Vouchers, Kings, and Jobs
Good afternoon, everyone. State legislators eager for more people to have access to school vouchers... If you're looking for Grandma, there are more "No Kings" protests this weekend... An Ogles challenger emerges... And much more!
Like what we do? Forward us to a friend.
📐 Education Scholarships & Audits House Speaker Cameron Sexton is doubling down on Tennessee’s school voucher program alongside Governor Bill Lee. According to Chalkbeat, both are in support of passing legislation to increase Education Freedom Scholarships during the 2026 General Assembly session.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally doesn’t seem as enthusiastic about the prospect of doubling scholarships next year. “While there is clearly an appetite to expand, until we start examining the overall budget and revenue numbers, it would be premature to commit to any specific scope,” McNally said in a statement reported by the Lookout.
In other education news, the Tennessee Division of State Audit released a report featuring Tennessee’s Department of Education and found it at risk of cyber hacking and data mining. The performance audit assessed the last four years and found shortcomings within its information systems.
The TNDOE has been asked to develop and implement internal controls to neutralize this threat. The audit, conducted under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law, aims to assist the Joint Government Operations Committee in deciding whether the department should be restructured or terminated.
👑 No Kings Round Deux Another bout of No Kings protests is scheduled across the country this weekend, including a gathering at the Tennessee Capitol. This Saturday at 10 a.m., participants are being asked to gather at the large hill across from Bicentennial Capitol Mall with the disclaimer that a “core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action” and a warning against bringing weapons.
“‘NO KINGS’ is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon,” reads the invitation. “Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.”
⧖⧗⧖ GETTING BITCOIN FOMO? ⧗⧖⧗
|
|
The Bitcoin Adviser offers the safest and easiest way to securely buy bitcoin. Experts like Scott Porter talk you through the process from purchase to storage. Curious what owning bitcoin looks like? Sign up for a free consultation below. |
💵 The Billionaire Job Supply Calling all miners, welders, electricians, engineers, mechanics, and foremen: the Boring Company is still hiring for the construction of the Music City Loop. A number of university internships, offering mechanical, engineering, and operations management experience, are also listed. According to Boring Company CEO Steve Davis, the project is expected to be completed within two years.
Switching from Musk to Bezos, Amazon is hiring 250,000 workers to fill seasonal roles over the holidays. This includes 4,000 jobs offering an average wage of $19+/hr in Nashville. The company will also offer full-time employment with benefits to those who stay on after the holidays.
TRUCK STUCK AT BNA
On Monday, an eighteen-wheeler somehow lodged itself in a Nashville International Airport (BNA) garage. The vehicle struck several structures inside the parking lot, causing material damage and traffic delays in the area. (More Info)
HEADLINES
- 🎓 The Vanderbilt Faculty Senate convened in an emergency session and passed a resolution (30–11, with one abstention) condemning a proposed “compact” with the Trump administration as legally dubious and an infringement on university autonomy and constitutional rights.
- 🚗 So far in 2025, Nashville police report that 1,035 guns have been stolen in Davidson County, and 793 of those (about 76 %) were taken from vehicles. The agency is urging residents to lock their cars, secure valuables (especially firearms), and remove keys to reduce risk.
- 🗳️ A recent report suggests that Charlie Hatcher, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner, is rumored to be launching a Republican primary challenge against incumbent Andy Ogles for the 2026 U.S. House race in Tennessee’s 5th District.
DEVELOPMENT
- Indoor golf venue, restaurant planned for shuttered Hi-Fi Clyde's (NBJ)
- Diskin Cider to close Wedgewood-Houston tasting room (NBJ)
- Buc-ee's breaks ground on Murfreesboro location (NBJ)
- Airport-area site slated for industrial development (Post)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🪕 Peter Denahy @ Station Inn, 8p, $20, Info
🎸 Mose Wilson @ The Underdog, 7p, $10, Info
💀 Tennessee Dead @ Tennessee Brew Works, 6p, Info
🪕 Bluegrass Night @ The American Legion Post 82, 7p, Free, Info
📰 Check out the full newsletter archive here.
Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik and Camelia Brennan.