Good morning, Nashville. A new study estimates that 45% of all 18-24 year-olds in Tennessee are too obese to qualify for military service. Though we’re in good company with 38 other states where more than 40% of young adults are unable to serve due to weight, the problem is becoming so widespread that officials are actually calling it a threat to national security. In recent months, Tennessee has vowed to step up its efforts to fight obesity by using some new federal grant funding to increase access to healthy food. Locally, Nashvillians are also organizing a big push for healthy food options in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

• Storm damage. We didn’t see a whole lot of storm damage here in Nashville, but other parts of the region weren’t quite as fortunate. A tornado in Yazoo City, Mississippi killed 10 people and injured more. Keep an ear out for a benefit in the coming weeks organized by our friends at Yazoo Brewing, which is named after Yazoo City.
• Marathon  = success. Congrats to all of you who ran the Country Music Marathon on Saturday! Ilsa Paulson became the first American ever to win the marathon.
• Bits & pieces. The East precinct names the 10 most violent East Nashville intersections … In order to avoid getting eliminated, the Preds need to win tonight’s game … The mayor added three new staff members to oversee environment and healthy living efforts … Not to make light of the rash of night club violence in any way, but what’s up with this story’s illustration?

Photo by Neuski.