October 31, 2024 by FW Publishing

Scandal-plagued Ogles defends 5th Congressional District seat

Embattled, controversy-plagued

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District is defending his record, as his challenger Maryam Abolfazli has energized Democratic voters in the gerrymandered district.

The Trump-endorsed freshman congressman touts support from U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, state Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and conservative PAC Americans for Prosperity Action, with Ogles declaring that “Republicans have to win if you want a prosperous economy.”

In early 2023, less than two months after the former Maury County mayor beat Democratic state Sen. Heidi Campbell by nearly 14 points in the newly redrawn 5th, Ogles joined the far-right wing of the party in opposing fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy’s bid for Speaker of the House. Months later, McCarthy was ousted from the speaker’s chair.

“I stand on my record,” Ogles told The News in July of this year. But that record has been called into question by Republicans and

Democrats alike.

Ogles has been the subject of numerous reports noting his false statements about his professional and educational background and qualifications, unaccounted-for money meant for a children’s burial garden, civil penalty payments for multiple campaign finance violations and amended campaign finance reports. Some of those scandals led Nashvillian and prominent Republican donor Bobby Joslin to call for Ogles’ resignation just months into his term, with Joslin comparing Ogles to New York’s disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos. Even so, Ogles remains heavily favored in the red-leaning 5th — which was a reliably Democratic district represented by Rep. Jim Cooper for many years before Republican-led redistricting split Nashville three ways in 2022.

When asked about the controversies, Ogles responded, “My record stands for itself, and biased reporting from a left-leaning journalist doesn’t make it true.” Ogles was specifically referring to NewsChannel 5 investigative reporter Phil Williams. When asked why he chose not

Republicans outraise Democrats in federal races

Candidates running for federal office were required to turn in two financial reports this month. The final quarterly finance disclosures were due on Oct. 15, and pre-general-election filings were due Oct. 24. The last time candidates reported their finances was prior to the primary election and covered dates through July 12. Now candidates’ reports show financial updates through Oct. 16.

to directly answer Williams’ questions — oftentimes walking away from Williams — Ogles said, “I’ve addressed those issues.”

In the Aug. 1 primary election, Ogles defeated his Republican challenger, Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston, despite her characterizations of Ogles as a “totally ineffective politician who’s getting nothing done” and “a do-nothing grandstander who just chases headlines.” Ogles’ Democratic opponent has echoed similar criticisms, arguing that 5th District voters — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — have been “neglected.”

“The approach of this campaign is that, gerrymandering be damned, we are humans and we are all fed up in one way or another,” Abolfazli said at a September town hall in Brentwood.

Abolfazli’s background includes nonprofit work and international political and economic development. She also led a series of protests in support of gun reform at the Tennessee State Capitol in the wake of last year’s Covenant School shooting. That work led to her being recognized

In the race for one of Tennessee’s two U.S. Senate seats, incumbent Republican Marsha Blackburn has outraised and outspent her Democratic challenger, state Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville. Blackburn began the quarterly period with almost $8.8 million in the bank and ended with just shy of $8.1 million. Her pre-general filing shows she spent more than $3 million in the first two weeks of October, leaving her with about $5 million going into the general election on Nov. 5. That $3 million is more than Blackburn spent over the quarter ending in October, in which she reported $2.95 million in disbursements. She received a total of nearly $1.13 million in the quarter and added an additional $180,000 in the first two weeks of October.

Blackburn has spent more than $3.5 million on media and strategy groups during the two reporting periods. Her campaign reports also show more than $27,800 in “other receipts” between the July and October reporting periods. That line item can potentially represent stock dividends or Bitcoin donations. The Nashville Banner reports that no other Tennessee candidate for federal office has filed any “other receipts” this election cycle.

Blackburn has received more than $2.7 million in contributions via political action committees throughout the election cycle, including from leadership at large companies including manufacturer Ingram Industries, private prison corporation CoreCivic and chain retailer Tractor Supply.

NICOLLE S. PRAINO

Rep. Andy Ogles PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Maryam Abolfazli PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Scandal-plagued Ogles

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as one of The News sister publication the Nashville Scene’s 2023 Nashvillians of the Year.

“A really big thing that I see needs to get done, that is not getting done, is bringing that federal money down to our district,” Abolfazli said in September. “I’m not talking about going out there and passing a new bill for resources.

“I’m talking about existing money that needs to come down here,” she continued, citing continued opportunities for funding and grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

The day after Ogles’ primary win, the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided Ogles’ office and seized his cellphone as part of an investigation into the congressman’s financial reporting. Ogles characterized the FBI’s investigation as a politically motivated attack on his campaign.

“Considering that they seized my phone the day after my election, it sure seems

Republicans outraise

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Johnson began the quarter with $2 million in the bank and ended with just under $2.4 million. Her pre-general filing shows she spent $1.2 million in the first two weeks of October, leaving her with about $1.5 million going into the general election on Nov. 5.

Johnson also spent nearly as much in the two weeks of the pre-general report as she spent over the entire quarter, in which she reported $1.5 million in disbursements. She received a total of nearly $1.8 million in the quarter and added an additional $367,000 in the first two weeks of October.

Johnson has received just $67,000

political,” Ogles told The News in September, adding that he believes the FBI “leaked” the warrant to NewsChannel 5’s Williams, who broke the story.

“If I’m not the target, they could have just waited until after November,” Ogles said. “Anything to do with my filings, we’ve corrected. We’ve gone out of our way. I hired a law firm to do a full audit of every transaction. I mean, we’ve corrected even clerical [errors]. … That’s the thing, they could have just asked me [for my cellphone.]”

“Before we get started, if you wouldn’t mind checking your table, I have misplaced one of my phones,” Ogles joked to Republican voters at a Williamson County fundraiser in September.

“If they can target me, a member of Congress, with a fancy little pin, then they can target anybody,” Ogles warned his supporters. “If the executive branch can tear down that wall between themselves

in contributions from political action committees throughout the election cycle. Over the entire election cycle, she has raised almost $6.9 million total.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles is defending his 5th Congressional District seat against Democratic challenger Maryam Abolfazli, an activist and founder of the nonprofit Rise and Shine Tennessee. Ogles has amended his filings several times during this election cycle and is under investigation related to his campaign finances.

In his pre-general filings, Ogles reports only $659 raised and less than $11,500 spent in the first two weeks of October.

and the legislative branch, then the Fourth Amendment goes away. There’s more at stake here than just my phone.”

At her town hall, Abolfazli said she is “deeply concerned” about the federal investigation, and voiced concern that if Ogles is re-elected, voters could soon be represented by a congressman potentially charged with crimes.

“I honestly find it extremely insulting that he would take the rule of law and the processes of investigation to be a joke,” Abolfazli said. “In this country, you are not a patriot if that’s how you approach these incredible processes that keep our democracy in place.

“We need this to end,” she continued. “We need these lies to end. We need honest representation. His blowing it off does not surprise me. It’s a great tactic to make it smaller than it is, but clearly, if the FBI is after [his phone, emails and texts], there’s

something there.”

Ogles insists that he’s not actually the “target” of the FBI investigation: On Sept. 3, he filed an emergency motion in federal court saying he is simply a “subject” in the investigation. The filing revealed that investigators also obtained emails and text messages between Ogles and other current and former elected officials, including Trump, during last year’s contentious Speaker of the House selection process.

Abolfazli has said that part of her strategy in the race has been reaching out to Johnston’s voters and donors.

“You can feel the energy on the ground,” Abolfazli said in an October release. “Our message is being heard. There’s been a surge in volunteers, and we are talking about the issues that matter to everyone in the 5th District.”

He reportedly has less than $100,000 on hand going into Nov. 5. Abolfazli has a little more going into Election Day, with about $110,000 on hand, but she has some momentum: She raised more than $34,000 over the first two weeks of October and spent more than $75,000 over that time.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Mark Green faces former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry in the 7th Congressional District, and the two have been locked in a TV ad battle that has ramped up over the past month. Barry slightly outraised Green in the pre-general filings of the first two weeks in October, reporting more than $53,500 raised, with Green reporting more than $44,300.

Green had fuller coffers to pull from, reportedly spending more than $465,600 over that same time period, with Barry spending about $225,000. But that has left Green with just about $104,000 going into Election Day, while Barry has $410,000 on hand. She’s put up a good financial fight during the cycle, raising $1.1 million compared to Green’s $2 million in the heavily red-leaning district.

Notable local and state business leaders who have donated to the Blackburn Tennessee Victory Fund PAC include:

• CEO of Ingram Industries Orrin Ingram and his brother John Ingram,

president of Ingram Industries

• CoreCivic CEO Damon Hiniger, COO Patrick Swindle and CFO David Garfinkle as well as six other executives

• Tractor Supply CEO Hal Lawton and at least nine executives

• Dollar General VP of government relations Stephen Brophy

• Cracker Barrel CEO Sandra Cochran

• HCA CEO Samuel Hazen

• HG Hill CEO Jimmy Granberry

• Ryman Hospitality executive chairman of the board Colin Reed

• Healthcare Corp. CEO Bob Falk

• President and CEO of FedEx Frederick Smith and CFO Michael Lenz

Notable local and state business leaders who have donated to the Johnson campaign:

• Planned Parenthood of Tennessee CEO Ashley Coffield

• Carter Malone Group CEO Deidre Malone

• Former Gov. Phil Bredesen

• Former Freeman Webb Company CEO Bill Freeman

• Carter Vintage Guitars founder Christie Carter

• Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee COO Leisa Wamsley

Green fights off Barry to keep congressional seat he didn’t always want

KELSEY BEYELER

Voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District will see a pair of familiar names on the Nov. 5 ballot: Democrat and Nashville’s former Metro Councilmember and Mayor

Megan Barry is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Mark Green, who has held the district since 2019.

In February, Green said he wouldn’t

run for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives this year, saying, “Our fight is not here within Washington, our fight is with Washington.” But he reversed course

two weeks later, saying in a statement that he was urged to seek reelection by Donald Trump, among others.

Former middle school civics

Sen. Marsha Blackburn

PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

State Rep. Gloria Johnson PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

teacher Shaun Greene is also running in the district as an independent.

Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District stretches from the state’s northern to its southern border, encompassing Stewart, Montgomery and Robertson counties at its northernmost point and Wayne County at its southernmost. Since Republicanled redistricting efforts carved Nashville into three pieces in 2022, the district also includes large chunks of Davidson and Williamson counties. While the gerrymandered district makes for a strongly Republican voting block (Green defeated Democratic challenger and community advocate Odessa Kelly by more than 20 points two years ago), Barry tells The News sister publication the Nashville Scene she believes there’s a path forward.

“If it had been drawn like this in 2018, Phil Bredesen — who was a great Democrat — only would have lost this district by one point,” Barry tells the Scene. “And since 2018, this district has gotten even more blue.”

Though Green did not respond to the Scene’s interview request, The News reported that Green called Barry a “good campaigner” at a September fundraiser — and that he wasn’t taking the race lightly.

By and large, both candidates are consistent avatars for their respective

Committee on Homeland Security and led the House’s successful partisan effort to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas earlier this year — though impeachment failed in the Senate. He was also among the 147 legislators who voted to overturn the 2020 election results and has been known for his negative rhetoric about LGBTQ and Muslim people. His top policy priorities include anti-abortion efforts, cybersecurity, immigration and decentralizing the power of the federal Department of Education.

Before entering politics, Barry worked as a corporate ethics consultant. She served as an at-large Metro councilmember for two terms, and since the overdose death of her son Max in 2017, Barry has advocated for issues related to substance abuse. She too lists immigration reform among the relevant issues on her website, along with reproductive freedom, gun safety and addressing congressional dysfunction with a bipartisan approach. Barry has also been a vocal opponent of congressional stock trading — something she’s criticized Green of benefiting from in an op-ed for the Cheatham County Exchange as well as in a recent campaign ad. Barry has released three video ads since she kicked off her campaign in December.

Voters looking for a candidate free from personal scandal won’t find one in this race. Green is embroiled in a contentious divorce, with his wife recently accusing him of carrying on an affair with a woman 27 years his junior — leading to Green’s daughter Camilla publicly criticizing her father for not being the “Christian, conservative family man” he claims to be. Barry’s single term

guilty for theft of property related to the affair, paying the city $11,000 in restitution. Barry tells the Scene she has been working to regain voters’ trust through conversation.

“My belief is that Tennesseans, and especially the folks in this district, believe in second chances,” says Barry.

This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Scene.

Rep. Mark Green

PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

U.S. Senate ‘debate’ disrupted by protest from independent candidate Blackburn defends choice to avoid her Democratic opponent

HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and state Rep. Gloria Johnson pitched her platform to a room of supporters in Franklin, in what was billed as a “debate” between her and her Republican opponent, incumbent U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, who was not in attendance.

The Oct. 16 event was organized by progressive media outlet Tennessee Holler, co-sponsored by MLK50, and attended by about 60 people, most of whom were vocal supporters of Johnson.

There were no obvious Blackburn supporters in attendance at the Williamson County Administrative Complex, where the senator was represented by an empty seat and her name on a printed sign.

Johnson fielded questions in what served as a forum, addressing a variety of topics including crime, gun reform, school vouchers and the recent hurricane damage in East Tennessee.

While Blackburn was not present, independent Senate candidate Pamela Moses drove from Shelby County to participate in the debate. Moses is an activist and former Memphis mayoral candidate.

Tennessee Holler founder Justin Kanew told The News sister publication the Williamson Scene that he was unaware that Moses was planning to attend the event. However, Kanew said Moses did contact him the day before the event. Moses disputed Kanew’s claims, saying that she did make him aware she would be there.

Moses is one of three independent candidates in the Senate race. An October

Beacon Poll showed Blackburn with a significant lead at 54 percent over Johnson’s 31 percent, with Moses predicted to get just 5 percent of the vote.

The “debate” spiraled out of control some 40 minutes into the program as Moses had numerous verbal outbursts from her seat in the audience, heckling Johnson, the moderator and Kanew. Eventually, she protested her exclusion from the event by jumping up on the platform and taking a seat next to Blackburn’s empty seat and Johnson.

“I’m going to sit here and I’m going to be whatever you want me to be, but I won’t be quiet,” Moses exclaimed, later telling the Williamson Scene, “You can’t keep real people out of democracy and expect folks to conform …You shouldn’t have said you were having a debate and expect no other candidate to come.”

“I don’t mind having a debate with [Moses]. If somebody wants to set that up, I’m happy to do it,” Johnson told Williamson Scene following the shortened event.

“When you are running to represent the entire state of Tennessee, you should be willing to show up to debate the issues that Tennesseans care about and also answer for your voting record,” Johnson said of Blackburn. “Tennesseans ... deserve someone who shows up and will talk about the issues with their opponent in front of them, whether it’s in front of them on television or in the room, and the reality is she doesn’t.”

Kanew pushed back against criticisms

that the debate was stunt by a partisan, progressive media outlet knowing the Republican candidate would not reply to the request or commit to attending.

“The only reason we did this is because nobody else would,” Kanew told the Williamson Scene. “You know, instead of asking us why we did this, I would turn the question on the rest of the media and ask, ‘why didn’t you guys do this?’ I would have preferred this not to have been a Holler event. I would have preferred this to have been The Tennessean or, you know, Knox News, or Fox Nashville, or whoever else.”

“To me, this isn’t a partisan issue,” he continued. “This is about access. This is about representing the people, and you know, you call it whatever you want – Was it a stunt? Sure, but to me, the real stunt, like Gloria said, is Marsha not showing up for as long as she has.”

The “debate” was as much a display of Kanew’s increasing criticism of Tennessee’s news media landscape as it was a display of his, and other Tennesseans, dissatisfaction with their senior senator.

In September, Kanew challenged David Plazas, opinion and engagement director at The Tennessean, for the paper’s unwillingness to host a debate with an empty podium in Blackburn’s place, which Plazas characterized as theatrical idea, after the newspaper reported that Blackburn’s team cut off communication about a proposed debate.

Plazas also expressed his desire to see debates in Tennessee’s political races, something that 90 percent of the paper’s

polled readers agreed with.

In 2018, Blackburn debated her thenchallenger, former Gov. Phil Bredesen, who she defeated. That debate did not include any of that election cycle’s independent candidates.

On Oct. 20, Blackburn spoke at state Sen. Majority Leader Jack Johnson’s Boots and Jeans, BBQ and Beans fundraiser, where she defended her unwillingness to debate her opponent who she called a “dishonest Democrat.”

“I’m talking to Tennesseans every single day, and we have done telephone town halls with over 225,000 Tennesseans,” Blackburn told reporters. “We send a weekly newsletter that goes to hundreds of thousands. We have handled 45,000 phone calls in our office. We are in constant contact with Tennesseans.” Blackburn’s last public in-person town hall event was a contentious meeting with voters that gained national attention in 2017 when she served as a congresswoman.

Kanew said that Blackburn’s office never replied to the Tennessee Holler’s request for her to attend the Oct. 16 event, while Blackburn said that she wasn’t aware if she had been invited, calling the Tennessee Holler a “Democrat website.”

Reed ready to assume role as finance director

Former CFO for Titans and Nashville Symphony to rejoin city department

KATIE BETH CANNON

The Metro Finance Department officially has a new director, but she’s not a new face to the city.

Jenneen Kaufman Reed recently was unanimously confirmed by the Metro Council at the most recent council meeting and will take over the position from interim finance director Kevin Crumbo in January 2025. Reed was interviewed by the Rules, Confirmations and Public Elections Committee on Oct. 1, with that body having voted 7-0 to recommend her for council confirmation.

During the process, Reed discussed her background in finance, having worked in the

industry for more than 30 years, as well as her history with Metro as a deputy finance director and chief accountant. Her previous work for the city provided insight into what she hopes to bring to her new position. Namely, her resolve to bring continuity and stability to the finance team.

“While I was here at Metro, I had three different finance directors,” Reed said during her Oct. 1 interview. “And when you’re constantly changing directors, it’s really hard to get into a rhythm and feel secure in that role. So that’s one of the things that I really want to bring to the table.”

Reed’s confirmation came

On Thursday, Oct. 24, Bill Freeman — founder and chairman of Freeman Webb and owner of FW Publishing, which produces the The News — received the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum’s Legacy Award at the Hotel Halbrook State Historic Site in Dickson, Tenn. From left: Bob Freeman, Bob Clement, Bill Freeman and Zacharie Kinslow PHOTO: SUBMITTED

after three people served as the finance director in four separate terms during the last five years.

During the interview, Reed said that she hoped to make the finance department more efficient through the addition of Oracle Cloud, so as to eliminate a lot of the “paper shuffling.”

SATURDAY,

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9th

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She also noted her appointment comes ahead of new challenges facing the Metro Finance Department.

“There’s the transit plan coming up pretty quickly on the ballot; there’s also the East Bank,” she said. “We also have the budget process that’s getting ready to kick off, and I think the CSP is about to get going as well. So there’s a lot of — I like to call them opportunities — to really bring my skill set, to bring continued financial stability to this role.”

PLEASE

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit proposal will cost about $3.1 billion if approved. Nashvillians will vote on the plan via a referendum, with early voting underway. A key part in the ongoing transit discussion, the East Bank development, is expected to cost Metro $227 million for its infrastructure.

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In addition to the plans for affordable housing units and bike and pedestrian pathways for the East Bank, Metro is in the midst of the $2.1 billion project for a new Titans stadium. The city and state assumed $760 million and $500 million in bonds, respectively, while the Titans and NFL will cover the other $840 million. Metro began making payments on its $760 million in February.

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AVA PAIGE

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Singer / Songwriter / Survivor Moderator

AVA PAIGE

Singer / Songwriter / Survivor Moderator

ASHLEY

When Reed begins in January, Metro’s budget review and investment request process will be in full swing. All departments will submit their final prioritized requests for review to the Metro Finance Department Office of Management and Budget by early February.

Reed brings her experience working in public, private and nonprofit finance and administrative roles, including three years as deputy director of the Metro Department of Finance, 23 years as senior vice president and chief financial officer for the Tennessee Titans and, most recently, (and since November 2023) as chief financial officer for the Nashville Symphony.

Join us for an education session on mental wellness during blood cancer treatment, where we will explore strategies to support emotional well-being and manage stress.

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We will also highlight several treatment options available to blood cancer patients, including CAR T-Cell Therapy, BiTE therapies, and immunotherapies.

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Bring your family, caregivers and enjoy lunch, as well. Moderated by Singer/Songwriter/Survivor, Ava Paige.

ASHLEY WYSE, MSN, FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

Join us for an education session on mental wellness during blood cancer treatment, where we will explore strategies to support emotional well-being and manage stress.

Join us for an education session on during blood cancer treatment, where strategies to support emotional well-being stress.

Join us for an education session on mental during blood cancer treatment, where we strategies to support emotional well-being stress.

Join us for an education session on mental wellness during blood cancer treatment, where we will explore strategies to support emotional well-being and manage stress.

for an education session on mental wellness during blood cancer treatment, where we will explore strategies to support emotional well-being and manage stress.

Join us for an education session on mental wellness during blood cancer treatment, where we will explore strategies to support emotional well-being and manage stress.

Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital - Cancer Center

ASHLEY WYSE, MSN, FNP-C

Join us for an education session on mental wellness during blood cancer treatment, where we will explore strategies to support emotional well-being and manage stress.

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Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital - Cancer Center

BRITTNEY BAER, BSN, RN

Immune Effector Cell Patient Care Coordinator

We will also highlight several treatment to blood cancer patients, including CAR BiTE therapies, and immunotherapies.

We will also highlight several treatment options available to blood cancer patients, including CAR T-Cell Therapy, BiTE therapies, and immunotherapies.

Bring your family, caregivers and enjoy Moderated by Singer/Songwriter/Survivor,

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We will also highlight several treatment options available to blood cancer patients, including CAR T-Cell Therapy, BiTE therapies, and immunotherapies.

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Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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Bring your family, caregivers and enjoy lunch, as well. Moderated by Singer/Songwriter/Survivor, Ava Paige.

Bring your family, caregivers and enjoy lunch, as well. Moderated by Singer/ Songwriter/Survivor, Ava Paige.

Bring your family, caregivers and enjoy lunch, as well. Moderated by Singer/Songwriter/Survivor, Ava Paige.

Bring your family, caregivers and enjoy lunch, as well. Moderated by Singer/Songwriter/Survivor, Ava Paige. Program

Jenneen Kaufman Reed

PHOTO: MAYOR’S OFFICE

Four MNPS schools receive federal magnet funding State commission approves three new Nashville charter schools

Four Metro Nashville Public schools are receiving magnet school designations in an effort to enhance academics and reduce segregation in schools.

The new designations, awarded by the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program, will bring specialized academic programming to each school along with a collective total of nearly $15 million by the end of the fiveyear grant cycle. They will add to an existing network of 10 other schools in the district that have received MSAP funding. (While there are even more branded magnet schools in the district, not all receive MSAP funding.) The purpose of the funding, according to the U.S. Department of Education, is “to promote desegregation, increase academic achievement, build educator capacity, increase family engagement and foster community collaboration.”

Glenview Elementary School, Paragon Mills Elementary School and Stratton Elementary School will transition to Spanish-immersion magnets that will include Spanish instruction in order to promote bilingualism in students — including Spanish instruction across various academic subjects. Stratton Elementary will also join the International Baccalaureate program, which prepares students for IB programs in middle and high schools. Brick Church Middle School, which recently transitioned out of the state’s Achievement

School District and back into MNPS’ portfolio, will become an early college magnet. The program will prepare students who are on a pathway to White’s Creek High School’s early college program, where they can graduate high school with up to 60 college credits.

While magnet schools vary on the programs they offer, from emphases on arts to academics, those that receive money through the MSAP program share a common goal: enhancing diversity in schools. Nashville’s schools have long been mandated to desegregate following 1954’s landmark Brown v. the Board of Education case. (The city didn’t start slowly desegregating its schools until three years after, which resulted in community outrage among white residents and the bombing of Nashville’s Hattie Cotton Elementary School.) Even so, many schools still see overly represented student populations due to housing patterns, school choice and other factors. Glenview, Paragon Mills and Stratton elementary schools each have majority Hispanic/Latino populations. Brick Church Middle School’s student population is 80 percent Black or African American. White students constitute 10 percent or less of all four schools’ student bodies.

“Seventy years ago, the Brown decision declared that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal,” said MNPS chief of

LEAD brought two new elementary charter school applications to the MNPS board and the charter commission, but withdrew its application for LEAD Cameron Elementary earlier in October.

The charter commission also green-lit applications for Encompass Community Schools and Nurses Middle College Nashville. The former is a K-8 communityschool-based model slated for the Whites Creek and Pearl-Cohn clusters. The latter is a 9-12 school that would focus on preparing high school students to enter health care.

In a release, president and CEO of Tennesseans for Student Success Lana Skelo called the approval of Encompass Community Schools “a win for families in North Nashville who simply want a different kind of public education for their children than existing zoned schools are providing.”

An application for the Nashville School of Excellence was denied by the commission, though some of its members expressed interest in potentially approving another application down the line once the charter school can more thoroughly establish certain application elements. Each of the charter commission’s Nashville-related votes aligned with the recommendations of its executive director Tess Stovall.

academics and schools Renita Perry at a press conference on Oct. 14. “Today, we reaffirm our dedication to that legacy by building educational environments that are bilingual, biliterate and multicultural. We believe these elements are not merely educational goals, but are essential in building a foundation where every student can thrive.”

State commission approves three new Nashville charter schools

During its quarterly meeting in October, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission approved three newstart charter school applications that were previously denied by the Metro Nashville Public Schools board. The commission upheld the MNPS board’s denial of one other school.

Such is the annual process for charter schools attempting to set up in school districts across the state. First they apply to the local school board. If they’re denied, they can submit amended applications. If they’re denied again, they can appeal to the school board’s decision to the state charter commission, which has final authority.

Among those approved by the commission this week is LEAD Southeast Elementary, a K-5 school that will open in Southeast Nashville. LEAD has five other schools currently operating in the city, including a middle and high school located in the Southeast Nashville area. Initially,

“This is a strategic dismantling of public schools and Metro Nashville’s budget,” says Elrod. “We’re becoming upside-down with too many seats and an unsustainable cost per pupil to cover the fixed costs charter schools force onto public school districts. It is beyond a ‘school board issue.’ Taxpayers, county commissioners, city councils and mayors across the state should be alarmed about this gross overreach and demand better. “

The commission also approved Wooddale Middle School in Shelby County and denied Novus SMART Academy in Rutherford County.

In a message to The News sister publication the Nashville Scene, the Metro Nashville Public Schools board’s District 2 representative Rachael Anne Elrod calls the new charters “unnecessary, lesser options than the surrounding public schools that they’ll inevitably hurt.”

Elrod points to MNPS’ academic gains amid a history of underfunding from the state as a demonstration of Metro schools’ strengths. She also says the district will now have to pay for schools the board voted against twice.

This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Scene.

KELSEY BEYELER

Davidson County Board of Education PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

Tennessee trans health care ban nears Supreme Court argument

NYC attorney will represent local family and others, become first transgender lawyer

HANNAH HERNER

The United States Supreme Court will be hearing arguments related to Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth on Dec. 4.

That day, Chase Strangio is set to become the first transgender lawyer to argue before the nation’s highest court, according to a press release. Time magazine recognized Strangio in its 2020 100 Most Influential People list.

The New York-based lawyer serves as co-director for transgender justice with the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project, and will be arguing on behalf of the plaintiffs, including Samantha Williams and Brian Williams of Nashville and their 15-year-old transgender daughter, two other families filing anonymously and Dr. Susan Lacy of Memphis. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, New York City-based advocacy law group Lambda Legal and Washington, D.C.-based law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP filed the

to appear before highest court

suit in April 2023.

The U.S. Supreme Court announced earlier this year that it would take up a hearing on the 2023 law, under which gender-affirming care including hormone therapy and the uncommon gender affirmation surgery for patients younger than 18 are banned. The law is currently partially in effect, following legal backand-forth.

“The stakes could not be higher for our communities as the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral argument in U.S. v. Skrmetti and L.W. v. Skrmetti,” Lambda Legal Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Pizer said in a press release. “As hostile state leaders prepare to double-down on their cruel, unprecedented and discriminatory attacks on transgender youth, the Court has the opportunity and duty to apply the law fairly, which means returning medical decisions to where they rightfully belong, to parents, their children, and their doctors.”

During the 2023 legislative session, restricting care for transgender youth was a top priority for some Tennessee legislators. It was the first bill introduced for the session. House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 were signed into law in March 2023 and were set to go into effect in July of that year. The Pediatric Transgender Clinic at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at VUMC stopped serving patients, too.

Following the April 2023 lawsuit, The U.S. Department of Justice stepped in one week later in an attempt to block the law from going into effect, citing the 14th Amendment’s equal protections clause. In July, the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals reversed a temporary partial block, which would allow the ban on surgical procedures but not hormone therapy, permitting the law to go into effect. The court doubled down in August. At the time, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti called the ruling “a big win for democracy.”

In a statement submitted to the Supreme Court earlier this month, Skrmetti wrote, “The federal government, in its arguments to the Supreme Court, puts its faith in a false and manufactured consensus that ignores the many doctors, States, and countries who have looked at the evidence and determined these treatments are too risky for kids. The Constitution does not prevent the States from regulating the practice of medicine where hot-button social issues are concerned. People who disagree with restrictions on irreversible pediatric procedures for gender transition are free to advocate for change through state elections.”

This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Post.

Bridge-naming ceremony held in honor of late Nashville businessman, philanthropist State Sen. Campbell, state Rep. Hemmer on hand for

Richard J. Eskind Memorial Bridge STAFF REPORTS

State Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) and state Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville) honored late Nashville businessman and philanthropist Richard Eskind with the naming of a bridge in the Belle Meade area.

The Richard J. Eskind Memorial Bridge was unveiled on State Highway 70 over Richland Creek on Monday afternoon in a ceremony that saw the attendance of elected officials, community leaders and members of the Eskin family.

“I think that other than six years of

Local boutique opens in permanent location in Green Hills

Nashville native Ruth Franklin Bailey previously ran family-owned business out of e|spaces near Belle Meade STAFF

home before operating out of e|spaces near

Bailey is not disclosing the terms of her lease or the cost to get operational. The owner of the building shares an address with Nashville-based commercial real estate firm Eakin Partners.

Hostess & Home specializes in curated home décor, seasonal specialties and new and vintage gifts such as drinkware, Herend porcelain and garden accessories.

Bailey, who is an alum of Vanderbilt University and Harpeth Hall School, says the business is influenced by her family’s “multi-generational love of beautifully set tables, decorated homes, and legendary dinner parties.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout and the warm reception from the Nashville community,” Bailey said in the release.

“Hostess & Home is more than a boutique; it’s a reflection of my family’s passion for creating spaces filled with warmth and elegance. We’re excited to share this journey with our guests and help them find the perfect pieces to make their homes special.”

school and two years in the Army, he lived within a mile or mile-and-a-half of here his whole life, so it’s particularly nice to have this happen here,” Eskind’s son, Billy, said. Eskind died last year at the age of 93 after a life of civic and community service, including helping to establish The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and being the recipient of the 2002 Human Relations Award presented by the National Conference of Community and Justice.

LOGAN BUTTS EDITOR

HAMILTON

NICOLLE S. PRAINO STAFF REPORTER

LISA BOLD PRODUCTION MANAGER

CHELON HASTY SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER

ELIZABETH JONES CORPORATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TODD PATTON CFO

MIKE SMITH PRESIDENT AND CEO

BILL FREEMAN OWNER

Nashville boutique retailer Hostess & Home has opened a permanent location in Green Hills.

According to a release, the business is operating in a building with an address of

2209 Bandywood Drive and adjacent to the structure housing Greenhouse Bar.

Nashville native Ruth Franklin Bailey owns Hostess & Home and founded the business as a pop-up shop in her mother’s

Hostess and Home owner Ruth Franklin Bailey PHOTO: MMH PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard J. Eskind Memorial Bridge naming ceremony

PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTER

OPINION

TICKED OFF!

LENGTHY TV ADVERTISEMENTS

I notice more and more time of a prescribed TV program time is being interrupted and consumed by advertisements; especially annoying when an ad is repeated more than once during the same break. It’s easy to understand why folks will pay for streaming services -- you can watch whatever programming you wish, pause when you need a break, and resume when ready. Advertisers--wise up ! Your ads are causing irritation and annoyance and even avoidance for buying your products. Also concerning is repeat receipt of requests for donations (I have received three from the same organization on the same day) and then they spend the money on LONG advertisements begging for funds. Reduce the ad length and use the donation for the research or other benefit for which it was intended.

SIGN STEALING IS A CRIME!

I’m ticked off that someone thinks it’s okay to steal my political sign from my front yard. I also find it both funny and sad – funny because Trump supporters and Trump himself claims to be winning this election and if that’s the case, why steal my Harris sign from my yard?? Sad because the culprit here doesn’t realize that stealing from private property is a crime in Tennessee (as it is in every other state), punishable by fine and potentially, imprisonment. Do you really think supporting your candidate is worth paying $1,000 or possibly going to jail? Also, sad because I’ve already voted for the candidate of my choice and so what is being accomplished by taking my sign – other than trying to silence my 1st Amendment rights? Why do Trump and his supporters cry foul when they feel their 1st Amendment rights are being trampled but don’t have a problem trampling on others? I’ll tell you why – double standards and hypocrisy are characteristics that I find many Trump supporters embody. How else do you explain the fact that they can argue that Biden is too old, but now that Trump is the oldest candidate in our history to run for President, it’s okay to ignore his obvious signs of dementia and confusion? How else can you explain that Trump calling Harris a Fascist

is okay, but when Harris does it (because he so clearly is), Fox News commentators go ballistic? How do you explain that in the unlikely event that Harris said a fraction of the things that Trump said in his rallies like commenting on a pro golfer’s privates – the media and public would go nuts – yet everyone in the Trump camp just thinks that’s Trump being Trump. And don’t get me started about those that consider Trump the second coming of Christ which is most definitely blasphemy!! Trumpers who claim to be holier than thou, on the side of Christian values and better than everyone else – should look really hard at themselves and their actions and remember: “Thou shall not steal” (Exodus: 20:15) and “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3-6). I say, get a clue, stay off my property and go to church. Oh and the guy who took my sign and who left me a pumpkin - I got you on camera on Friday night, so the trick is on you.

MAYOR FREDDIE’S BUMSHACKS

No such thing as affordable housing when people refuse to budget for housing.

PBS (POLITICALBULL S--T)

AH, what a relief I voted this week and now I can mute all the PBS (political bull s--t) I hear on TV or the radio from the seasoned politicians and the new comers who claim they are going to do some spectacular feat for their constituents. Which we all know can’t be done by one person, yes they can suggest a bill or an idea to better their followers wishes but it takes a village (the majority of their fellow legislators who agree with them) to get a bill passed. And with the political scene being torn in every direction by the infighting and disagreement between parties it’s a wonder anything gets done.

The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.

Jim’s Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE

These are these best peanut butter cookies ever. The use of cornstarch, which is gluten free, makes them crumbly and “short” by breaking up some of the gluten in the flour, hence making them a bit delicate. We also like to occasionally add malt powder to this recipe as well. Jim Fobel was a dear friend of mine through my years at Cooking Light magazine and

after. He was the test kitchen director at Food and Wine for years, a cookbook author, food writer, artist and one of the best cooks I’ve ever known. This recipe is from his classic cookbook, Jim Fobel’s OldFashioned Baking Book (Ballantine Books, 1987). Find it online if you can. It will be the only baking book you’ll ever need.

--Jill Melton, Editor

ACROSS

1 Update, as a kitchen

5 It might be L-shaped

9 Scottie in the White House in the 1940s

13 Brio

14 Operating system developed at Bell Labs

15 Wishes undone

16 Pioneer in show recording

17 Allot, with “out”

18 F irst-string players

20 Aquí, across the Pyrenees

21 Stock quote?

22 Icelandic poet Stur luson

23 Raised strip

25 Wig out

28 California’s Big ___

29 Spirit of a culture

30 Life-size … or a hint to this puzzle’s theme

32 “The Stars and Stripes Forever” composer

34 Runner in the snow

35 Got down

63 Whisper menacingly

64 Named, informally

65 Peeved

66 Soup ser ved before sushi, say

67 Bird in “Alice in Wonderland”

“___ Nacht!”

Senokot alternative

Small restaurants

Facebook co-founder Saverin

54 Bowl feature

Gas station that may feature a Tim Hortons drive-thru 59 Scientist whose name is a unit, both forward and

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla paste by Nielsen-Massey)

1. In a heavy mixer, beat butter with sugars until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla and salt. Beat well. Add flour, cornstarch and baking soda, mix just until blended. Add peanut butter, mix well. Chill dough at least 1 hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 350F. With a small scoop, scoop dough onto baking sheets. Sprinkle tops with sugar and salt. Bake 12-15 minutes (more for crunchier cookies, less for soft). 36 COOKIES INGREDIENTS

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.

36 Phone numbers? … or a hint to this puzzle’s theme

39 Word after double or day

41 Deborah’s co-star in “The King and I”

42 Many a foreign E.S.L. teacher

45 Marginalia … or a hint to this puzzle’s theme

48 Tool with a bubble

50 Midwest sch. with 65,000+ students

51 Bright-eyed

52 Coffeehouse lure

53 Said

55 “Toy Story” dinosaur voiced by Wallace Shawn

57 Skill practiced on a health class dummy, in brief

58 Longtime senator Hatch

59 Sees red?

61 Part of A.P.R.

62 Greek music halls

1 Strike out, perhaps

2 Draws out

3 AIDS researcher who was T ime’s 1996 Man of the Year

4 Ar tist who once ran a “War Is Over!” poster campaign

5 Yokozuna’s sport

6 Something done a single time

7 In good health

8 Guitar, slangily

9 Fan fare?

10 Lambo, e.g.

11 Eyeballs like a scuzzball

12 Generally

19 Swampy ground

43 Toast topper 44 Enticed

Fair 46 Dance counterpart of the Whip 47 What an accent mar k might indicate 49 Texas city on the Rio Grande

PUZZLE BY PETER GORDON

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

WOODMONT BAPTIST CHURCH

Five free and cheap family things to do in Middle Tennessee

The events this week take us mostly outside into this beautiful weather. There’s Family Day in Franklin, which is always worth the trek, even if you don’t live in WillCo. While it just sold out, the area. Home Depot takes the kids inside on a Saturday morning for some worthy learning about building, and then there’s an excellent music event for folks with sensory issues down in Murfreesboro.

HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOPS

At 9 a.m. on Nov. 2, Home Depot will host an in-person kids workshop. This iteration will show kids how to build a pumpkin tic-tac-toe board. Reserve a spot ahead online to ensure the supplies are on hand for your kid to participate. The event is free, and the tutorial is guided.

FRANKLIN PARKS’ FAMILY DAY

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is hosting Franklin Parks’ Family Day on Nov. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. The daylong festival includes miniature train rides, hay rides, pony rides and a petting zoo. Attendees are also welcome to try cane pole fishing in the pond as well as the Touch-a-Tractor area, which is made up of several excavators the kids can operate and large tractors the kids can sit on. The LT. Dan Band, led by Oscar-nominated actor Gary Sinise, will be performing on stage.

WILDLIFE SATURDAY WITH JASPER

On the morning of Nov. 2, 13-year-old

opportunity to get up close and personal with a few of Jasper’s animal friends. Register ahead of time to ensure a spot.

SENSORY PROGRAM WITH LOVE LEARNING MUSIC

Down in Murfreesboro, the Linebaugh Library is hosting Love Learning Music on Nov. 2. The event is a low-stimulation music event, offering a sensory-friendly experience for folks. The hourlong event will also offer education for families about music therapy resources in the community.

LANTERN HIKES

While this one is sold out on Nov. 1, the Lantern Hikes are worth mentioning so you don’t miss the next one. They begin at 6 p.m. on select Friday evenings and they’re for your family members who are older than 12 years old. This hike is one-and-a-half miles and is moderately challenging. It’s guided by someone who will help folks see the woods by lantern light in the evening so that folks can see or hear the sounds of the forest. Folks are welcome to bring their own dinner, but

AMANDA HAGGARD

Wildlife Saturday with Jasper PHOTO: FRIENDS OF WARNER PARKS

SPORTS

Local schools compete at volleyball, girls soccer state tournaments

LOGAN BUTTS

The TSSAA volleyball state championship tournaments took place at various gymnasiums across Rutherford County last week, while the girls soccer state tournaments were battled out on the pitch in Chattanooga. Several local schools participated in both competitions, and a few state titles were won by area teams.

VOLLEYBALL

Lipscomb Academy earned the program’s second-ever championship, and first since 2004, by defeating Baylor 3-0 (25-14, 2523, 25-18) in the Division II-AA title game.

The Mustangs (22-17) beat Baylor 3-2 in the first round as well and knocked off Briarcrest 3-0 in the semifinals. The volleyball state tournament brackets are all double-elimination.

Ruby Walton led Lipscomb Academy with 14 kills in the championship match, while Kailey Thomas added 10. Mary Katherine Hall had a team-high 24 digs, and Shannon

Archer added a team-best four blocks

Father Ryan (22-8) was eliminated after losing 3-1 to Briarcrest and 3-2 to Baylor.

Valor College Prep won the Class AA title with a 3-1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-11, 25-22) win over Dyer County. The title was the first in program history.

A pair of Williamson County schools squared off in the Class AAA state title game, with Nolensville prevailing 3-1 (23-25, 2517, 25-13, 25-18) over Brentwood.

The Knights (38-6) did not lose a game en route to the program’s fourth state championship. They swept Blackman and Houston and defeated Maryville 3-1 en route to the title game.

The Knights last won it all in 2021, which was the culmination of a threepeat at the state championships. They also finished as the runner-up in 2023, falling to Cleveland 3-0 in the title match.

In Division II-A, Battle Ground Academy finished as state runner-up after getting

swept by Northpoint Christian 25-22, 2521, 25-19 in the championship bout.

The Wildcats (23-8) actually swept Northpoint in the opening round before sweeping Goodpasture (33-9) and losing in the title matchup.

SOCCER

In Division II-AA, Lipscomb Academy (12-4-1) and Harpeth Hall (13-1-3) each lost 1-0 in the state semifinals, respectively. The Mustangs fell to the eventual state champion Baylor in what was the program’s first-ever state tournament appearance. The Honeybears lost to Knoxville Webb in Harpeth Hall’s 13th state tournament bid.

In Class A, Merrol Hyde (18-3) earned the Class A title, defeating Westview 4-1 in the championship match for the program’s first state crown.

In Class AA, Valor College Prep (10-61) lost on penalty kicks to Station Camp in the first round. The two teams were tied 2-2

Titans make pair of trades prior to deadline

JOHN GLENNON

The Titans acknowledged the reality of their season last week, working to finalize a deal that sent talented receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional draft pick.

The Titans will receive a fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-rounder if certain conditions are met.

The move came fewer than two weeks before the NFL’s Nov. 5 trade deadline.

Hopkins was excellent for the Titans in 2023, leading the team with 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games.

But this season has been a struggle for both the Titans and Hopkins, a three-time All Pro.

Tennessee is 1-6 after a blowout loss at Detroit on Sunday. Hopkins, who missed most of training camp with a knee injury, had 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown for the Titans. In the Oct. 20 loss to Buffalo, he extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one catch to 168 — but just barely, as he was credited with one reception for minus two yards.

With the 32-year old Hopkins in the final year of his contract and unlikely to return next season, it only made sense for the Titans — whose playoff chances are already extremely slim — to acquire draft capital for him, as opposed to letting him head to free agency following the season.

The departure of Hopkins leaves the Titans with Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd,

Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Jha’Quan Jackson at receiver.

For Hopkins, the deal represents an opportunity to win a Super Bowl, something he has never accomplished during his illustrious career. The 12-year veteran has 943 career catches for 12,528 yards and 79 touchdowns.

The Chiefs (7-0) are the NFL’s only unbeaten team and are seeking their third consecutive championship, after defeating Philadelphia following the 2022 season and San Francisco last year.

Kansas City was in need of help at wide receiver after losing Rashee Rice to seasonending knee surgery. In addition, JuJu Smith-Schuster is dealing with a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him this week.

Hopkins signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Titans prior to the 2023 season.

The Titans also made a second trade last week, sending starting inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV to Seattle for starting inside linebacker Jerome Baker and draft capital.

In exchange for Jones, whom the Titans acquired in August from the Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee received Baker as well as a 2025 fourth-round draft pick and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick.

When the Titans acquired Jones from the Rams — in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2026 — there was certainly a possibility he might be part of the future.

after regulation, and Station Camp emerged through penalties with a 4-3 advantage.

In the Class AAA tournament, a pair of Williamson County Schools made the state semifinals.

Franklin (16-2-1) handled Science Hill with ease in the first round, winning 3-0 in the program’s 26th state tournament appearance.

Franklin was then blanked by eventual state champion Houston 2-0 in the semifinals. Houston finished the season a perfect 22-0.

On the other side of the bracket, Page (16-6-2) also advanced to the semifinals with little struggle, knocking off Collierville 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from junior Reagan Vaughan.

The Patriots would then fall to Bearden 4-0 in the semifinals.

But since he was never signed to a contract extension (his current deal expires after this season), Jones was deemed expendable because of the team’s bad start. He played well during his Titans stint, piling up 44 tackles in six games (five starts), including three tackles for loss and two passes defensed.

The 27-year-old Baker, who is three years older than Jones, has been a starter in each of his seven seasons in the NFL — six in Miami and one in Seattle. He started and played five games for the Seahawks this year, totaling 30 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one

forced fumble and one fumble recovery. It remains to be seen whether Baker will be part of the long-term picture, as his contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.

The Titans now have eight picks in the 2025 draft — one each in the first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds, and two in the fourth — in addition to the conditional fifth-round selection that could become a fourth-round pick.

This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Post.

DeAndre Hopkins PHOTO: TENNESSEE TITANS

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