally reasonable question to ask, is a sign of the times and the problem, because that shouldn’t be the case. We should not be resorting, as President Biden said, to violence to solve our differences. That’s what they did in Jan. 6. That was wrong. What happened in Butler, Pennsylvania, that was wrong. Without a doubt. We need to settle them at the ballot box, so to speak. Some people like to take matters into their own hands and just inflame things and that’s human nature, I suppose. But it certainly isn’t advancing the small ‘d’ democratic cause we’ve seen. …
I don’t think it’s going to affect Tennessee politics very much, unless some candidate says something that’s just abhorrent, make some nasty comment about Trump and the shooting or Biden. But I think for the most part this is a national story. It’s going to play out that way. Does it get the base to turn out at an even higher rate? If this was the end of October, sure, but it’s not. The general election campaign really hasn’t started. So, buckle up.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Gloria Johnson looks past August in long primary run-up Legislature star has spent her Democratic primary campaign running against Marsha Blackburn
BY ELI MOTYCKA
Many Democrats still jump at the long shadows of Phil Bredesen and Karl Dean, party standard-bearers who lost their bids for U.S. Senate and the Tennessee governorship, respectively, in 2018. Gloria Johnson is not one of them.
With retiring elder statesmen, no discernible post-Trump bump and a meager fundraising outlook, the Tennessee Democratic Party has limped a path forward, often putting up rookie candidates with little support who take regular blows in even-year elections across the state. Nashville’s cracked congressional district — split into three gerrymandered districts in 2022 — and a
swift political exit by incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper added insult to injury. That is, until an impromptu protest against GOP inaction on gun control in the days following the 2023 Covenant School shooting put Johnson and fellow Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson under the national spotlight. The moment brought attention and money to the “Tennessee Three,” and Johnson — a Knoxville Democrat who has antagonized state Republicans over four terms in the Tennessee General Assembly — took the opening, declaring her candidacy for Republican Marsha Blackburn’s U.S. Senate
seat in September of last year.
In the Democratic primary, Johnson still faces three other candidates, including Memphis candidate Marquita Bradshaw, who handily lost a longshot bid against Bill Hagerty for Tennessee’s other U.S. Senate seat four years ago. Even so, the campaign has been about Blackburn since Johnson’s campaign announcement. Bradshaw’s presence in the race has kept some prominent Black elected officials on the sidelines of the primary, according to Democratic insiders, but poses an outside threat to Johnson, who has accumulated money and favor ahead of primary day.
Many Democrats wonder: Is it time to get our hopes up again?
Blackburn has earned stature among the national GOP as a safe-seat senator with a shameless habit of culture-war sound bites and no true scandals to her name. Her issues directly follow the Fox News cycle with special attention to anti-immigrant racism and transphobia. As a career politician with 20 years in D.C., she has the relationships and experience to quickly raise money — Blackburn has brought in more than $1 million per month in 2024 — and line up national endorsements. As an original Tea Party loyalist, Blackburn has the bona fides to satisfy Republicans’ cranky flank and avoid what might really scare her: a serious primary challenge from the right.
Johnson has capitalized on Democrats’ true moment of political energy to step out into hostile waters and test the party’s appeal in a post-Dobbs, post-Covenant Tennessee. In the weeks leading up to early voting, Johnson regularly hit three or four county campaign events a day, rallying voters against GOP extremism and the two big wedge issues favored by Tennessee Democrats this cycle: gun control and reproductive rights. Over the past two years, these two topics have anecdotally animated non-voters and swing voters in Tennessee, particularly suburban women. Democrats haven’t yet seen these issues translate to statewide votes for a properly funded and widely established candidate.
Blackburn has apparently taken notice, sending well-groomed young men to Johnson’s campaign events as “trackers.” Fundraising texts tease polls that show a race tighter than Bredesen’s 2018 loss, but still far from close.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
Gloria Johnson PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Friends of Warner Parks voices concern regarding Cheekwood
Nonprofit contends museum and botanical garden could be violating parking agreement with Metro Parks
BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Already facing a lawsuit from a nonprofit entity associated with the Swan Ball and related to control of the annual gala, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art officials are also dealing with concerns from Friends of Warner Parks involving the nonprofit’s parking arrangement with the Metro Parks and Recreation Department.
In a letter dated June 14, Bradley attorney James Murphy, representing Friends of Warner Parks, writes Metro Parks Director Monique Odom, noting Cheekwood could be in violation of a 1981 memorandum of understanding between Cheekwood and the parks department. The concern, the letter notes, is related to a deed restriction as found in the original 1927 deed in which the late Luke Lea donated land to the then-City of Nashville for what is now Percy Warner Park.
In the letter, Friends of Warner Parks (a nonprofit that owns no park property and simply serves as a steward, of sorts, protecting both Edwin and Percy Warner parks) contends Cheekwood, during subsequent years, has submitted “a large number” of requests of parking permits for an overflow parking area (located on Metro Parks property) that “exceeded the limit” contemplated by a series of updated MOUs. Since 2023, the Metro Planning Department has undertaken a Belle Meade Highlands Design and Mobility Study related
to addressing traffic concerns and helping establish a new entrance, access point and parking options for Cheekwood. Murphy was retained related to the neighborhood effort, and contends any future permanent parking structure placed on the former Lea property could result in a violation of the deed and, as such, Metro potentially losing ownership of Percy Warner Park (or at least segments of the park) to Lea heirs.
Cheekwood President and CEO Jane MacLeod said the purpose of the study — a completion date goal for which is slated for year’s end — is to “explore all options to arrive at a solution that works for all parties and for Nashville.”
“There are differing legal interpretations related to the deed restrictions, which can be confusing,” she added.
Murphy declined to comment beyond the information offered in the letter.
Metro Planning Communications Director Richel Albright said work on the plan remains ongoing and that the department does not have recommended solutions to offer at this time.
The contentious situation continues as Cheekwood is being sued by a group of Swan Ball volunteers claiming the rights to the annual gala’s state trademark. That legal matter has threatened the viability of the 2025 Swan Ball.
A “use permit,” according to the Murphy letter, has been extended multiple times, most recently in October 2020. Murphy, who once served as Metro’s legal director, writes that the permit is set to expire in December. Cheekwood pays $4,000 per month for use of the parking on Metro Parks land and has done so since 2018. As per the parking agreement, Cheekwood in 2020 began submitting 75 percent of its monthly payment to Friends of Warner Parks and 25 percent to Metro Parks.
In 2015 and 2020, Metro Parks’ Odom sent letters to MacLeod noting a use agreement for a “short-term” parking agreement. The 2020 letter noted Cheekwood needed to “create a solution” on the nonprofit’s property.
“As that [MOU] deadline approaches, the Metro Planning Department has been conducting a study since 2023 to bring together Metro Parks, Friends of Warner Park, and Cheekwood to collaboratively find a solution that works for Nashville,” MacLeod emailed the Post. “Cheekwood fully supports this initiative and is an active and engaged participant.”
MacLeod said many options have been considered over the years, including the shared use of a future surface parking lot and, more recently, a possible underground parking garage that would be located on the
grounds of the nonprofit, with the latter option presented to the Metro Parks Board in 2022.
“We are working to accommodate our current attendance through adequate infrastructure and operational logistics while being sensitive to the surrounding area,” MacLeod said. “With more than 60 percent of Cheekwood’s revenue dependent on gaterelated attendance, parking is a challenge we are committed to addressing through collaboration with all parties.”
The Murphy letter contends that the overflow parking area Cheekwood uses continues to gain popularity among walkers, cyclists and golfers. In addition, Cheekwood attendance has grown from an estimated 175,000 visitors in 2008 to 392,000 in 2023, putting additional strain on the park and Belle Meade Highlands streets.
“Cheekwood’s use of the Park for access and parking has in the past and will in the future interfere with the public’s use of the Park for park purposes,” according to the letter, thus creating a contradiction to the “limited bases” usage in the original deed restriction. MacLeod said the nonprofit’s use of the park land for parking “has been permitted per the [MOU]. Future parking solutions that are being discussed as part of the Metro Planning Department’s study include shared use between the park and Cheekwood. Our legal counsel does not view that as being inconsistent with the deed.”
Relatedly, some Belle Meade Highlands neighbors have coordinated a petition drive — now with more than 400 signatures — asking that Metro and Cheekwood make the primary Cheekwood access via Highway 100 instead of Forrest Park Drive, a tertiary street branching off Page Road.
The Metro Parks Department Board would need to vote on whether to extend the MOU agreement. No August meeting date seemingly has been finalized.
“As a unique and beloved treasure in this community with programs that have become family traditions, Cheekwood is a place of incomparable beauty, as is Percy Warner Park,” MacLeod said. “Cheekwood and the parks are seeing ever-increasing visitation, creating a need to balance that popularity with adequate infrastructure, including parking.”
Nashville-based public policy firm Stones River Group is representing Cheekwood. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
PHOTO: CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS
Mayor’s transit improvement plan will go to a vote after passing council
Language for ballot referendum heads to review by election commission
BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s campaign promise of transportation improvements for Nashville will be decided by voters in November.
The bill that puts the Choose How You Move transit plan on ballot has moved through three readings in Metro Council and passed unanimously at the body’s meeting Tuesday night. The mayor issued a statement citing both the Vanderbilt poll and Imagine Nashville survey showing Nashvillians support for public transportation improvements.
“Council’s strong support for our transportation referendum puts Nashville on the doorstep of a great opportunity,” O’Connell said in the release. “Choose How You Move builds on more than 66,000 ideas submitted by Nashvillians over more than a decade, includes improvements in each Council district for all roadway users, and has the potential to unlock as much as $1.4 billion in state and federal funding throughout the life of the program so more of Nashville’s tax dollars return home to our city.”
In addition to the passage of the plan itself, the council passed a resolution requesting that the Nolensville Pike AllAccess Corridor be prioritized in the plan. The resolution states that council believes it “has not been sufficiently prioritized in the conceptual schedule.” It also notes that the plan includes the “much-needed improvements” for Nolensville Pike but asks that Choose How You Move be further prioritized in the plans.
Some of the improvements in the plan include: 86 miles of sidewalks, 12 community transit centers, 17 park and ride facilities, 35 miles of bicycle lanes, and upgrades to nearly 600 traffic signals. The estimated cost is around $3.1 million and will be funded by federal grants,
transit system revenues, debt and a sales tax surcharge of .5 percent or half a cent. That tax will end after the debt is paid off and Metro Council passes a resolution recognizing that tax is no longer needed for the program.
Voters will now get to decide if they want to approve the tax that funds the transit plan in November. The ballot language will be voted on by the election commission which holds its next meeting on Aug. 1. The Post could not determine if that is the meeting where the commission will vote on the transit language. The referendum is not on the agenda for the Aug. 1 meeting as of 10 a.m. Wednesday. A second meeting on Aug. 14 is also already scheduled.
Nashvillians voted against a transit
referendum in 2018 led by then-Mayor Megan Barry, who was forced to resign shortly before the vote. This effort is smaller in scale than that of six years ago, when people questioned cost and need for the proposed light-rail lines and tunnel underneath downtown.
While light-rail is not proposed in O’Connell’s plan, there are upgrades in mind for the current WeGo Star train service that would provide more trips throughout the day and over the weekend as well as shuttles that service downtown and midtown.
The mayor recently celebrated the announcement of a $10 million federal grant to improve the Donelson Station stop along the WeGo Star route. The money comes from around $1.5 billion supporting 117 projects
by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration.
“I’m grateful to the Biden administration for continuing their investment in American cities,” O’Connell said in a release. “If we pass our transportation improvement program in November, Nashville becomes even better positioned to bring our tax dollars back home.”
He said the funds give Metro an opportunity to reinvent the stop for the community. That could include an expanded rail platform, a park and ride lot and a transit center with future transit-oriented development in mind.
Report: Airport board holds closed-door meeting related to CEO BNA leader Doug
Kreulen is subject of inquiry involving two law firms STAFF REPORTS
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority has held two closed-door meetings related to Nashville International Airport President and CEO Doug Kreulen, whom Nashville Business Journal reports is the subject of an inquiry.
NBJ reported last week that the specifics of the inquiry remain unclear. However, the business publication noted attorneys from two law firms were present during the board’s management committee meeting on July 10 and for a full board (seven members) meeting on 17.
NBJ reports that the two meetings were
referred to on agendas as “executive sessions,” lasting a collective 90 minutes and closed to the public.
Frost Brown Todd attorney Makesha Montgomery, who represents companies and executives facing alleged employment discrimination and related labor matters, was present. Similarly, Adams & Reese attorneys who represent the airport board as its independent counsel — and separate from MNAA lawyers — attended the meetings, according to the business publication.
NBJ reports boards are allowed to
conduct private meetings to receive information and advice from their attorneys, under precedent that Tennessee courts created in the 1980s and that has since been expanded. Such closed-door talks are permitted so that boards can receive information and advice on “pending or threatened litigation” and “pending controversy … likely to result in litigation.”
NBJ notes that any discussions, deliberations or votes among board members must happen in a public, open meeting.
Kreulen and board chair Nancy Sullivan
declined to comment to NBJ. Airport officials on Monday declined to comment.
Kreulen joined the airport 12 years years ago and has served as CEO and president since late 2017. He is under contract through the end of 2026, NBJ reports.
MNAA owns and operates Nashville International Airport and John C. Tune Airport. This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Freddie O’Connell delivers the 2024 State of Metro address. PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Local athletes selected in MLB Draft
Gallatin native Burns taken second overall, nine Vols, six ‘Dores selected in first 10 rounds
BY JOHN GLENNON
The suspense didn’t last long for Chase Burns.
The Cincinnati Reds made Burns, a Beech High graduate who grew up in Gallatin, the second overall pick of the Major League Baseball Draft on Sunday. The pick’s assigned approximate value is $9.79 million, per MLB.com.
“Hey, Reds country, this is Chase Burns,” a smiling Burns — who started his career at Tennessee before transferring to Wake Forest — said in a selfie video posted on `X’. “Excited for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Four University of Tennessee players and two from Vanderbilt were also taken Sunday in the draft’s first two rounds (listed below). The Vols’ four players chosen in the first two rounds were the most of any school, while Vanderbilt’s two selections were tied for third.
Burns was the first pitcher chosen in the draft, taken one spot after the Cleveland Indians selected Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 pick. It marked the second straight year Cincinnati had used its first-round pick on a Wake Forest pitcher, after selecting Rhett Lowder with the 20th overall pick in 2023.
“I was pretty surprised,” Burns told reporters Sunday. “I didn’t really know what to think. I kind of got a quick call. I’m just
really excited.”
A 6-3, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, Burns had been ranked the sixth-best draft prospect by MLB.com after posting a 10-1 record and 2.70 ERA for Wake Forest last season. A consensus All-American and the 2024 ACC pitcher of the year, Burns led the nation with 191 strikeouts in 100 innings, allowing 62 hits, 30 walks and 30 earned runs.
He registered a 17.2 strikeout per nineinning ratio, overpowering batters primarily with a fastball that regularly hit the high 90s and a nasty slider.
Burns had double-digit strikeouts in 12 of his 16 starts last season, highlighted by a 16-strikeout effort against Clemson.
The 21-year-old Burns spent his first two seasons at Tennessee, totaling a 13-5 record and 3.54 ERA, striking out 217 in 152-1/3 innings while allowing 125 hits, 60 earned runs and 47 walks. He was moved from a starter’s role to the bullpen after early struggles during his sophomore season in 2023, but wound up giving a huge boost to the Vols on the way to the College World Series that year.
Burns’ selection at No. 2 overall was the highest ever for a Wake Forest player. It was the second time Burns had been drafted.
He was selected in the 20th round of the
2021 draft by the San Diego Padres, after telling teams that he planned on playing at Tennessee.
Players with local ties selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft:
Chase Burns
(P, Wake Forest, Tennessee and Beech High) Cincinnati Reds (First round, No. 2 overall)
Nick Kurtz (1B, Wake Forest and Baylor School) Oakland A’s (First round, No. 4 overall)
Christian Moore (2B, Tennessee and Baylor School) Los Angeles Angels (First round, No. 13 overall)
Andrew Dutkanych IV (P, Vanderbilt) St. Louis Cardinals (Seventh round, No. 201 overall)
Davis Diaz (C, Vanderbilt)
Oakland A’s (Eighth round, No. 226 overall)
Aaron Combs (P, Tennessee
Chicago White Sox (Eighth round, No. 229 overall)
Devin Futrell (P, Vanderbilt)
Boston Red Sox (10th round, No. 297 overall)
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Drew Beam PHOTO: DAVID RUSSELL
Nashville SC signs Australian midfielder Patrick Yazbek
BY JOHN GLENNON
Nashville SC will add more than just a new head coach this week.
The team on Monday announced the signing of 22-year-old Australian midfielder Patrick Yazbek. Yazbek has been playing for Viking FK, one of the top clubs in Norway’s first division.
He’ll be available for selection in Nashville’s opening match in the Leagues Cup 2024, against Mazatlan F.C. on July 31.
That will coincide with the first game for the team’s new head coach, B.J. Callaghan, who takes over this week from interim coach Rumba Munthali. The Boys in Gold (6-11-8) are mired in a franchise-high, sixgame losing streak following Saturday’s 3-0 loss at the Philadelphia Union. Nashville is 3-7-3 since firing former head coach Gary Smith on May 16.
Yazbek is signing as a U22 initiative player, which allows MLS teams to add up to three players age 22 and under to
lucrative contracts at a reduced budget charge. Players can occupy the U22 initiative slot through the season they turn 25 years old. Nashville midfielder Dru Yearwood fits the same roster profile.
“Patrick is a progressive midfielder who helps create scoring chances out of midfield with his robust and dynamic link-up play,”
Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs said in a release. “His experiences with the Australian national team, as well as his play in the top division in Norway at such a young age have already demonstrated unique attributes that should translate here in Major League Soccer.”
It’s unclear how much offensive upside Yazbek will bring Nashville, as he posted two goals and seven assists in 45 games across all competitions for Viking FK since 2022.
But Yazbek certainly appears to cover some ground: During 13 games (12 starts) this season, Yabek covered 7.58 miles per
match on average, placing him in the top 10 of all Major League Soccer players in 2024.
Yazbek has appeared 11 times for Australia’s U23 national team and one time for the senior team, playing 35 minutes in his nation’s 5-0 win over Lebanon in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier.
Nashville will hope Yazbek can help fill the void left by veteran midfielder Tyler Boyd, who will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL on July 17 against Orlando City SC.
The Boys in Gold are currently without Goodyear, who suffered a lower-body injury against Orlando, and midfielder Randall Leal, who hasn’t played this season because of a hip injury.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Patrick Yazbek
PHOTO:NSC
Strobel House brings city’s first permanent supportive housing
Longtime purveyors say
it is easier
to build housing than sustain counseling services
BY HANNAH HERNER
After about five years of planning and construction, Metro has opened 90 studio units to house people experiencing homelessness as well as mental health conditions.
Strobel House, located at 110 Jo Johnston Ave., hosted a ribbon cutting on Thursday. It is named for founder of Room In The Inn and homeless advocate Father Charles Strobel, who died in August.
The Strobel family, as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Room In The Inn, Metro Homeless Planning Council and Mayor Freddie O’Connell, were on hand to praise the $35 million development.
To qualify for a unit, a person must be homeless four times in three years, or for a period of one year, and experience a mental health illness. Tenants will have access to mental health care and addiction treatment services onsite. Depaul USA, a national nonprofit, is making its first foray into Nashville to manage the building.
“It is so hard to build permanent supportive housing, but it’s even harder when your city is booming and there are other demands for infrastructure,” said Chuck Levesque, executive director at Depaul USA. “There’s real estate speculation. There are rising prices. This is really a singular achievement.”
STROBEL HOUSE PLANNING GOES BACK FIVE YEARS
The plan for what would become Strobel House was proposed in 2019, and the groundbreaking happened in summer 2022, around the date it was originally set to be completed. At the time, thenCouncilmember O’Connell expressed frustration that development had been “dramatically decelerated” because of thenmayor John Cooper’s tweaking of plans.
O’Connell on Thursday pointed out his predecessor John Cooper’s $50 million pledge of American Rescue Plan dollars toward homeless services in October 2022.
“We’ve worked across now for different mayoral administrations to ensure we got this right,” O’Connell said. “Now we’re here with new homes for people in desperate need. Mayor [Megan] Barry was right to begin the conversation. Mayor [David] Briley was right to continue it. Mayor Cooper was right to decide to name it for Charlie. I am proud to be here today, having worked with all of them to help it get open and stay open.”
Metro’s Office of Homeless Services also celebrated its anniversary Thursday. It was created in July 2023 following a recommendation from an independent audit, which also suggested the city focus more resources into chronic homelessness.
April Calvin serves as director.
Latest point in time count shows more than 2,000 are experiencing homelessness in Nashville, though that number is widely considered an undercount.
PARK CENTER OPENED SUPPORTIVE UNITS IN APRIL
In April, to little fanfare, Park Center opened a new set of eight permanent supportive housing units. The nonprofit has focused on supportive housing throughout its 40 year tenure.
These units are taking a new approach to the traditional group home model, said David Langgle-Martin, chief housing officer.
Two roommates share a stove, laundry room, dining room table, but they also have a hot plate and microwave in their individual rooms, and a designated storage space.
“The smaller the better,” he said, for people experiencing mental illnesses but it’s all necessary.
Park Center counselors are on call 24/7, but typically meet with people weekly. Many people who have mental health struggles and addiction have experienced homelessness, and the trauma of homelessness can also lead to mental illness and addiction. LanggleMartin says it takes time for people who have experienced homelessness to adjust to being a tenant again.
“The focus initially is adjusting to this whole new set of expectations,” he said. “There are social norms that people haven’t had to meet for a long time, and we are slowly transitioning into tenants feeling like ‘OK, I can exhale a little bit, I’m not in survival mode all day every day, what do I want my life to look like?’”
MORE UNITS COMING TO MADISON
Park Center is also planning a 26-unit permanent supportive housing unit for Madison. When completed, Park Center will manage more than 200 units – including some units Park Center signed on to manage the mental health side for Urban Housing Solutions.
However, the eight new units are not filled yet, because of delays in the coordinated entry process, which produces a database of people experiencing homelessness in Nashville categorized by specific needs. Those experiencing homelessness must first get a Section 8 voucher and then apply it to Park Center’s unit to subsidize rent.
“The longer wait time we have from when they’ve been issued a voucher until we can get them in a place, the less likely we’re going to be able to actually retain that person,” said Park Center executive director Amanda Bracht. ”We really need to make sure that as we bring on new units in our city, that we have a smooth, efficient process, and not multiple layers in order to get people connected to the housing options that are available to them.”
Nonprofits like Park Center can use the Barnes Affordable Housing Trust Fund, grants, and interest loans to make building new units aimed at low-income clients possible. However, Bracht said it is easier to get funding to build something than it is to sustain ongoing counseling services. It can be costly and challenging to keep those services going, but the goal of permanent supportive housing is to prevent chronic homelessness.
“A lot of people who don’t work in the field think that you take somebody from homelessness and you put them into housing and you’re done. It’s not that simple,” she said. “Those people who’ve been in housing for a while that are stable, they’re doing well, you don’t have to see them as much. That’s great. But if they have a situation, if they relapse, or if they have a major life stressor, then that support is still there; you can bring it back in.”
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Strobel House ribbon cutting on July 18 at 110 Jo Johnson Ave. PHOTO: HANNAH HERNER
Grant applications open for funding to local environmental projects
Centennial Park Conservancy to donate $60,000, applications due
by Aug. 12
The Centennial Park Conservancy is donating $60,000 to underwrite environmental projects in public spaces across Nashville, with applications due by Aug. 12. The funding comes from proceeds from this year’s Nashville Earth Day festival, which took place in April. Projects chosen will focus on a variety of environmental issues, including bees, trees, water, pollinator gardens, sustainability, education, and more. According to the Centennial Park Conservancy, since 2020, the program has funded the planting of 240 trees, caring for 160,000 bees, planting or improving 11 community gardens and pollinator habitats, cleaning up 15 waterways, donating
2,300 trees, removing invasive plants, and providing education to thousands of adults and children in parks and classrooms.
“The Nashville community showed up in record numbers to celebrate Earth Day at Centennial Park this year,” Justin Branam, vice president of programming for the Centennial Park Conservancy, said in a news release. “More than 12,000 guests joined us for the event to show their commitment to environmental stewardship and education. We’re grateful for the strong support from the community and our sponsors, and we’re excited to be able to invest $60,000 back into environmental projects across the city.”
VUMC clinic to move to former Sport Season space Walk-in clinic shifting locations ahead of Belle Meade Plaza rebuild
BY HANNAH HERNER
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is set to move its Belle Meade walk-in clinic to the former Sport Seasons space nearby. According to Metro records, VUMC has obtained a permit to rehabilitate the former retail space at 56 White Bridge Pike. The clinic is making way for the redevelopment of Belle Meade Plaza at 4544 Harding Pike, which is also home to Agave’s Mexican Restaurant, Ninki Japanese Bistro and a Kroger, among other businesses.
VUMC declined to comment further on the change.
Nashville-based Adventurous Journeys
(AJ) Capital Partners bought Belle Meade Plaza shopping center in July 2023 for
$87 million after Metro Council approved rezoning. The mixed-use plan includes four buildings with retail space, 78 hotel rooms and 388 residential units. Images for the planned development were released earlier this year.
Sport Seasons announced in April 2023 that it would close at the end of its lease in August, citing high rent costs. The company briefly reopened at Rivergate Mall in December, but closed again in January. Its Murfreesboro location was also shuttered in December 2023. Sport Seasons has been operating in Nashville since 1988.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Tax-free weekend set for July 26-28
STAFF REPORTS
Tennessee’s tax-free weekend returns July 26-28 with savings on clothing and school supplies $100 or less and computers $1,500 or less.
Qualifying items may be purchased in-store or online, with more information about qualifying items available online at tntaxholiday.com.
“With the start of the school year around the corner, we encourage Tennessee families to take advantage of these savings,” Tennessee
Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said in a news release. “This is the only sales tax holiday this year.”
In conjunction with the tax-free holiday, local institutions are hosting events to donate items.
Franklin nonprofit One Generation Away is giving away free groceries from its mobile pantry to anyone who would like to receive them on July 27 at the Centennial High School parking lot.
Haile fights ‘Constitutional Republican’ challenge in Sumner County
Chris Spencer has commanded an online army against state Sen. Ferrell Haile in a test by the party’s populist wing
BY ELI MOTYCKA
Sumner County’s conservative rebellion has now reached the desk of Ferrell Haile, Gallatin’s mild-mannered senior Republican once again seeking his party’s nomination in state Senate District 18. The Sumner County Constitutional Republicans — a further-right splinter organization not to be confused with the Republican Party of Sumner County or the Sumner County Freedom Caucus — have tapped into antitransgender hate, Christian nationalism and lingering anger about COVID-19 mandates to fuel a primary run for once-failed local candidate Chris Spencer.
Spencer courted endorsements from popular far-right avatars Lee Beaman, Riley Gaines and John Rich and has filled social media with attacks on Haile’s Senate record.
A pithy hashtag (#HaileNo) and a dedicated website — which falsely claims that Haile supports forced vaccinations, wants pornography in schools and votes “against the Bible” — reflect Spencer’s experience and comfort with conservative clickbait.
Haile, a well-known figure with relationships across his district, has not shown the modern media chops to run a comparably dirty communications campaign. Earnest posts, like a July 6 endorsement video with Gov. Bill Lee, show off Haile’s belief that traditional markers of political strength will outweigh memes and spin. They also inspire a posting barrage from Spencer’s online army, who show up in the comments to call Lee and Haile “RINOs” and redirect viewers to pro-Spencer propaganda.
“He is strong on keeping Tennesseans safe, he is strong on making sure the family is protected in this state, and he will work together with me to make sure parents have
education freedom for their children,” Lee says, standing side by side with Haile in a wood-paneled room. “This is a man we need to keep in the Senate.”
While Haile functions loyally within the state’s Republican supermajority, he has at times tried to push for legislation that would allow exceptions to the state’s abortion ban and create pathways to medical marijuana; he’s also broken from the party when it comes to lax gun laws on at least one occasion. Nuanced legislation, along with an eager challenger obsessed with social media posting, has provoked a messy primary race fought largely on Facebook and in mailers in which candidates battle over the true meaning of “conservative.”
The Sumner County Constitutional Republicans have built up a strong local network in part by siphoning off interested members from the Republican Party of Sumner County, the traditional party branch. After the SCCR put several members on the Sumner County Commission and school board (who have in turn endorsed Spencer), local backlash appeared to stem the group’s rise this year — thanks in part to the rival Sumner County Freedom Caucus, which formed as a mitigating conservative alternative. Spencer, who tied up the Sumner County Fire Department in litigation after he lost a 2018 bid for Hendersonville alderman, has proven he won’t go away easily. Spencer is by far his own biggest supporter, having sunk $64,357 into his run as of June 30.
But likes and comments are one thing; votes are another.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
56 White Bridge Pike PHOTO: HANNAH HERNER
Teriyaki Pork Chops
BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE
Marinated and simmered in soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and lime, these pork chops are glazed and sweet
and salty heaven. Serve with Baked Cheese Grits and Lady Pea Salad, both at ediblenashville.com
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
2 fat garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1. Combine all ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Add pork chops and press to immerse chops in marinade. Chill for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
13 “Never get involved in a land war in ___” (advice in “The Princess Bride”)
14 Common provider of free Wi-Fi
15 Animal life
16 Wait + see
18 Top-flight destination?
19 T itle for a crime boss
20 Items often stored in plastic protectors
21 Touch of color
23 Ear ly-age garment
25 Give + take
28 Prudent
29 Spor t that takes place in an octagon, for short
31 Abolitionist senator Char les
32 Org. with the Artemis program
33 Where Captain Kir k was born and raised
35 Moves gingerly
36 Kiss + tell
39 Evening stroll, from the Spanish
42 Drummers’ collections
43 Blows it
marinade. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add chops and brown on both sides. Add marinade and cook until thick and syrupy and coating chops. Serve with thai basil.
Follow Edible Nashville on instagram @ediblenashtn and their website ediblenashville.com.
To subscribe to the magazine that comes out 6x/year, go to ediblenashville.com.
65 Ultrafastidious
66 No-no for vegans
67 “No ___” (airplane wing warning)
68 Enemy of Hop-o’-MyThumb DOWN
1 Knows by hear t
2 What’s opposite Finland on the Gulf of Finland
3 Cubs manager?
4 Common encyclopedia graphic
5 Professor’s realm
6 Targets of pull-down exercises, in brief
7 29-Across org
47 Symbols of humble beginnings
49 Dropped behind?
50 Gather
51 Hit + r un
53 “F iddler on the Roof” setting
55 Actor Reeves
56 Miranda rights reader
57 What a fixer-upper home needs, casually
58 Like Rudolph’s nose
60 Cut + paste
63 Big name in ketchup
64 Gorilla who was said to have developed the vocabulary level of a three-year-old human
8 Conductor Zubin
9 F ixer-uppers, of a sort
10 Remote possibilities?
11 Good guess for a single letter in a cr yptogram
12 Alveolus, e.g.
15 Big name in spor ts betting
17 Console with a sensor bar
22 Entrees
24 Creatures that kill Laocoön in the “Aeneid”
25 Aggressively pro-war
26 “To Kill a Mockingbird” writer
27 Rx writers: Abbr.
30 Imitation
34 “___ boy!”
37 T imes to get back to work
38 Rocket-shaped frozen treat
39 Faux ___
40 Wounded knee site, for short
41 Very wet
44 Not in motion
45 Caboose, e.g.
46 Gap filler
48 The “S” of U.C.S.D
52 Uses a straw
54 FedEx competitor
56 Popular pop
58 “Steady as ___ goes!”
59 Keep close to
61 Between 90 and 100, say
62 Confucian philosophy
ANSWER TO PUZZLE
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 9,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/ crosswords ($39.95 a year).
Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/ studentcrosswords.
PUZZLE BY BRAD WIEGMANN
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
WOODMONT BAPTIST CHURCH
Southern Festival of Books Announces 2024 Roster of Authors
The
36th annual festival will welcome Erik Larson, Joan Baez and many more
BY KIM BALDWIN
The Southern Festival of Books released its 2024 author lineup at an Author Reveal Party Thursday at the Tennessee State Museum. Humanities Tennessee announced that more than 150 authors are expected to appear at the 36th annual Southern Festival of Books, which will return in person to the Bicentennial Mall, Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Library and Archives on Oct. 26 and 27.
Reads a press release: “Returning for the second year, a designated Student Day will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, welcoming 500 Metro Nashville high school students for author meet-and-greets, writing exercises and book giveaways.”
Per the release, here’s a list of community events that will take place during the week of the festival:
• An evening with Erik Larson at Montgomery Bell Academy on Thursday, Oct. 24. Ticket purchase includes a signed copy of Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War.
• The second annual Southern Festival of Books Writers’ Workshop in partnership with The Porch on Friday, Oct. 25. The oneday workshop will be held at the Tennessee State Museum with workshops led by Darnell Arnoult, Ann Powers, Justin Taylor and more.
• A special presentation of Eric Dawson’s Suttree’s Knoxville: A Hymn to the Past in Film and Music on Saturday, Oct. 26. This interactive experience features documentary footage from the era of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, paired with music developed by William Tyler and short readings from the novel.
• Joan Baez will be at the festival with her poetry collection When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance. Baez is a dynamic force of nature. Her commitment to music and social activism has earned global recognition, ranging from induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the Ambassador of Conscience Award, Amnesty International’s highest honor.
• Known for her New York Times bestselling essay collections I Was Told There’d Be Cake and How Did You Get This Number, Sloane Crosley will be at the festival talking about her new, and first
full-length nonfiction book, Grief Is for People. A two-time finalist for The Thurber Prize for American Humor, Crosley is also a contributing editor for Vanity Fair and her work has appeared in publications including Esquire, the New York Times Book Review, the New York Review of Books and Vogue.
It’s exciting to see big names on this list, especially when some of those names are local. Some of the Nashville-based authors at this year’s festival are Ann Patchett, Margaret Renkl, Alice Randall and Ann Powers. Other local authors of note include Steven Hale, Mary Liza Hartong, Jonathan Metzl, Joe Nolan, Betsy Phillips, Liz Riggs and Jeff Zentner, among others.
“I love the Southern Festival of Books, and I get real giggy-excited about the reveal party,” said Ann Marie Norrid, a bookstagrammer with a large Instagram following. “I love getting to have these kind of intimate meetings with authors. I think that’s so much fun and the Southern Festival of Books always gets the best lineups. I love meeting other bookish people too.”
More from the release:
In addition to 75 sessions over two days, the festival features over 60 vendors and food trucks, and three performance stages. A music stage focuses on the incredible talent of the Nashville music community, and the performing arts stage offers theater, spoken word, and poetry throughout the weekend. The festival children’s stage and activity center features authors, musicians, performers, crafts, character costumes, and parties celebrating beloved children’s books.
The always popular Authors in the Round Dinner, chaired by Allison Stansberry will be held on Friday, October 25, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Authors in the Round, which allows guests to dine alongside more than 40 regionally and nationally known authors, is the festival’s signature fundraiser, ensuring that Humanities Tennessee can present the annual festival free of charge.
For a full lineup of festival authors, visit sofestofbooks.org. Additional authors and other special announcements will be added to the list every Friday.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
Five free and cheap family things to do in Middle Tennessee
BY AMANDA HAGGARD
This is your signal to start preparing for those school mornings: This week we see a few opportunities to celebrate with backto-school bashes. There’s a bash down in Smyrna coinciding with the Caffeine and Chrome Car Show, the huge shindig down in South Nashville at Mill Ridge, and an open practice and back-to-school bash at Nissan Stadium. This week we also have an event for your four-legged family members and a chance for your more creative kids to flex their improv skills at Third Coast Comedy.
As part of our series on free cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:
NASHVILLE BACK TO SCHOOL VENDOR MARKET AND CAFFEINE AND CHROME CAR SHOW
On July 27 in Smyrna, the Caffeine and Chrome Car Show will have a special back to school market, which includes shopping from local vendors, food trucks and classic cars. The event starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. and is family friendly and pet friendly. Vendors will be giving away a limited amount of free school supplies.
THE MAGICAL WORLD OF HARRY PAWTER
This one is also for your whole family, including your Canine Wizards. At Baxter Bailey & Company, they’re inviting pets and their families to come out and step through a K9 ¾ portal in a Magical World of Harry Pawter. The event includes a free “muttuccino” and a free photo with wizard props. The event is free and costumes are encouraged. It takes
place on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and July 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TENNESSEE TITANS BACK TOGETHER WEEKEND: OPEN PRACTICE
The Tennessee Titans are hosting an open Titans practice at Nissan Stadium on July 27 at 10 a.m. This family-friendly event is part of Back Together Weekend. Fans can attend practice for free and must claim a ticket online by visiting tennesseetitans. com/trainingcamp. In addition to viewing practice, fans can look forward to a variety of activities on the main concourse such as photo opportunities with Titans mascot T-Rac and Titans’ cheerleaders, discounted food and drink, and games.
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY DAY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 2024
The Southeast Community Day Back To School Bash 2024 will be hosted on July 27 at the new Mill Ridge Park this year. The day will start with a multicultural parade featuring the Cane Ridge High School marching band and will also include backpack giveaways, free haircuts, food, games, live performances, a mini opera, dancers, a puppet truck, prizes and more.
THIRD COAST KIDS PLAYSHOP
This event offers a space for creative kids aged 4-8 to improvise and play games with kids their age. The hour-long session, which takes place on July 27 from 10-11 a.m., is led by improvisers with a passion for early education. Families are encouraged to participate. No prior experience is necessary, only an open mind.
DeAndre Hopkins PHOTO: TENNESSEE TITANS
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