We’ll keep this bit short and sweet: the weather is apparently going to be hot and fine. At least through Sunday, maybe? Keep an eye out on the weather nerds for updates, as they haven’t let us know what the drill is yet today. [NashSevereWx]
Dolly Parton’s first travel center is opening this week and there’s a days-long celebration. You don’t really need to go read the AI slop this Gannett “journalist” is presenting as their own work, just know it’s happening and Dolly won’t be present. It’ll still be fun when you’re traveling and need gas or a break. [The Tennessean]
Three years after Metro Nashville created the Entertainment Commission, members say they are still waiting to do the job they were appointed to do. What was supposed to be the final step in launching Nashville’s Office of Entertainment has instead turned into another debate over who should oversee it, leaving commissioners frustrated and the future of the office uncertain. [WZTV]
HOWDEEEE! Minnie Pearl was honored with a documentary film screening at Franklin Theatre. Among all the great icons born in Tennessee, this is a good one. She had a famous look, voice, and catchphrases. An event just held shows how much we all still love her. Go read all about it because everything else is terrible. [News Channel 5]
After waiting for years to see results from a tree-planting project, one Nashville organization said it is heartbroken to find those trees have already been damaged. The Nashville Tree Conservation Corps planted Eastern Redbud trees as part of its Shelby Avenue arboretum project back in March 2020. The project was in response to the March 2020 tornadoes, during which the bulk of the neighborhood was defoliated and lost many trees, along with severe property damage. [WKRN]
Winter Storm Fern was devastating for Nashville’s trees, but it has given the city an opportunity to rebuild with a stronger, healthier approach. In January, ice storms brought on by Winter Storm Fern pummeled Nashville, along with much of the American South. The scene of tree limbs strewn among damaged buildings and lampposts looked liked the aftermath of a tornado. Key infrastructure, including roads, power and water lines, was heavily damaged. [Nashville SUNN]
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville, Davidson County and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new Tennessee law that would overhaul the governing board of Nashville International Airport. The lawsuit, filed on June 10 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, argues that Tennessee officials cannot implement the law before a review process outlined in federal aviation law is completed. [WZTV]
A three-judge panel heard arguments Thursday on the Tennessee redistricting maps case in a federal court in Nashville. The hearing lasted about two and half hours. The ACLU of Tennessee, Memphis voters and the American Civil Liberties Union argue that the state intentionally discriminated against voters. They are asking the court to block the map before it’s used in elections this year. [WSMV]
Patriotic music? ‘Outlaws Almanac’ compilation grapples with American history. The compilation “Outlaws’ Almanac” arrives as grand patriotic ceremonies abound but it’s a celebration of a different kind, “to define and expand the notion of us,” says executive producer Lizzie No. It arrives on Juneteenth. [WPLN]
Former First Lady Jill Biden spoke at Langford Auditorium June 8 about her recently released memoir, “View from the East Wing.” Biden participated in a conversation-style discussion moderated by journalist Demetria Kalodimos, executive producer of The Nashville Banner. Around 700 people attended the event. [Vanderbilt Hustler]
Juneteenth, America at 250 and the hole in the soul of our democracy. As Americans prepare to celebrate Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we should take pride in the extraordinary progress our country has made toward becoming a more perfect union. But these milestones also demand honesty. [Tennessee Tribune]
Metro Council passed the city budget, including investments in housing and a grocery tax cut. That groceries are taxed at all is immoral and should be illegal. The council has spent the past two months considering Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s budget proposal and Budget Committee Chair Kyonzté Toombs’ proposed substitute budget, which is the version that ultimately approved. [Nashville Banner]
If you haven’t yet seen it, it’s time to get tickets to attend Hamilton at TPAC. Yes, really, even though it’s expensive. No one will walk away disappointed. Running through the 28th. Just do it because it’s that good. [Visit Music City & TPAC]
But if you’re not made of money and want something fun for the kids, we’ve got the perfect thing for you. Travel back to the age of dinosaurs at DinoTrek, where a hidden trail near the Historic Home comes alive with nearly 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Encounter more than 20 species, including towering giants over 20 feet tall, in the largest and most immersive DinoTrek experience yet. [Nashville Zoo]
A prominent local developer is suing the celebrity-studded group behind a Nashville steakhouse. Since the article is behind a paywall, we’ll give you the TL;DR: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Adam LaRoche are being sued by GBT Realty Corp over their now-closed E3 Chophouse. They allegedly owe back (and future) rent and it all sounds like a bunch of messy drama that may or may not be entertaining. [Nashville Business Journal]
