Good morning, Nashville. The National Weather Service would like us to know that there is an “equal chance for above or below average temperatures” this winter. Good to know! Today won’t be as cold as the past two days, but expect another cold night before temperatures hit the 60’s and 70’s through the weekend and into next week. Oh Mother Nature, you’re such a tease.

• Champion of change. Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Nashville’s Magdalene House and Thistle Farms, was honored at the White House yesterday as one of 15 “Champions of Change” for her work with women who have suffered from domestic violence.
• 5-1. The Preds suffered another loss last night at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks, marking their fourth straight loss this season.
• New beginnings. Several Libyans in Middle Tennessee are speaking out about the death of Muammar Gadhafi and what it means to them.
• Bits & pieces. Tennessee’s September unemployment was up to 9.8% from 9.1% … Adios, Luau Louie’s Hula Hut (yes, again, and this time for good) … The 96-year-old woman in Chattanooga who was initially denied a photo ID now has one … Tennessee is now sending TSA to the streets, becoming the first state to fight terrorism at truck and bus stops statewide … Singer/songwriter David Parrish left Seattle on foot August 1 and ended his 2,000 mile trek in Nashville yesterday … A church in Madison will feature a lion, bear, zebra, camel, “African goat looking thing,” macaws and monkeys in this Sunday’s service.

Photo by Jane Massey.