Good morning, Nashville, and happy December. Today is World AIDS Day, which is a day to step back and think about the ways in which we can stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in our own community and around the world, and also how we can help the folks living with the disease. As of December 2009, more than 5,600 Middle Tennesseans are living with HIV/AIDS, and about 70% of those folks are right here in Davidson County. You can help by educating yourself, supporting Nashville CARES through fundraisers like Dining Out For Life and Artrageous, rounding up a team for next year’s AIDS Walk, or donating some time or money.
- Running out. State officials estimate that 53,000 Tennesseans have reached the end of their unemployment benefits, or will reach the end soon. Because Congress voted against another extension, those whose benefits have expired are not able to reapply.
- Bouncing back. According to the Brookings Institution, however, Nashville has made one of the most drastic recoveries from the recession in that we’ve gone from one of the worst cities for jobs and income growth to one of the best.
- We can see Costco from our house. Many Costco members waiting to attend Sarah Palin’s book signing in Cool Springs this morning actually camped out in the parking lot last night. Doors opened at 10am and Palin is set to arrive around 11.
- Bits & pieces. Titans receiver Kenny Britt will officially not be charged in the bar fight he claimed he was trying to break up last month … The Tennessee Vols could be coming to Nashville for the Music City Bowl, which would be a first … The Preds shut down the Phoenix Coyotes pretty hard last night … Canceling the 2011 NFL season, which is actually a possibility, could cost Nashville $160 million in lost jobs and revenue.
Photo by Jayel Aheram.